Cooking meat perfectly can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Getting the internal temperature just right is key to ensuring a juicy, flavorful, and safe meal. While there are many thermometers on the market, finding a reliable and affordable option can be tricky. That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve scoured the internet and tested out some of the top-rated meat thermometers to bring you the best options under $20 for beginners in 2024.
No matter your level of cooking experience, a good meat thermometer is an essential tool in your kitchen. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures that your meat is cooked to the perfect level of doneness, every time. Whether you’re grilling steaks, roasting a chicken, or baking a ham, a reliable thermometer can help you avoid dry, overcooked meat and ensure a delicious meal for everyone at the table.
But with so many different options available, choosing the right thermometer can be overwhelming. We’ve done the research for you and selected the top models that offer a balance of accuracy, ease of use, and affordability. These thermometers are perfect for beginners who are just starting out with their cooking journey and don’t want to break the bank.
This list includes a variety of thermometers, from simple instant-read models to more advanced probes with timers and alarms. We’ve considered factors like accuracy, ease of use, durability, and overall value to ensure you find the perfect thermometer to meet your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a basic thermometer for everyday use or a more advanced model for tackling complex recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect fit in this list.
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| ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE |  |
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| Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo |  |
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ThermoWorks Thermapen One
A classic and reliable instant-read thermometer that's perfect for beginners.
Learn more about 5 Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometers for Roasting in 2024
Specifications:
- Type: Instant-read
- Probe Type: Stainless steel
- Temperature Range: -58°F to 572°F (-50°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy: ±0.9°F (±0.5°C)
- Features: Auto-ranging, backlight, waterproof, auto-off
Reasons to buy:
- Fast and accurate readings
- Durable and reliable
- Easy to use with one-hand operation
Reasons to avoid:
- Relatively expensive compared to other options
- No Bluetooth connectivity
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a thermometer that is accurate and reliable
- You're willing to spend a little extra for a high-quality product
- You don't need Bluetooth connectivity
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You need a thermometer with Bluetooth connectivity
Bottom Line:
The ThermoWorks Thermapen One is a great choice for beginners who want a reliable and accurate instant-read thermometer. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it's worth the extra money for its accuracy and durability. The Thermapen One is a great option for anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level. This thermometer is built to last and will give you accurate readings every time, no matter what you're cooking. You'll be able to confidently cook perfect steaks, juicy roasts, and delicious baked goods with the help of this thermometer. It's a great investment for any home cook.
Dive deeper into 15 Best Wireless Meat Thermometer for Grilling
Meater Plus
A wireless thermometer that lets you monitor your food from afar.
Specifications:
- Type: Wireless
- Probe Type: Stainless steel
- Temperature Range: 0°F to 572°F (-18°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy: ±1.8°F (±1°C)
- Features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, app integration, timer, notifications, up to 165 ft range
Reasons to buy:
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor your food from afar
- App integration gives you helpful information like estimated cook times and doneness alerts
- Long range lets you monitor your food from anywhere in your house
Reasons to avoid:
- More expensive than most wired thermometers
- Requires a smartphone to use
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a thermometer that gives you the freedom to move around while your food cooks
- You want to monitor your food from afar
- You like using apps for cooking
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You don't want to use a smartphone to monitor your food
Bottom Line:
The Meater Plus is a great option for beginners who want a wireless thermometer that gives them the freedom to monitor their food from afar. It's more expensive than most wired thermometers, but it's worth the extra money for its convenience and features. With the Meater Plus, you'll never have to worry about overcooked or undercooked food again. You can relax and enjoy your time while your food cooks to perfection. It's the perfect thermometer for anyone who wants to take their grilling and smoking to the next level.
Dive deeper into 5 Best Leave-In Meat Thermometers for Continuous Monitoring with Long Battery Life and App Connectivity
INKBIRD IBBQ-4T
An affordable and versatile thermometer that's great for grilling and smoking.
Specifications:
- Type: Wireless
- Probe Type: Stainless steel
- Temperature Range: 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy: ±2°F (±1°C)
- Features: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, app integration, timer, notifications, up to 150 ft range, two probes
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Two probes allow you to monitor both the internal temperature of your food and the temperature of your grill or smoker
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to monitor your food from afar
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as accurate as some of the other options on this list
- App interface can be a little clunky
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget
- You want a thermometer that's versatile enough to use for both grilling and smoking
Don't buy it if:
- You need a thermometer with extremely high accuracy
- You want a thermometer with a more user-friendly app
Bottom Line:
The INKBIRD IBBQ-4T is a great value for beginners who want a wireless thermometer for grilling and smoking. It's not the most accurate thermometer on this list, but it's more than accurate enough for most home cooks. With the IBBQ-4T, you can easily monitor your food and make sure it's cooked to perfection. You'll be able to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked meals every time. It's a great option for anyone who wants to start grilling and smoking without breaking the bank.
Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo
A compact and versatile thermometer that's great for both instant-read and wireless monitoring.
Specifications:
- Type: Instant-read and wireless
- Probe Type: Stainless steel
- Temperature Range: 0°F to 572°F (-18°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy: ±1.8°F (±1°C)
- Features: Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, timer, notifications, up to 150 ft range, one probe
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and easy to use
- Versatile enough to be used as both an instant-read and wireless thermometer
- Bluetooth connectivity allows you to monitor your food from afar
Reasons to avoid:
- More expensive than some of the other wired thermometers on this list
- Only comes with one probe
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a thermometer that can be used for both instant-read and wireless monitoring
- You like the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity
Don't buy it if:
- You need a thermometer with multiple probes
- You're on a tight budget
Bottom Line:
The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is a great option for beginners who want a versatile thermometer that can be used for both instant-read and wireless monitoring. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other wired thermometers on this list, but it's worth the extra money for its versatility and convenience. You can use the Javelin Pro Duo to quickly check the temperature of your food or to monitor it from afar. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to cook with confidence. It's the perfect tool for anyone who wants to take their cooking to the next level.
Read more on 5 Best Affordable Meat Thermometers for Home Cooks in 2024: Features, Pros, and Cons
Govee H0171
Learn more about 5 Best Leave-In Meat Thermometers for Continuous Monitoring: Long Battery Life
An affordable instant-read thermometer that's perfect for beginners.
Specifications:
- Type: Instant-read
- Probe Type: Stainless steel
- Temperature Range: 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy: ±1.8°F (±1°C)
- Features: Backlight, auto-off
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Easy to use with one-hand operation
- Compact and easy to store
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as accurate as some of the other options on this list
- No Bluetooth connectivity
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're on a budget
- You want a simple and easy-to-use thermometer
Don't buy it if:
- You need a thermometer with extremely high accuracy
- You want a thermometer with Bluetooth connectivity
Bottom Line:
The Govee H0171 is a great value for beginners who want a simple and affordable instant-read thermometer. It's not the most accurate thermometer on this list, but it's more than accurate enough for most home cooks. With the H0171, you can easily check the temperature of your food and make sure it's cooked to perfection. You'll be able to enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked meals every time. It's a great option for anyone who wants to start cooking with confidence without breaking the bank.
So, there you have it – our top picks for the best meat thermometers for beginners under $20 in 2024. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or smoking, these thermometers will help you cook your meat to perfection every time. With a little practice, you'll be able to use these tools like a pro and impress your family and friends with perfectly cooked meals.
Remember, investing in a good meat thermometer is a small price to pay for ensuring food safety and achieving delicious results. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods and techniques, and always consult your favorite recipe for the ideal internal temperature for your chosen cut of meat.
With the right thermometer and a little bit of confidence, you can become a grilling and cooking master in no time. So, ditch the guesswork and get yourself a thermometer today! You won't regret it.
Happy cooking!