Want to cook your favorite foods just to the right temperature? Like your chops pink in the center, your delicate veal steak a little rosy, or pork lusciously juicy? Then lucky for you, we’ve gathered the best wireless meat thermometers that can help you achieve your cooking goals. In this guide, we’ll look at why this cooking accessory is important, how it actually works, and what features you should look for when shopping. We’ll also review the TOP 7 Best Meat Thermometers well-worth the investment. You might think that wireless thermometers are a redundant luxury for snobs, but well, be prepared to reconsider.

According to the Consumer Reports, 97% of chicken found in regular chain stores is contaminated with harmful pathogens. The same article shares other shocking statistics: every year almost 48 million people fall victims of food tainted with salmonella, E. coli, and other contaminants. The major reason behind those numbers is that people do not cook food properly until it’s safe to eat. Thus, it’s pretty imperative that you take the matter in your own hand and buy yourself a solid meat thermometer.

The researchers and scientists, like no one else, understand there’s an urgent need to create awareness among consumers of the importance of cooking meat to the safe temperatures to avoid illness, primarily, by using a thermometer. Renee Boyer, for example, associate professor of food science and technology at Virginia Tech, went that far as to distribute meat thermometers among students and launch a social media competition, where he urged students to post pictures of their thermometers inside the grilling burgers that would read 160 degrees with a chance to win Ipad.

If you haven’t yet been convinced that you need a meat thermometer, then probably the following guide will finally help you make that right decision.

A meat thermometer is a cooking thermometer that measures the degree of “doneness” of meat or any other stuff you cook. It measures the internal temperature of meat that indicates when the stuff is cooked as desired. Moreover, the meat should be cooked to the temperature sufficient enough to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens to prevent foodborne illness.

Speaking of wireless thermometers, they add a degree of freedom for the cooker, meaning you’ll be able to disconnect yourself from the grill or oven and do other things, while your meat is cooked to perfection. All you need is set up a smartphone app and choose the specific temperature. As soon as the meat reaches that temperature, you’ll be notified by an app that it’s time to take that juicy steak off the grill and gather up to enjoy the dinner.

Types of meat thermometers

Instant read digital meat thermometers, in fact, can also vary from simple models to fancier wireless models, but the truth is, they all work pretty much the same: you insert the thermometer tip into the piece of meat, check its temperature, and then remove the thermometer. You can’t just leave it while the meat’s cooking, so it might not be very convenient if you need other stuff to attend to.

Wireless probe thermometers can be left in the oven or on the grill to control the temperature of a cooking meat in real time in as far as 300 feet away from the kitchen. Some of the advanced models come with a smartphone app, where you can choose a range of pre-set temperatures or just set the desired temperature that would suit your needs. There are other cool features usually available, like timers and alerts. Some models can even talk back to you or pair with Alexa.

Infrared thermometers do not need to touch the surface of the meat (or any other food for that matter) to read its temperature, which is actually great because there’s less stuff to clean up! Just point the thermometer to the meat and pull the trigger.

Things to look for when buying

Wireless range. See how far you can go from the oven or grill with the thermometer of your choice. Usually, even the advanced models have pretty small wireless range, amounting to somewhat 100 ft, while some cheap models can go as far as 330 ft. So, if the distance range is a deal breaker for you, then the most expensive doesn’t always mean the most potent.

Number of presets. Usually, all wireless meat thermometers come with preset temperatures for cooking different types of meat. Some have more presets than the others. What’s more important is the degree of customization the device can offer, see if you’re able to change any presets and choose your own desired temperature and not the one suggested by the machine.

Remote or app? Some devices come with a remote control and cannot support an app, while others offer a smart app with various useful features, like graphs, and real-time temperature readings, recipes, and more. Having an app versus a remote doesn’t always guarantee the consistency of readings or ease of operation.

Timers and alerts. Almost all devices offer some type of notifications, however, some can only offer alerts, while others have timers, which you’re able to set at whatever time you want.

Price. The cheapest model on our list costs less than 15 dollars, and the most expensive slightly over 180. The more options you want, the more money you need to spend. But as our research shows, many features or a support of an app doesn’t always mean “better”.

If you think that chicken is safe to eat when its juices run clear when you poke it with a knife, then most probably you’re mistaken. According to the article on the science of cooking meat, where the writer goes the long way and talks to major professionals and scientists in the field, the “food is done when it’s safe to eat”. Which practically means that if the internal temperature of a chicken reaches 165 degrees, but it still has pink juices running out of it, then don’t you worry, you can still eat that chicken. And vice versa: if the meat’s temperature hasn’t reached the safe degree, but there are is no blood or pink juice, it’s quite risky to take a bite.

TOP 7 Best Meat Thermometers

Now, let's get right down to the best models we’ve gleaned from the internet and check out their differentiating features. We’ve covered the cheapest ($14) and the most expensive ($189) best models all worth the money for those who just started out on their culinary journeys and experienced cooks alike. You’ll also find different options from basic models with limited functionality to advanced gadgets with smart features, like remote control through a mobile app, social sharing, graphs, and compatibility with Alexa.

True Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer | MEATER - wireless thermometer with probe & smart app

The Meater device is the most expensive product in our TOP 7. It comes with a sleek little probe that resembles a standard pen. The probe lies within a wooden case that serves as a resting place and a charger.

The wireless range is 165 ft, which is more than iGrill but less than ThermoPro. The app is easy to set up and can be paired with Amazon Alexa. The device can measure both the internal temperature of the meat and ambient temperature in the oven. The smart app walks you through the cooking process, alerting you when the meat’s ready. You can fully customize your cooking with timers and alerts. But if digital gadgetry is not your thing, then Meater is probably not for you.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: many preset temperatures for steak (rare, medium, well, etc.), fish, pork, chicken, and more.
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: external up to 572°F; internal up to 212°F +/-1°F accuracy level (Probe and Wire can withstand up to 716°F)
  • Timers & Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 165 feet
  • Probes: 1; sensors 2
  • Add on: smart app

Overall, the Meater seems very sophisticated and brings plenty of positives to the table. However, does it worth 180 dollars? That’s really hard to say. Especially with little customer feedback available to date, it’s a hard thing to say “yes” to it, as of yet.

MEATER: Check the current price

iGrill 2 Thermometer | Weber - wireless digital meat thermometer with dual probes & smart app

iGrill from Weber is the second most expensive item on the list. It looks pretty polished and cutting-edge. But is it any better than its counterparts? Let’s find out.

The temperature range is indeed outstanding and beats competitors by far. The Bluetooth wireless range, though, is not very impressive, being up to 150 ft only. The accuracy level is remarkable and at par with ThermoPro and maybe even better. Besides, it seems super fast and takes an average of 16 seconds to fully register the temperature of the meat. The app packs a wallop of different features, like graphs, and social sharing, in case you want your Facebook friends to envy your exciting life.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: many preset temperatures for steak (rare, medium, well, etc.), fish, pork, chicken, and more.
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: -22°F to 572°F +/-1°F accuracy level (Probe and Wire can withstand up to 716°F)
  • Timers & Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 150 feet
  • Measuring Channels: 4
  • Probes: 2
  • Add on: smart app

Anyway, this item seems like a very good deal. However, many customers reported the problem with an app, so obviously the technology has still a long way to go to be recommended without compunction.

Weber: Check the current price

Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer | ThermoPro TP-08 - wireless digital meat thermometer with dual probes

This item comes from the same manufacturer, as the previously described option, however, it’s a little more advanced, and thus would cost you at least 2 to 3 times more. But it really does offer a killer bang for the buck. To show that there’s a steak to go with the sizzle, the company offers a remote with a range of up to 300 feet. As soon as the meat’s cooked to perfection, you’ll receive an alert, even if you’ve gone out of the house to mow your lawn. There are also dual probes available, but everything else is pretty much the same as with the first described option from ThermoPro.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: Poultry, Beef Well, Veal/Pork, Beef Medium, Ham, Beef Rare/Fish
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: 32°F to 572°F with high accuracy: ±1.8°F (Probe and Wire can withstand up to 716°F)
  • Timers & Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 300 feet
  • Probes: 2

The customers, yet again, had varying degrees of success with the probes, some said they stopped working after about 6 uses. The customer service was apparently very helpful and exchanged the faulty units, but seriously when you buy the stuff, you expect it to work without the need for an exchange, right? So while many people really enjoyed their purchases, quite a few were less lucky. The wireless range, though, is pretty impressive, the readings are easy to read and understand, timers are helpful, and there’s a set of two probes to cook several items at a time. We think it’s a good item for the money.

ThermoPro TP-08: Check the current price

Solis Digital Meat Thermometer | Tenergy - wireless meat thermometer with dual probes & smart app

This one from Tenergy, while being slightly cheaper than it’s ThermoPro counterpart, stands up to its high ratings with offering some advanced features, which ThermoPro model lacked, such as supporting a smart App. But unlike the previous system, the wireless range is less than impressive, being only 100ft. However, you’re also getting two probes for the price, pre-set temperatures for various meats, which you can subsequently change.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: beef, veal, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, hamburger, BBQ Smoke, Hot Smoke, Cold Smoke
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: 32°F to 572°F +/-1% accuracy level (Probe and
  • Wire can withstand up to 716°F)
  • Timers & Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 100 feet
  • Measuring Channels: 6
  • Probes: 2
  • Add on: smart app

Customers reported good results with using the thermometer, however, apparently, some had difficulties with setting up timer, app, inaccuracy of some readings, etc. And while this might seem like a good deal, it might be well worth looking into other options to ensure the readings are consistent. That would especially matter if you’re an experienced cook and care too much about things you serve to yourself and others.

Tenergy: Check the current price

Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer | ThermoPro TP-16 - budget cooking thermometer with a probe

This is by far the cheapest thermometer on our list, but it is nevertheless a popular option among many cooks, which made this item an absolute bestseller. This thing finally enables both inexperienced and experienced cooks to enjoy the simplest operation and measurement of the internal temperature of foodstuff they are cooking.

There are quite a few pre-programmed temperatures of various meats, and all you have to do is push the right button and you’re ready to go. However, if for some reason, you’d like to change the temperature or other settings, then this thing allows you to fully customize your cooking experience. You can just as well set up a timer for cooking other things, like side vegetables. There’s an alarm function to notify you when the meat’s done or reaches the desired temperature and a large LCD display that’s easy to read and set up. Besides, the thermometer is super portable and sleek and would fit in any kitchen counter. There’re mounting options available as well, in case you’d like to pin it to a wall, fridge, or to the table top.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: Poultry, Beef Well, Veal/Pork, Beef Medium, Ham, Beef Rare/Fish
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: 32°F to 572°F with high accuracy: ±1.8°F/1°C (Probe and Wire can withstand up to 716°F)
  • Timers & Alerts

The customers were generally pleased with the thermometer’s performance and accuracy, however, a few said the probes began to malfunction after a couple of uses. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent a product failure. Other than that, this is a good choice, if you’re not very much into the “wireless” thing.

ThermoPro TP-16: Check the current price

Top Quality BBQ Thermometer | OREGON SCIENTIFIC - talking wireless thermometer

This is a thermometer from the famous Oregon Scientific, a company with a solid track record and impeccable reputation.

This unit has an impressive wireless range of 330 ft, and while there’s no smart app available, the device can talk in 5 languages and inform you when your meat’s done or overcooked. The display is very easy to read and settings are simple to comprehend, even if you are not technically inclined.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures: beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, fish (all: rare, medium rare, medium, and well done)
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: 32°F to 572°F +/-1°F accuracy level
  • Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 330 feet
  • Probes: 1
  • Add on: speaking in 5 languages

This device might be a great gift idea for your parents. It’s easy to figure out, works as expected, delivers precise temperatures, has an ample amount of settings, and parts can be very easily replaced if anything. You cannot really go wrong with the manufacturer, so this is a solid investment and you can count on the support and service from the company. You can actually choose either talking model or non-talking here, if you’d like.

Oregon Scientific AW131: Check the current price

10 Best-Selling Meat Thermometers | Comparison Table

Wireless Dual Probe Grilling Thermometer | Cuisinart - wireless meat thermometer with two probes

The last item on our list comes from Cuisinart, another famous company producing innovative and top-quality products in the culinary industry.

The wireless range with this one is again impressive, being 300 ft. There’s no app and no talking, but you can set up alerts and timers, whenever necessary. Everything else seems pretty standard.

Features:

  • Preset temperatures
  • Full customization: set your own temperature
  • Temperature range: up to 572°F +/-1°F accuracy level
  • Timers & Alerts
  • Remote Range: Up to 300 feet
  • Probes: 2 

One of the customers said that the major disadvantage was that you were not supposed to leave the thermometer in the meat while it was on the grill and the lid was closed. This is a major drawback, of course, because after measuring the temperature, you are supposed to take it out from the meat and continue cooking if it’s not yet done. Another disadvantage is that the display is hard to read, and might not be suitable for seniors with bad eyesight.

Cuisinart: Check the current price

Pros and cons

Pros

  • You can finally relax and watch Netflix, while a chicken is cooking by itself. Well not quite, but you get the idea: thermometer and smart apps allow you to fully customize your cooking with a touch of a button
  • Alerts and timers are helpful in case you seldom forget that you’re cooking
  • A set of probes allow you to cook and check the temperature of different meat cuts, in case you and your wife prefer different “doneness” of steaks

Cons

  • Some probes begin to malfunction after a while, others cannot be even left on a grill
  • The wireless range seldom doesn’t really work and the apps lose connectivity to the thermometers
  • The temperatures might not be accurate

Temperature tips for cooking the best pieces of meat

According to the USDA, the safe minimum internal temperature of different types of meat should be the following:

Beef, pork, veal, and lamb (steaks, chops, roasts) - 145 °F, rest for at least 3 minutes

Ground meats - 160 °F

Ham, fresh or smoked (uncooked) - 145 °F, rest for at least 3 minutes

Poultry (breasts, whole bird, legs, thighs, wings, ground poultry, giblets, and stuffing) - 165 °F

Fish & Shellfish - 145 °F

Other useful tips from USDA: proper meat thermometer placement

The USDA has published a useful guide on the proper placement of a meat thermometer with illustrative images, where they’ve published the following tips for measuring the temperature of different kinds of meat products:

Meat: place thermometer midway through the roast, avoiding the bone; otherwise, choose the thickest part;

Poultry: insert the thermometer in the thickest part of a chicken thigh (or turkey, etc.);

Thin foods (hamburger, patty, chops, etc.): using a thermistor or thermocouple is recommended;

Combination dishes (casserole): insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the dish (or in the center).

How NOT to kill your new thermometer: life-hacks

  • It’s best not to submerge the thermo probes in water, just wipe them up with a clean towel or napkin;
  • Avoid tangling or crimping up the wires to prolong their longevity;
  • If there’s a temperature range specified in the instructions, you’d better stick to it.

FAQ

What’s the best wireless meat thermometer for a smoker?
ThermoPro thermometers are all good for smokers. From the ones, we haven’t covered, ThermoPro TP20 also seems like a good deal.

What’s the best meat thermometer for an oven?
Although, it doesn’t have a remote, ThermoPro TP-16 is the best thing you can buy for the oven. However, if you’re specifically looking for a wireless transmitter, then another ThermoPro model would suit you just as well, ThermoPro TP-08 has a wireless coverage of 300 ft. If you’re looking for a thermometer with an app, then consider investing in Solis, although the wireless range suffers a bit and is only 100 ft.

What’s the best device for grilling // bbq // Traeger?
ThermoPro models are all nice if you’re on a budget. However, if you want an app and other cool stuff, then consider investing in Meater.

What’s the best for rotisserie?
Meater Digital Thermometer and Maverick Rotisserie are solid options to consider.

What’s the best wireless meat thermometer for iPhone?
Perhaps, the best one would be Meater, because it packs a wallop in terms of features that you can set up and track with the device. It’s all worth the investment if you want to fully customize your cooking experience. 

Conclusion

The versatility and comprehensive nature of most of those devices are pretty impressive. Although it does seem that wireless technology needs improvement, we’re confident it will happen in a few years. As of now, the devices we’ve covered are good when they sync with an app, but when the wireless signal is lost, well...it might just complicate your cooking even further. It might be a great idea to have a remote and an app versus having just an app, but it’s a matter of personal choice as well. If you’re not into gadgetry, then just a remote will be fine!

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