ThermoWorks
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Instant-Read Thermometer
In: Best Meat Thermometers for Baking
- Fast readings
- Accuracy within about ±1°F
Category guide
Meat Thermometers: Instant-Read, Leave-In and Wireless Probes
A fast, accurate thermometer is the single most useful tool for cooking meat safely and perfectly.
- 6 roundups · 4 reviews · 2 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top meat thermometers we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
- MEATER
MEATER Pro (formerly MEATER 2 Plus) Wireless Meat Thermometer
In: Best Meat Thermometers for Grilling
- Truly wire-free probe
- High heat tolerance for searing
- Alpha Grillers
Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer
In: Best Meat Thermometers Under $20
- Reads in about 1 to 2 seconds
- IP67 waterproof
- ThermoPro
ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
In: Best Meat Thermometers Under $20
- Very affordable
- Backlight and magnet for storage
Best by need
Best meat thermometers for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- Best Meat Thermometers for Baking: Top Picks for Roasts and PoultryThe best meat thermometers for baking and roasting ranked by oven-safe leave-in design, accuracy, and ease of checking a roast without openiSee the picks
- Best Meat Thermometers for Deep-Frying a Turkey: Safe, Fast PicksThe best meat thermometers for deep-frying a turkey ranked by high-temperature oil range, probe length, and read speed, covering both oil-teSee the picks
- Best Meat Thermometers for Grilling: Top Picks for Perfect DonenessThe best meat thermometers for grilling ranked by read speed, accuracy, waterproofing, and ease of use at the grill, covering budget instantSee the picks
- Best Meat Thermometers for Smoking: Top Picks for Long, Low-and-Slow CooksThe best meat thermometers for smoking ranked by wireless range, ambient temperature tracking, and reliability over multi-hour cooks, coveriSee the picks
- Best Meat Thermometers Under $20: Reliable Picks on a BudgetSee the picks
- Best Meat Thermometers Under $50: Top Picks for the MoneySee the picks
Know before you buy
About Meat Thermometers
Cooking by temperature removes the guesswork. Instant-read thermometers check food in a few seconds. Leave-in probes stay in a roast or brisket and alert you at a target temperature. Wireless probes let you monitor from your phone, which is useful for long smokes.
Speed and accuracy separate good thermometers from cheap ones. A slow reading lets heat escape from the oven or grill while you wait.
How to choose a meat thermometer
Type
Instant-read suits steaks, chicken and spot checks. Leave-in probes suit roasts and smoking. Wireless probes suit grilling while you're away from the cooker.
Speed
Good instant-read thermometers settle in about 1 to 3 seconds. Slower models need longer in the meat.
Accuracy and calibration
Look for accuracy within about ±1°F. Test in ice water (32°F) and recalibrate if your model allows.
Probe and display
A thin probe tip leaves smaller holes. A backlit, auto-rotating display helps at night and for left-handed cooks.
Wireless range
Bluetooth range drops through walls and grill lids. Wi-Fi models avoid range limits but need setup.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in meat thermometers
- Instant-read suits steaks, chicken and spot checks. Leave-in probes suit roasts and smoking. Wireless probes suit grilling while you're away from the cooker.
- Good instant-read thermometers settle in about 1 to 3 seconds. Slower models need longer in the meat.
- Look for accuracy within about ±1°F. Test in ice water (32°F) and recalibrate if your model allows.
- A thin probe tip leaves smaller holes. A backlit, auto-rotating display helps at night and for left-handed cooks.
- Bluetooth range drops through walls and grill lids. Wi-Fi models avoid range limits but need setup.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
- Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Review: The Best Mid-Range Instant-ReadFull review covering speed, accuracy, display, and how it stacks up against the Thermapen ONE.
- MEATER Plus Review: The Best Wireless Meat ThermometerFull review covering range, accuracy, app performance, and battery life.
- ThermoPro TP19 Review: The Best Budget Instant-Read ThermometerFull review covering speed, accuracy, waterproofing, and how it compares to pricier instant-reads.
- ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Review: The Fastest Instant-Read ThermometerThe ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE reads in 1 second with ±0.5°F accuracy and a 5-year warranty.
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Choose a Meat Thermometer: A Decision FrameworkA practical decision framework for choosing a meat thermometer, covering instant-read versus wireless leave-in probes, accuracy, waterproofiRead
- Buying guideMeat Thermometer Not Connecting to App: 6 FixesIf your wireless meat thermometer won't connect to its app or keeps dropping the Bluetooth connection, the problem is usually fixable withouRead
- Buying guideMeat Thermometers Buying Guide: Specs and Features ExplainedA detailed buying guide to meat thermometer specs including thermocouple vs thermistor sensors, accuracy tolerances, waterproof ratings, wirRead
Answers
Meat Thermometers: common questions
What is the best meat thermometer to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Instant-Read Thermometer, a standout in our Best Meat Thermometers for Baking list. The MEATER Pro (formerly MEATER 2 Plus) Wireless Meat Thermometer is another excellent choice.
How do I choose the right meat thermometers?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Meat Thermometers for Baking, Best Meat Thermometers for Deep-Frying a Turkey, Best Meat Thermometers for Grilling.
What should I look for when buying meat thermometers?
Instant-read suits steaks, chicken and spot checks. Leave-in probes suit roasts and smoking. Wireless probes suit grilling while you're away from the cooker.
Should I use a leave-in probe or an instant-read for a roast in the oven?
A leave-in wireless probe like the MEATER Plus is better for roasts and whole poultry, since it tracks internal temperature continuously without opening the oven door, which drops oven temperature every time it's opened. An instant-read like the ThermoPro TP19 works too, but requires opening the oven and losing heat each time you check.
Is the MEATER Plus safe to leave in the oven the whole time?
Yes, its ambient sensor is rated to 527°F, well above any home oven's typical range, and the probe itself is designed to sit inside the meat while the ambient sensor reads the surrounding oven air. It communicates wirelessly, so there's no cable running out of the oven door that could get pinched or melt against the door seal.
How do I check a roast without letting heat escape the oven?
A wireless leave-in probe is the only way to check temperature with the oven door fully closed. Short of that, an instant-read thermometer used quickly, insert, read, remove, in under 5 seconds, minimizes heat loss far better than a slow dial thermometer that has to sit in the meat for 15 to 20 seconds to stabilize.
What internal temperature should a baked roast or turkey reach?
Whole poultry needs to reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Beef and pork roasts vary by desired doneness, roughly 135°F for medium-rare beef, 145°F for pork. Always check the thickest part of the cut away from bone, since bone conducts heat differently and produces a misleading reading.
What temperature does a deep-fry turkey thermometer need to read?
You need a thermometer that reads oil temperature up to at least 400°F, since frying oil is typically held between 325°F and 375°F. The ThermoPro TP19 covers this comfortably with a 572°F maximum range, and the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE goes even further. A standard meat-only thermometer capped around 220°F to 250°F, common on cheaper leave-in models, cannot read oil temperature at all.