Top 10 Best Instant Read Thermometer Ratings For 2023

This updated Top 10 Instant Read Thermometer Ratings Guide for 2023 includes four new first-time entries to this list that I am excited to share with you.

Can any of these new entries replace last year’s choice for the best instant read thermometer?  You will have to read on to find out.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever overcooked a chicken breast, left it sitting on the barbeque for two minutes too long, and suffered through a dried out hunk of meat for dinner.

Overcooking or under-cooking meat is a common enough mistake to make, and especially worrisome in the name of food safety.  But there is an easy way to avoid this problem from ever happening again, and that way is by using an instant read food thermometer.

I put together this top 10 instant read thermometer rating guide to help you choose the best grilling and food thermometer to fit your budget and needs.

Why This Guide Will Be Helpful For You

Thanks to technology that is always improving, thermometers aren’t the slow analog probes of your parent’s’ kitchen.

The days of the pop-up turkey button or analog leave-in meat thermometers are truly behind us.  The instant read electronic thermometers day in the sun has finally arrived.

With such a vast number of products to choose from, being properly-informed on the different instant read thermometers is more important than ever.

There is a broad price range between brands and the features change along with the price.  You can surely get exactly what you’re looking for in an instant read thermometer if you know what you are looking at.

That’s where I come in!

This product overview acts as a buyer’s guide to ten of the best instant read meat thermometers on the market today.

I’ll show you what features to look for and give you many options of different instant read thermometers and price ranges along the way.

The Rating Criteria – Best Instant Read Thermometer Ratings

Speed

Anything between 4 and 5 seconds is considered good.

Anything between 5 and 7 seconds or above is considered ok to bad.

Temperature Range

Anything between -4°F to 480°F is considered good.

Anything between 32 ºF to 392 ºF is considered ok to bad.

(Note: if you are planning to use your thermometer only for grilling and have no need for below freezing or up past hot frying oil readings, this may be something you can disregard.)

Build Quality And Battery life

4,000 – 5,000-hour battery life is considered very good.

3,000 – 3,999 is considered good.

2,999 and below is considered ok to bad.

Usability And Features

Does it come with any extra features like backlighting readouts, a rotating display letting you see the readout in any position, an auto shut-off feature, and are they splash proof?  This is just to name a few.

While extra features are by no means a deal killer on what makes the best-rated instant read thermometers, they are considered “nice-to-haves” and factor into my ultimate decision.

Price

Real User Feedback And Reviews

I scoured manufacture and Amazon sites for feedback and comments on 40 plus instant read thermometers to help narrow down this list of the best of the best.

I don’t think any review is complete without taking into consideration actual long-term users and their experiences with using a product.

Top 10 Best Instant Read Thermometer Ratings

Let’s check them out!

#1 Thermoworks Thermapen MK4

✅ 2-3 second readings

✅ High accuracy to ±0.7°F (±0.4°C)

✅ Foldaway thermocouple probe

✅ Intelligent backlight

✅ Waterproof to IP67

✅ Patented auto-rotating display

✅ Motion-sensing sleep & wake mode

✅ 3,000 hour battery life

✅ 10 colors to choose from

They set the gold standard by which all other thermometers are compared.

The Thermoworks Thermapen MK4 has to be my pick of the best quality and best overall performance in an instant read grill thermometer.

Unfortunately, that quality comes at a price.  When you’re shopping for a digital thermometer, you should look at the MK4, if nothing else, as a comparison to some of the best quality available.

The MK4 has one of the most accurate reads around.  It shows within ±0.7°F of the exact temperature.

It also reads the temperature quickly.  There is no waiting for the right read with the MK4, just insert and wait a maximum of three seconds for the temperature to read out.

The Thermoworks MK4 has an automatic rotation display, eliminating any neck twisting or turning just to read your thermometer.  This feature alongside the rotating probe makes it an ambidextrous piece of equipment.

Not only does the MK4 have an automatic power feature, but it also features technology that senses when it is picked up and placed back down.  No more wasting your battery as you wait for the thermometer to turn off; just set it on the table, and the thermometer turns itself off.  Pick it up, and it turns back on.  It is a simple, elegant perk and really adds to the overall worth.

The MK4 comes in a variety of colors, whether you want a subtle color or a bright one that really sticks out, the MK4 is available for you.

#2 Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Instant Read Digital Thermometer

✅ Large 2″ auto-rotating ambidextrous backlit display

✅ IP65 splash-resistant construction

✅ Intelligent stabilization alert + temperature hold

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

✅ Auto shut-off when not in use

✅ 5 colors to choose from

It has all the features you could want at an understandable price.  It is a worthy upgrade from the original Javelin, which also made our list.

Things to look for in the Javelin Pro Ambidextrous Thermometer vary and give it an overall fair value.

The reading speed is at the top of the list when it comes to the Javelin Pro.  It reads the temperature of a food in two to three seconds.  That is a fast cash in and allows for little time wasted when checking your food.

The temperature accuracy is another feature that is quite good in the Javelin Pro.  It certainly gets the job done, giving a reading that is within ±0.9°F of perfect.  Incredibly, that isn’t even at the top for an instant read grill thermometer on this list.

The Javelin pro has some nice extra features though.  The automatic rotating display means it is no lie when Lavatools says the Javelin Pro is “ambidextrous.”  You can rotate the probe around whether you want to use it in your left or right hand.  You can even point it straight up, and the display will fix itself for you.

A built-in magnet is another nice perk.  Though it seems simple, a magnet really adds to the worth of a thermometer.  It will undoubtedly come in handy down the road.

Another extra feature allows you to “hold” your temperature.  Once your thermometer is reading the temperature, you can press “hold” and then the Javelin pro will continue to show the temperature until you press “hold” again.

#3 Thermoworks Super Fast ThermoPop

✅ Rotating display

✅ Intelligent backlight

✅ Splash-proof design

✅ Big backlit digits

✅ Temp range: -58 to 572°F

✅ Compact design

✅ 9 colors to choose from

The two devices follow their own standards and are about as different as they can be while both being instant read thermometers.

The ThermoPop is a very effective small thermometer.  Its probe comes straight out of a small round head rather than folding into the body like with many instant read thermometers.  It comes with a sleeve to cover the probe when not in use.

Like the MK4, the display still rotates when the thermometer is turned and moved, which is a nice detail.  Reading from any angle is convenient.

The accuracy is not nearly as good with the ThermoPop, coming within 2°F of the temperature.  While not a deal killer, it could be better.

It also is a tad bit slower than the MK4, taking up to four seconds to give you a temperature reading.

The 5,000-hour battery life tops all thermometers on this list though and makes this an excellent choice if you are looking for Thermoworks quality at a smaller price.

#4 OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer

✅ Foldaway thermocouple probe

✅ Dial that allows you to release the probe without touching it

✅ Rotating display

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Big backlit digits

✅ Customizable between Fahrenheit and Celsius and 1° or 1.0° resolution

✅ Includes a microfiber storage pouch

With a temperature accuracy of 0.9°F, you can be certain that the OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer will have one of the most reliable temperature readings.

It also has a very similar temperature range to the Thermapen Mk4: -52 to 572°F.

OXO even eliminated the need to use an on/off button with this model.  Turn the unit on and off simply by unfolding the probe.  Unfolding can be done by pulling the probe or by using a little knob if you’d rather not infect the probe with your dirty hands.

However, one downside to this model is that it has a short battery life.  Compared to instant read thermometers that feature thousands of hours of battery life, 43 hours is somewhat lacking.

But from a rotating screen display to the ability to customize the temperature reading from Fahrenheit to Celsius as well as being able to adjust the screen resolution from 1° to 1.0°, the bells and whistles are on deck.

But more importantly, the OXO is a well-made thermometer with excellent performance and good construction.

For added convenience, the OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer also includes a microfiber storage pouch with your purchase.

#5 ThermoWorks Classic Super-Fast Thermapen

✅ 2-3 second readings

✅ High accuracy to ±0.7°F (±0.4°C)

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Water-resistant design

✅ Auto on/off when you fold or unfold the probe —no buttons!

✅ °F to °C reconfigurable

This was the gold standard for instant-read thermometers before the ThermoWorks MK4 came along.  It comes a little cheaper but doesn’t have quite as many features as the MK4.

The accuracy still holds very well to the classic, coming within .7°F of the exact temperature.

Its folding probe still comes around and allows for left-hand use, but the display doesn’t automatically rotate on the classic model.

It only takes two to three seconds to read the temperature, giving the name “Super-Fast” some legitimacy.

Its array of colors is bright and pleasant, allowing it to be easily spotted in a cluttered cooking utensil drawer.

If you are looking for a highly accurate, quick-reading thermometer without too many special bells and whistles, this might be the one for you.

The Thermapen is extremely well made, offering top of the line performance.

#6 Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Thermometer

✅ 3-4 second read time

✅ Large 1.4 display

✅ Built-in magnet to stick it to your refrigerator or oven.

✅ Auto shut-off after 60 minutes of disuse

✅ Splash-proof, BPA-free construction

✅ Lifetime warranty

Coming in with a bit fewer features, the PT12 is more of a bare-bones instant read grill thermometer.

It is still quite accurate, reading within .9°F of the exact temperature.  It takes a bit longer to read the temperature though, holding on point between three and four seconds.  That is still pretty quick but not quite as quick as the Javelin Pro.

The PT12 still comes with a built-in magnet, giving it that nice convenience that isn’t always available in other models.

With a temperature range of -40 to 482°F, this meat thermometer is also effective to use in fryers or for making bread, candy, coffee, and homebrews.

As a bonus, the Javelin Pro is BPA-free, features an antimicrobial additive to inhibit 99.9% of pathogenic growth, and is designed in California.

Lavatools also provides a lifetime warranty on this product.

#7 Taylor Precision Products Duel Temperature Thermometer

✅ Measures both internal and surface temperatures

✅ Temperature range of -67 to 482°F

✅ Auto shut off for longer battery life

✅ Splash-Proof

✅ Vinyl carrying case included

This allows you to measure both internal and surface temperatures.

The surface infrared reader is great for checking hotspots on everything from the stove, oven and your grill.  It also features adjustable emissivity for reading dark, reflective surfaces.

The 5-inch long stainless-steel probe is great for all types of food and folds closed when not in use.

The infrared can measure temperatures between -67 and 482℉, while the probe can handle between -67 and 626℉, making this a very versatile temperature-measuring device.

Additional features include a temperature hold button, a splash-proof design, and auto shut-off after 15 minutes to help preserve battery life.  It runs off of two AAA batteries.

Apart from the thermometer itself, you will also receive a nifty vinyl carrying case included with your purchase.

#8 Mister Chefer Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ IPX7 waterproof design

✅ USB rechargeable – no more switching out batteries!

✅ 30-second auto shut-off

✅ Big backlit digits

✅ Touch-button control

✅ Includes storage bag and e-book

Featuring one of the quickest read times, you’ll get your temperature with this Mister Chefer thermometer in just two seconds flat.  So far on our list, this thermometer is one of the quickest-reading devices.

The wide temperature range of this meat thermometer of -58°F to +572°F is great for any use.  The thermometer has an accuracy of +/-1 degrees, which is solid enough.

The Mister Chefer Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer features automatic shut-off after 30 seconds, a touch-button for easy control, and a waterproof body with large, backlit numbers.

With a generous lifetime warranty, storage bag, and e-book included with your purchase, you can ensure this Mister Chefer thermometer will be a wise $29 buy.

#9 Habor Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer

✅ 4-6 seconds readout time

✅ Temp range of -58℉ to 572℉

✅ 4.7″super long probe

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ Meat temperature chart on back of thermometer

✅ Customizable between Fahrenheit and Celsius

It features the same temperature range as the ThermoWorks ThermoPop (-58 to 572°F). However, the temperature reading time is approximately a few seconds off.

On the downside, this Habor thermometer’s lower cost comes at a price: less accurate temperature readings.  Accuracy is ±1.8°F, which if you remember earlier, we discussed that ±1.9°F is at the end of the ‘good’ range for accuracy.  But you’re getting what you pay for.

Coming back to the positives, this Habor LCD screen device features a long handle to ensure you keep away from the heat.

Habor was also generous enough to add a reliable meat temperature chart on the back of the thermometer for quick reference.  On top of that, you have the ability to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature readings.

Being under $13, this instant read thermometer has plenty of features and is reliable enough to be a steal.

#10 ThermoPro TP03A Digital Food Cooking Thermometer

✅ Temp range of -58°F ~ 572°F

✅ Accurate to ±0.9°F

✅ Auto-off after 10 minutes

✅ Hook attachment for hanging

✅ Foldable design

It is one of the cheapest foldable thermometers available yet still offers many of the same features as others at the top of our instant read thermometer list.

The TP03A is a small, instant read thermometer that comes within ±0.9°F of perfect accuracy in its temperature readings.  The readings can take up to four to seven seconds to come through though, meaning it is one of the slowest of the foldable thermometers on our list.

It has a ten-minute safeguard for the battery, turning itself off after ten minutes of inactivity.  It also has 180° of rotation in the probe itself.

The body also features a nice hook to hang the thermometer onto something when not in use, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a built-in magnet.  You can always install a magnet yourself, but if you are always trying to find your utensils, knowing it will be hanging on the wall is a sure way to make it easily locatable.

ThermoPro includes a three-year warranty with the purchase of the TP03A.

Quality Instant Read Digital Thermometers That Just Missed The Cut

Like the rest we took a look at, these thermometers vary by price, features, and pros and cons.

Let’s take a look:

BONUS #1 Smak Digital Instant Read Thermometer

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Backlight switch

✅ Hold min/max function

✅ Antibacterial probe

✅ Large hanging hole

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

✅ 6 colors to choose from

As one of the fastest on our list, you can expect temperature readings on this thermometer within about 2 to 3 seconds, according to the manufacturer.

The temperature range of this thermometer is pretty wide at -58 to 572°F, making it reliable for just about anything you’re whipping up: pastries, meat, drinks, alcoholic beverages, deep-fried treats, you name it.

Convenience is a big plus with this model.  It features a large hanging hole as well as a magnetic back for storage.  Flip between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures to your liking.  If you’re using the thermometer in the dark, just flip the backlight switch.

Thanks to its long handle and the 180° rotation of the probe, keeping safe while using the Smak Digital Instant Read Thermometer is easy.

To top it off, Smak gives you six gorgeous color options to pick from and a three-year warranty along with your purchase.

BONUS #2 Mister Chefer Instant Read Thermometer

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Auto shut-off when probe retracted

✅ Backlight switch

✅ Hold min/max function

✅ Antibacterial probe

✅ Large hanging hole

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

Just like the Smak Instant Read Thermometer, this Mister Chefer device also has a temperature range of -58 to 572°F.  The average read time is also identical at 2 to 3 seconds.

Similar functions the two models have include a backlight switch, auto shut-off feature after 10 minutes, hold min/max function, and the ability to choose temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

However, what makes the Mister Chefer Instant Read Thermometer stand out from its Smak twin is that it costs less and has a lifetime warranty.

As for the accuracy, ±1°F isn’t that bad considering this instant read thermometer is priced quite low.  Just make sure to calibrate it for best accuracy.

BONUS #3 Kizen Instapen Pro Instant Meat Reader Thermometer

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Auto shut-off when probe retracted

✅ Backlight switch

✅ Hold min/max function

✅ Antibacterial probe and Large hanging hole

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

✅ Voice temperature readings

The average read time and temperature range of the Kizen Instapen are the same as both its Smak and Mister Chefer lookalikes.  The accuracy is also the same as the Mister Chefer model.

Features the trio all have include auto shut-off after 10 minutes, a waterproof body, a backlit screen, the ability to pick between Fahrenheit or Celsius, among other features.

One neat feature of the Kizen Instapen is that if you have difficulty reading your temperature whether to due vision problems or attempting to read in the dark, there is a voice feature.  Just push the voice button to have your temperature conveniently read to you.

You might notice that the Kizen Instapen is more expensive than its Smak and Mister Chefer counterparts, but better reviews prove that Kizen’s version has greater quality.

BONUS #4 ThermoPro TP15 Waterproof Cooking Thermometer

✅ Hold temperature function

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Backlit display

✅ Hanging hole

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

While affordable, you can expect an average temperature range, a perfect temperature accuracy of ±0.9°F, and a good read time of 3 to 4 seconds.

You also have the option to switch your temperature readings from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Regardless of which you choose, the backlit screen display is easy to read.

But before you consider purchasing it, know that the probe isn’t foldable.  However, the long, slender design of the TP15 makes it still easy to store.  The addition of both an integrated magnet as well as a hole for hanging gives you other options to store your instant read thermometer.

Apart from the thermometer itself, you’ll also receive a one-year warranty from ThermoPro, which is plenty for a thermometer this affordable.

BONUS #5 Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer

✅ Foldaway probe

✅ Meat temperature chart on front of thermometer

✅ Waterproof design

✅ Auto shut-off after 10 minutes

✅ Auto shut-off when probe retracted

✅ Backlit screen

✅ Antibacterial probe

✅ Temperature-reach alarm

✅ Integrated magnet for convenient storage

One of the best features this Kizen thermometer features is an alarm when your food has reached your desired temperature.

You can find other great features on this instant read thermometer from an integrated meat temperature chart and a backlit screen to an antibacterial probe and a built-in magnet for storage.

Like some top-rated thermometers, the Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer includes two auto shut-off features: shut-off when the probe is folded and shut-off after 10 minutes – whichever comes first.

Even for its lower price point, Kizen is generous enough to include a lifetime warranty with the purchase of this model.

Buyer’s Guide – What To Look For In An Instant Read Thermometer

With technology getting better every day, it can be tough to find the newest and best products out there.

Here are some of the features you should look for in an instant read thermometer:

Accuracy

An inaccurate thermometer won’t help you cook a sauce to perfection or grill up a steak to its most succulent temperature.  Luckily, most instant read thermometers come within 1°F of perfect accuracy.

When you are shopping for a thermometer, it shouldn’t have to be calibrated like older analog thermometers.  The product listing should also tell you how accurate it is.  If not, you can be pretty sure it isn’t a very accurate thermometer.

Speed Of Temperature Reading

Even though that is a little exaggerated, some instant read grill thermometers give a faster read time than others do.  The range can vary from two seconds to over ten seconds.

That is a quite a variance, so it is worth knowing the estimated read time of a thermometer before you purchase it.  Trust me, having to hold your hand over a blazing hot grill and waiting to get a final readout for a long period of time can get pretty uncomfortable.

Temperature Range

You must first know how you plan to use your thermometer.

Grilling, baking, and roasting do not require extreme lows or extreme highs.  If that is all you’re planning to use the thermometer for, then anything ranging between 32°F and 350°F is sufficient.

If you are planning to use this for extremely hot or cold liquid, candy-making, or for checking the temperature of hot frying oil, much wider temperature ranges from -58.0 to 572.0°F are required.

Durability

If one reviewer says something along the lines of, “My last one lasted over 10 years before it finally gave up the ghost, and I loved it,” then you may have yourself a winner.

Unfortunately, higher quality usually means higher cost but not always.  Again, do your homework before making any purchases.

Extra Features

As technology has become more and more approachable, the features of digital thermometers have improved drastically.

Things like automatically-rotating screens, automatic power switches, and temperature holds all add to the value of a thermometer.  Of course, this also often comes with an added price as well.

Just about whatever you are looking for in a thermometer, though, you will find.

Instant Read Thermometer FAQ

How To Properly Insert A Meat Thermometer

That doesn’t necessarily mean the dead center of the meat.  What you are shooting for is the center of the thickest part of the meat.

Start by inserting the probe tip into the thickest part of the meat but go a little further than needed.  Now slowly pull the tip back out until you hit the lowest reading.

How To Test A Meat Thermometer

1. The Boiling Water Test – Fill a deep pot with water and bring it to a boil. Insert the thermometer probe (not the device itself) halfway into the water without touching the sides or the bottom. The thermometer should read 212 degrees Fahrenheit every time.
2. The Ice Water Test – Fill a pot or large drinking glass with crushed ice and water so that it is quite slushy. Stir well. Insert the thermometer probe (not the device itself) halfway into the water without touching the sides or the bottom.  The thermometer should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

If either of these readings is far off, then Houston, we have a problem.  Calibrating is in order.

Calibrating Instant Read Thermometers

Insert the probe in the water (only the metal probe, not the whole thermometer or the probe wire).

Next, hold down the reset (or calibrate) button if there is one, or hold the On-Off button for 6 to 10 seconds or until the display reads the correct hot or cold temp.

Pro Tip: If your thermometer does not come with a home calibration option, some manufacturers will do it for you if you send it to them.  It doesn’t hurt to reach out to them to inquire if they will help if your thermometer readings have become inaccurate.

How To Clean A BBQ Thermometer

But be careful not to get the actual probe, wires, or body of the thermometer itself overly wet.

Another safe method is to hold the probe in boiling water for at least 30 seconds at 171 degrees Fahrenheit or more.  Harmful bacteria will die when exposed to the high heat.

Pro Tip: Another nice method is using pre-made probe wipes sold online.  Think baby wipes but for your thermometer.  They are specifically made for food probes and are soaked with a cleaning solution that helps kill harmful bacteria that would otherwise cause food safety issues.  The CDN PW-90 Thermometer Probe Wipes are a good example.

Final Verdict – Which Instant Read Thermometer Is Best?

If you can afford the higher price, the MK4 is still the best digital thermometer money can buy.

A close second coming in at almost half the price is the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo as far as quality and features offered are concerned.

The right instant read thermometer for you might be something different though as there are many quality thermometers on this list.

Whatever you are looking for in an instant read thermometer…

there is certainly a product here for you.

The highest-rated choices on this instant read thermometer ratings list will give you an exceptional quality product that will last you nearly a lifetime.  They will give you every bell and whistle you could want.

The improvements in technology make things like automatically-rotating screens very available on a digital thermometer.  The age-old ideas of looks and simplicity in design continue with many digital thermometers, giving you options of color, shape, and whether the probe is foldable or not.

The biggest factor in choosing a thermometer, though, is the price you are willing to spend.

You can spend between $8 and $100 easily.  The price you are willing to pay will dictate exactly which features you will get, but even the cheaper products on this list will get the job done.  They will at least give you a fairly accurate temperature within a reasonable amount of time.

I hope that this list will help you choose the product that is right for you!

Now It’s Your Turn

If you would like to leave a comment or have a review of your own to share on these top 10 instant read thermometers or others, please do so below. We always welcome your input.

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