The Best Oven Thermometer in 2020: Top Reviews and Buyers’ Guide

 A cooking thermometer is a necessary tool during meat grilling. It also overseers quite a number of your cooking procedures, such as baking for you to attain well-cooked food. It is used to monitor cooking temperatures for you to avoid food that is undercooked or overcooked. It gives you accurate temperature measurements that help you cook at appropriate temperatures that are recommended to eliminate health hazards.

Having a good cooking thermometer that is well-calibrated permits you to cook food at safe temperatures. This instrument can efficiently be utilized because it comes with HACCP, which instructs on settings of the tool. Cooking thermometers also come with friendly aspects that help you work conveniently. For example, some have a glow-in-dark feature that allows you to take the readings without opening the oven’s door.

With the above, you indeed tell that a cooking thermometer is essential because of the help it gives you while cooking. For you to acquire a good thermometer, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the best models that are currently in the market. Nevertheless, with all the types of oven thermometers in the market that vary based on their designs and features, choosing the appropriate cooking instrument becomes difficult. To relieve this difficulty, we have researched and highlighted some leading models of thermometers that are in the market. We have endeavored to describe them in detail in this article so that you can effortlessly pick one as your ideal cooking thermometer.

 Benefits of Using a Cooking Thermometer

The food you cook should taste not only delicious but also safe for consumption. After enjoying BBQs, you wouldn’t wish to suffer from stomach discomfort or more severely from diarrhea. To ensure that these never occur to you or your loved ones, you have to watch out for the recommended temperatures for cooking and adhere to the stipulated ranges.  Thankfully with the cooking thermometer, you can carefully monitor your cooking temperatures.

1. Eliminate The Guesswork

When grilling a piece of meat, we often approximate its doneness, and on most occasions, we make mistakes. We regularly find that some parts are well done, others are underdone, and in some worst instances, some parts get burnt up. To avoid all these errors of estimation, a cooking thermometer gives you a chance to monitor your cooking to appropriate temperatures as recommended and get perfect results.

2. Prevent Overcooking

With a cooking thermometer, you quickly check the temperature for perfect cooking results. For example, when meat is cooked at the correct temperature, it stays juicy and tender. If the meat is overcooked, it becomes dry and tough. Juiciness and tenderness of meat are the preferred attributes for people to enjoy eating meat. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with different recommended temperatures of various food recipes and use your thermometer to supervise the stipulated temperatures for perfect results.

3.                  Easy to Install

Many cooking thermometers come with various features that allow easy installation. Some come with hooks to easily hang on the oven rack while others come with a broad base that will enable you to set them on the oven comfortably.

4. Efficient

Besides being accurate, cooking thermometers can bear up excessive cooking temperatures while monitoring the temperatures inside the oven.

5. Handy

The cooking thermometers come with HACCP. This is a guide that helps you to set the instrument easily by setting your preferred temperatures that go well with your cooking method.

What Constitute the Best Oven Thermometer?

Below are the factors you should consider to purchase a foremost oven thermometer;

1.                  Quality

The thermometer’s condition is very critical to you whenever you are utilizing it to cook. This is because, on cooking, the temperatures in the oven rise, and if the thermometer is not of high quality, it will crack as a result of excessive temperatures. Therefore, as you plan to buy a thermometer, it is advisable for you to check the quality and to take note of its recommended temperature range. You should never subject a thermometer on cooking procedures that leads to intensified temperatures that are way above the thermometer’s recommended temperature range.

2.                  Material

Since an oven thermometer intends to measure the temperatures of food, you need to pay attention to its material to avoid food contamination.  The thermostat you choose should be made up of stainless steel material. Stainless steel is rust-resistant, so it will keep your food safe from rust. It is also easy to clean an instrument made of stainless steel; consequently, you will be able to eliminate the dirt that would otherwise contaminate your food.

3.                  Temperature Units

A good number of thermometers show temperature units in Celsius or Fahrenheit, whereas some indicate both units. If you buy from the latter group, it will help you reduce conversion time. Nonetheless, the thermometer’s accuracy should be your center of attention when deciding to buy from either of the groups. With accurate thermometers, you will never go wrong with cooking temperatures; therefore, you will avoid overcooking or undercooking and end up with well-done meals.

4.                  Performance

Before selecting a particular type of an oven thermometer, you should consider reading through its features. Features in a thermometer are meant to suit your work whenever you are cooking. For example, some thermostats come with timers, alarms, and a glow in the dark feature. The glow–in- dark element is critical in facilitating you to read the temperature measurements without opening the door of your oven.

Thermometers have many other features that are user friendly; therefore, you should research to end up with a perfect instrument that gives you comfort as you cook.

5. Temperature Limits

Since different recipes dictate preparation at varied temperatures, temperature limits of a thermometer sets in. To avoid being limited by a rise in temperatures during cooking, you should pick an instrument that withstands heat that is higher than the recommended heat.  This is advantageous to you because you will never incur losses due to thermometer cracks following a steep rise in the oven’s heat.

6.                  Ease of Use

The thermometers can be tricky to use, especially if you are a beginner in cooking with an oven. To avoid getting everything wrong, you should consider purchasing instruments that have the HACCP guide. With this guide, you will easily maneuver to preset the recommended cooking temperatures. Consequently, you will refer to the manual for doneness temperature range and thus end up with well done BBQs.

7.                  Maintenance

Regularly, your oven instrument will require to be cleaned because it comes in contact with your food.  It also needs to be calibrated for you to ensure its accuracy.  Therefore, you should choose a high-quality thermometer that can easily be cleaned and calibrated without regular adjustments.

Reviews of the Best Oven Thermometer

Following the many factors you have to put into consideration when choosing the instrument, you can quickly feel frustrated. As a consequence, we have taken an initiative of researching and have come up with six leading models that will ensure your cooking experience worthwhile. Here are our top reviews for the top oven thermometers.

1.                  ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer

This is a beautiful instrument, especially when you have several tasks to meet within the given time you are cooking. This thermometer permits temperature readings within a range of 300 feet away from the oven so you can efficiently multitask without numerous visits to the oven.

The ThermoPro TP20 comes with essential features such as a large LCD that displays the temperatures of the food and oven. It has a timer that you can always use more so when dealing with sensitive procedures to avoid going wrong with the heat and mess up the food. Besides, it has a back-lit component; therefore, you can use the thermometer in low light conditions, for example, during night grilling.

Pros

• Identifies five diverse levels of doneness for various meat types
• Allows own temperatures setting manually
• Supports the Celsius and Fahrenheit readings
• Has an alarm alert for countdown timer and temperature

Cons

• The LCD limits viewing angles for small pieces of meat.

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model TP 20:

https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Wireless-Digital-Cooking-Thermometer/dp/B01GE77QT0

2.                  ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

This thermometer is well known for its speed. It is an instant reading thermometer that comes with back-light features in the stainless steel probe. It gives out temperature readings within three to five seconds. Moreover, it gives accurate temperature readings of approximately ±0.9°F; therefore, you are assured of temperatures that will provide you with the best results on cooking.

ThermoPro TP03 is very user friendly. It comes with a foldable probe design so you can effortlessly fold it and lock it into its base whenever you want to carry. It also has a magnetic back and hook. These permit you to store it once you are done cooking quickly. Lastly, it is Celsius and Fahrenheit switchable, so it gathers for your comfortability while using.

Pros 

• High-speed readings
• Accurate temperatures of ±0.9°F
• Celsius/ Fahrenheit switchable
• Highly portable

Cons

• To some users, the magnet in the back has not offered enough hold

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model FBA_TP03A:

https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Digital-Instant-Thermometer-Kitchen/dp/B01IHHLB3W

3.                  Inkbird IBT-4XS Bluetooth Wireless Grill BBQ Thermometer

The Inkbird IBT-4XS thermometer is such a fantastic instrument. It has an alarm and a timer, which makes it possible for you to supervise the temperature while grilling efficiently. Moreover, it has stainless steel probes that facilitate you to monitor both the meat and oven temperature at a go.

This thermometer allows temperature readings from a range of 50 meters. As a result, you can check your meat and oven temperature while handling other house chores. Consequently allowing you to save time and be comfortable while grilling because it alarms when your ideal set temperature is reached.
Pros

• Calibrated in Centigrade and Fahrenheit.
• High-temperature accuracy: ±2℉/±1℃
• Easy to use
• Has durable probes that are made up of stainless steel

Cons

• It does not come with an ambient temperature probe

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model 8541960664:

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Bluetooth-Wireless-Thermometer-Rechargeable/dp/B076QDC5VL

4.                  CDN POT750X ProcAccurate High Heat Oven Thermometer

Just as the name implies, the CDN POT750X thermometer will facilitate you to stop guesswork while cooking in a high-heat oven. This thermometer measures within a range of 150 to 750 degrees F; thus, it is a perfect choice whenever you are using a high-heat oven for cooking. Furthermore, it has a large dial that consists of a red indicator needle that gives you useful cooking zones for reference to ensure you meet the actual temperatures while roasting or baking.

This instrument is highly versatile as it comes with a broad base so you can position it anywhere in the oven. It also has an integrated hook for you to hang it on the oven rack. With the CDN POT750X thermometer, you are guaranteed permanence since it is fabricated by stainless steel, and it comes with a durable laboratory-quality glass lens.

Pros

• Made of stainless steel that is resistant to corrosions, so it is durable
• High-temperature versatility of 150 to 750 F
• Clear dial display
• Hang and sit compatibility

Cons

• Calibrated only in Fahrenheit

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model POT750X:

https://www.amazon.com/CDN-POT750X-ProcAccurate-High-Thermometer/dp/B0021AEAIK

5.                  CDN IRM200-GlOW ProAccurate Oven Thermometer

This is an ideal instrument for perfect results whenever you are roasting meat.  Its glass lens is waterproof as a result; it permits you to take actual readings; consequently, you avoid approximating temperatures while roasting meat.

The device is user friendly as it comes with an extra-large dial that glows in the dark; for that reason, you can easily see and take readings from the oven. Besides, it has a lasting laboratory- quality glass lens, which is ovenproof, so you can leave it in your oven whenever you are roasting or baking.

Pros

• Dishwasher safe
• Easy to read in dark conditions
• Long-lasting laboratory glass lens
• Waterproof

Cons

• It is ovenproof, but over time the numbers darken therefore the glow feature stop working

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model IRM200-GlOW:

https://www.amazon.com/CDN-IRM200-GLOW-Thermometer-Extra-Glow-Dark/dp/B00CD5NI0E

6. Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Oven Thermometer

Taylor Classic Series Large Dial Oven Thermometer is made up of stainless steel material that bestows strength and durability as it is resistant to corrosions. It has an extra-large dial that makes reading more accessible for you to ensure proper temperature whenever you are cooking. If you are looking for a thermometer that withstands high heat, look no further because this particular type has been designed to withstand high heat as it allows readings between 100 and 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The design of Tylor Classic 5932 is also versatile since you can leave it standing on its own in the oven or suspend it from an oven rack.

With Taylor Classic 5932, you can never go wrong when cooking because it gives you accurate readings. On the other hand, it gives you suitable warnings; for example, on its dial, it has baking and roasting zones. The zones are well printed for you to ascertain your worries while cooking quickly.

Pros

• Calibrated in Fahrenheit and Celsius
• Easily hand-washed
• Has a versatile design hence can sit on an oven or hang
• Ease of reading because of red pointer and markings
• Free from corrosions

Cons

• Some time readings start to rise and fall.

Here is the summary of some basic specifications of model 5932:

FAQs

1. How do I know if my oven thermometer is accurate?

To assess the accuracy of your cooking thermometer, there are some steps you require to follow. First, hang your cooking thermometer at the center of the oven’s middle rack, and then preheat your oven to 350˚F/ 176.67˚C.  Secondly, allow the oven to preheat for 20 minutes then proceed to read the temperature. The reading you take will confirm to you if your oven has reached the expected temperature of 350˚F/ 176.67˚C.

1. Why do we calibrate thermometers?

Thermometers are calibrated to lessen any measurement ambiguity by verifying the precision in the test instrument. Calibrated thermometers have quantified errors to the acceptable levels within measurement processes.

1. How do I calibrate my oven thermometer?

To calibrate your oven instrument, there are several steps you have to follow. Below are the detailed steps to calibrate your thermometer;

Step 1

You have to prove the accuracy of the oven tool by placing your thermostat at the center rack of your oven. Then set your oven to 325˚C and let it preheat for at least 20 minutes.  After 20 minutes of preheating the oven, open the door and proceed to take the reading of your thermometer. You should take at most two readings; therefore, after another five minutes, check your thermostat.

Step 2

If you find your thermometer has gone off within the subsequent five minutes, turn off your oven and allow your thermometer to cool.

Step 3

Upon cooling, if your thermostat is waterproof, boil it. The thermostat must read a boiling point temperature as 212 degrees. After that, repeat step one to assess the accuracy of your thermometer.

Step 4

If you find out that your thermostats are not accurate after all the above steps, then fill a bucket with crushed ice and add clean water to the brim of the ice. Stir the contents in the bucket and insert the thermometer. Allow only two inches to go down in the ice.

At this point, your thermostat ought to give you a reading of 32 degrees. If this is not the case, then go ahead and use a pair of needle-nose pliers to adjust the screw, which is the underside of the dial face til the temperature reads 32 degrees.

Q. Where Should I Place My Probe Tip To Gauge Doneness?

To gauge doneness in cooked foods, the coldest part is usually at the center of the thickest portion. When you are checking the doneness of foods, you should take rapid readings using a thermometer in numerous locations to confirm the doneness of your entire portion. In the case of chilling a particular food, you should note that the center of the thickest piece will cool last.

To gauge the doneness of a given food, penetrate that food with the thermometer probe and rest the tip of the probe at the exact place you wish to measure

Q. How Often Should I Calibrate My Thermometer?

Based on the type of thermometer calibration rates vary. However, you should calibrate your thermometer to ensure accuracy.  Calibrating a thermometer simply means to test its accuracy alongside a valid standard. If your thermostat is within the range of accuracy measurements that are listed by the manufacturer or the quality control agency, then you ought not to make any adjustments.

Mechanical thermometers such as dial thermometers are supposed to be calibrated very regularly. On the other hand, digital thermometers are often calibrated annually. For more information on how often you ought to calibrate your thermometer, be sure to verify the manufacturer’s approval for your specific type and model of the thermostat. You should also check with the right health departments around you for advice.

Final word

Undoubtedly, if you try using any of the top cooking thermometers, your cooking experience becomes worthwhile and enjoyable. The quality of a thermometer greatly influences its versatility. As a result, you should always set out to choose a high-quality thermometer that has the approval of withstanding high heat so that you limit the chances of breaking a thermometer while cooking. Always select a cooking instrument that has high-performance features. These features will let you cook with ease at all conditions, for example, the countdown timer and alarm work to alert you when your food is done cooking.

However, you need to prefer a cooking tool that gives you instant readings that are accurate for you to never go wrong on your recipes. We have eased your course of selecting high-quality instruments by featuring the top-rated oven thermometers, so you can promptly choose from the above and enjoy your cooking sessions.

References

https://thecookwaregeek.com/the-5-best-oven-thermometers-buying-guide/

http://www.salterhousewares.co.uk/blog/kitchen-articles/5-benefits-of-using-a-cooking-thermometer