Cooking meat just right can be tricky. Overcook it and it’s dry; undercook it and it’s either unsafe or just not tasty. That’s where a reliable meat thermometer comes in. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Many home cooks trust America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) for their honest, thorough product testing.
If you’ve been wondering, “what’s the best meat thermometer America’s Test Kitchen recommends?”—you’re in the right spot. We’ll break down their top picks and help you find the perfect thermometer for perfectly cooked meats every time.
? Quick Highlights
- ATK values speed and accuracy above all in meat thermometers.
- ThermoWorks ThermoPop is praised for being fast, accurate, and affordable.
- For a premium option, ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is the gold standard—super fast and reliable.
- Probe thermometers are great for monitoring roasts in the oven or on the grill.
- Instant-read thermometers are perfect for quick checks on steaks, chicken, and other meats.
- ATK tests products in real-world cooking scenarios.
- A good meat thermometer is essential for both food safety and taste.
- Choose the thermometer that fits your cooking style: instant-read for quick meals, probe for longer roasts.
Table of Contents
- ?? Why Trust America’s Test Kitchen?
- ?️ Understanding Meat Thermometer Types
- ? ATK’s Top Instant-Read Thermometers
- ? ATK’s Top Probe Thermometers
- ⚙️ Key Features ATK Looks For
- ✅ Making Your Choice
- ? Proper Use and Care
- ❓ FAQ
?? Why Trust America’s Test Kitchen?
America’s Test Kitchen, which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country, has a rock-solid reputation for careful, unbiased reviews. They don’t just try a product once—they test it extensively across different foods, temperatures, and cooking environments (ovens, grills, stovetops).
Their reviews are data-driven, so when ATK recommends a thermometer, it’s because it genuinely performs well for real home cooks.
?️ Understanding Meat Thermometer Types
Before we get into ATK’s top picks, let’s go over the main types of meat thermometers:
Instant-Read Thermometers
- How they work: Stick the probe in the thickest part of the meat, wait a few seconds, and read the temperature.
- Best for: Quick checks on steaks, chicken, pork chops, burgers, or roasts after cooking.
- Pros: Fast, accurate, versatile.
- Cons: Not made to stay in the oven or on the grill while cooking.
Probe (Leave-In) Thermometers
- How they work: Insert the probe and leave it in the meat while it cooks. A wire connects to an external display.
- Best for: Roasts, turkeys, briskets, or anything that cooks for a long time.
- Pros: Hands-free, often comes with alarms.
- Cons: Initial temperature changes are slower to register; wires can be tricky.
Wireless Thermometers
- How they work: Similar to probe thermometers but use Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to send readings to your phone.
- Best for: Grilling, smoking, or monitoring meat from a distance.
- Pros: Super convenient, freedom to move around.
- Cons: Usually pricier; relies on apps and batteries.
? ATK’s Top Instant-Read Thermometers
Premium Pick: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
- Why ATK loves it: Fast as lightning (1-second readout!), very accurate, waterproof, durable, and rotates for easy reading.
- Perfect for: Serious home cooks or anyone who wants the fastest and most reliable readings.
Best Buy (Value Pick): ThermoWorks ThermoPop
- Why ATK loves it: Fast (3–4 seconds), accurate, affordable, splash-proof, easy-to-read display.
- Perfect for: Most home cooks looking for excellent performance without spending a fortune.
? ATK’s Top Probe Thermometers
Wired Probe: ThermoWorks ChefAlarm
- Accurate, wide-range probe, clear display, customizable alarms.
- Great for roasts, smoking, deep-frying, candy making.
Wireless Probe: ThermoWorks Signals
- Monitors up to 4 channels, reliable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, customizable alerts.
- Perfect for grilling, smoking, or large roasts without being tied to the oven.
⚙️ Key Features ATK Looks For
- Speed: Fast readings, especially for instant-read thermometers.
- Accuracy: Precise measurements matter for perfectly cooked meat.
- Durability: Can it survive drops, splashes, and heavy use?
- Ease of Use: Intuitive controls, readable display.
- Probe Design: Long/thin enough to minimize juice loss.
- Temperature Range: Covers low and high temperatures.
- Features: Alarms, remote displays, and sturdy wires for probe thermometers.
✅ Making Your Choice
- Quick meals (steaks, chicken, burgers): Instant-read like ThermoPop or Thermapen ONE.
- Long cooks (roasts, smoking, grilling): Probe thermometer like ChefAlarm or Signals.
- Want both? Many serious cooks have one of each for different situations.
? Proper Use and Care
- Placement matters: Probe the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones/fat.
- Instant-read technique: Insert, wait a few seconds, remove.
- Probe technique: Keep wires safe, avoid flames.
- Carryover cooking: Pull meat 5–10°F below target; it will continue to cook.
- Cleaning: Wipe probe after each use, hand wash only, store safely, check batteries.
❓ FAQ
Q1: How often should I calibrate my thermometer?
Most modern digital thermometers are factory-calibrated. Use an ice bath (32°F/0°C) if you suspect inaccuracy.
Q2: Can I leave an instant-read thermometer in the oven?
No—electronics can get damaged. Use for quick checks only.
Q3: Difference between meat and candy thermometer?
Candy thermometers handle very high temps (up to 400°F/200°C) with clips. Meat thermometers focus on human-safe cooking ranges.
Q4: Is a high-end thermometer worth it?
Yes! Thermapen ONE is fast, durable, and reliable—worth the investment if you cook often.
Q5: Can it be used for other things?
Sure—bread dough, oil, melted chocolate, custards, hot drinks—just check the temperature range.
Q6: Do ATK recommendations change often?
Top performers like ThermoWorks models usually stay consistent for years. ATK revisits categories periodically.