The 6 Best Oven Thermometers, According to a Chef

The Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Instant Read Oven Thermometer hangs from a rack in an oven — Photo:
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt

One of the most shocking things I learned when I first started my career in professional kitchens is that most ovens are off by about 50 degrees. Some are off by even more, which can be catastrophic, especially when baking.

But fear not, there's an incredibly easy way to mediate this: an oven thermometer. These are small, standalone thermometers that are more sensitive and accurate than your oven's internal thermometer. Even professionals swear by them. Bobby Pritchard, owner and grillmaster at Smokey Grill BBQ, loves to use his for grilling. "I can pretty much cook by eye, but that doesn't mean I would ever be caught without my trusty oven thermometer when preparing larger joints inside," he says. "I think having access to a quick check on your oven's core temperatures makes you a better BBQ cook—and above all, it keeps you safe!"

However, not all oven thermometers are created equal. Some cooks might prefer a clip-on fastener over a fixed base, while others may want a giant face that's easy to read or a digital display. To help you choose, I researched the most popular models on the market and rated them against each other on metrics like price, readability, durability, and ease of cleaning. To be extremely thorough, two of our Allstars—Pat Bernitt and Rosanne Robinson—put several thermometers through a round of testing.

Whether you're grilling ribs, roasting chicken, or baking a delicate souffle, these are the best oven thermometers for the job.

Our Top Picks

My Top Pick:

Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer at Amazon $10

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Best Value:

CDN DOT2 ProAccurate Oven Thermometer at Amazon $10

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Best Digital:

ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer at Thermoworks.com

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Best For Easy Read:

AcuRite Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer at Amazon $15

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Best For Grilling:

SALE

ThermoPro Grill Thermometer at Amazon ~~$30~~ $20

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Best For Baking:

Admetior Kitchen Oven Thermometer at Amazon $15

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My Top Pick

Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer

Amazon Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Instant Read Oven Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

Orig. $10 $9 at Amazon $17 at Walmart

Why It's Great: Large face; displays Fahrenheit and Celsius; durable

Grain of Salt: Thin base

This is the thermometer hanging in my oven as we speak. I had initially bought a different one but ended up throwing it away after only a few weeks. After snagging this model, it's been my go-to for the past three years. What I love most about this thermometer, besides its pinpoint accuracy, is how easy it is to read. The print is big and legible without being too large and crowded. Each gradation is clearly marked, so even with a quick peek into the oven, I can see exactly what temperature my oven is at—which is vital since this thermometer helped me learn that my oven is usually about 40 degrees off.

It also has both Fahrenheit and Celsius markings, so if I'm using a recipe written outside of the United States, I don't have to do any math to figure out conversions. I like to hang this thermometer front and center of the middle rack, but I've noticed it has some difficulty resting on its base. It's very thick, so it feels unstable and falls over often, and if you have wide grates on your oven racks, it can slip through.

Allstar Pat also admired the readability of the Rubbermaid model, though she did note she was unable to clearly read the thermometer through the tinted windows of her oven. On her clear-glass toaster oven, however, the display was nice and simple to read at a glance. "I have a cheap oven thermometer that I haven’t used in quite a while. [The Rubbermaid oven thermometer] certainly is several cuts above my old model," she says.

The Details: Analog; 60°F to 580°F range; hook or freestanding

Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt

Best Value

CDN DOT2 ProAccurate Oven Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$10 at Amazon

Why It's Great: Sturdy; extra-wide base; long-lasting materials

Grain of Salt: Takes a while to read

Look, we've all spent about the price of this CDN DOT2 ProAccurate Oven Thermometer on a cup of coffee once or twice. For just about 10 bucks, this price and value are unbeatable. Not only is it a steal, but it's one of the most sturdy and durable thermometers I've seen. You might expect thin or flimsy metal for such a low price, but I've actually found that this thermometer feels like it has even thicker metal than others. The base is extra wide, so it feels stable and won't fall over easily in the oven.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't categorize this thermometer as an "instant read." It takes a few minutes for this thermometer to acclimate and give an accurate reading, especially if you're changing the temperature of your oven once it's already on.

Pat recommends this thermometer for basic, everyday home cooking but not necessarily for professional chefs or bakers. "If you want to check your oven temperature, this certainly is an affordable option," she says. "Don’t expect 100 percent accuracy, but it should be close enough for most of us."

The Details: Analog; 150°F to 550°F range; hook or freestanding

Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt
Allrecipes / Pat Bernitt

Best Digital

ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer

PHOTO: ThermoWorks

View on Thermoworks.com

Why It's Great: Easy to read and use; wide temperature range; available in several colors

Grain of Salt: Expensive

If you're someone who is really serious about roasting, braising, baking, broiling, grilling, and—well, you get the picture, then the ThermoWorks DOT is for you. Much like many types of candy thermometers and meat thermometers, this ThermoWorks DOT thermometer has a metal probe connected to the thermometer's body.

Even though it may seem complicated, the ThermoWorks DOT is super straightforward and easy to use. There are only two buttons, and the face is large, so even though it's digital, it's nearly as easy to use as an analog thermometer. This thermometer has the highest temperature range on this list, clocking in at over 700°F, making it perfect for high-heat tasks like broiling or grilling. Compared to many other thermometers on the market, this one definitely tops the list as far as price. You can absolutely get cheaper thermometers, but I think this one is worth the price for its easy-to-use features and versatility.

Allstar Rosanne also had high praise for the ThermoWorks DOT. "This is by far one of the best temperature probes I have used. It appears to be very accurate," she says. "I am able to read the temperature easily outside of my oven. I only have positive things to share about this tool!" That said, she does wish the cord was retractable and worries about it crimping while in storage.

The Details: Digital; up to 700°F range; probe attachment

Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson

Best For Easy Read

AcuRite Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer

AcuRite 00620A2 Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$15 at Amazon $24 at Walmart

Why It's Great: Large print; high maximum temperature; temperature range markings

Grain of Salt: Low starting temperature

Hands down, the best feature of this thermometer is how easy it is to read. It has an extra bright white background with thick block lettering. I'm pretty sure you could see the temperature reading from about a mile away. This is especially helpful if you need to monitor the temperature inside the oven without having to open it and let the heat out.

For baked goods, in particular, this is vitally important since an oven can lose 100°F in heat for every 10 seconds that it's open. The easy-to-read face also has temperature ranges for warming, baking, roasting, and broiling, which can be super helpful for new cooks or any time you're trying out a recipe you're unfamiliar with. The temperature range goes all the way up to 600°F, but the downside is that it only starts at 150°F.

The Details: Analog; 150°F to 600°F range; hook or freestanding

Best For Grilling

ThermoPro Grill Thermometer

PHOTO: ThermoPro

Orig. $30 $20 at Amazon

Roseanne also tried out a ThermoPro probe—the TP-16 Large LCD Digital Grill Thermometer model. She was a big fan of the magnetic backing, which made mounting and reading the thermometer a breeze. The stainless steel probe is 6.5 inches long, and the mesh cable is 40 inches, so Roseanne was able to check the temperature of her roast without opening the oven door and losing precious heat.

The TP-16 also has an alarm feature that will sound off when the desired internal temperature is reached. "The temp alarm is loud enough to hear in another room," she says. It's an ideal way to ensure that your steaks are cooked to perfection—whether you prefer medium, rare, or well done.

The Details: Digital; 32°F to 572°F range; probe attachment, magnetically-backed body

Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson

Best For Baking

Admetior Kitchen Oven Thermometer

PHOTO: Amazon

$15 at Amazon

Why It's Great: Very accurate; easy to read; available in two sizes

Grain of Salt: No Celsius

Baking is both a science and an art—but mostly science. Chemical reactions occur, and the slightest error in measurement or baking can result in total disaster. This Admetior Kitchen Oven Thermometer snagged our Best For Baking category because of its incredible accuracy. This has been the most consistently accurate of all the thermometers we reviewed and the ones I've personally tried. One of the pastry chefs I used to work with swears by this thermometer and always brought it with her when she came upstairs to bake in our ovens because it was the only one she trusted.

The face of this thermometer is uncluttered and easy to read. It has a bright white background and temperature markings in denominations of 50 degrees, though there's no marking for Celsius. This makes the face look less cluttered but is inconvenient if you use Celsius regularly or are working with a recipe that requires this type of degree.

The Details: Analog; 50°F to 500°F range; hook or freestanding

Our Takeaway

For a great, all-purpose oven thermometer that can do it all, check out the Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Instant Read Oven Thermometer. For those looking for a thermometer that can go above and beyond and even help you get the perfect temperature on your grilled chicken, look no further than the ThermoWorks DOT Simple Alarm Thermometer.

How to Pick the Right Oven Thermometer

Analog or Digital

Most oven thermometers you might be familiar with are analog and look similar to a clock face; they might not look digital like kitchen timers typically do. However, digital thermometers have risen in popularity over the past few years. Analog thermometers tend to be cheaper and require less maintenance, but they're more difficult to read and can sometimes be less accurate. Digital thermometers are super easy to read and are usually more accurate, but they can be challenging to use and cost a bit more than their analog counterparts.

Legibility

Some thermometers are compact with a low profile, but that usually means they're harder to read. Depending on your needs, you might want to pick one with a larger face or a digital thermometer that requires less guesswork.

Temperature Range

Most of us tend to use our ovens in the 300°F to 450°F range the majority of the time. But, if you're someone who likes to slowly braise meats at 200°F for hours or char veggies at 550°F, you might need a thermometer with a more extensive range. Knowing what you plan to do with your oven will help you know what your needs are for your thermometer.

Attachment

Most thermometers have either a hook or a base, or sometimes both, to keep them in place. Knowing your oven and your needs will help you know which is better for you. If you're unsure, pick a model with both in order to keep your options open.

About Our Tests

Allstars Pat Bernitt and Rosanne Robinson put several thermometers through a round of testing. They each prepared multiple meals in their home kitchen while using the thermometers, and ranked them using the following criteria:

Design: Is the thermometer easy to read with the oven door closed? Does it stay in place, or does it dangle or even fall off your baking rack? Is the thermometer easy to set up? If it’s a model that clips onto an oven rack, does that work?
Performance: Does the thermometer accurately measure the temperature inside your oven? Did it melt or crack during the testing period?

The Leftovers: Other Oven Thermometers We Tested

Although the Taylor 2.5-Inch Oven Thermometer features a large display, Allstar Rosanne still found the thin numbers difficult to read during tests. The thermometer also took a long time to provide accurate readings. Both the hanging loop and the stand seemed unstable while in use, though she does say that it may be better suited for an eye-level oven than one you'd have to bend down to see.

Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson
Allrecipes / Rosanne Robinson

Common Questions

How do you use an oven thermometer?

The purpose of an oven thermometer is to get a more accurate read on your oven's internal temperature since it can be unreliable. Using one couldn't be easier! Just pop it in your oven, and you're good to go. Anytime you preheat your oven, peek in at your thermometer and adjust the temperature of your oven accordingly as needed. Mike Harris, Founder of Oven Rescue, a specialist oven cleaning business for home and commercial ovens, has a great tip: "It's important to remember, too, that a dirty oven with built-up grime and grease from previous recipe mishaps can prevent the heating elements in some ovens from bringing the oven to temperature accurately."

Can you use a meat thermometer in the oven?

Most meat thermometers, or instant-read thermometers, are plastic bodies with metal probes. Unfortunately, this design isn't meant for the prolonged high heat of the oven. They're great for temping food in the oven or when it comes out, but we recommend buying a thermometer designed specifically for use inside the oven. Don't get me wrong, an instant-read thermometer is a necessary kitchen tool, but it's ultimately not safe to put it inside the oven.

Where is the best place to put your oven thermometer?

Most of the time, you tend to see oven thermometers dangling off to the side, but it turns out that may not be the best place to put it. A chef I used to work for gave me the most "duh" advice when it comes to the best place to put the thermometer: Put the thermometer where the food goes. Ovens have hot and cold spots, and if you have the thermometer on the bottom rack all the way to the left but you're always cooking food in the middle of the top rack, you're not going to get an accurate reading of what the temperature actually is where your food is.

How do you calibrate an oven thermometer?

The best way to calibrate a food thermometer with a probe is with a big cup of ice water. Fill your cup with ice and water, let it sit for about 10 minutes, stir to make sure the temperature is the same throughout the cup, and then stick the probe in the water. Let the thermometer take its time to get an accurate reading; it should read 32°F. Anna Silver, founder, CEO, and Creative Director of CookForFolks, a site that focuses on 'go-to' classic recipes, says, "If [the reading is] inaccurate, then you can adjust the temperature gauge while it is in the ice water with the screw on the back of the thermometer, turning it until it reads 32 degrees."

To calibrate your internal oven thermometer, simply preheat your oven to 300°F, place your oven thermometer inside, and after a few minutes, take the temperature reading. Do this in 50-degree increments up to 500°F to find out how many degrees off your oven is averaging.

Why Take Our Word for It?

Nick DeSimone wrote and compiled this list. They have been working in professional kitchens for nearly a decade. In that time, Nick has learned many important lessons about the importance of accurate oven temperatures. Over the years, they have tried out many different oven thermometers at work and have since bought the best ones for their home kitchen.

Allison Wignall updated this article utilizing the insights of two Allstar cooks. Her work has been featured in the Spruce Eats, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and more.

Pat Bernitt is an Allstar home cook who has shared dozens upon dozens of recipes on the site. She lent her valuable kitchen insights to this roundup by testing out two popular oven thermometers. Allstar Roseanne Robinson is a cooking YouTuber and former radio talk show host. She channels her Italian and Slovak ancestry with every meal she makes.