Grill thermometers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choosing a singular model can become a tough task. Here is a comprehensive buying guide that explores the various aspects of a grill thermometer to help you make the right choice.
How to Choose a Good Grill Thermometer Size
The modern grill thermometer comes with a wide range of functions to enhance your time spent at the grill. You'll come across models with Wi-Fi capabilities, mobile alerts, and lasers to measure temperature. Along with these fancy features, there are some important factors that you should not forget about. We’ll take a look at those factors below.
Probe length
The probe on a grilling thermometer is a pokey metal stick about 2.5 mm in diameter. This is placed into the food to get temperature readings. How you do so depends upon the type of thermometer and its probe length. Probe length is a significant consideration, especially when you plan to cook big cuts of meat. The probe has to reach the center of the thickest part to gauge accurate temperature, hence it has to be long enough. When shopping for a new grill thermometer, look for a device with a probe measuring at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length.
Display
If there is one thing that can truly change your grilling experience, it is the display of your thermometer. If you prefer to keep the grill closed and read the temperature remotely, a wireless or corded thermometer will work the best. But if you rather look and touch the meat to determine its doneness, a standard instant-read thermometer will do just fine. A back-lit display is also important for people who prefer grilling at night. Plus, for grillers who want a multi-probe device, it's a choice between a transmitter display that rotates between the various channels’ temperatures or shows them all at once. You should carefully determine your desired features and requirements first, then choose a thermometer with suitable display features.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a thermometer also affects your decision of making the purchase. If you want to feel confident about the temperature of the food you are cooking, go for a thermometer with an accuracy rating of ±2. A calibration feature that lets you adjust its accuracy is also a must-have. Another significant feature in some grill thermometers is temperature tracking. With this feature, the thermometer measures and records the internal temperature of the meat and the ambient temperature of the grill. They can also record the date, time, and type of food you are preparing using the information you provide. When looking at the various grill thermometers, make their accuracy a priority and pick a product with the smallest error window and recalibration features to ensure optimal performance.
Temperature range
The temperature range of a grill thermometer is as important as its accuracy. An adequate temperature range helps you monitor both the ambient temperature of the grill and the food itself. If the temperature of the thermometer is too narrow, it won't be able to measure the full spectrum of heat the grill is producing. But, on the other hand, the thermometers with a narrow temperature range tend to be more accurate in their readings. With these, you can ensure your steaks, fish, and roasts are cooked as close to perfection as possible. For temperature range, you should carefully evaluate your personal preferences to determine whether you need a wide range thermometer or one with a smaller temperature range.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Grill Thermometer
The care and maintenance of a grill thermometer has a powerful impact on its lifespan. While most grill thermometers last for up to four years on average, you can make yours last longer with a proper maintenance ritual. Here are some tips to take care of your thermometer:
- You should always hand-wash your grill thermometer. Even if some of its parts are deemed dishwasher safe, hand-washing prevents water-related damage.
- Be sure to wash only the probe without getting the digital components and display wet.
- If you are unsure about washing, simply wipe the entire thermometer with a damp cloth to remove debris and sterilize with an alcohol or bleach wipe.
- Using a paper towel with rubbing alcohol or a sanitizing bleach solution is also a good idea. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water for this purpose.
- Once your thermometer is clean, use a paper towel to dry all its parts thoroughly before putting it away.
Some Popular Types of Grill Thermometers to Learn About
Despite being similar in their application, we categorize grill thermometers into the following types based on their features.
Instant read grill thermometers
These thermometers boast a slim, handheld design with a digital readout on one end and probe on the other. All you have to do is insert the probe into the food, and it will give the temperature readout almost immediately.
Laser grill thermometers
This type of grill thermometer uses a laser beam instead of probes to determine the surface temperature of the food or any other object you point it at. With these, you don't have to physically touch the food, but they are not useful for determining internal temperatures.
Wireless grill thermometers
These grill thermometers come with remote probes that you can leave within the food. The device itself connects to the probe over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to provide regular temperature updates. You can use one of these to monitor your food temperature remotely, regardless of where the cooking is happening.
Grill top thermometers
As the name suggests, the grill top thermometers install over the grill cover to monitor the cooking temperature inside the grill. Such thermometers are useful when you are smoking your food since, for proper smoking, the grill should be kept covered. Using one of these lets you regulate the grill's internal temperature without opening the lid.
Conclusion
While there are built-in thermometers on grills and smokers, they are not always accurate. That's why most BBQ lovers like to have a grill thermometer to ensure their meat cooks thoroughly and evenly. We presented you with the best grill thermometers of 2023. Each of these models is extremely accurate, with raving customer feedback following it up. You can use the included buying guide to identify the right one for your needs and choose a suitable model accordingly.
