Cooking meat perfectly is an art. A good meat thermometer helps make sure your meals are safe and tasty. It doesn’t matter if you’re grilling, roasting, or smoking meat. A fast and precise thermometer eliminates the guesswork.
We tested and reviewed the best meat thermometers for 2025. Our picks are based on speed, accuracy, durability, and ease of use.
Let’s dive into the 5 best meat thermometers you can buy this year!
5 Best Meat Thermometers of 2025
We tested more than 20 thermometers in three categories: instant-read, probe, and wireless. Here are our top picks for every budget and cooking style.
Best Overall
1. ThermoWorks Thermapen One
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast 1-second readings | Premium price |
| Accurate to ±0.5°F | |
| Durable and waterproof |
Best for: Precision cooking, grilling, and all-around kitchen use.
- Type: Instant-read
- Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F
- Response Time: 1 second
- Special Features: Waterproof, motion-sensing, backlit display
- Price: ~$115
Why We Love It: The Thermapen One is the gold standard in meat thermometers. Chefs, grill masters, and home cooks swear by It’s insanely fast and accurate readings. If you want the best of the best, this is it!
Best Budget Instant-Read
2. ThermoWorks Classic Thermapen
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High accuracy | Slightly slower than Thermapen One |
| Durable build | |
| Battery lasts 1,500+ hours |
Best for: Home chefs who want professional-grade accuracy at a lower price.
- Type: Instant-read
- Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F
- Response Time: 2-3 seconds
- Special Features: Auto shutoff, splash-proof design
- Price: ~$95
Why We Love It: This classic model is trusted by chefs worldwide. It’s accurate, reliable, and built to last—ideal for anyone who wants high-end performance without breaking the bank.
Best for Grilling
3. ThermoPro TP19
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great performance for the price | Slower than premium models |
| Waterproof design | |
| Rotating display |
Best for: Budget-conscious cooks who want an affordable, fast thermometer.
- Type: Instant-read
- Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F
- Response Time: 3-4 seconds
- Special Features: Waterproof, rotating display, backlight
- Price: ~$30
Why We Love It: The ThermoPro TP19 is a great budget-friendly thermometer. It offers excellent accuracy, making it one of the best cheap meat thermometers out there.
Best Wireless Meat Thermometer
4. MEATER Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% wireless design | Requires phone for full functionality |
| Works with iOS & Android apps | |
| Ideal for smoking and grilling |
Best for: BBQ, smokers, and oven-roasting.
- Type: Wireless probe
- Temperature Range: 32°F to 527°F
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (165ft range)
- Special Features: App integration, real-time alerts
- Price: ~$99
Why We Love It: The MEATER Plus is a game-changer for BBQ lovers. It’s completely wireless, making it perfect for slow-cooked meats where opening the lid too often affects temperature.
Best Leave-In Probe
5. ThermoWorks Dot
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-read display | Wired probe may not be ideal for grilling |
| High/low alarms for precise cooking | |
| Affordable price |
Best for: Oven-roasting, sous vide, and slow cooking.
- Type: Leave-in probe
- Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F
- Connectivity: Wired probe
- Special Features: Large display, high/low temp alarms
- Price: ~$51
Why We Love It: The ThermoWorks Dot is perfect for roasts, briskets, and turkeys. It stays in the meat while cooking, so you can monitor doneness without opening the oven.
How We Tested Meat Thermometers
To ensure accuracy and reliability, we tested each thermometer using the following:
- Ice Water Test: Checked temperature readings at 32°F.
- Boiling Water Test: Verified accuracy at 212°F.
- Grilling Test: Used on steak, chicken, and pork to test response time.
- Oven Test: Checked precision for slow-roasted meats.
- User Experience: Evaluated design, readability, and ease of use.
What to Consider Before Buying a Meat Thermometer
1. Speed & Accuracy
The best meat thermometers give accurate readings within seconds. Look for models with ±1°F precision or better.
2. Type of Thermometer
- Instant-Read: Best for quick temperature checks.
- Probe: Ideal for oven roasting and BBQ.
- Wireless: Best for remote monitoring.
3. Durability & Waterproofing
Choose a model with water-resistant or waterproof features for longevity.
4. Special Features
- Backlit display for night grilling
- Rotating screen for easy reading
- Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring
FAQs
What’s the best meat thermometer for grilling?
The ThermoWorks Thermapen One is fast and precise, so it’s the top pick for grilling.
Are wireless meat thermometers worth it?
Yes! Wireless models such as the Meater Plus and ThermoWorks RFX make cooking easy. They’re great for long BBQ sessions since they allow hands-free cooking.
What is the most accurate meat thermometer?
The ThermoWorks Thermapen One is the fastest and most precise meat thermometer of 2025.
Final Thoughts: Which Meat Thermometer Should You Buy?
- If you want the absolute best → ThermoWorks Thermapen One
- If you need a budget-friendly option → ThermoPro TP19
- If you want a wireless thermometer → MEATER Plus
- If you prefer a leave-in probe → ThermoWorks Dot
Whatever you pick, a good meat thermometer will instantly improve your cooking.
