Have you ever cooked a meal and wondered if your meat was cooked to temperature? Does the meat need a few more minutes, or is it about to be overcooked? An instant read meat thermometers are one of the cheapest grilling gadgets around. A grilling thermometer is one of the most important tools in your kitchen. It’s used to determine the internal temperature of food and can be used to make sure that your meat is cooked to the desired doneness level. By taking the time to use a good meat thermometer, you’ll be able to cook dinner with more confidence and know exactly when your food is ready. You’ll never have to worry about undercooking your meals again!
Best Inexpensive Instant Read Meat Thermometers
The good news is that there are many affordable instant read meat thermometers that will help you get the job done quickly and accurately. There are a few different types of meat thermometers on the market today. Each one offers unique benefits and has its own pros and cons. Before you choose which type to purchase, take some time to evaluate your personal needs and cooking style so you can choose the thermometer that best suits your needs. Meat thermometers come in all shapes in sizes.
ThermoPro Digital Thermometer
Let’s take a look at the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer. This super-fast, 3.9-inch food grade stainless steel probe thermometer gets a temp readout within 3-5 seconds with high precision sensor, making it perfect for grilling. The foldable probe design folds away easily and locks into the base for portability, while the backlight display makes it easy to use at night. Powered by AAA batteries, the thermometer also comes with batteries included.
KIZEN Digital Meat Thermometer
The next grilling thermometer on our list is the Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer. This nifty little gadget is perfect for anyone who loves to cook or grill their own food with accuracy. It takes the guesswork out of cooking meat, poultry, or other foods by giving you a quick and accurate reading of the internal temperature. The Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer is ultra fast, taking temperatures in as quick as 3 seconds, so you can enjoy a perfectly cooked meal every time. Believe it or not, it is also multi-use, making it great for use with beverages, frying oil, baking bread, candy making, and more. The Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer is easy to read, with a large LED screen that displays the temperature of your food. This is a great option, when evaluating instant read meat thermometers.
How to use an instant read thermometer
Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The LED display will show you the internal temperature in just three to five seconds. One piece of advice we give all grillers to to calibrate your thermometer. One way to do this is to use the boiling water method. Water boils at 212°F. Knowing this, if we bring a pot of water to boil, insert the thermometer into the water. If it reads 212°F you know you’re good to go.
Do I need a digital meat thermometer?
If you have an existing meat thermometer, there is no reason to upgrade. However, if you’re looking to add some convenience in the kitchen or backyard cookout, a $15 investment can get a reliable instant read meat thermometer.
If you do not have a grilling thermometer, stop what you’re doing and buy one immediately. The use of an instant read meat thermometer can help ensure that food has been cooked thoroughly to avoid any chance of foodborne illness.
Check out our steak temperature guide.
Do I need a Bluetooth thermometer?
Most likely, the answer to this question is no. However, there are a few scenarios where you may want to considering splurging for a Bluetooth Thermometer. A top rated bluetooth meat thermometer really comes in handy when you are cooking or smoking meats for long periods of time. Rather than open the oven, or the grill, you can seamlessly see where you are at in your cook.
This is especially helpful if you’re cooking turkey, smoking a pork shoulder or a brisket. Never again will you be relying on the clock, you’ll know when to pull the food out of the oven/grill and cook your food to perfection.
We recently checked out the Meater Plus Thermometer. This is a great option for a Bluetooth thermometer. We like the enhanced version as it increases its range. The charging station acts as a repeater giving you approximately 165 feet of coverage. It also comes with a user friendly app that helps you grill any cut of meat.
Pro tip: it also works well in the oven for Thanksgiving turkey dinner!
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