"Buy the best thermometers and you'll only cry once."Greg Rempe, BBQCentral Radio
A searchable database that can save you money and maybe your life
A digital thermometer is the most important tool in a cook’s arsenal. Thermometers save lives and money. They are the only reliable way to determine if food is safe and if you are cooking too hot or cold. In early 2014 Consumer Reports tested more than 300 chickens and found that 90% contained pathogenic bacteria and half of them had antibiotic resistant strains. They said "It's vital that you check using a meat thermometer." You cannot tell when chicken is safe by looking at the color of the juices. The difference between a medium rare and well-done steak is pretty narrow. The diff between moist tender turkey and a dry chalky bird is just a few degrees. Two pork chops sitting side by side can cook at different rates.
A perfectly cooked steak can quickly become shoe leather if the internal temperature isn’t monitored. Poking with your finger or cutting the meat to determine doneness is just plain guessing. A filet mignon is much softer than a sirloin. The color of meat is vastly different under sunlight, incandescent, fluorescent, or LED light. And it changes when exposed to oxygen. And don't worry, poking it with a thermometer will not dry it out!
How to pick thermometers
1) READ UP ON THE DIFFERENT TYPES
You can't trust that round bi-metal temperature gauge that comes in the lid of most grills and smokers. It can be off my more than 30 degrees! To find out what kind of thermometer you need, bone up on thermometer basics.
2) USE OUR SEARCHABLE DATABASE
Bill McGrath, our electrical engineer and thermometer expert has tested more than 150, rated and reviewed them, and built a searchable database located on this page. There is nothing like it in the world, and it's easy to use. Just check the search boxes and you're off. You can check our ratings on a thermometer you are considering, or search for top rated products by thermometer type. Bill uses precision equipment and real world scenarios to test and evaluate based on (1) accuracy, (2) speed, (3) features, (4) construction quality, and (5) value. Suppliers are never charged to have products reviewed and the website purchases almost all the products it tests. Here he explains some of how he does it:
3) USE OUR PLATINUM MEDALS
Once a year, McGrath selects the best of the best and names our Platinum Medal winners. Each of these devices received a Gold Medal during our initial review and has now earned our highest accolade, a Platinum Medal.
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Post comments and questions below
1) Please try the table of contents or the search box at the top of every page before you ask for help.
2) Try to post your question to the appropriate page.
3) Tell us everything we need to know to help such as the type of cooker and thermometer. Dial thermometers are often off by as much as 50°F so if you are not using a good digital thermometer we probably can't help you with time and temp questions. Please read this article about thermometers.
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