Choosing the best grill is essential, and there are countless choices. Whether you want a smoker, grill, or a combination, most of them include built-in thermometers on the lid. However, this is only there to tell you what the temperature is inside the grill. It doesn’t show you if the meat is done. For that, you need a grill thermometer.
Generally, you can find tons of options online, but which one is the best for you? The answer depends on many things. For example, you want the wireless smoker thermometer to have a 1-year warranty, at least. Many people want to use the app and their smartphones. Make sure the thermometer comes with Bluetooth if that’s your ultimate goal!
Instead of the 6 best grill thermometers on the market, we wanted to give you a total of 10 to consider. That way, you have more options available and can make a better choice. While everyone is raving about the Thermapen MK4, it’s actually impossible to find anywhere other than from the ThermoWorks website. We like these instant-read thermometers, but if no one can find it, what’s the use of including it? That’s why you aren’t going to see it in our list. We wanted it to be easy to find these thermometers. Let’s get started!
Short on Time? Here Are Our Top 3!
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Best Overall
Bfour Wireless Grill Thermometer Best Budget
Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller Best High-end
Buyer’s Guide
Most grills try to give you everything you need to cook your food properly. However, if the grills do include meat probes, they often aren’t the best. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a thermometer with a probe.
Temperature Reading Accuracy
You want the thermometer to produce accurate readings. If it doesn’t, the device is quite useless. Though you may like the idea of a perfect thermometer, none of them are. The models we listed hover right around the 1-degree mark, so it is likely to be 1 degree too high or low. Though that might seem like a lot to you, it’s actually highly accurate, seeing as the device is sending almost-live data wirelessly to your smartphone.
Regardless of the model or brand you choose, it needs to have a low variance for readings. That ensures that the food cooks properly and is the one thing you require to have the best thermometer.
Temperature Range Capabilities
The next factor you’ve got to consider is the temperature range that the probe can withstand and read. Many of the models we looked at have similar temperature ranges between 32 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some of the probe products can handle 700 or more degrees.
Though you’re unlikely to reach the upper temperature limits when cooking your food, some models could have lower heat thresholds. Low-range options could work for your needs, but they’re sure to be much weaker.
Multi-Probe Capabilities
One more thing to consider is the probe aspect. You want a wireless thermometer to be the best, and that requires it to have the best performance ability. This is significantly determined by how many probes the thermometer supports simultaneously.
As you’ve seen in the reviews above, there are various probe slots that come with each thermometer. They range from two to six. The grill thermometers that support more probes at one time are ideal for large meals or when you entertain.
For example, a grill thermometer that supports six probes at one time ensures that you can cook six food items at once without standing right there by the grill. While more doesn’t always equal better, in this case, it doesn’t hurt.
You’ve also got to consider the grills you’ve chosen. Some grills are small and portable, so they can only cook small portions of food. This means you don’t need as many probes. Grills with a large cooking capacity may require you to buy a meat thermometer that has more probe options.
Warranty
Every thermometer comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. This shows that the grill thermometer is designed to work for that long, and if something goes wrong, you can return it and have it fixed or get a new thermometer. Most manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty.
back to menu ↑Tips for Selecting the Best Smoker Thermometer
We’ve come up with some tips to help you choose the best meat thermometer for smokers and grills:
Consider a Higher Signal Range
Wireless thermometers should have higher signal ranges because they’re the best. Some app-based models only have a range of about 100 feet inside. This might be enough if you sit close to the grill. However, if you’re in the basement or farther away, you may have trouble when you try to read the app.
We also talked about models that use the thermometer-to-receiver option. They have a longer range of up to 500 feet. You might not always need that much, but it is convenient when you want to read the meat’s temperature and aren’t by the grill.
Understand the Downsides for App-Based Thermometers
App-based thermometers are useful and helpful. When you’re smoking or grilling food on the property, the app-based feature should help you do the job. However, app-based grill thermometers can have a low signal range.
Many of the models can connect to Bluetooth and wirelessly. The Bluetooth could be spotty, based on your property and location. Also, you’ve got to install more software on the smartphone. For most people, these are minor concerns and not an issue. However, you should be aware of them when choosing a thermometer for your grills.
Choose High Preset Models for More Versatility
Our final tip when choosing the best thermometer is to choose models with multiple presets. Some of the models we reviewed utilize recommended cooking levels based on the USDA specifications. You can read the manual to find out how long to cook your food.
This helps you cook the food properly and reduces your burden. Though you want to customize the timing and temperature settings, presets make it more simple to cook your food.
back to menu ↑Comparison Table
| Grill Thermometers | Distance | Weight | Power | Review |
| ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer | up to 300 feet | 1 pound | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Bfour Wireless Grill Thermometer | 196 feet outside or 100 feet inside | 14.1 ounces | Batteries required | Check Price |
| Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller | Up to 150 feet inside or 300 feet outside | 2.87 pounds | Electrically powered | Check Price |
| Weber iGrill 2 Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer | Up to 150 feet | 8 ounces | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Nutrichef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer | 200 feet outside or 100 feet inside | 3.68 ounces | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Oprol Bluetooth Meat Thermometer | 196 feet outside or 100 feet inside | 1.3 pounds | Batteries required and not included | Check Price |
| Inkbird IBT-4XS Thermometer | Up to 150 feet | 12.8 pounds | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Adrenaline Barbecue Company Maverick XR-50 Extended Range Digital Meat Thermometer | Up to 500 feet | 1.19 pounds | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Conor Wireless Remote Digital Meat Thermometer | Up to 300 feet | 12 ounces | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
| Veken BBQ Wireless Meat Grill Thermometer | Up to 490 feet | 1.1 pounds | Batteries required and included | Check Price |
The 10 Best Grill Thermometers for 2020
1. ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer – Best Overall
To start off with the best thermometers, we are going to talk about the TP20 from ThermoPro. It is a strong thermometer and has two probes. You’re going to like the nine presets for various types of meat, which helps you figure out how long to cook the meat.
The large LCD helps you read the numbers easily while you BBQ, as well. Plus, there’s a sectioned space so that you can read the information for both of the two probes at once. We like the stainless steel food-grade probes because they’re safe to use for cooking.
This wireless digital thermometer has a wide temperature range of between 32 to 572 degrees. The accuracy of the temperature reading is about 1.8 degrees one way or the other.
You don’t have to sync this thermometer, so the setup is hassle-free. Plus, the receiver beeps and flashes when the meat is in the right temperature range based on the programmed option.
2. Bfour Wireless Grill Thermometer – Best Budget
The Bfour Bluetooth Thermometer might be the best instant-read thermometer out there, and it comes at a low price. We like that there are four probes, and they’re all made of stainless steel. This could be the best smoker thermometer available because of the large LCD. Plus, you can download the app and check it while in the house doing other things. That way, the smoker can be cooking while you do other things.
3. Flame Boss 500-WiFi Smoker Controller – Best High-end
The next smoker temperature controller also features a wireless remote and is quite unique. Most of the other models are used in a smoker, oven, or grill, but this one is the best smoker Bluetooth thermometer. It can also be used in a charcoal grill.
It connects with an app or browser, so you can have full control over the cooking process. You’re going to like that it can monitor three meat probes at once and doesn’t need Y-cables. However, there is one high temperature probe included. You can buy other probes separately.
Once the pit temperature is reached, it can automatically turn it down to ensure that the meat doesn’t get overcooked. This could be the best wireless thermometer because it’s easy to use and is ideal for a smoker or charcoal grill.
4. Weber iGrill 2 Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer – Best Bluetooth
If you want the best wireless meat thermometer, the Weber iGrill 2 BBQ Thermometer could be the right choice for you. It features the Bluetooth meat thermometer device, which then connects to the probes. You get two probes with the iGrill 2 BBQ Thermometer and can control the device with your phone, computer, or from the grill itself.
5. Nutrichef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer – Best Outdoor Range
If you want a Bluetooth thermometer for BBQ cooking, the Nutrichef might be ideal. It’s quite similar to the Weber model we just covered because it connects to your phone with an app instead of using a receiver device. It can support six different probes at once, though it only comes with two. On top of that, you don’t have to own a specific grill or smoker to utilize it effectively.
6. Oprol Bluetooth Meat Thermometer
Another Bluetooth thermometer comes from the Oprol brand. This model is actually identical to the Nutrichef one in form and function. We like that you can use the EasyBBQ app to connect it to your smartphone. There is one difference between this and the other models. The probes are all color-coded to help you track things easily.
7. Inkbird IBT-4XS Thermometer
Everyone seems to like the Inkbird brand of thermometer because it’s app-based and also features a rechargeable battery, which is built into the thermometer. You aren’t going to have to change it for a long time. You’re going to appreciate that this thermometer magnetically attaches to the grill or smoker, and you can connect to it with your smartphone, even if you’re in the house.
8. Adrenaline Barbecue Company Maverick XR-50 Extended Range Digital Meat Thermometer
Our next model is a long-range wireless thermometer from Adrenaline Barbecue Company. The Maverick XR-50 has a range of well over 500 feet. Even though it’s a receiver model and doesn’t use Bluetooth, it can support four different probes, as well.
9. Conor Wireless Remote Digital Meat Thermometer
If you want wireless remote digital cooking, the Conor brand has what you need. The dual-probe feature helps you determine the internal temperature of two meat options at once. It’s similar to the ThermoPro model, but it has a farther-reaching signal range. We think you’re going to like the receiver remote so that you can watch the temperature from afar.
10. Veken BBQ Wireless Meat Grill Thermometer
Do you want a BBQ Thermometer? The Veken is a long-range wireless BBQ thermometer, and it includes four different probes to test the temperature. Plus, we like the signal range of 490 feet.
FAQs
What Is a Grill Thermometer?
A grill thermometer can help you check the internal temperature of various food items to make sure that they are cooked thoroughly and safely. The government has food guides with recommendations of how long to heat multiple meats. These recommendations help you serve fully-cooked food while maintaining the delicious flavor of the meat.
Generally, the grill thermometer features a pointed tip, which you insert into the food. The temperature flashes on the screen, and you can determine if it is at the right doneness for your preferences.
Why Is It Important to Use a Meat Thermometer?
One thing most homeowners fear is serving undercooked meat to their families. Chicken and other poultry are notorious for giving food poisoning if they aren’t cooked right. Though you may wonder if a grill thermometer is necessary, you should be aware that they are. They can prevent illnesses from raw or undercooked meat. It contains bacteria that can cause nausea, upset stomach, fever, and other symptoms.
Newer grills often come with a built-in thermometer, but that is to tell you the temperature inside the grill, not your food’s temperature. Smoker thermometers can also ensure that you don’t overcook the meat.
Meat thermometers can be used on all types of grills. For example, your charcoal grill needs one so that the BBQ meat is cooked properly. The best BBQ thermometers are those that work on a range of grills. That way, you don’t have to worry when cooking food. Meat thermometer products can help you grill to perfection.
Even if you’re not cooking the meat, you can use the grill thermometer to make sure leftovers are warmed up sufficiently without taking on a tough or rubbery taste.
How Do You Use a Wireless Meat Thermometer?
It’s best to know how to utilize the grill thermometer. You’re going to find that it’s straightforward, but these tips can provide you with the most flavorful and best results:
- When cooking, consider the recommended temperature for the meat you’re preparing. Aim to approximately 5 degrees less than that because once you remove the food from the heat source, it continues to cook for a bit.
- Make sure you insert your grill thermometer into the thick part of the meat, and don’t let the probe touch the bone because that can give you an inaccurate reading.
- Clean the thermometer based on the instructions from the manufacturer. That way, you make sure it’s ready to go the next time and still can produce an accurate reading.
Typically, you’re going to use wireless digital meat thermometers, so you need to install the app and turn on the Bluetooth or have the phone connected to the wireless in the home. Go to the app, and then you can get notifications about the progress of your cooking.
How Do You Keep Your New Smoker Thermometer in Good Condition?
Some people find that their thermometer probes fall off with a few uses. This shouldn’t happen, and the best way to avoid this issue is to make sure you’re purchasing a high-quality thermometer. The ones on our guide aren’t going to have this problem.
You’ve also got to ensure that you don’t immerse the probe into water when you wash it. This can cause the thermometer to malfunction when you need it most. Just get a paper towel to wipe it off and the cord. If it has a mess on it, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it clean.
It’s also important to store the probe properly. One thing is to keep all the parts together. Some thermometer options have long cords. Wrap them around the probe loosely and utilize a zip tie or something similar to keep them together. You’re going to like this tip so that the cords don’t get frayed in the cabinet.
What’s the Difference Between the Grill and Dome Temperatures?
The best BBQ thermometers help with your cooking. Though the grill you own might have a dome thermometer on the lid, don’t use it. Even top-of-the-line grills don’t have an accurate thermometer. Plus, those dials are designed to measure air space temperature within the grill and not the food you’re cooking.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
Instead of the 6 best grill thermometer options, we decided to talk about the best 10 products. That way, you’ve got more things to consider and can choose something that fits your needs well. Typically, we like the wireless meat thermometer called the Thermapen MK4, but it is incredibly hard to find anywhere. Therefore, we didn’t include it on our list. Still, you can find a great smoker thermometer from the ones shown here. That way, you’ve got everything you need to for cooking meat thoroughly and to the right temperature.
We’ve focused on so many aspects of the wireless meat thermometer so that you know what features you need. They all offer a fairly accurate temperature range and temperature reading. Any of these thermometers are going to be the best, making it easy to choose the right one for your grill.
