There are many things that a chef, professional or otherwise, needs to keep in mind while in the kitchen. Chief among them is the temperature of whatever’s being cooked. The easiest and most accurate way to monitor this with a digital thermometer.
Traditional thermometers may work well enough, but they can never touch a digital thermometer in terms of accuracy. That’s because a good digital thermometer, whether it be of the stick-in or non-contact variety, will tell you the exact temperature of what you’re cooking down to the degree, with most models even more exact than that. And since all of the devices serve the same function, things you’ll want to consider when picking one out include design, weight and power source.
If you’re cooking lots of meats, which have to reach a certain temperature during the cooking process, then a digital thermometer is a must. Here are four of the best on Amazon.
1. Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
Not only are digital thermometers more accurate than analog models, they also tend to be much quicker. And few are as fast as Lavatool’s model. The brand’s no-frills, stick-in thermometer will provide accurate readings in as little as one to three seconds, making it perfect for the impatient cook. But the device isn’t just fast, it also has a touch pad and a backlit display that can be read from any angle. Add in water resistance and its hard to think of anything more you could want.
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2. Gaisten 2-in-1 Meat Thermometer
A must-have for avid carnivores, Gaisten’s thermometer gives you more than one way to check the temp of your meat. The two-in-one design features an internal probe that you can stick into a steak, as well as a long external wire probe that you can actually put inside the oven, grill or smoker to monitor the temperature of the meat while cooking. Furthermore, the device’s top-quality sensor will get you a 99.99 percent accurate reading in as little as two to four seconds. That’s nearly quicker than it takes to say, “bon appétit.” The temperature also has an alarm, so you don’t have to check the temp constantly.
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3. Etekcity Lasergrip Digital Thermometer
If you’re in the market for a no-contact infrared thermometer, then look no further than Etekcity’s device. This digital thermometer uses a laser to deliver near instantaneous temperature readings. These readings—which can range from -58℉ to 1022℉/ -50℃ to 550℃—are accurate from as far as 14.7 inches away, making it useful in all manner of situations. One thing to keep in mind: It requires a 9V DC battery, unlike other options on this list.
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4. CDN Waterproof Thermometer
The only issue with cooking thermometers is that they require you get up close and personal with what you’re cooking. But thanks to the extra-long stem on CDN’s device, you won’t have to worry about accidentally burning yourself. Temperatures are displayed within six seconds on an easy-to-read display. And while the waterproof thermometer works well with both meat and poultry, its long stem also makes it ideal for at-home beer brewers.
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