You do not need to be a grilling novice to benefit from using a meat thermometer. While this tool is undoubtedly helpful for those just learning to sear meat, even experienced cooks can gain from checking the numbers when aiming for the perfect steak, according to 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,” Mayer-Selinger told HuffPost. “Maybe you flipped too soon and cannot 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 are making burgers or brisket, Mayer-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,” recommends 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, stating that an instant-read thermometer 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 do not have time to wait, or let the thermometer reset before you check another temp, as you would be letting heat escape and you are 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.
Top Chef-Recommended Meat Thermometers
1. ThermoWorks Thermapen One
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 is not a budget item, it is known for its precision and speed, giving you a temperature reading in just one second or less. It also has an automatic backlight that is easy to read in the sun or at night and is water-resistant, making it 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 it is missing.” Martinez added that this tool is not just his favorite for grilling or cooking meat — it is 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!” Available for $80 at Thermoworks (regularly $115) and $115 at Amazon.
2. Alpha Grillers Instant Read Thermometer
A budget-friendly option that displays a reading in 2 or 3 seconds. Joshua White, executive chef at Turk’s 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 is easy to store and carry.” Priced at $15 on Amazon.
3. OXO Thermocouple Thermometer
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 is sunny or dark.” Available for $95 at Amazon (regularly $120), and $121 at Williams Sonoma and Sur la Table.
4. Lavatools Javelin
An affordable thermometer that is magnetized for easy storage. For a grill-friendly, instant-read digital option, Bob Bennett, head chef at Zingerman’s 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, its accuracy and simple design really make it a joy to use.” Priced at $23 on Amazon.
5. ThermoPro TP03
An under-$15 digital instant read thermometer. Editors' Pick: 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. Available for $10 on Amazon.
6. ThermoPro TP-16
A probe-style digital thermometer that will keep tabs on temperature. Editors' Pick: If you are looking for a corded probe-style option, this affordable ThermoPro TP-16 probe digital thermometer will monitor your meat the entire time it is in on the grill, meaning you can spend less time opening the lid and losing heat. Priced at $19.99 on Amazon.
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
