7 top-rated meat thermometers to end overcooked dinners

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Cutting into your meat to tell if it’s done can dry it out. Instead, experts suggest using a meat thermometer to figure out when to pull it off the fire.Getty ImagesThis scenario might sound familiar. You’ve spent time in the kitchen cooking a wonderful meal. You plate everything up, but when you sit down and cut into your piece of meat, it’s totally overcooked — or, worse, raw. A meat thermometer may just be the answer to this culinary conundrum. “[Meat thermometers] let you know the internal temperature without cutting your protein open, which can dry your food out,” says Lauren Allen, chef and owner of Lauren Allen Dinners, which offers private chef experiences, virtual cooking classes and more. “That means your meat will be juicier and cooked to exactly your liking.”

Adding this kitchen gadget to your repertoire doesn’t even have to cost you much — a good one can be found for under $20, says Allen. To help you shop for one of these handy tools, I spoke with two chefs to get their advice on what to look for when choosing a meat thermometer, and then I sourced top-rated options from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target.

Best overallAlpha Grillers Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer$13.97$15.98AmazonLearn moreMost compactTaylor Folding Probe Digital Instant Read Thermometer$10.99$15.99AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselectedThe 37 best cooking gifts, according to someone who tests and writes about kitchen gadgets all yearWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter

Using expert advice, I selected digital meat thermometers from top retailers that have at least a 4-star average from at least 1,000 ratings.

93,236 Amazon Reviews$13.97$15.98AmazonNow 13% off$15.98alphagrillersWhat to knowRead time: 2-3 seconds | Upper temp rating: 300 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothThis thermometer has a two to three second read, according to the brand. This means it registers the internal temperature of meat that quickly. The LCD screen is backlit, which Alpha Grillers says makes it easy to read even in dim lighting. When not in use, the probe can be folded in to keep it clean and protected.

137,321 Amazon Reviews$9.49$19.99AmazonNow 53% offWhat to knowRead time: 3-5 seconds | Upper temp rating: 300 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothFeatures of this thermometer include a three-to-five-second read time and the ability to read temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The rotating probe can be tucked in when not in use, and the back of the thermometer has a magnet on it so it can be hung on the side of your fridge.

5,432 Amazon Reviews$25.95Amazon$25.99Target$25.95Williams-SonomaWhat to knowRead time: 2-3 seconds | Upper temp rating: 302 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothYou can read temperatures in either Celsius or Fahrenheit with this digital thermometer, and the LCD screen displays the temperature in large numbers making it easier to read, according to the brand. The storage sleeve for the thermometer includes recommended internal temperatures for various proteins printed on it for reference.

1,424 Amazon Reviews$10.99$15.99AmazonNow 31% off$12.97$15.48WalmartNow 16% offWhat to knowRead time: 3-5 seconds | Upper temp rating: 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: FWhen folded, this thermometer fits in the palm of your hand. It comes in multiple colors, and only reads temperatures in Fahrenheit. The battery (LR44) is included, and it also has a carrying hole so you can hang it from a hook in your kitchen.

21,030 Amazon Reviews$23.99$26.99AmazonNow 11% offWhat to knowRead time: 3-4 seconds | Upper temp rating: 482 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothThis thermometer has a three to four second response, according to the brand, and you can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit. Not only can you use it on meat, but you can also use it on liquids (for example, if you want to check the temperature of oil for frying). The back of the thermometer is magnetic so you can hang it on your fridge, and it comes in a variety of colors.

77,524 Amazon Reviews$11.99$17.99AmazonNow 33% offWhat to knowRead time: 2-3 seconds | Upper temp rating: 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothThis instant read thermometer has a three-second response and an LCD screen that lights up so you can read it even if the lighting is dim, according to the brand. This may be particularly helpful if you are grilling outdoors at dusk or sticking it in a dark oven. A reference guide of recommended internal temps for beef, poultry, pork and fish is printed right on the thermometer, and you can alternate between Celsius and Fareneheit.

7,983 Amazon Reviews$9.99AmazonWhat to knowRead time: 2-4 seconds | Upper temp rating: 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Display in C or F: bothThis thermometer has a read time of two to four seconds, according to the brand. The sides are textured to provide an anti-slip grip, and it has a magnetic back as well as a hanging loop. The backlit display allows you to read the temperature in the dark, and you can see the temperature in both Celsius and Farenheit.

There are two common types of meat thermometers intended for in-home use. Probe thermometers stay in the meat the entire time it cooks. With instant read thermometers, you stick it into the meat to take the temperature and then remove it. Experts I spoke to prefer the instant read thermometers because they are easier to use and give fast, accurate temperatures. Here are some other features they suggest you consider:

Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to know the ideal temperature for whatever you are making. To help you out, the experts I spoke to recommend the following:

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed chefs to gather their guidance on what to look for when shopping for meat thermometers.

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Bethany HeitmanBethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Selected.