The first time I grilled was back in 2005, and since then, I’ve learned a thing or two about top-notch gear to use, including the best meat thermometers. In fact, I’ve tested a ton of wired and wireless meat thermometers and I’ve found that both work great for most grilling. Whether you’re going for an extra long cook or cooking up some quick marinated chicken thighs, I’ve found several reliable options from brands like ChefTemp, ThermoWorks, and more. 

While my all-time favorite is the ThermoWorks Thermapen One (I personally love using it for recipes like my Grilled Rib Eye Steak), I’ve included a ton of other great picks, too. Check them all out — plus my pro tips on using a meat thermometer — below.

My Top Picks:

1. My Top Pick: ThermoWorks Thermapen One – $81.75 at ThermoWorks 
2. Best Digital Meat Thermometer: ChefsTemp Quad XPro – $109.99 at Amazon
3. Best Meat Thermometer for Multiple Meats: ThermoWorks Smoke X4 – $59.40 at ThermoWorks 
4. Best Quick-Read Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 – $35 at ThermoWorks
5. Best Meat Thermometer for Smoking: ThermoWorks Signals – $239 at ThermoWorks
6. Best Budget Meat Thermometer: ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer – $9.99 at Amazon
7. Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer: FireBoard 2 – $199 at FireBoard

Reviews of The Best Meat Thermometers

1. My Top Pick: ThermoWorks Thermapen One 

I’ve been using ThermoWorks products for more than 10 years, and the Thermapen One is the meat thermometer I always have on standby. My in-depth review highlights some major pros, including accuracy, super-quick read times of just one second, the handy fold-away design. It even topped my list of the best wireless meat thermometers.

The Specs:

• Type: Digital handheld probe
• Channels: 1
• Display: Backlit, current temperature only
• Water Resistance: IP67
• Power: 1 AAA battery, up to 2,000 hours

The Pros:

• Easy to use
• Easy to clean
• Motion-sensing sleep/wake mode
• Auto-rotating display
• Waterproof

The Cons:

• The battery life is slightly shorter than other models I’ve used from the brand.

What Others Are Saying:

Besides being one of my favorites (we actually co-branded a thermometer/spice bundle with ThermoWorks), Serious Eats also ranked it as the best overall wireless meat thermometer.

Buy the ThermoWorks Thermapen One:

2. Best Digital Meat Thermometer: ChefsTemp Quad XPro

This digital meat thermometer is well-built, so it feels super solid in its construction. I love that it’s waterproof, so it stands up to inclement weather or even yard sprinklers. When I tested it out, I discovered that the base station allows you to set high and low temperature alarms, check current probe temps, and track maximum and minimum temps for the current session. It’s definitely one of the best BBQ meat thermometers I’ve tried yet, especially for meals like BBQ Smoked Pork Belly.

The Specs:

• Type: Digital wired multi-probe
• Wireless Range: Up to 500 feet or up to 1,000 feet in open areas
• Channels: 4 (3 for cooking, 1 for ambient temp)
• Display: Backlit LCD Display
• Water Resistance: IP66
• Power: 4 AAA batteries, up to 1,000 hours

The Pros:

• Splashproof
• Great battery life for long-term cooks and smoking
• Easy to use
• View all data on screen at once

The Cons:

• Expensive
• May require calibration

Buy the ChefsTemp Quad XPro:

3. Best Meat Thermometer for Multiple Meats: ThermoWorks Smoke X4 

When I tested this thermometer out, it quickly became my favorite leave-in meat thermometer for tracking temperatures on multiple types of meat at once. The Smoke X4 has two probe channels so you can use both for one cut of meat or one for monitoring pit temps. It also has a dedicated receiver so you can track your temps remotely without checking your phone. In terms of durability, it’s a shining star, especially because of its enormous display and easy-to-use push-button functionality. 

The Specs:

• Type: Digital wired multi-probe
• Wireless Range: Up to 300 feet
• Channels: 2
• Display: Backlit LCD display
• Water Resistance: IP65
• Power: 2 AA batteries, up to 1,800 hours

The Pros:

• Waterproof
• Durable
• Easy to use
• Two probe channels
• Large dashboard display
• No need for an app

The Cons:

• Probes’ silicone color rings can get dirty easily

Buy the ThermoWorks Smoke X4:

4. Best Quick-Read Meat Thermometer: ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

If you want a reliable and easy-to-use instant-read thermometer, then the ThermoPop 2 is a great pick that isn’t too pricey.  It comes with 4.5- and 8-inch probe lengths, so it’s perfect for keeping a little extra distance (think hot liquids for deep frying or sous vide). In my review, I noted that this model’s waterproof rating is especially handy since it can survive a bit of rainy weather.

The Specs:

• Type: Digital handheld probe
• Channels: 1
• Display: Backlit, current temperature only
• Water Resistance: IP67
• Power: CR2032 (3V) lithium coin cell (included), up to 4,000 hours

The Pros:

• Affordable 
• Large, backlit digital display
• Auto-rotating display
• Fast and accurate
• Waterproof
• Comes with two probes

The Cons:

• The pocket clip is a bit awkward 

What Others Are Saying:

Wirecutter dubbed the ThermoPop 2 the best instant-read thermometer.

Buy the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2:

5. Best Meat Thermometer for Smoking: ThermoWorks Signals

After extensive testing, I concluded that the ThermoWorks Signals was one of the best-designed and most durable options around. In fact, when I accidentally left it out in the rain (oops!), it worked perfectly the next time. It has WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities and is designed to work with an app, but thanks to the large LCD display module, you can just stick to reading the temperatures on the thermometer itself if you want to keep things simple.

I even tested it with the optional Billows fan attachment, which was great for maintaining steady temps while smoking meats.

The Specs:

• Type: Digital wired Multi-probe
• Wireless Range: Bluetooth 95 feet line-of-sight
• Channels: 4 (3 cooking probes, 1 ambient probe)
• Display: Backlit LCD
• Water Resistance: IP66
• Power: Rechargeable, up to 16 hours

The Pros:

• Well-built and dependable
• Easy-to-read display
• Easy to use
• Can be used with an app but not required

The Cons:

• Takes 12 hours to fully charge
• Battery life is less than similar models
• Expensive

Buy the ThermoWorks Signals:

6. Best Budget Meat Thermometer: ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer

If you don’t want to spend too much money on a versatile, reliable model, then this instant-read pick from ThermoPro is a great option. At less than $20, its stainless steel construction is durable and doesn’t have any bells and whistles. It features an easy-to-read analog dial, along with a flat-sided design that prevents it from rolling around on smooth surfaces. Plus, it’s analog, so you don’t need any batteries or charging cords to keep it going. 

The Specs:

• Type: Analog dial probe
• Wireless range: N/A
• Channels: 1
• Display: Analog dial
• Water resistance: N/A
• Power: N/A

The Pros:

• No need for a power source
• Easy to use
• Tempered glass dial cover
• Fahrenheit and Celsius dials
• Affordable

The Cons:

• Slightly slower read time
• Hand-wash only

Buy the ThermoPro Instant Read Meat Thermometer:

7. Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer: FireBoard 2

This is the second generation of the FireBoard, a  Bluetooth meat thermometer that has some of the most stable connectivity I’ve ever tried. I found the associated app to be a breeze to use, while the display itself was large and easy to read. It can accommodate up to six probes, but it comes with three, plus an ambient probe.

It also connects to their optional Drive Blower for handy airflow, making it one of the best meat thermometers for smokers like wood-fired and charcoal. Plus, if you’re using it for long cooks or want to run the Drive Blower, then you can plug it in to keep the battery charged up.

The Specs:

• Type: Digital wired multi-probe
• Wireless Range: Bluetooth up to 100 feet
• Channels: 6
• Display: Backlit LCD Display
• Water Resistance: Not stated 
• Power: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery, up to 30 hours

The Pros:

• Easy to read
• Easy to use
• Well-built and solid
• Weather-resistant
• Large display
• Can accommodate six probes
• Can be plugged in to keep the battery life up

The Cons:

• No magnets or Lack of magnets or stand
• Screen is a fingerprint magnet
• Not fully waterproof
• Expensive

Buy the FireBoard 2:

Other Meat Thermometers I Researched

Meater Plus

This is the single-probe version of the four-probe Meater Block that I reviewed. The app is intuitive and delivers a ton of information, but these products have accuracy and connectivity issues. It’s at a higher price point, so I would definitely want better from my meat thermometer. The Meater Plus is available at Amazon for $99.95.

ThermoPro TempSpike

It can be used as an instant-read or leave-in thermometer, but due to connectivity issues, it’s not great for long cooks. If you’re going to use it as an instant read, then you might as well pick something more affordable that reads faster. The ThermoPro TempSpike is available at Amazon for $62.99.

Combustion Predictive Thermometer

This one advertises the longest wireless range of those I reviewed, clocking in at 660 feet, plus an optional booster that can add another 330 feet. But the connectivity issues continue to make these wireless leave-in probes a questionable choice, especially for the price. The Combustion Predictive Thermometer is available at Amazon for $179.99.

Why You Can Trust Us

Hi, I’m Susie, Hey Grill Hey’s founding grill master, and when I started this blog in 2015, my goal was to help people grill better. Today, my husband Todd and I run HGH as a family business for our signature BBQ rubs, sauces, and gadgets. We also created The Grill Squad, where we offer a series of online pitmaster classes to increase your BBQ knowledge and skills. 

To create my list of the best meat thermometers, I looked at models that I’ve tested and been happy with, then I considered important factors like durability and functionality, only recommending options that I would reach for in my own kitchen. 

What to Know About Meat Thermometers

Things to Consider When Choosing a Meat Thermometer

1. Type: There are several styles of meat thermometers, including analog, digital, quick-read, and even those with leave-in probes. If you want to be hands-free or have tons of data, then a leave-in probe is your best bet. If you just need a basic temperature read, then an instant read or an analog thermometer is a great choice.
2. Wireless range: Instant-read thermometers don’t need range because they feature a built-in digital display. If you’re using a wireless probe connected via WiFi or Bluetooth, the wireless range lets you know how far away you can go before your connectivity is affected. If your thermometer has a shorter range, then you’ll need to stay close to your grill.
3. Display: If you’re using an instant-read thermometer, pick one with a backlit display with large numbers so it’s easy to read. Probes that work with wireless apps rely on your phone, so make sure it’s charged up and close by, or have your charger handy!
4. Water resistance: Grilling can result in accidental messes. A good meat thermometer is designed to be resistant to liquids and grime, preventing it from premature death. Note that hand-held instant-read thermometers should be hand washed, with just a gentle scrub from a sponge.
5. Power: If you’re planning on long, slow cooks, an instant-read thermometer might not be your best choice because it requires opening the lid, which lets heat escape. A hands-free wireless thermometer with a reliable power source is a great option in this case.
6. Use: A hand-held instant meat thermometer is a super versatile tool for more than just grilling. They’re also great for oven roasting, deep frying, baking, and more. If you’re looking to smoke meats, then look for a wireless thermometer where the probe can be left in the smoker.

How to Use a Meat Thermometer

To use a meat thermometer, you’ll want to insert the probe in the thickest part of the meat while avoiding bones and fat. This gives you an accurate reading of the internal temperature, so you don’t overcook your meat. If you’re not using an instant-read thermometer, then you want to allow the temperature to stabilize.

Where Do You Put the Meat Thermometer in a Turkey?

Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, so a thermometer is a must. When cooking a turkey, the meat thermometer should be inserted in at least three places: the thickest portion of the breast, the innermost portion of the thigh, and the innermost portion of the wing. Avoid touching the probe to bone, gristle, or the pan for an inaccurate reading.

How to Calibrate a Meat Thermometer

Calibrating a meat thermometer means checking that it’s taking an accurate temperature reading. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there are two ways to do this: with ice water or boiling water. Your meat thermometer should read 32 degrees F in ice water and 212 degrees F in boiling water. 

If you’re adjusting a dial thermometer, then you’ll need to use pliers to twist a nut behind the gauge. Digital thermometers should be ready to provide temps within fractions of a degree of what you’re measuring. If not, then you may need to hit the reset button.

How Do Wireless Meat Thermometers Work?

Wireless meat thermometers work the same as wired meat thermometers with external probes. When you insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, you’re able to get the most accurate reads for internal temps.

My Favorite BBQ Recipes 

Here are a few of my favorite BBQ recipes and a few rubs to have handy when you’re grilling.

• The BEST Steak Seasoning
• Smoke Beef Rack Ribs
• BBQ Smoked Pork Belly
• Sweet Rub for Pork and Chicken

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.