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The Best Oven Thermometers of 2024
Oven thermometers are essential tools for achieving precise cooking and baking results. Designed to measure and display the accurate temperature inside your oven, these devices ensure consistency and reliability in your culinary creations. By providing an independent temperature reading, oven thermometers allow you to verify and adjust your oven settings as needed, preventing undercooked or overcooked dishes. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, having a reliable oven thermometer in your kitchen arsenal is key to mastering the art of cooking and baking with confidence, precision, and consistency. Our personal favorite is the Rubbermaid Commercial Products Oven Thermometer, perfect if you want an accurate temperature from whatever you choose to whip up!
Our Top Picks For Oven Thermometers
View all ContentsThe Best Oven Thermometers
Best Overall
The Rubbermaid Commercial Oven Thermometer is a stainless steel thermometer, and it wins the best overall on our list because it’s available in multiple designs and variations, making sure that there’s a suitable choice for every buyer.
What’s unique about this thermometer is that it gives you the option to read temperatures in both Fahrenheit and celsius, making calculations simpler. This thermometer can be easily hung on one rack or stand on its own, or placed on a flat surface for better readability. Whether you are a professional cook or a baking enthusiast, this thermometer is bound to help you become the baker you strive to be!
Pros
- Shows extreme temperature readings from 60 degrees to 580 degrees Fahrenheit
- Works well with traditional ovens, grills, toaster ovens, or smokers
- Ideal for both personal and professional kitchens
- Certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
Cons
- Can melt at high temperatures
Easy Readability
Created to give the most precise temperature readings, the Taylor Precision Cooking Oven Thermometer is a name known and desired among professional bakers. This design comes with an extra-large dial that contains colorful markings for better visibility and easier reading. It’s a highly accurate thermometer that can show temperatures ranging from 100 degrees to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Since it is made of stainless steel, there is no possibility of the thermometer melting or being destroyed at high temperatures.
This oven thermometer has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation and can safely be used both at home and in a commercial setting.
Pros
- High accuracy range between 100 degrees to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
- Extra-large dial with colorful readings make it easier to decipher
- Made from stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance
- The thermometer is designed to stand on its own or hang on a rack
Cons
- It’s trippy if you make it stand on its own
Smart Meat Thermometer
This 165 feet long-ranged, Meater Plus thermometer is perfect for finding out whether your meat has cooked through, has the right consistency, and boasts the desired color/doneness. It is the first-ever completely wire-free model that is just right for outdoor cooking. What is so interesting about this thermometer is that it comes connected to a smartphone app. All you need to do is download the free app and figure out all the details/grilling instructions, right on your phone!
Pros
- Perfect for people looking for a digital, smart thermometer
- Gets connected to the app through bluetooth
- Comes with 2 sensors and 1 probe for accurate temperature measurements
- Features estimator algorithm for cook and resting time of food
Cons
- The bluetooth range can be a hassle
- It has a maximum temperature range of around 527 degrees which isn’t enough for direct cooking
Best Digital Choice
One of the most trusted brands, the ThermoPro TP-16 digital thermometer, is made from stainless steel that is guaranteed to last you a long time. Featuring USDA preset temperature settings, this design allows you to cook your favorite meals without having to constantly keep your eye on the clock! It is easy to use and can stand on its own and you may even connect it to the outside of the oven. You can easily store the thermometer right where you can see it because it comes with a magnetic back and can be attached to the refrigerator or any metal surface in the kitchen.
Pros
- Features preset temperatures for meat that are approved by USDA
- Comes with timer mode for countdown for up to 99 hours, 59 minutes
- It’s very easy to use and gives accurate temperatures of cooking as well as cooked food
- Can be easily stored/attached to your refrigerator when not in use
Cons
- You have to tap the button over and again while adjusting the temperature settings
- There’s no way to shut the alarm off when the temperature is reached (except turning the unit off)
Warranty-Backed Choice
One of the most precise oven thermometers available online is the KT Thermo 3 Oven Thermometer. It has been NSF-approved for electric ovens and can show temperatures ranging from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily hang it on the wire rack for better visibility and reading. The high-quality design is made from stainless steel so you may rest assured that it won’t end up melted away. Lastly, this thermometer comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty – the manufacturer’s trust in the product will keep your mind at peace.
Pros
- Displays very precise temperatures from 100 degrees to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
- Made from high-quality stainless steel that lasts a long time
- Features a stand base for ease of use and readability
Cons
- Can be very difficult to remove from the oven as it gets heated easily
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Perfect Thermometer for Your Cooking
Having a thermometer in your kitchen is necessary if you have a tongue for new tastes and a mastermind to bring those tastes to life.
While most of our ovens come with their default thermometers, it’s necessary that you get hands on an external thermometer – not only can you place them in your ovens but you may also use them for when you’re grilling or cooking your meat at a low flame.
Plus, you may look up thousands of dishes on the internet and bring them to life if you’ve got the perfect temperature gauge by your side.
Now that we’ve hooked you up with some quality thermometers, here’s a section that’ll shed light on all the factors that make the bests stand out from the rest. Let’s get started!
Do I Need an Oven Thermometer?
Yes, a thousand times yes! Why? Because they make life easier and cooking better!
Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a polished professional, there is no reason an oven thermometer isn’t going to cause ease for your cooking and baking schedules.
The thing about ovens is that their thermostats seem to get damaged pretty fast. Hence the need for an oven thermometer. If your temperature isn’t working as it should, chances are, your cake will not rise as it should, your meat will remain underdone, and your dinner party will most likely be ruined.
You may use external oven thermometers to avoid this – they will help you in gauging just the right temperature setting.
You won’t have to opt for trial and error with the time and temperature. You will know exactly when to put in the puff pastries when they turn golden and when is the right time to take them out. The best part is that there will be no fear of burning the house down because you will have a know-how of the inside temperatures, right in front of you!
Choosing a Reliable Oven Thermometer – What You Need to Know
When purchasing an oven thermometer, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind for a seamless purchase. The most important ones include the following:
Accuracy
There is no point of having an oven thermometer that does not show the correct readings, is there? This is why the first most important thing you need to look out for is the accuracy of readings. You can test the thermometer once it arrives by checking it against the boiling point of water. Another way to get an accurate thermometer is by reading all the reviews before you make your purchase.
Range
Another very important thing is the range of temperature that the thermometer is going to tolerate. Most thermometers offer temperatures ranging from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
So if you need higher temperatures, make sure to buy accordingly.
For your personal convenience and to avoid the drudgery of converting Celsius into Fahrenheit and vice versa – make sure you get a thermometer that has dials for both units!Placement
For placements, there are only two options, a self-stand or hanging the thermometer on the rack. Most thermometers come with an option to hang. If you are someone who prefers keeping the device close to your food for the most accurate readings, then you will need to purchase a thermometer that doesn’t need any support. There is also a variety that needs to be hung outside the grill or oven, so make sure you’re getting your hands on the right product.
Dial face
The dial face is where you can read the temperature. If the dial face is too small and the numbers placed too close together, you cannot tell what the readings are without opening the oven and taking the thermometer out.
This will not only disrupt the cooking time but may also create a minor disaster in your baking plans. It is best to opt for a large dial thermometer with numbers clearly written on it for better readability. Having color-coded numbers is even better.
People Also Asked
How should I calibrate an oven thermometer?
If you have never used an oven thermometer before, you need to understand that it has to be calibrated before being used for the actual baking. This is important because it helps in attaining consistent cooking. To calibrate the thermometer, place it in a cold oven and then preheat to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the preheating is done, check the oven readings and the ones on the thermometer. Record the difference and then repeat the process five times, increasing the temperature by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you have the results, add them and divide by six. This will give you the temperature your oven varies at.
How do I use an oven thermometer?
To use an oven thermometer accurately, you need to place it in a cold oven. This way, it will show you the exact readings your oven is at. Place the thermometer in the oven and preheat to desired settings. Once done, you can place it in your baking dish without taking out the thermometer and let it cook till your thermometer shows the temperature needed for the complete cooking of your food. Be sure to continue checking periodically.
Can an oven thermometer be used in a grill?
Yes, you can use a thermometer in the grill, but be sure to adjust the heat. A grill shouldn't exceed 550-600 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the thermometer may end up damaged.
How long can I leave an oven thermometer in a working oven?
As concerning as it may sound, this is something you won’t have to worry about. You can leave the thermometer for as long as needed in the oven because these products are made of durable materials, designed to tolerate high temperatures.
