Best Smoker Thermometers: Full 2021 Buyer’s Guide With Top Products

Grillingwizard is supported by its readers. If you buy through our links we may earn an affiliate commision. Learn more.

Cooking

Are you searching for a way to smoke your meat to perfection? Preparing meat in a smoker can be a challenge if you’re not using the best smoker thermometers. This is because precise temperature control is essential. If you don’t closely monitor the temperature, then you could end up with under or overcooked meat.

Smoker thermometers are designed to make your job much easier. If the smoker you’ve purchased doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer, or the thermometer it does come with is not very accurate, then you can purchase a new thermometer, one with a high accuracy rating that’s easy to use. I’ve tested several models of thermometers and found six of the most popular models on the market, each of which scored well in terms of accuracy and ease of use. I’ve also created a buyer’s guide that will go over the features each model has to offer and how it rated, so you can determine which model will work the best for you and your smoking needs.

Smoker Thermometers Comparison Chart

ProductProbesTemperature
Range
AlarmRating
Weber iGrill Thermometer
Shop On Amazon!
422°F (-30°C)
to 572°F
No
Inkbird IBT-2X Thermometer
Shop On Amazon!
232° F ~ 572 ° FYes
NutriChef Smoker Thermometer
Shop On Amazon!
632 F-482FYes
Inteli-Topia Smoker Thermometer
Shop On Amazon!
20-500℃ / 932°FYes
DOZYANT 3 1/8 Inch Gauge
Shop On Amazon!
1100F to 550FNo
Meamaster Meat Thermometer
Shop On Amazon!
1-50°C to 300°C /
-58°F to 572°F
No

Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer


Our Rating: (5/5)

This model features a four-probe capacity, although only two probes are included. These probes are heat-resistant up to seven hundred and sixteen degrees. The large LED display allows you to easily see the reading in any type of lighting condition. This model comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated app that you can use to keep a close eye on the temperature of the meat as you complete tasks around the home. The fact that you don’t have to constantly manually check the temperature is a huge selling point for many buyers. To keep track of the temperature, you’ll download the iGrill app that’s compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The thermometer also features a two hundred-hour battery life and preset temperatures.

Pros

  • Dedicated app
  • Preset temperatures
  • Four probes
  • LED display

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Conclusion

This model comes with a weber iGrill app for iOS and Android devices, temperature monitoring, preset temperatures, a low maintenance design, and a high user rating for its accurate and fast readings. This is one thermometer that you’ll want to keep on hand whether you’re smoking or grilling.

Inkbird IBT-2X Digital BBQ Grill Bluetooth Smoker Thermometer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Inkbird one hundred and fifty feet remote smoker thermometer comes with an app that you can download on your tablet or smartphone and keep track of your meat as it smokes. This model offers continuous monitoring with a temperature range of thirty-two to five hundred and seventy-two degrees. This is a multifunctional model that allows you to customize preset temperatures and set a temperature alarm. The alarm is a great extra feature that will alert you once your meat has achieved the correct temperature. The count down timer is perfect for meals you’ve cooked several times before and know the precise temperature and cooking length it requires in order to be smoked to perfection.

Pros

  • Alarm
  • App
  • Preset temperatures
  • Count down timer

Cons

  • App freezes often

Conclusion

This model comes with two meat probes, one meat clip and some great extra features such as customizable preset temperatures, an alarm, and a count down timer. This feature-packed thermometer is highly customizable, low maintenance, and has a reputation for providing speedy, accurate readings. This model will ensure your food is smoked correctly, so you’ll never have to deal with undercooked or overcooked meat again.

NutriChef Smoker Thermometer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The thermometer features heavy-duty stainless steel metal probes that are inserted into the meat for the entire duration of the smoking process. The probes are able to handle temperatures up to four hundred and eighty-two degrees. The stainless steel cables can withstand temperatures up to seven hundred and sixteen degrees. This model features a range of one hundred feet using the dedicated smartphone app complete with push notifications. However, you must remain within the Bluetooth range. The smartphone alarm will go off when the thermometer’s sensors detect that the meat has reached the desired temperature. While competing models typically come with two to four probes, this model comes with six. This set only comes with two probes, but you can order additional probes directly from the manufacturer. Other features include the ability to save cooking presets and receive multi -alerts. The large backlit digital display allows you to clearly view the temperature readings or you can cycle to the cooker timer progress.

Pros

  • Alarm
  • Cooking presets
  • Six probe capability
  • Bluetooth capable
  • App

Cons

  • Only comes with two probes

Conclusion

This is a feature-packed thermometer that comes with all the bells and whistles the smoking enthusiast could want, including the ability to save cooking presets, alarms, a dedicated app, and the ability to use up to six probes. The large display allows you to easily view the cooking progress and current temperature, so you can keep a close eye on your meat as you take care of chores around the home or focus on preparing other dishes.

Inteli-Topia Smoker Thermometer


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is a two in one Bluetooth waterproof smoker thermometer that will allow you to closely monitor your meat as it smokes, via the dedicated app. You will get up to date temperature readings via Bluetooth connectivity within a one hundred and fifty-foot range. The included monitoring probe will provide you with an accurate temperature reading and includes a couple of different color-marked stainless probes that give you the ability to monitor the temperature for two different types of foods at once. The cable is made out of braided metal, compete with a Teflon core that’s able to withstand temperatures up to seven hundred and sixteen degrees. This model also comes with preset temperature options, in addition to cooking levels for eleven different types of foods.

Cooks can set a low and high temperature range, setting the timer or they can manually customize the temperature. Once the time is up, the thermometer will flash and beep. This is a great foolproof way to prevent undercooking or overcooking your food. The included app features a camera function so you can monitor the temperature for the food cooking and save the cooked food temperature profile via your app, for future reference.

Pros

  • Preset temperature options
  • Easy to use
  • Save cooking levels for eighteen different types of foods
  • Bluetooth capability
  • Dedicated app

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Conclusion

This wireless smoker thermometer is very easy to install and use and is designed to monitor the temperatures of two different foods that are cooking simultaneously. The included app allows you to customize the thermometer’s settings saving cooking profiles, which will make it easier the next time you smoke the same meat. Overall, this is one of the most tech-heavy, yet easiest thermometers to use on the market.

DOZYANT 3 1/8 Inch Barbecue Charcoal Grill Smoker


Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This smoker thermometer is made out of stainless steel and offers a reliable, highly accurate performance. This model can read temperatures that range from one hundred degrees up to five hundred and fifty degrees. The large face of the thermometer allows you to clearly view the temperature in real-time, and features a stem that’s three inches longer than competing models. The surface of the thermometer is waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about it fogging up.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Accurate
  • Made with no-fog glass
  • Low price

Cons

  • Comes with a single probe
  • No alarm
  • No app

Conclusion

This is a very basic smoker thermometer, but if you don’t care about any fancy extras such as an app or alarms, then the models’ reputation for accuracy and ease of use will be enough. Reasonably priced, beginner-friendly and designed with high-quality materials that make it one of the most durable smoker thermometers on the market, this model will give you the most bang for your buck.

Meatmaster Meat Thermometer


Our Rating: (4/5)

This thermometer has a reputation for producing accurate and faster than average reading times at just three seconds, which is pretty impressive. This model is very easy to use and comes with an automatic on and off function that will switch the thermometer off once the sensors detect a lack of activity. The large LCD screen allows you to easily see the temperature readings, even in low light conditions. The thermometer features a durable, waterproof design and is made out of tough ABS plastic with a probe that’s made out of stainless steel. The magnet on the back will allow you to stick it to the side of the smoker or fridge, when not in use. It also comes with a built-in bottle opener, which is a nice touch that many smoking enthusiasts will appreciate. This thermometer isn’t just for smoking, it can be used for baking, grilling, wine-making, beer brewing, and more.

Pros

  • Two-year warranty
  • Waterproof design
  • Three second reading time
  • Built-in bottle opener

Cons

  • Only comes with one probe
  • No alarm

Conclusion

This is a handy multi-functional thermometer that also acts as a bottle opener and comes with a magnet located on the back so you can store it somewhere that allows it to remain highly accessible. The faster than average reading time, durable design and the fact that its waterproof makes this one of the best thermometers in this price bracket and definitely a model that you’ll want to purchase if you find yourself in need of a versatile thermometer that can be used for other types of cooking such as baking or grilling.

Smoker Thermometers Buyer’s Guide

The best meats to smoke must remain at a certain internal temperature in order to avoid overcooking or undercooking the meat.

A smoker thermometer may not seem like a big deal, but using one of these devices can actually have a huge impact on the quality of your food and how well it turns out. if you’ve been using your smoker for years and have noticed that your ribs are no longer fall off the bone tender, and instead they taste dry, rubbery, and overcooked, then the built-in meat thermometer on your smoker may no longer be working or it’s not as accurate as it was when you first purchased your smoker. Many smoker users recommend purchasing this type of thermometer, even if the model on their smoker seems to still be working. This will allow you to determine how accurate the thermometer on your smoker really is and can clue you into why the foods you’ve been smoking lately have not turned out that great.

Many of the leading models on the market are very easy to use, are low maintenance, and feature display screens that are highly visible.

Most smoker thermometers will feature a couple of probes. However, if you plan on cooking several different types of meats at the same time, then you may need a model that comes with more than the standard two or three probes. This allows you to closely monitor the individual temperature of each food. Probes should have a length that allows it to reach the center of a thick slab of meat. If it falls short, then the reading may not be accurate.

Accuracy

Most people aren’t aware that the built-in thermometer on their smoker is no longer accurate, until their starts coming out overcooked. These portable smoker thermometers are highly accurate and can be calibrated annually to ensure they stay that way.

The fact that a thermometer must be highly accurate to be useful is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, it’s common to find models that are off by as many as three degrees. Even this slight lack in accuracy can make the thermometer unusable. If you know how to smoke ribs, then you’re also aware of how easy it can be to overcook them, which is why you must constantly monitor the temperature. Using a portable smoker thermometer will be important, even if you have a built-in thermometer or your smoker since these portable models can be calibrated and built-in thermometers cannot.

Result Time

One of the biggest factors that can have an impact on the accuracy of a thermometer’s results is how quickly a reading registers. You’ll need to choose a model that can provide results in real-time. If the results arrive a couple of minutes too late, this can cause you to cook your food a few minutes longer than needed. Many of the models on my list have a reading time of under five seconds, so you’ll receive a temperature reading right away.

Durable Design

The thermometer you choose should feature a durable design. Be sure that each component on the thermometer is durable, including any connecting cables and the probe. The durability of a thermometer is usually reflected by a warranty.

Beginner-Friendly

barbecue

If you’re new to smoking or grilling, or you’ve never used a meat thermometer before, then finding one that’s easy to use and read is a must. These devices are designed to make your life easier. Because of this, they should be easy to read, use, and clean. The model you choose should have a large display, with a reading that’s highly visible.

Tech-Heavy

Some models come loaded with some pretty tech-heavy features such as special timers, remote connectivity, and preset features. Models that come equipped with an alarm can be very useful to the cook who is in the middle of preparing more than one dish.

Alarm

These alarms are really handy to have since you may forget to pull the meat out of the smoker if you’re in the middle of cooking another dish, taking care of the kids, or trying to prepare for guests. To use, all you have to do is set the length of the timer, which will remind you to check the temperature of the food or pull it out.

Wireless

While a wireless model is not for everyone, it’s a great buy for those cooks who love their techy gadgets. These wireless models will allow you to get work done around the home, without babysitting the smoker to constantly check the temperature of the meat. A signal is sent from the thermometer to a receiver, which you’ll carry around. This capability is often found on higher priced models.

Apps

Some models will allow you to download a brand-specific app for your tablet or smartphone, which will allow you to keep an eye on the meat’s temperature.

Automatic Shutoff

If you don’t use the thermometer for a certain amount of time, the device will shut down automatically in order to conserve battery life.

Backlighting

A digital thermometer with a backlit display will allow you to read the display in low light settings.

Celsius and Fahrenheit

Many models will allow you to change the display from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.

Logs

Some models can remember past readings and will allow you to create a log over time so you can recall past temperatures and take a mental note of how the food turned out.

Minimum and Maximum Temperature Range

The maximum and minimum temperature a thermometer is capable of reading can vary. Be sure to take a look at this spec for each model you’re interested in, before you hit that buy now button. Always make sure you stay within the minimum and maximum temperature range since going over or under can severely damage the thermometer.

Warranty

Even the leading models will have issues with the probes from time to time. Because of this, many manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty on the probes, which will give cooks every reason to buy.

Maintenance

Most models are very low maintenance. It’s important to keep the tips of the thermometers clean since carbon may build up on the tip of the probe, insulating the sensor, which will cause a false reading. In order to clean the probe correctly, make sure you use a soapy sponge, cleaning by the number one near the tip because the sensor is often within the lower ¼ mark. You don’t have to clean the probes after every use, just keep in mind that carbon build-up can be a problem.

It’s always smart to order some extra probes and keep them on hand since probes are prone to failing. Most replacement probes are very cheap.

Calibrating a Smoker Thermometer

As soon as you buy a new thermometer, make sure you check it’s accuracy before you use it for your next smoke out. After this point, you will only need to calibrate it once a year, unless you drop it. Make sure you check how accurate the thermometer’s reading is with ice water and boiling water.

For boiling water, you’ll insert the probe of the thermometer into the pot of boiling water. The display should register a temperature of two hundred and twelve degrees. It doesn’t have to be this exact temperature since air pressure can cause the reading to vary slightly.

For the ice water test, you’ll fill a glass with ice and add cold water. Allow the water to sit for a minute, then insert the probe. Make sure that the tip of the probe isn’t making direct contact with the ice or resting below the ice. The temperature should register as thirty-two degrees.

Final Thoughts

The best smoker thermometers will be easy to use, read, and maintain. These handy devices can be a lifesaver when you’re working around the home and trying to prepare a huge dinner for your arriving guests. But they can also allow you to cook your favorite foods to perfection, thanks to accurate readings and a device that’s easy to use. The top six models that made it onto my must-have list each have what it takes to help even the new smoker user turn out a perfectly cooked piece of meat. I’m confident that you’ll find the right model for you in the product recommendation section. However, if you want to continue your search elsewhere, then my buyer’s guide will put you on the right path to finding a model that comes loaded with all the right features you need to smoke your meat to perfection.