Best Meat Thermometers

The ThermoPro TP20 was Serious Eats' budget pick out of 20 wireless thermometers, chosen for accuracy, quick reads and a 500-foot radio link that does not depend on a phone. Two probes cover meat and ambient grill temperature, the receiver is backlit and rubber-sleeved, and the preset menu covers the usual meats and doneness levels. There is no app and no Bluetooth, the probes are not labelled, and the display cycles between them instead of showing both at once.

The ThermoWorks RFX Wireless Meat Probe Thermometer improves on Bluetooth competitors like Meater with a stable WiFi connection and longer range. Reviewers praised its accuracy, easy setup, and ability to track temperatures up to 1,000°F. Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly found it reliable for smoking and roasting, and Vindulge's Sean Martin highlighted the extensive range and precision. Both flagged the app's navigation issues and slower probe response times than instant-read thermometers. Serious grillers and smokers who need reliable long-range monitoring are the audience; anyone who wants a polished app or ultra-fast reads should keep looking.

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 improves on its predecessor with accuracy to within 1 degree Fahrenheit and 2-3 second read times. Reviewers praised the 40% larger backlit display with auto-rotation and the IP67 waterproof rating, calling it excellent value at $35. It is NSF certified and the case profile is thinner than before. Some users found the pocket clip too long and prone to damage. The consensus lands on reliable and budget-friendly for home cooks and grillers.