If you’re cooking on the stove or in the oven, then using a standard instant-read thermometer will work just fine, but when you’re grilling or smoking meat, you need to use the best wireless meat thermometers. When you cook outside, you have a lot to deal with including heat, bugs, and temperatures that seem to fluctuate constantly. Because of this, you need a thermometer that’s highly accurate and one that will keep you informed of the changing temperatures, whether you’re cooking other dishes inside the house or getting the yard ready for a barbecue.
Since there are so many models of wireless thermometers to choose from, finding one that earned a high accuracy rating, and a model that’s simple and easy to use may seem a little challenging. That’s where I come in. I’ve created an extensive buyer’s guide that will tell you exactly what features to look for, how these thermometers work, and which top models on the market scored well in a variety of areas. I’ve tested many of the leading models and have narrowed it down to the best six, each of which offers a reliable and powerful performance. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that lists each of these models, their best features, and how they rated.
Wireless Meat Thermometers Comparison Chart
| Product | App or Receiver | Range | Probe Count | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ThermoPro TP20 Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | Receiver | 300 FT | 2 | |
ThermoPro TP22 Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | Receiver | 300 FT | 2 | |
MEATER+165ft Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | App | 165 FT | 1 | |
Soraken Meat Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | App | 100-170FT | 4 | |
Morpilot Wireless Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | App | 160 FT | 4 | |
NutriChef Smart Thermometer  Shop On Amazon! | App | 100-200FT | 2 |
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital
Our Rating:
This wireless meat thermometer from ThermoPro comes with a three-year product warranty, which covers probe replacement, or the thermometer itself. This model comes with two probes and has a range of three hundred feet, which allows you to get work done around the home or yard, without the need for frequently checking on the meat’s temperature. The large backlit LCD display is very easy to read, even in low light conditions. This model comes with temperature presets for nine different types of meat, basing their doneness on recommendations by the USDA. The probe is made out of stainless steel and comes with a step-down tip design that will measure the temperature more accurately and quickly. The probe wires are able to withstand temperatures up to seven hundred and sixteen degrees.
Pros
- Nine temperature presets
- Three hundred foot range
- Backlit display
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Receiver can easily lose connection
Conclusion
This model earned high ratings for its fast temperature readings, ease of use, and accuracy. The dual probe design will allow you to monitor the temperature of two different pieces of meat or one piece of meat and the smoker’s or grill’s temperature. The nine presets will allow you to cook your food perfectly, based on USDA recommendations. Built tough and reasonably priced, this is an efficient, durable wireless thermometer that you can really rely on.
ThermoPro TP22 Digital Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling
Our Rating:
This dual probe wireless thermometer has a range of up to three hundred feet and comes with ten meat presets that are based on temperatures recommended by the USDA, which makes this model perfect for new grillers. The built-in timer will count down or up and is a must-have for those long slow cooks. Once the desired doneness temperature has been reached the receiver will flash and beep to alert you. The dual probe design is very durable and allows you to monitor the temperature for two different types of meat or one piece of meat and the temperature of the grill.
The probes are made out of food-grade stainless steel with a step-down tip design that works to read the temperature accurately and within seconds. The probe wires can handle temperatures up to seven hundred and sixteen degrees. Unlike many competing models, this thermometer comes with a three-year product warranty that will cover the thermometer and the probes. Should you have any issues with the thermometer’s accuracy or if one of the probes breaks, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Since probes have a reputation for being very delicate and are prone to breaking, this warranty definitely makes this thermometer worth the purchase.
Pros
- Ten temperature presets
- Three hundred foot range
- Three-year warranty
- Receiver beeps and flashes when doneness temperature is reached
Cons
- Probes break easily
Conclusion
This easy to use thermometer comes with a longer range of three hundred feet, ten built-in temperature presets, provides accurate temperature readings, and features a dual probe design that allows you to take the temperature of one piece of meat and the grill’s internal temperature, at the same time. With this thermometer, you won’t have to babysit the grill, you’ll receive accurate temperature readings in just a few seconds, and you’ll enjoy food that’s perfectly grilled or smoked, thanks to the ten built-in temperature presets. This model is perfect for those who are new to grilling or smoking and it’s available at an affordable price.
MEATER Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
Our Rating:
This is the latest wireless thermometer by Meater and it features a range of one hundred and sixty-five feet, offers a totally wire-free design and allows you to monitor the meat’s temperature via a dedicated app. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, so you can use it on your smartphone or tablet. The thermometer has a temperature range of two hundred and twelve degrees up to five hundred and twenty-seven degrees. This is a single probe style model, however, the probe is able to measure both the internal temperature of the meat and the grill’s temperature.
The guided cook system via the Meater app, will walk you through each step of the grilling process and guarantees food that’s perfectly cooked. You can use the app to monitor food temperatures, and set up custom notifications or alerts based on time or the ideal temperature.
Pros
- Dedicated app
- Easy to use
- Set up custom alerts
- Probe can measure the internal temperature of meat and grill temperature
Cons
- Single probe design
- Short wireless range
Conclusion
The included app allows you to customize your grilling experience and utilizes an advanced estimator algorithm that’s designed to estimate cook times and rest times so you can more efficiently manage your time and plan out meals. This thermometer comes with plenty of bells and whistles and includes all the features a beginner needs for a foolproof way to grill their next meal with pro results.
Soraken Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling
Our Rating:
This wireless meat thermometer works via an app that’s compatible with both Android and IOS devices. the range indoors is one hundred feet, with an outdoor range of one hundred and seventy feet. This model comes with a total of eleven grilling presets that you can manually reset. When the sensors in the thermometer have detected that the meat has reached the perfect doneness temperature, you’ll receive a notification that your food is ready. Now, you no longer have to worry about undercooked or overcooked food. This model comes with four probes, which allows you to monitor up to four pieces of meat at the same time.
Pros
- Eleven presets
- Four probe design
- Dedicated app
- Low price
Cons
- Short range
Conclusion
This model comes with a four probe design that allows you to closely monitor the temperature of four cuts of meat at the same time, which is definitely a plus for most grilling enthusiasts. The accurate readings and dedicated app will make it easy for you to cook the perfect steak, pork chops, chicken breasts, and more, which makes this model perfect for grilling enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Morpilot Wireless Meat Thermometer
Our Rating:
This four probe style wireless thermometer comes with a dedicate app, eleven preset temperatures, and offers hands-free temperature monitoring, allowing you to work around the house and closely monitor the temperature of the food at the same time. The app works via a Bluetooth connection and has a range of one hundred and sixty feet. The thermometer has a large LCD display that will show you both the grill and meat temperatures.
Pros
- LCD display
- Four probe design
- Eleven preset temperatures
- Dedicated app
Cons
- Short range
Conclusion
This model is beginner-friendly and features a dedicated app that makes keeping an eye on your meat a breeze. The four probe design can be used to monitor the temperature of the grill and a few pieces of meat or four pieces of meat total, at the same time. Accurate, beginner-friendly, and designed to last, this is a great budget buy for the grilling enthusiast that wants to ensure they cook their meat to the perfect level of doneness.
NutriChef Smart Bluetooth BBQ Grill Thermometer
Our Rating:
This wireless meat thermometer has an indoor range of one hundred feet and an outdoor range of two hundred feet. It comes with a large backlit LCD display that will allow you to clearly see the temperature readings in any type of lighting situation. Use the app to set notifications and alerts that will let you know when your meat is close to or has reached the ideal temperature.
Pros
- Large LCD display
- Dual probe design
- Stainless steel design
- Long range
Cons
- Probes break easily
- Connection is hard to maintain indoors
Conclusion
This model has issues maintaining a connection when the receiver is inside. This is due to walls and other obstacles blocking the signal. However, the receiver works well outdoors and features a two hundred foot range. Aside from connectivity issues, this model has a reputation for accuracy, ease of use, and features a dedicated app that’s highly customizable, so you can be sure you get the most out of this top of the line wireless meat thermometer.
Wireless Meat Thermometers Buyer’s Guide
If you don’t want to sit next to your grill and smoker and constantly check the temperature of the meat, then a wireless thermometer can solve that problem. These devices are very accurate and simple to use.
These models come with a transmitter, two to six probes, a wireless receiver, or an app. The receiver will not always be part of the package. If the thermometer doesn’t come with a receiver, it will come with a dedicated app, which will alert you when the meat has reached the perfect temperature, or when the cooking time is up. Both the app and the receiver allow you to closely monitor the temperature of the meat from wherever you are in the home. You can also choose to set an alarm, which will go off once the temperature has been reached, which can be handy for the multitasker who is busy doing chores or cooking other dishes.
Accuracy
Of course, with any type of thermometer, accuracy will be the most important thing to look for. If a thermometer isn’t accurate, then there’s really no point in even using it. If a thermometer isn’t accurate, then you may end up with overcooked or undercooked food.
Range
If you live in a large home then you’ll need to purchase a system that offers a large range for your thermometer. Keep in mind, the range given for each thermometer is the max range, but this range can be affected by obstacles such as walls.
Probe Durability and Design
The most vulnerable part of a thermometer is the probe. Probes have a reputation for breaking easily, which is why you need to do your research and look for a model that has a high durability rating or even one that comes with extra probes in the event that one of the probes on the thermometer breaks. A single probe model will only be able to check the temperature of one food at a time. It also cannot be used to check the temperature inside the grill the same time it’s used to check the temperature of the meat. Models with more than one probe can check the ambient temperature in the grill and the meat, at the same time. Some models will come with multiple probes so you can check the temperature of several pieces of meat at the same time. The dual probe models are the most popular and affordable. However, if you often find yourself cooking more than one type of meat at a time then a model with several probes can be invaluable.
Alarm Options
You can set an alarm based on how long you want the food to cook for, set an alarm that will tell you when the meat has reached the goal temperature, or you can even set an alert that will let you know when the temperature begins to fall. Some models will also have smartphone alerts, which will come in handy for people who are constantly on their phones. Not all models will have alarms or alert options, but many of the feature-packed models will.
Temperature Range
Make sure you check a thermometer’s minimum and maximum temperature range. Should you go over the maximum range this can do serious damage to your thermometer.
How Meat Thermometers Work
As you know, it can be difficult to maintain charcoal grilling temperatures, which can make tracking the meat’s temperature even more of a challenge. That’s where a wireless thermometer comes in. Aside from allowing you to cook your meats to a safe temperature, these thermometers will get rid of all the guesswork involved. You can spend more time prepping other dishes or hanging out with the family, instead of constantly monitoring the food on the grill. These thermometers are designed to be inserted right into the meat and will tell you the interior temperature. Most models will come with two to six probes.
While your oven may allow you to set the temperature, a grill doesn’t work this way.
In most cases, you have to guess what the grill’s temperature is if it doesn’t come with a built-in thermometer. Knowing the internal temperature of the grill will allow you to fine-tune the cooking process and ensure your food comes out cooked to perfection. It’s tough enough to learn how to grill a ribeye steak, using a wireless thermometer can ensure you get the type of results you’re looking for whether you prefer meat that’s rare or well-done.
Using a thermometer can help you predict the cooking times instead of waiting around and constantly cutting into the meat to check for doneness.
Built-In Thermometers
If you have a thermometer on your smoker or grill, why can’t you just rely on that? These analog thermometers are very inaccurate and can be off by as many as sixty degrees, which is why many grilling enthusiasts will solely rely on their digital thermometer.
Additionally, the thermometer on the grill is not usually placed on the grilling surface. While the grill’s lid may read three hundred degrees, the grate is going to be at a different temperature. Digital thermometers will provide a more accurate temperature reading so you’ll know exactly what temperature the meat is cooking at and how much longer it must cook for.
Fast Reading Times
Most high-end meat thermometers can provide a reading in three to six seconds, which is much better than an analog thermometer which can take two to four minutes to report a reading in which time the meat’s temperature may already have changed.
Thermometer Placement
If you’re using one of the probes on the thermometer to keep track of the temperature inside the grill, then make sure you place it near the meat, but avoid placing it too close since the meat develops a cold bubble around it. Basically, the probe must be placed two to three inches away from the meat, at the same height and approximately one inch above the hot grate.
Some models will come with a clip that will allow you to position the probe in the perfect location. If the model you purchase doesn’t come with a clip then you can encase the probe in aluminum foil and place it directly on the grate. Avoid covering the end of the probe with foil.
If you’re inserting a probe into the meat, make sure that you take a reading from two or three different locations and be sure to place it in the thickest part of the meat. The probe should be pushed past the center of the meat. Avoid touching the bone in the meat, since this will give you a higher temperature.
Most wireless digital thermometers will come with wires that connect the display to the probe. The thermometer’s display will rest outside the smoker or grill while the probes work to register the heat inside. The probes can be left in the meat, with the smoker’s door shut or the grill’s lid closed, as you continue to monitor the cooking temperature.
Wireless Operation
Wireless models are so popular because you can take care of laundry, focus on preparing other dishes, and still keep track of the temperature your meat is cooking at.
Receivers
These wireless models allow you to read the display of the thermometer from a distance, via a receiver that will operate on a radio frequency from the transmitter. For some, having to carry around the receiver can be a drawback, yet it’s still better than having to constantly stop what you’re doing to check on the meat.
Apps
Other types of thermometers will not have a receiver, instead, you’ll download an app on your smartphone and keep track of the temperature that way. Models that operate via an app using Bluetooth technology tend to be more customizable and will allow you to set alarms, reminders, or store cooking presets. In most cases, these thermometers will work for both Android and iOS devices. Radio frequency tends to have a longer range compared to Bluetooth, which is definitely something that you’ll want to consider before you buy.
Final Thoughts
The best wireless meat thermometers will ensure you never again overcook or undercook your meat. These handy devices are highly portable and allow you to keep a close eye on the temperature of your food as you take care of chores around the home, work in the yard, or kick back and relax. The models that made it onto my top six list each have something special to offer, whether it’s durability, an innovative design, or impressive features, such as the ability to store presets or logs of past cooking temperatures. These thermometers are designed to make your life much easier, whether you’re grilling or smoking your meat. Now you can rest assured that your food will always be cooked correctly and to perfection.
