An instant-read meat thermometer is an indispensable instrument for pellet grill novices and seasoned chefs alike.
Savvy barbecue competitors know better than to participate in a BBQ tournament without a digital thermometer. A good thermometer may be the difference between everlasting glory and a lifetime of remorse. Yes, the chances of missing out on the much-coveted first prize – and the subsequent bragging rights – by over/under cooking for just a few seconds are all too real.
Even if you are not a barbecue pro, you will still need one if high quality, juiciness, and taste at the ultimate level mean the world to you. Just think about the dreadful anxiety you feel when serving to your neighbors, in-laws or friends. Missing the mark or getting the wrong sound is just plain unthinkable in such scenarios.
An instant-read meat thermometer will assure you that you have given it your level best and couldn’t do more for better quality. This is the level of work that you want to put in when smoking BBQ for the big occasion. An instant-read meat thermometer will make your BBQ the epitome of perfection.
It is the biggest step that you can take to improve the quality of your smoked barbecue. The digital thermometer has an important safety role as well since you can be assured that you have cooked your meat to a temperature level at which it is perfectly safe to eat.
Here are the best instant-read meat thermometers.
Comparison Chart
Top 5 Instant-Read Meat Thermometers
Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo
If you are unsure about which digital thermometer you would like and don’t want to risk spending a large sum then the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is the answer to your needs. Few models come close to the level of quality that you can get at such a low price.
The manufacturer reports an accuracy of +/- 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not just impressive, it is virtually perfect. With the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo, you know that you are not straying over or under the target temperature by even a degree. Say goodbye to overcooking your brisket or undercooking chicken meat.
This digital thermometer registers a reading within 3 seconds making it a fast and easy instant-read meat thermometer. With such a short reading time, you will not lose too much smoke and heat from your pellet grill.
The temperature range of this device is between -40 °F and 480 °F. Hence, apart from grilling, you can use this temperature probe for a wide range of applications in your kitchen besides the pellet grill.
Here is a bonus for cooking enthusiasts. The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo can also be used safely for deep frying.
The build quality of the model looks very decent. Since it has good build quality, you can expect it to operate reliably for a few years.
The manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty for this unit. You have the comfort of using this model tension-free for 3 years knowing that the company will replace or fix it if anything goes wrong during this time.
The manufacturer states that the digital thermometer is splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof. A few drops may not do much harm, but dropping it in a glass of fizzy beer may not be a good idea.
The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is loaded with features. The profusion of features at this price range is astonishing.
For instance, the Intelligent Stabilization Alert sounds a beep once the temperature reading has stabilized.
The smart probe also has a backlit display that glows automatically under low luminosity, i.e. the display will shine bright automatically when it’s too dark.
A magnet is fixed into the digital thermometer so that you can store it easily.
If you forget to turn it off, the unit will shut off automatically. This conserves battery life.
Whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can use this unit easily thanks to the auto-rotating display.
You can choose to display the temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Mister Chefer Instant Read Thermometer
If you don’t mind the peculiar name, then the Mister Chefer digital thermometer is another good low-budget option for you.
It has all the features that you can expect from a well-designed instant-read meat thermometer. It is also loaded with a few useful extras.
The precision of the temperature reading stands at +/-1 °F, which is fully acceptable.
The heat probe registers a stable temperature reading in up to 4 seconds. It may not be the fastest, but it is not slow either.
The temperature range is very extensive. You can reliably take readings between -58 °F and 570 °F. There is so much more you can do with this probe besides grilling, thanks to the wide temperature range. With such a wide temperature spectrum, Mister Chefer heat probe is right up there with the very best in the market.
Quite amazingly, this digital thermometer has a lifetime warranty. You can use it completely free of any apprehensions. Even if something does go wrong unexpectedly, you can contact the manufacturer to get your full money back.
According to the manufacturer, the model is weatherproof. There is no need to panic if you leave it outside in the blazing sun or frigid cold.
It is very simple to use since it can turn on and off automatically.
You couldn’t ask for more from a thermometer that has a backlit display in addition to a host of other useful features at such a low price. This model has greater reliability than most analog thermometers while still being cheaper.
ThermoPro TP19
No list of instant-read meat thermometers can be complete without the inclusion of the venerable Thermoworks Thermapen. It is nothing short of the gold standard for digital thermometers. It is so durable and accurate that it ranks as the most widely copied model among heat probes.
With a precision of +/- 0.7 °F, this has to be the most accurate thermometer in the list.
The Thermapen’s temperature reading stabilizes within 3 seconds. You can measure the heat level quickly without a substantial loss of smoke or heat.
The temperature range extends from -58 °F to 570 °F. Hence, there is nothing in your kitchen that this heat probe cannot measure. You can use it for all kinds of purposes besides just smoking on your pellet grill.
The build quality of this digital thermometer is at the top of its class. The outer casing is made from hard resin for full durability. The unit is designed to be completely waterproof. This unit will live to see another day even if you drop it in your beer mug by mistake. It will serve you right till the very end since it carries a lifetime guarantee.
The Thermapen has a rotating display. Hence you can hold it on any hand without any discomfort. The display is so lucid that you can read it even at an angle.
The unit turns off automatically when you don’t use it for a few minutes. That’s not all. It also flashes back to life when you pick it up – there is no need for you to switch on the display. The automatic switching feature is just what you need to extend battery life to the max. The Thermapen is also very simple to use on account of this function.
This smart probe can detect dim lighting conditions. It will switch on the backlit display automatically under such conditions.
You can switch the readings between Fahrenheit and Celsius according to what you are most comfortable with.
Once you get your hands on the Thermapen, you will wonder why you went without it for so long. This is something that no serious grill chef or beginner can afford to miss.
If you have the budget, then, by all means, help yourself to the Thermoworks Thermapen with full confidence.
You will come to know why this model is featured so heavily in practically all of your favorite food shows.
Taylor Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer
The Taylor dual-function thermometer is the most unique and sophisticated item in this list.
Since it is a dual-function digital thermometer, it can read the temperature in two ways. First, it can read the temperature of any item you are cooking with the help of the metal probe. Second, if you are interested in reading the surface temperature only, then you can do so with the help of the infrared sensor.
There are several situations where you might want to read the surface temperature only rather than the internal temperature. For instance, you may want to know the surface temperature of your smoked steak to find out if it is ready for reverse searing. Or you may want to know if your pizza is hot enough for baking on a stone.
The precision of this model depends on the range within which you are measuring the temperature. Below 14 °F, the actual temperature can vary by +/- 2 °F. Between 14 °F and 149 °F, the temperature variation drops to +/- 1 °F. Above 149 °F, the temperature can vary by up to 1% of the actual temperature.
This instant-read meat temperature is the best in the business when it comes to speed reading. It can register a stable temperature reading in just one second. It is the next best thing to a truly instantaneous instrument. The Taylor thermometer has the fastest readout time that you will ever see.
Perhaps it may come as a major surprise to you that Taylor has been in the temperature instrument business for over a century and a half. With such a long experience, you can be sure that they know the ins and outs of making high-quality heat probes. As a result, the unit sports high-quality construction so that it can last for a long time.
Besides the infrared feature, the unit has 3 LED units to give you a light signal which will alert you if the food is too hot or too cold for holding or just right.
Another very nice feature is the freeze function. Once you get your reading, you can freeze the reading. There is also an auto shut-off function to extend your battery life.
Since this model is so sophisticated, you may have to skim through the manual to get a good idea about all the features. This instrument has a steeper learning curve than other units described in this guide. Most of the features, however, are self-explanatory. You will be able to perceive their purpose simply by trying them out on your own.
You can activate the probe just by opening it and pushing the green probe button. The probe is then ready to measure the internal temperature of the meat. Activating the infrared sensor is as simple as pushing the red scan button. You will know that the infrared sensor is active when its brilliant white light flashes on. The basic functions are not so hard to learn after all.
The strongest features of this sophisticated instrument have to be its ability to measure internal/surface temperature and its super-fast readout times.
If you are looking for a good deal then you should consider getting hold of the Taylor instant-read meat thermometer. Since it has an infrared device in addition to the conventional heat probe, you are getting two gadgets for the price of one.
Surround Point Digital Thermometer
The Surround Point Digital Thermometer has a good set of features at its low price level. The neatest feature is its ability to read out the temperature so that you can hear the reading.
It is a good option particularly for the visually impaired. If the idea of a talking thermometer appeals to you then this has to be it.
As the temperature variation is no more than +/- 1 °F, this instrument has a high degree of accuracy. You can take your readings with confidence knowing that they are within a degree of the actual heat level.
With the temperature spectrum ranging from -58 °F to 570 °F, this versatile instrument will prove itself useful for all kinds of kitchen uses besides grilling itself.
However, since this is a low priced digital thermometer, the build is not the sturdiest. This model is not waterproof.
The speed of reading is about 4 seconds. It is a tad bit slow compared to others but one second above the standard readout time should not be enough to be a deal-breaker.
This instant-read meat thermometer is easy to operate since you only need to press the on/off button to activate it or shut it down. Even if you forget to switch it off, the automatic switching feature will shut the thermometer off to conserve battery life. There are diagrams next to the buttons to indicate what they do. You will have no trouble using this instrument.
The model also has a backlit display that you can switch on in dim lighting just by pushing the right button in front of the panel.
As described the foremost feature is the temperature speaking function.
Fancy a talking thermometer? Check out the Surround Point Digital Talking Instant Thermometer.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to play the guessing game – and suffer heart-pounding anxiety – when you invite your friends, relatives or acquaintances for dinner. With an instant-read meat thermometer, you will have the luxury of knowing that the smoked meal which you are serving your guests has been done to perfection.