Meat thermometers

Find Ratings

What's behind our meat thermometer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 47 models in meat thermometers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is a combined weighted score based on the accuracy, repeatability, response time and features scores of a model.
Type
Describes whether the thermometer is a "folding", "fork" or wireless/remote design within the digital categories
Accuracy
A score on how accurate the thermometer readings of a model were compared to a calibrated reference thermometer
Repeatability
A score on how repeatable the temperature readings of a model were within and among the three samples tested of that model
Response time
The time is seconds from probe immersion into a temperature controlled water bath to a steady sate accurate temperature reading.
Features
This score reflects the presence or absence of convenience features.

Connect

Forums

Discuss products and safety with subscribers and fans.

Follow Consumer Reports

Recommended meat thermometers

Recommended meat thermometers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended meat thermometers

Meat thermometer buying guide

To find the meat thermometer that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

Get started

Buy meat thermometers

Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy meat thermometers in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

See our retailer ratings

A meat thermometer doesn't cost much, but it can save hundreds of dollars in medical bills by ensuring that food is cooked enough to kill disease-causing salmonella, E. coli, and other bugs. If you're looking for information about meat thermometers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports' meat thermometer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our meat thermometer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and meat thermometer reviews to help you choose the best meat thermometer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended meat thermometers

Meat thermometers (47)

The Ratings rank meat thermometers by overall performance.

Meat thermometer buying guide

Eating undercooked meat may pose health risks and overcooked takes the joy out of eating. And when you think of all the money and effort it takes to turn out perfectly grilled steaks, braised pork tenderloin, and a moist, tender turkey, it's surprising that instinct often trumps a reliable meat thermometer. Consumer Reports tested dozens of analog and digital models and found some digital instant-read and leave-in thermometers impressive enough to make our recommended list.

A meat thermometer takes only seconds to use, but can potentially save you and your family from a bout of food poisoning by ensuring that food is cooked enough to kill disease-causing salmonella, E. coli, and other bugs. Most meat thermometers we tested were accurate within 2 to 4°F of the reference thermometer and none was more than 5° off. Digital thermometers generally performed better, were more accurate, consistent, and convenient to use than analog. Analog thermometers were often more difficult to read, had the longest response times, and have few if any features. Go digital.

Getting started | Types | Features