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Posted: 2023-06-28T09:45:03Z | Updated: 2023-06-28T09:45:03Z These Are The Best Meat Thermometers For Grilling, According To Chefs | HuffPost Life

These Are The Best Meat Thermometers For Grilling, According To Chefs

Whether youre setting out to grill the perfect burger or steak, its worth checking the numbers.
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You don’t have to be a grilling newbie to benefit from a meat thermometer. While the tool is undoubtedly helpful for fledgling meat-searers, everyone can benefit from checking the numbers when it comes to firing up the perfect steak, said Harris Mayer-Selinger , chef and founder of Creamline,  a burger and milkshake spot in New York City.

“Thermometers are great tools; even for ‘meat masters’ and the most experienced cooks,” Meyer-Selinger told HuffPost. “Maybe you flipped too soon and can’t monitor the progression of color change on the side of the meat. Maybe you are just doubting your press and evaluating technique for a second. A thermometer is a great science-based backup.”

Whether you’re making burgers or brisket, Meyer-Selinger suggests keeping a meat thermometer on hand to help ensure your food is safe to eat and cooked to your liking. 

For grilling, Joshua White , the executive chef at Brooklyn’s Turk’s Inn,  a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant with its own “Kebab Kiosk ,” suggests picking up an instant-read digital thermometer. “Getting the temperature right can be tricky because of how fast of a cooking method it is,” White said. “I like to be able to check my meat quickly and be able to make adjustments as needed.”

Chef Rick Martinez,  a James Beard Award winner, grill culture enthusiast and author of the New York Times bestselling cookbook “Mi Cocina ,” agrees, saying an instant-read is a must for summer cooking. “Instant is very necessary if you are on the grill and checking a large piece of meat in multiple places,” Martinez told HuffPost. “You don’t have time to wait, or let the thermometer reset before you check another temp, as you’d be letting heat escape and you’re risking injury by keeping a hand close to the grill for an unnecessarily long time.”  

We asked Mayer-Selinger, White, Martinez and other professional chefs about their favorite easy-to-read and speedy digital meat thermometers for grilling and general outdoor cooking. 

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts we consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

1
Thermoworks
An ultra-fast and accurate thermometer that multiple chefs recommend
Both Creamline founder Harris Mayer-Selinger and James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Martinez suggested the ThermoWorks Thermapen One instant-read thermometer. While it's not a budget item, it's known for its precision and speed, giving you a temperature reading in just one second or less. It also has an automatic backlight that's easy to read in the sun or at night and is water-resistant, so it's great for outdoor use.

"At Creamline we use the ThermoWorks instant-read thermometer," Mayer-Selinger said. "The display is very clear, and it folds into a nice compact tool; not so small you will misplace it, but big enough that if it falls from your pants or chef coat, you will notice its missing.

Martinez added that this tool isn't just his favorite for grilling or cooking meat it's an all-season and all-food must-have. "I use it on everything, not just meat," he said. "It is highly accurate and super fast which sets it apart from every other thermometer out there. When you need something instant, this thermometer is the fastest!
2
A budget-friendly option that displays a reading in 2 or 3 seconds
Joshua White , executive chef at Turks Inn in Brooklyn, likes this water-resistant and budget-friendly tool from Alpha Grillers.

"It has a large display that is easy to read and is very accurate within seconds," he said. "It has a thin probe that is easy to get into the center of the meat for the most accurate temperature. It also folds up, so it's easy to store and carry.
3
A waterproof option from OXO
Dan Kluger , a James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of New York City-based restaurants Spygold , Loring Place, Washington Squares and the rotisserie oven-focused Greywind , recommends the Thermocouple thermometer from OXO for grilling and cooking outside.

"I find it reads incredibly fast and is always accurate," Kluger told HuffPost. "The display is also very easy to read, especially outside, whether it's sunny or dark."
4
An affordable thermometer that's magnetized for easy storage
For a grill-friendly, instant-read digital option, Bob Bennett , head chef at Zingermans Roadhouse, a Michigan-based restaurant that specializes in BBQ, loves the Lavatools Javelin. "It really stands up to the wear and tear of kitchen work," he said. "Also, it's accuracy and simple design really makes it a joy to use.
5
An under-$15 digital instant read thermometer
Another affordable option that we chose based on excellent reviews, the ThermoPro TP03 has rechargeable batteries, plus it will fit in your pocket and take an accurate temperature in just a few seconds.
6
A probe-style digital thermometer that will keep tabs on temperature
If youre looking for a corded probe-style option, this affordable ThermoPro TP-16 probe digital thermometer will monitor your meat the entire time it's in on the grill, meaning you can spend less time opening the lid and losing heat.

Before You Go

These Are The Highest-Rated Air Conditioners You Can Get At Walmart
Midea window air conditioner (01 of08)
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Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Theres a reason why this is a best-seller at Walmart: Its high-quality and one of the most affordable options youll find. (Even better, its currently on sale.) Its equipped with seven different temperature settings, so you dont have to decide between scorching hot or freezing cold. It also has a handy little filter light, so you know when the filter needs replacing.

Promising review: This little thing was a huge surprise for a 250 sq foot bedroom.. After trying four different portable air conditioners (8000 to 10000 btu, $300 to $400) that were very poor to poor, I decided to block this in a slider window with plywood and foamboard (trashy but can be covered up with fabric and tacks.) It immediately churns out ice cold air. I like it better on the "low cool" setting, as the air slowly circulates instead of mixing with the hot air. Plus, you can still hear the TV. You can use a fan on very low setting to direct the cold air. When its triple digits (I'm in the desert,) this used $4 per 24 hours, while my central air uses $12 (California prices.) My favorite thing: no unnecessary beeps, thermostat or remote. It's totally mechanical. If I want it turned off after bedtime, I use a timer plugged into a surge protector. Also, if you have an older electric system, you can still operate low-draw items (led lights, electronics, low speed fan) on the same circuit without tripping the breaker. I haven't seen water dripping yet, but the humidity has been below 30%. Finally, my dog LOVES to lay in front of it for hours. TD
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Midea portable air conditioner(02 of08)
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Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

If youre looking for an air conditioner you can take with you like to an overheated office or garage this is a great pick. The wheels make it easy to move around and it has a remote control so you can turn it on and off from across the room. Keep in mind that its made to give a blast of cool air relief in small spaces, not giant rooms.

Promising review: This AC was exactly what I needed for my bedroom. The room is on the third floor, almost exactly 150 square feet, and gets full sun most of the day, but this little unit manages to keep it comfortable even when temps get to the triple digits. What I like most is the small profile and clean look. I had another brand portable AC this size previously and this one blends in much better. I also find it to be pretty quiet as far as portables go (they will always be louder than window units because the compressor sits inside the room). The temp sensing remote is helpful too. All in all Im very happy with this unit especially for the price. Mick
(credit:Walmart)
GE air conditioner with eco-mode (03 of08)
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Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

This GE unit has an eco-mode, which will automatically make the machine shut off when it senses that the room is cool enough. Theres also a timer, so you can set times when you want the air conditioner to be running and when you dont. Right now, this air conditioner is on sale for $179, down from $209.

Promising review: Most inexpensive, digital black 5000BTU AC with a remote I could find for my 150 sq ft bedroom. My mobile home has old windows, but there was no issue with installation (other than strengthening the windowsill). It does put a little bit of pressure on the window, but my single-pain 35 year old window can hold it fine without additional supports. The AC has some nice features: the remote, a delay setting to have the AC turned on before you get home, multiple operating settings. It runs quietly and doesn't make any unusual sounds. However, the front plastic grill can sometimes make an annoying vibrating sound, but pulling the air filter screen out about a quarter inch eliminates that problem. RichardS
(credit:Walmart)
Costway portable air conditioner and dehumidifier (04 of08)
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Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

You know how some air conditioners can create a little puddle under it? That wont happen with this one by Costway, which has a water-full control feature. Customers who have purchased it like that its portable (the wheels make it easy to move around) and doesnt take up a lot of space. It also has a timer, so you can set it to be on only during certain time periods, like when you know youll be in the room. Right now its on sale for $260, down from $415.

Promising review: Fantastic product. Exceptional value. we have a 12x24ft living room and no closed door into kitchen. it keeps the room a chilli 64 where it would otherwise be well over 100 in that room. I would definitely buy it again. terri
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LG window-mounted air conditioner unit (05 of08)
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Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Customers who bought this air conditioner unit and left reviews like that it can cool down a room really quickly even a big room. As with many of the other air conditioners rounded up here, it has an eco mode and timer.

Promising review: I live in a large studio and this AC 8,000 BTU is just the rest size, I use the energy saver button. My neighbor set it up for me in about 10 minutes. I can either use the remote or use it manually, I like manually, getting off the sofa and walk over it too.. it cane just in time for our heat wave! Thank goodness for cool air. Great value for a great AC! Kathleen
(credit:Walmart)
LG smart air conditioner window unit (06 of08)
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This LG air conditioner unit costs more than most of the others on this list, but you definitely get more too. Made to cool down rooms up to 800 square feet, it has WiFi capabilities, so you can control it from your phone. Its also made with a dual compressor, which makes it more energy efficient and quieter than the majority of other air conditioners. The price starts at $429 for 9,500 BTUs.

Promising review: So far so good. Only had the unit in my studio for about a week now, not running it all the time because I dont have full power hooked up yet. But its been great. It is very quiet and Im impressed to say the least. I love that it doesnt have this huge thump like most units when the compressor cuts on and off. It is very efficient. It does not have a drain hole in the pan outside the window- instead it uses a slinger fan that slings the water out if enough builds up. But water can also drain through a couple of screw threads I found and has an emergency overflow as well. Overall Im very satisfied with my purchase and the choice to spend a little more and get a much better unit. I love the dual inverter. Ill never go back! Worth every penny! Johnna
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Midea smart portable air conditioner (07 of08)
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Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars

Like the LG air conditioner, this one also has WiFi capabilities so you can control it from your phone. It has voice control too, so you can use Alexa or Google Assistant to control it. This portable unit is best for medium-sized rooms, up to 350 square feet.

Promising review: This unit is easy to set up in hanging window. Cools down my room in my tiny apartment. Will have to use a window for the vent portion. Fan mode is good also and cools down the room really well also. Adrienne
(credit:Walmart)
Frigidaire air conditioner with WiFi (08 of08)
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Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

As with the other air conditioners with Wifi capabilities, you can control this one from your phone or through Alexa and Google Assistant. Customers who left reviews like that it isnt too loud and can cool off a medium-sized space quickly.

Promising review: This unit keeps my 400 square foot apartment very cool. Love everything about this air conditioner! Nice remote, has a smart app program and it's not too loud. Highly recommend this unit and it's worth the asking price. Bernadine
(credit:Walmart)

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