The 9 Best Instant Read Thermometers of 2023

Best Overall

Lavatools Digital Instant Read Thermometer

View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $69

What We Love: Rotating display, instant readings, large display

What We Don't Love: Temperature readings can be slightly off

This thermometer has a lot going for it, which is why we ranked it best overall. Its auto-rotating display makes it easy to read the temperature no matter which angle it is inserted at, perfect for lefties. The stabilization alarm alerts you once it has a consistent reading. And it was speedy in tests: "The temperature readings were almost instantaneous," said Julia Warren, VP of Commerce, who added that they took an average of one to two seconds.

The Javelin Pro’s back-lit display is motion-activated, and the fold-out probe makes for safe storage between readings. Not only that, but the display is large, so you can hold the thermometer and still see the reading easily. And the probe was easy to open and grip. "The display swivels 360 degrees, which was helpful when I took the temperature of bone-in chicken thighs," Julia said.

The design also features a loop at the end of the body, which allows you to hold on with just one finger. Plus, the integrated magnet makes for easy storage on a metal surface—no floating around in a drawer. With its wide temperature range of -40 to 482 degrees F, the Javelin Pro is versatile enough to go from smoker to oven.

There is one thing to note: When we did an ice water reading test, the temperatures were a bit inaccurate. Still, we think the thermometer is a great buy overall due to its size and simplicity.

This model is rated IP65, which means it is completely protected against dust and low water jets—not waterproof, but splash-resistant. And if that wasn't enough, it comes in eight fun colors, from Blueberry to Wasabi.

Probe Length: 2.75 inches | Temperature Range: -40 to 482 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: Lithium battery | Waterproof?: No

Best Budget

ThermoWorks ThermoPop Thermometer

View On Thermoworks.com $35

What We Love: Compact, rotating display, very accurate

What We Don't Love: Not exactly instant results

There are a number of ThermoWorks products on this list, and there is a reason for that: It is a reliable brand that really understands temperature measurement from its years of product development for professional pitmasters. The ThermoPop is affordable and conveniently fits in your pocket. Its rotating backlit display is easy to read at any angle—a helpful attribute for those lefties out there. The temperature range (-58 to 572 degrees F) and one-button switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius add a lot of punch to this easy-to-grip probe.

Cambria Bold, our senior editor, can attest to the incredible accuracy of the thermometer. Readings were consistent, with only about 1 or 2 degrees in variation, if any. And while they weren't exactly "instant," the readings were fast enough for Cambria: "While it's not technically an 'instant read,' at a readout time of three to four seconds, it's pretty darn close!"

The ThermoPop also has extra features that make it more convenient to use, she pointed out: "I love the rotating display! It makes it so easy to read, no matter the angle. The pocket clip is a nice touch, too, so that I can clip it on my apron, especially if I'm moving around the kitchen or back and forth from the grill."

Besides all the enviable features, the ThermoPop also comes with a lithium battery that ensures long life, a 4.5-inch needle-thin probe to keep those juices intact while temping, and large, legible numbers that don't have decimal points crowding the display. It is rated IP66, which means it can withstand high-pressure water from any direction. It is not submersible but is easy to clean. And it comes in nine colors, from Sunny Yellow to Bubblegum Pink.

Probe Length: 4.5 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: Lithium battery | Waterproof?: Yes

Related: One Simply Terrific Thing: The Thermapen Instant-Read Thermometer

Best for Meat

Taylor Precision Products Thermocouple Thermometer

View On Amazon $65 View On Webstaurantstore.com View On Katom.com $166

What We Love: Both internal and external temps, long probe, quick reading

What We Don't Love: May take time to learn how to use

With its dual reading capability, infrared surface, and internal probe, precision is the strength of the Taylor Thermocouple Thermometer. The infrared setting measures temperatures in a range of -67 to 482 degrees F, while the probe detects up to 626 degrees F. This makes it a good choice for grilling, roasting at high heat, and even candy-making. At IP65, it is splash-resistant, and the 5-inch probe makes easy work of reading a thick cut of meat. 

"The final temperature is precise enough that steak came out perfectly medium-rare," said Siobhan Wallace, Editor. In addition to being precise, this thermometer is quick. Both the probe and the infrared took about one second to read the temperature of ice water, which our editor Siobhan Wallace tested for three times. It also has a few features to make operation smooth, such as an easy grip, a flashlight for focusing the infrared, and useful notes on the face of the tool (such as distance ratio for the infrared).

The one thing to note, however, is that using this device comes with a learning curve due to its many features. "For instance, you need to hold the probe and scan buttons while it takes the temperature and release the buttons for a reading," Siobhan explained. "There are also different modes on the screen, and I'm not entirely sure what they are," she explained.

This model has a hold setting that allows the user to freeze the last read temperature. It also has an LED display that shows if food has reached the appropriate hot or cold setting or if it is unsafe to consume. It has an automatic shut-off and runs on two AAA batteries (which are included). For added safety, the fold-in probe comes with a protective sheath.

Probe Length: 5 inches | Temperature Range: -67 to 482 (626 probe) degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: AAA battery | Waterproof?: No

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Best for Grilling

ThermoPro TP15 Digital Waterproof

View On Amazon View On Walmart $20

What We Love: Long probe, easy to store, backlit display

What We Don't Love: Probe can become loose

Meet the workhorse of this list. The ThermoPro TP-15 is affordable and waterproof up to 1 meter; it also accurately reads food temperatures up to 572 degrees F in just three to four seconds. Plus, it has a magnetic back panel that makes storage a cinch, and the backlit display makes grilling at night a breeze.

But the features don't stop there: The thermometer has a calibrate function for greater precision, and it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of no use; the temperature locks so you can safely read the display away from the heat, and the settings also easily switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. But the best part about this nifty little thermometer is the probe. It is 5.4 inches, has a needle-thin width, and comes with a plastic sheath to protect the tip.

Unlike many other thermometers, this ThermoPro is 100 percent waterproof, making cleaning an easy task. Overall, this instant read thermometer gets high ratings for its value, but users warn to be careful with the probe as it can loosen if pulled away from the base, like when removing the plastic cover or wiping it down.

Probe Length: 5.4 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: Lithium battery | Waterproof?: Yes

Related: The Best Grill Thermometers

Best for Baking

Habor Instant Read Thermometer

View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Love: Extra-long probe, auto shut-off, easy to use

What We Don't Love: Not an instant reading

Often, thermometers are purchased for measuring meat temperatures, but they can also be useful for baking applications, such as checking water temperature for yeast proofing or measuring the internal temperature of a loaf of homemade sourdough bread. The Harbor Instant Read has an extra-long, very thin, stainless steel probe, an auto shut-off, and an impressive temperature range of -58 to 572 degrees F, making it a versatile and easy-to-use choice for bakers. Do take note, however, that it can take five seconds to get a reading.

This affordable thermometer is also nice looking, so you may not mind displaying it in your kitchen using the hook at the end; if you place it in a drawer, the probe sheath offers safe storage. This thermometer has an IP66 and is not waterproof, so when you clean the probe, do not submerge it—a simple warm, soapy cloth should take care of any food debris; dry it immediately afterward.

Probe Length: 4.7 inches | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: Lithium battery | Waterproof?: No

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Best High-Tech

ThermoPro Digital Wireless Meat Thermometer

View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $36 View On Home Depot $30

What We Love: Remote capabilities, screen changes color based on temp, presets, extra-long probe

What We Don't Love: Braided wire cover is not heat resistant

Barbecue dinners often involve back-and-forth trips from the grill to the kitchen, increasing the odds of overcooking whatever is on the grill. With the ThermoPro TP-07, this is a non-issue. It is Bluetooth-capable and has an impressive range of 300 feet—you could go next door and still get an accurate reading sent right to your pocket. Plus, it comes ready to use since the transmitter and receiver are already synched; just install the included batteries, and you are good to go. 

There are some impressive features on this model, including a backlit screen that changes color based on temperature. It reads between 32 and 572 degrees F and has preset temperatures for various proteins (which you can reprogram if you wish) so you can make sure your boneless chicken breasts are grilled perfectly. There is a digital kitchen timer that counts up and down to ensure proper recipe execution. The probe is a hearty 6.5 inches long to pierce even the thickest cuts of meat but also has a step-down tip for quick temperature checks; be careful not to have the covered wire portion of the probe come in contact with the grill as it is not heat resistant. With all this technology, keep in mind it is not designed to be submerged in water. Probes can be hand washed with a warm, soapy cloth and dried immediately.

Probe Length: 6.5 inches | Temperature Range: 32 to 572 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: 300 feet | Power Source: AAA battery | Waterproof?: No

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Best Analog

OXO Good Grips Instant Read Thermometer

View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $15 View On Home Depot $13

What We Love: Easy to use, recommended cooking temps on probe cover, dependable

What We Don't Love: Bulky

If technology is not your thing, but you still want an accurate instant read thermometer, the OXO Good Grips is a great option. Not only does it come from a trusted brand of kitchen tools, but this model is also easy to use and has a serviceable temperature range (0 to 220 degrees F). The shaded area of the probe indicates how far to insert for an accurate reading. The probe cover lists USDA-recommended cooking temperatures for various proteins.

This analog model is bulkier than foldable probe versions, and it may not be as quick as digital models, but it also does not require any batteries—or worry over whether you left it on or not. It is affordable, dependable, and has easy-to-read markings for Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures.

Probe Length: 5.25 inches | Temperature Range: 0 to 220 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: N/A | Waterproof?: No

Related: The Best Steak Knives

Best Upgrade

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

View On Thermoworks.com View On Kingarthurbaking.com

What We Love: Very fast reading, rotating display, auto on and off

What We Don't Love: Pricey

This is the Cadillac of instant read thermometers. It is super fast: It takes less than a second for a reading. Plus, it can be held in any orientation and the display automatically adjusts. It covers an impressive range of temperatures, from -57 to 572 degrees F. Like its predecessor, the MK4, the ONE also boasts an automatic backlit display that turns on when picked up, as well as a needle-sharp probe that deftly temps grilled whole fish.

Micah Dene, chef at The Studewood Grill and Studewood Cantine in Houston, Texas, raves about ThermaPen. "The ThermaPen is the fastest and most accurate one I’ve found. It has a rotating display, backlit screen, and a sleep/wake function, so you don’t have to turn it on and off; when you pick it up, it just comes on," he says. "It also is water-resistant. This is the only thermometer we use on our [kitchen] line."

The design is also high-end, with a fold-out 4.5-inch probe, a built-in battery compartment that houses switches to disable automatic shutoff, switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and more. It is ergonomically designed with a rubber-edged notch for a comfortable grip. It's rated IP66/67—this doesn’t mean you should leave it in water, but it would be safe for up to 30 minutes. 

Most instant reads have a thermistor sensor bundle stored in the tip of the probe, but this has a thin sensor wire running the full length of the probe. This allows for a thinner probe, which means less juice escaping your proteins while affording a quicker response to changes in temperature. And it comes in an attractive array of colors, from bright green to bold blue. All of these features, however, do come with a high price tag.

Probe Length: 4.5 inches | Temperature Range: -57 to 572 degrees F | Bluetooth Range: N/A | Power Source: AAA battery | Waterproof?: Yes