Meat thermometers

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What's behind our meat thermometer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 11 models in meat thermometers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on temperature accuracy, reading stability and readability.
Temperature accuracy
To test for accuracy, we took multiple readings with each of the tested thermometers and compared them with readings from a calibrated thermometer. The readings were averaged and scored.
Response time
Indicates how quickly each model adjusted to temperature changes.
Range
This score reflects the span between the highest and lowest temperatures the model can register. A wider span makes the thermometer more useful.
Features
This score reflects the presence or absence of convenience features.
Digital
Indicates whether or not the thermometer has a digital display.

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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.

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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.

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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 (11)

The Ratings rank meat thermometers by overall performance.

Meat thermometer buying guide

If you're picturing a dial-topped metal skewer, you should know that many meat thermometers have grown far fancier: Many are wired probes that connect to digital displays. Some speak to you ("lamb, medium"), then automatically set the correct temperature, beep when they reach a required temperature, retain a reading so you don't need to wrestle a roast from the oven in 1 second flat, and even track temperatures on two different foods. One meat thermometer has a wireless probe that lets you check the temperature of a food from 300 feet away. (There's a remote component that you can clip to a belt.)