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Technically speaking, a thermometer has one job: Read the temperature of something specific. Sure, you can find thermometers that do a lot more than that (think smart meat thermometers with multiple probes and predictive timing), but even those are still geared toward a particular type of cooking. And figuring out which kind(s) of thermometers and how many you actually need can be a challenge when you consider the fact that an instant read meat thermometer can be used to check on your baked goods but you can’t really bake with a candy thermometer (which is also a deep fry thermometer).
To help you make sense of it all, here's a little primer on the different types of cooking thermometers you might—or might not—want to have in your kitchen.
Instant read thermometer
Who needs one: Every home cook
If you’re going to have just one thermometer in your kitchen junk drawer, it should be a digital instant read thermometer. Full stop. While an instant read is generally categorized as a meat thermometer, it can be used to get a quick read on any number of cooking projects including baked goods and liquids. All you have to do is turn it on and pop the probe into the center of whatever it is you’re making and within seconds, you’ll have a reading.
The Thermoworks Thermapen—which folds up compactly—is considered the gold standard in this category, but digital instant read thermometers come in a variety of styles and price points.
Learn how to calibrate your cooking thermometer.
Digital probe meat thermometer
Who needs one: Anyone who grills or roasts meat
Unless you’re one of those culinary savants who claim to know when meat is done by touch, most cooks (and definitely the USDA) would agree that an accurate thermometer is an invaluable tool for ensuring your meat is cooked to a safe temperature. And while you can certainly use an instant read thermometer to check in on the progress of your cook, if you’re smoking or roasting something with a precise target temp and you don’t want to open and close your oven or grill too many times, you’re better off using a digital probe-style meat thermometer.
To use this type of thermometer, insert the probe into the meat before you start cooking and remotely monitor the temperature via a separate digital display that can be connected wirelessly (sometimes even to your phone) or via a heat-proof cord. Whether you watch it like a hawk or wait for it to beep at you at the end is totally up to you.
Many wireless meat thermometers also have additional smart features like ambient temperature monitoring (important if you’re using a charcoal grill or smoker), multiple temperature sensors on a single probe, and predictive timing to let you know when your meat will be cooked to perfection.
Learn more about the different types of meat thermometers.
Deep fry thermometer / candy thermometer
Who needs one: Anyone who likes to deep fry, serious hobby bakers/candy makers
Deep fry thermometers—also called candy thermometers—are more specialized tools. These long, high-heat-tolerant thermometers can read temperatures up to 400ºF and usually have some sort of clip to keep them affixed to your pot while cooking. Nothing screws up deep frying more than oil that’s too hot or too cool, and the most surefire way to avoid that is one of these. You can get one with a digital display or an analog dial, but plenty of cooks still use traditional mercury-filled models. In addition to being handy for deep-frying, they’re a must-have for anyone who regularly channels their inner Willy Wonka, tempers chocolate, or makes caramel sauce.
Oven thermometer
Who needs one: Anyone who uses their oven, but specifically bakers
This old-school analog thermometer may seem unnecessary in the age of high-tech appliances, but there’s a very good chance your full-size oven isn’t as accurate as you think it is—yes, even if you have a brand new smart range. Plus, heat escapes every time you open the door and your oven has to work to get back to the target temp.
If you’re already using a probe-style digital thermometer (especially one that monitors ambient temp) you might not need a separate oven thermometer. But if you do a lot of cooking that requires precise temperatures, it’s super helpful to know if your oven’s 350ºF is really more like 375ºF.
