Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometers
Instructions weren’t needed for most we tested since all you do is turn them on. They usually had the fastest response times, are better for thin cuts of meat, and easier to use for checking the temperature at several spots. Use toward the end of estimated cooking time to check final temperature. Most have handy features such as auto shutoff and temperature hold, which lets you see the displayed temperature longer. A fork is a less common type with a thermocouple or thermistor embedded in one of the tines of the fork. The meat temperature is indicated on a digital readout or by indicator light on the handle. Like any instant-read thermometer the fork is not designed to remain in the meat during cooking.
Leave-In Digital Meat Thermometers
The probe remains in the meat while cooking, monitoring the temperature without you’re having to open the oven door, and can also be used as an instant read. A long cord connects the probe to a base unit with a digital screen. This unit can be placed on the counter and some can be attached to the oven door by a magnet. These pack the most features, including timers, audible alerts, and programmable temperatures. Some are wireless, allowing you to keep an eye on the temperature while you’re more than 100 feet away, using a smartphone or the wireless device that’s part of the unit.
Instant-Read Analog (Dial) Meat Thermometers
Insert the probe into the meat, note temperature, remove probe. An instant-read analog is not designed to remain in the meat while it cooks so use it toward the end of cooking time to check final temperature. Analog thermometers are often more difficult to read, had the longest response times, and have few features.
Leave-In Analog (Dial) Meat Thermometers
This type is oven-safe and can remain in the meat while it cooks but can also be used as an instant-read.
