If you do a lot of cooking, then you know that you should never guess if food is cooked to the proper temperature. There are too many risks associated with undercooked food. This is why I have an instant read thermometer in my kitchen. I know I can get an accurate temperature reading within seconds and know if my food is ready to eat.
Best Instant Read Thermometers
There are too many instant read thermometers on the market. It’s almost impossible to figure out which one is the best to purchase for grilling or other uses. I have done some research to help guide you through the plethora of available thermometers. Take a look at these reviews below and see if there is a thermometer that stands out to you.
1. ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This thermometer with a backlit display features a 3.9-inch food grade stainless steel probe. It will give you a temperature readout within 3-5 seconds. The accuracy of this thermometer is plus or minus 0.9-degrees! It is the perfect thermometer for indoor cooking or for smoking.
The foldable probe design folds away and locks into the base for portability. It even includes a magnetic back and hook for convenient storage. The thermometer will auto-shut off if the readout stays on for more than 10-minutes. With a 3-year warranty, you can be confident in purchasing this thermometer!
Summary of Features:
- Readout in 3-5 seconds
- Plus or minus 0.9-degrees accuracy
- Auto-shut off after 10-minutes
- Magnetic back
2. ThermoPro TP18 Ultra Fast Thermocouple Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This thermometer gives you a reading within 2-3 seconds for ultra fast results. The 4-inch probe guarantees an accurate temperature reading within 0.9-degrees. It has a lock feature which will hold the current temperature when the thermometer is removed from the food.
The auto-shut off feature will turn off the thermometer after 90-seconds. The probe folds away into the base for convenient storage. It includes a magnetic back and a hook so you can hang it on a hook or attach it to your grill.
Summary of Features:
- Fast reading within 2-3 seconds
- 4-inch probe
- Accurate within 0.9-degrees
- Auto-shut off after 90-seconds
- Magnetic back
3. GDEALER DT6 Waterproof Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This thermometer provides a reading within 2-4 seconds with an accuracy of plus or minus 2-degrees. It has an auto-shut off feature after 10-minutes. The thermometer has a foldable rotating 4.6-inch food grade stainless steel probe.
With the backlit LCD display, you can read the results easily even in the dark. GDEALER offers a lifetime warranty on this product.
Summary of Features:
- Reading within 2-4 seconds
- Accuracy of 2-degrees
- Auto-shut off after 10-minutes
- Lifetime warranty
4. Smak Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This thermometer from Smak provides an instant reading within 2-3 seconds. The probe is made from food grade stainless steel. The thermometer is waterproof and easy to clean. It has a bright LCD display and will shut off after 10-minutes.
Smak offers a 3-year free replacement policy and a 30-day warranty. You can be confident that this thermometer will meet all of your cooking needs.
Summary of Features:
- Reading within 2-3 seconds
- Stainless steel probe
- Waterproof
- Auto-shut off
5. CDN IRL500 12-Inch Long Stem Fry Thermometer
This is a long stem thermometer that is perfect for turkey deep-fryers. It has a temperature measurement range of 100-degrees to 500-degrees. It features a large 2-inch dial and is protected with a durable laboratory glass lens.
The stainless steel stem is 12-inches long which allows you to make sure that the proper oil temperature is being maintained. It has an adjustable stainless steel clip for the side of the fryer.
This thermometer is even safe for commercial dishwashers! With a 5-year limited warranty, you can be sure this thermometer will meet all of your needs.
Summary of Features:
- 12-inch long stainless steel stem
- Measures 100-degrees to 500-degrees
- Large 2-inch dial
- Safe for commercial dishwashers
- 5-year limited warranty
6. Taylor Precision Products Classic Instant Read Pocket Thermometer
This is a professional-grade thermometer which provides an instant read on internal meat temperatures ranging from 0 to 220-degrees. The stainless steel construction is lightweight and durable. It comes with a plastic sleeve to store the thermometer.
This product even comes with a recalibration tool if the thermometer is ever dropped or mishandled. The thermometer features a white dial with black graphics for easy at-a-glance readings.
Summary of Features:
- Professional-grade thermometer
- Range is from 0 to 220-degrees
- Stainless steel construction
- Plastic storage sleeve
- Recalibration tool included
7. KT THERMO Instant Read 2-Inch Dial Thermometer
This instant read thermometer features a 2-inch dial that accurately displays the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. It has a range of 0 to 220-degrees Fahrenheit and includes a steel clip to rest on the side of dishes.
The thermometer is made of stainless steel and includes a protective sleeve to prevent exposure to bacteria and other germs. KT THERMO offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 12-month replacement warranty on this product.
Summary of Features:
- 2-inch dial
- Temperature readings in Celsius and Fahrenheit
- Includes a steel clip
- Made of stainless steel
8. Cooper Atkins DPP400W-0-8 Digital Pocket Thermometer
This pocket thermometer has a fast response time and can read temperatures in under 6-seconds. The thermometer is waterproof and has a digital display. It will automatically shut off after 10-minutes to conserve battery life.
The thermometer is made of food safe materials and is designed with an anti-microbial additive to avoid bacteria growth. With a temperature accuracy of plus or minus 2-degrees, this thermometer is great for cooking or for baking and will give you accurate results every time.
Summary of Features:
- Reading in under 6-seconds
- Waterproof
- Auto-shut off after 10-minutes
- Designed with an anti-microbial additive
- Accuracy of 2-degrees
9. Taylor Precision Products 3512 Instant Pocket Thermometer, Red
This thermometer has a magnified lens for quick at-a-glance temperature readings. It is made of durable stainless steel and includes a protective plastic sleeve for storage. The protective sleeve can also be used to extend the handle.
With a temperature range of 0 to 220-degrees, this thermometer is great for BBQ grilling if you want a quick accurate reading of your internal meat temperatures. It even includes a recalibration tool if the thermometer is ever dropped and needs to be adjusted.
Summary of Features:
- Range is from 0 to 220-degrees
- Stainless steel construction
- Plastic storage sleeve
- Recalibration tool included
10. OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This thermometer from OXO has a large, easy-to-read LCD display. It can display temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The probe is stainless steel, and it comes with a plastic storage sleeve which includes recommended internal temperatures for different meats.
This instant read thermometer comes with a battery and is perfect for baking or getting the internal temperature of meat. OXO products are designed to last and they offer a satisfaction guarantee on this thermometer.
Summary of Features:
- Large, easy-to-read LCD display
- Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Stainless steel probe
- Plastic storage sleeve
- Includes a battery
11. Taylor Precision Products Commercial Anti-Microbial Instant Read Thermometer
[su_samusebouche asin=”B008AK5RBO” imgid=”512cxa1k6jL”]This is a waterproof digital thermometer with a 2.75-inch long stainless steel probe. It features Taylor’s trademarked Safe-T-Guard sleeve which inhibits the growth of bacterial odor and mold.
The thermometer returns a reading within 5-seconds and has a hold feature so you do not lose the current temperature reading. The blue backlit display provides an easy reading of the temperature. It has an auto-shut off feature to preserve the lithium battery.
Summary of Features:
- Waterproof
- 2.75-inch long stainless steel probe
- Hold feature to preserve the current reading
- Reading within 5-seconds
- Auto-shut off feature
12. CDN DTC450 Digital Pre-Programmed and Programmable Thermometer
This digital thermometer is designed for baking candy and other delicious delicacies. It features a large easy-to-read display with a temperature range of 40 to 450-degrees.
This thermometer features 7 pre-programmed candy stages and a single all-purpose temperature setting. The display can show the current temperature reading along with the set temperature you are trying to achieve.
The thermometer sounds alert warnings as it is approaching the low and high temperature settings. If you make a lot of candy and sweets, you definitely want to get your hands on this candy thermometer. It will make your baking process much easier!
Summary of Features:
- Candy thermometer
- Features 7 pre-programmed candy stages
- Displays current and set temperatures
- Alert warnings
13. Stick On Thermometer Strips For Brewing Or For Aquariums, Pack of 10
This is a 10-piece vertical set of adhesive thermometer strips in a resealable bag. Dimensions of each strip is 4.75-inches by 10-inches. Each strip can measure 50 to 90-degrees Fahrenheit.
With adhesive on the back of the strip, simply peel off the tape and attach to the outside surface. These strips have a one time use and will change colors to provide an accurate temperature reading.
Summary of Features:
- Pack of 10 strips
- Measures 50 to 90-degrees Fahrenheit
- Peel and stick adhesive
- Changes color to provide temperature reading
14. Comark Instruments PDT300 Waterproof Pocket Digital Thermometer
This is a pen-style pocket digital thermometer with a distinctive blue color. It features a 75mm stainless steel stem with a 1.5mm thin tip probe. It is slim and flat enough to fit directly in your pocket.
There is a hold feature on the thermometer which allows you to fix the reading on the screen temporarily. This thermometer is waterproof and can be re-calibrated when needed. It has an auto-shut off feature to preserve battery life. It is even protected with an Anti-Microbial coating to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Summary of Features:
- 75mm stainless steel stem
- 1.5mm thin tip probe
- Hold feature to preserve temperature reading
- Waterproof
- Auto-shut off feature
15. Comark Instruments PDQ400 Waterproof Pocket Digital Thermometer with Max Hold
This digital thermometer has a 1.5mm thin tip probe which is ideal for checking foods such as burgers. The maximum temperature hold feature allows it to record the maximum temperature in a rinse cycle of a commercial dishwasher.
There is even a data hold feature which will allow you to hold a temperature reading on the screen while you note a measurement on paper. This thermometer comes with a protective case for convenient storage. With a temperature reading accuracy of 1-degree, you cannot go wrong with this pocket digital thermometer.
Summary of Features:
- 1.5mm thin tip probe
- Maximum temperature hold feature for confirming commercial dishwasher rinse temperatures
- Accurate to 1-degree
16. Cooper Atkins DPP800W MAX Digital Thermometer with Long Probe
This thermometer features a 4-inch long stainless steel probe with a reduced thin tip for taking measurements in liquid or air. It has a minimum and maximum temperature memory storage feature if you need to retain temperatures.
The easy-to-read digital display gives you instant readings in less than 6-seconds and within 1-degree of accuracy. It has an auto-shut off feature after 10-minutes to preserve the battery life.
This thermometer is designed with an anti-microbial additive to prevent bacteria growth. This thermometer is guaranteed to be accurate for life.
Summary of Features:
- 4-inch long stainless steel probe
- Reduced thin tip
- Reading within 6-seconds
- Auto-shut off
- 1-degree of accuracy
- Guaranteed to be accurate for life
17. Taylor 9842 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
This is a waterproof thermometer which features an anti-microbial housing to help prevent the growth of bacteria. It provides temperature readings up to 450-degrees Fahrenheit.
This thermometer has a 6-inch stainless steel probe and a large digital display for easy reading. It offers a step-down probe for smaller punctures in your food. You can count on Taylor to deliver you an accurate digital thermometer that will last you a long time.
Summary of Features:
- 6-inch stainless steel probe
- Step-down tip
- Anti-microbial housing
- Waterproof
18. KT THERMO Instant Read 1-Inch Dial Thermometer, 2-Pack
This thermometer features a 1-inch dial which accurately displays the temperature with a range of 0 to 220-degrees Fahrenheit. It has a compact stainless steel construction and is easy to use and clean.
A durable plastic sleeve protects the thermometer when it is not being used. The plastic sleeve can also be used as an extended holder for the thermometer. KT THERMO offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 12-month replacement warranty on this product.
Summary of Features:
- 1-inch dial
- Measures 0 to 220-degrees Fahrenheit
- Made of stainless steel
- Includes a plastic protective sleeve
19. ennoLogic Temperature Gun Dual Laser Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
This thermometer is a non-contact precision infrared thermometer which allows you to measure the temperature of an object from a distance. It does this by sensing its radiated infrared energy.
It has two built-in laser pointers to identify precisely the target you are measuring. It has a large easy-to-read display with a bright backlight. If you like technical gadgets, this thermometer will give you countless hours of home and even commercial uses that will keep you entertained for a long time!
Summary of Features:
- Non-contact infrared precision thermometer
- Measures temperatures by sensing radiated infrared energy
- Accuracy of 3.5-degrees
- Includes two built-in laser pointers
- Fast power-up of 500-milliseconds
20. CDN IRT220-F ProAccurate Insta-Read Thermometer
This thermometer features a 1-inch magnified dial and presents temperatures ranging from 0 to 220-degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 5-inch stainless steel stem and includes an adjustable clip. The protective sheath includes a recalibration tool in case you ever drop the thermometer.
This thermometer is ideal for measuring the temperatures of beverages and frothed milk quickly and accurately. You will get very accurate results from this thermometer to ensure no food or beverage is too hot when it is served.
Summary of Features:
- 5-inch stainless steel probe
- Adjustable stainless steel clip
- Measures 0 to 220-degrees Fahrenheit
- 1-inch magnified dial
Features To Consider
After reading all the reviews above, you may still be on the fence about which thermometer is the best to get. Here are some key features to consider when looking for the best thermometer for use in your kitchen.
Reading Response Time
If you had to wait for 30-seconds or more to get a temperature reading, you might run out of patience! What matters most in a good thermometer is how fast you can get an accurate reading. Most of the instant read thermometers guarantee a reading in 6-seconds or less. There are some that can return a reading in as fast as 2-seconds!
Temperature Probe
The probe on the thermometer should be made of food grade stainless steel construction. It should also be micro-thin at the point to minimize juice-leaking punctures which may affect the temperature accuracy. The probe should be long enough to keep your hands and fingers away from the heat and steam of the food.
Digital vs Analog
Digital thermometers are widely available, and they often provide more precision in temperature readings than an analog thermometer could ever provide. I personally prefer a digital thermometer since it is easier to read and provides more precision that isn’t left open to interpretation.
Conclusion
Now you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision on what is the best instant read thermometer to buy. Remember to think about the key features that are important to you and then select a product that has a good warranty and lots of good reviews.