When you set your oven to a particular temperature, you generally expect it to get to that desired temperature and cook your food as indicated in the recipe you're following. There are some cases, though, where you might want to double-check that your oven is indeed getting to the correct temperature range.
This is where an oven thermometer comes in. If your oven thermostat is inaccurate, you'll want to know about it, as accurate temperature readings are vital for some types of cooking, particularly baking.
Knowing whether your oven is maintaining the right temperature range is also important to gauge the energy efficiency of the appliance. A reading that's not even close to what you set the temperature at could mean your oven is working too hard or needs repairs.
Today, we're going to talk about the best oven thermometer to buy, depending on your exact goals and applications.
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Top Oven Thermometer Choices
- Best Oven Thermometer Overall: KitchenAid KQ903 3-in Dial Oven/Appliance Thermometer
- Best Oven Thermometer to Set on the Oven Rack: KT THERMO Oven Thermometer
- Best Oven Thermometer to See Through the Oven Door: AcuRite 00620A2 Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer
- Best Digital Oven Thermometer: Hotloop Digital Oven Thermometer
- Best Infrared Oven Thermometer: Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080
- Best Dual Oven Thermometers: KT Thermo 3 Inch Oven Thermometer
- Best Bluetooth Oven Thermometer: MEATER Plus: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
The Testing Process for the Best Oven Thermometer
I looked through a couple of dozen oven thermometers, and I chose seven of the best based on Amazon reviews. Then I wanted to try all the thermometers out for myself to make sure they really worked, and so I could understand them all better.
First, I tried each one in my oven to see whether it was easy to hang on the oven rack or if it was better sitting on top of the rack.
For the digital thermometer, only the probe went into the oven. For the infrared thermometer, I measured the temperature in various areas of the oven. And for the MEATER Bluetooth oven thermometer, I had to use it in the food itself (in this case, pork).
I set my oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and checked to see whether the thermometers could each pick up the correct temperature range. I then set the oven to 425 degrees in an effort to see if they worked as well at high temperatures.
Finally, I took a good look at each thermometer to see how easy it would be to see it through the oven door (keeping in mind that my oven door is not perfectly clear) and if it would be an accessible option for someone who couldn't read small numbers on the dial.
Reviews of Each Oven Thermometer Tested
Here are my thoughts on each of the oven thermometers I was able to test in my own oven.
1. KitchenAid KQ903 3-in- Dial Oven/Appliance Thermometer: Best Oven Thermometer Overall
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: KitchenAid Special Feature: High Accuracy Outer Material: Stainless Steel Display Type: Analog Product Care Instructions: Hand Wash Only |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Easy to read + Shows the type of cooking that's likely happening + Can be placed anywhere in the oven |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Took a minute to figure out how to use the stand, but this was a minor issue |
The KitchenAid KQ903 3-in Dial Oven/Appliance Thermometer came out on top overall. The thermometer can handle a temperature range of 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It's made of food-grade stainless steel, and the front is covered with safety glass.
Overall Impression: Overall, this seems to be a sturdy oven thermometer. One thing I really liked was that the stand could be moved in various ways to allow for it to clip onto the oven rack, sit on top of it, or hang down. This would allow it to pick up the temperature range right near where you had your food in the oven.
Performance: The thermometer stayed where I put it and seemed to have an accurate temperature reading. It showed the temperature to be slightly below where I had set my oven.
User-Friendly Features: The thermometer is easy to read and, as mentioned, able to use in a variety of positions in the oven. Something else I liked was the words on the dial itself that said "warming," "baking," and "roasting," as this gives another visual showing how the oven was likely cooking the food.
2. KT Thermo Oven Thermometer: Best Oven Thermometer to Set on the Oven Rack
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: KT THERMO Special Feature: High Accuracy Outer Material: Stainless Steel Display Type: Analog Product Care Instructions: Oven Safe, Wipe Clean |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Good bargain price + Easy to read + Nice and secure on the oven rack + Can be hung if desired |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Hanging would cause low visibility |
The KT THERMO Oven Thermometer is a budget-friendly oven thermometer. The one I tried was 2.5" across. This is a stainless steel oven thermometer that has safety glass on the front.
Overall Impression: This little thermometer was a great bargain, and it also had a nice, wide base for its size. It was sturdy and didn't wobble at all on the oven rack. It was easy to read, even though it was smaller than the other dial oven thermometers I tried.
Performance: This oven thermometer seemed to give accurate temperature readings; both times, the dial was slightly above what I had set my oven at.
User-Friendly Features: This was very easy to use; just unwrap it and set it on the oven rack. You can also hang it, but it would be hanging sideways and wouldn't be very visible. Still, it's an option. The red dial makes it easy to see the temperature reading.
3. AcuRite 00620a2 Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer: Best Oven Thermometer to See Through the Oven Door
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: AcuRite Upper Temperature Rating: 600 Degrees Fahrenheit Outer Material: Stainless Steel Display Type: Analog Product Care Instructions: Oven Safe, Wipe Clean |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Can be seen through a clear (or semi-clear) oven door + Can be used standing or hanging + Sturdy construction |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - No cons |
The AcuRite 00620A2 Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer is about 3" in diameter. It measures temperatures from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can either stand or be hung in the oven.
Overall Impression: This is a nice, sturdy oven thermometer. It stands nicely on the oven rack, or you can easily hang it. The numbers are rather large, making them easy to read even at a distance.
Performance: The thermometer was wide-set enough to sit well on the oven racks without any danger of it falling through the grates. Also, it was easy to hang.
The temperature reading was accurate; it measured slightly above what I set the oven to. While my oven door isn't really clear, I was still able to read the dial through the door, which is nice for recipes where you might not want to open the oven unnecessarily.
User-Friendly Features: This was very easy to use. The base was wide, and the hanger was convenient. The oven thermometer seemed very sturdy and well-made.
4. Hotloop Digital Oven Thermometer: Best Digital Oven Thermometer
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Hotloop Upper Temperature Rating: 600 Degrees Fahrenheit Outer Material: Stainless Steel Display Type: LCD Product Care Instructions: Oven Safe, Wipe Clean |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Simple and convenient to use + Easy to read + Long enough cord + Both Fahrenheit and Celsius options |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Didn't attach to the oven rack; just dangled - Didn't come with a battery |
The Hotloop Digital Oven Thermometer is a stainless steel oven thermometer with digital reading. It can read up to 300 degrees Celsius, or 572 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses one AAA battery, which is not included.
Overall Impression: My overall impression was that this seems like a convenient way to monitor the oven temperature range.
The digital block sits on the counter, and the probe goes into the oven. The two are connected by a thin wire that doesn't impact how the oven door closes. I wasn't sure where to put the probe, so I just let it hang over the oven rack.
Performance: This thermometer gave accurate readings, measuring slightly above where I set my oven temperature. The wire didn't make it difficult to close the oven door all the way, which was a concern of mine before I tried it.
Also, the wire was long enough for the probe to be in the middle of the oven and for the block to sit conveniently nearby. One caveat is that the probe didn't really have anything to hang on inside the oven, in particular, so it just dangled there.
User-Friendly Features: The digital thermometer screen was easy to read, even from a distance, which is nice for someone who doesn't want to stay close to the stove. It's also nice not to have to open the oven to see the temperature changes as they occur.
5. Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080: Best Infrared Oven Thermometer
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Etekcity Special Feature: Non-Contact, Low Battery Indicator, Fast Reading System, Auto Off, High Accuracy Outer Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Display Type: LCD Product Care Instructions: Non-washable Connectivity Technology: Infrared |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Didn't have to keep it in the oven + Easy to read + Large temperature range |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Potential learning curve - Questionable accuracy |
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 is an infrared digital thermometer. This can detect temperatures from -58 degrees all the way up to 1130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall Impression: I liked this thermometer in part because it didn't require me to leave it in the oven; I just opened the oven, pointed it, and pressed the button.
It did have different readings in different parts of the oven, though, so I was a little unsure as to its accuracy. I did get it to give a temperature reading close to what I'd set the oven at, but I also had readings that were too high and too low.
Performance: The thermometer was quick to show a temperature, which I really liked, but I was not confident it was giving completely accurate readings. There may be a learning curve to using it, however.
User-Friendly Features: The thermometer was simple to use right out of the box. It was also very easy to read. Simply look at the display, and that's the temperature reading.
6. KT Thermo Large Oven Thermometer: Best Dual Oven Thermometers
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Etekcity Special Feature: High Accuracy Outer Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Display Type: Analog Product Care Instructions: Oven Safe, Wipe Clean Specification Met: NSF |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Two-pack of dial oven thermometers + Swiveling hook + Large face |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - No Celsius marks |
The KT Thermo Large Oven Thermometer comes with two 3" dial oven thermometers in one package, which is perfect for people who have double ovens or who need accurate readings in different areas of the oven.
Overall Impression: These were sturdy and large, making them easy to read. They also had the "warm," "bake/roast," and "broil" markings on the dial, which is a handy feature.
The hooks were full-swivel, so you could hang them anywhere in the oven. Note that these don't have Celsius marks, which might be a concern for some people.
Performance: These thermometers had identical readings, and they both indicated almost exactly what my oven was set to. They were easy to use in both the hanging and standing position.
User-Friendly Features: These were very easy to use; the hooks are open enough to fit on any oven rack, and since they swivel, they can also be hung on the wires going left to right in the oven. Having two is very user-friendly if you have two ovens.
7. MEATER Plus: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer: Best Bluetooth Oven Thermometer
| SPECIFICATIONS | Brand: Etekcity Special Feature: High Accuracy Outer Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Display Type: Analog Product Care Instructions: Oven Safe, Wipe Clean Specification Met: NSF |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | View at Amazon |
| REASONS TO BUY | + Lots of cool features and information + Easy to use app + Magnetic charging block |
| REASONS TO AVOID | - Expensive |
The MEATER Plus: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer is a probe thermometer that shows both the temperature of the food you're cooking and the ambient temperature inside the oven. This is a Bluetooth device and is made of stainless steel.
Overall Impression: This little gadget was very cool from the moment I opened it. It comes in its own charging box, which is where it's stored.
The box is magnetic, so it can attach to the refrigerator while charging. I was a little intimidated by the idea of setting up the app, but it was actually quite simple.
Performance: The performance of this oven thermometer (which is also a meat thermometer) is second to none. It shows you exactly what the temperature is at each stage of cooking.
It also gives you an estimate of when the food will be done. This is excellent for food safety purposes, as it's fully customizable to show you what the correct temperature should be depending on what you're cooking.
User-Friendly Features: The app is very simple to use, and the way you can store and charge the device is great. Altogether, this is a really nice thermometer to have on hand. It can be used not only in the oven but also in the smoker or grill.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Oven Thermometer
Before purchasing an oven thermometer, you'll want to think about exactly what you're using it for and why you're buying it. Here are some of the factors you should keep in mind before making your final decision.
Temperature Range
If you're only using your oven thermometer in the oven for baking, you might not be too concerned about the temperature range.
If you might use it in the smoker or grill, however, or if you have a pizza oven or plan to use it under the broiler, the range of safe temperatures is going to be a lot more important, so do pay attention to that.
Display
Do you prefer a large display? Maybe you'd like to be able to see the temperature across the room, or maybe you'd even like to be in a different room checking the display on a phone app. Think this through before making your purchase.
Design and Type
Do you like the dial oven thermometers, or would you prefer a digital thermometer? Both have their pros and cons.
Remember that digital thermometers sit outside the oven, but the dial thermometers need to be inside. To look at the temperature on the dial thermometer, you'll need to open the oven unless it has a large and clear enough display to be seen through the oven door.
Size and Placement
If your oven thermometer is going to sit on the oven rack, you'll want to be sure the base is wide enough to prevent it from falling through. If you'll be hanging it, though, see which way the hook is oriented and whether it's moveable or swivels.
In some cases, the hook might force you to hang the thermometer sideways, which could make visibility difficult.
Accuracy
Obviously, you're going to want an oven thermometer that's accurate. This can be hard to gauge, though, since not all ovens are perfectly calibrated.
Reading reviews is a good way to check the accuracy of the thermometer you're considering. Once you have your thermometer at home, check it against your oven thermostat at a variety of temperatures.
Versatility
Being able to use your thermometer in various places (oven, smoker, grill) might be important to you. The temperature range will be of help here to help you figure out where and how you can use your new appliance.
Price
You can purchase a simple dial oven thermometer for just a few dollars, or you can spend $100 or more on a Bluetooth thermometer. You know what your budget is; determine how much you want to spend, then look for the best oven thermometers in that price range.
Also, keep in mind that you can always start out with a lower priced thermometer and then, if you find yourself using it frequently, upgrade to something more expensive later.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's likely you have some questions about oven thermometers and their use. Here are some FAQs on the topic.
Is an oven thermometer the same as a meat thermometer?
No. A meat thermometer is inserted into the meat you're cooking and will show the internal temperature of the food. These are important for food safety to ensure you're cooking the food to a high enough temperature.
An oven thermometer, on the other hand, measures the ambient temperature inside the oven. Some thermometers can do both.
Can I use an oven thermometer for grilling or smoking?
Yes, usually, as long as the temperature range of the thermometer you're considering will be adequate for grilling or smoking. Check what temperatures the thermometer is appropriate for before using it in your grill.
How do I know if my oven thermometer is accurate?
The best way is to set your oven to a few different degree settings, then compare the oven thermostat to what the thermometer says the temperature is.
If it's close, within 10 degrees or so, you probably have an accurate oven thermometer. If not, it could be that your thermometer is inaccurate.
Of course, it's always possible that your oven thermostat is off. Suspect this to be the case if your food is consistently burning or taking too long to cook.
If you think your oven isn't heating to the correct cooking temperatures, you should find a reputable repair company to fix it.
Can I use an oven thermometer to measure the temperature of liquids?
For the most part, a dial oven thermometer should not be used to measure the temperature of liquids because it can't be safely submerged.
An infrared thermometer can be used to check the surface of the liquid, but it cannot be submerged. A Bluetooth thermometer with a probe should be fine to use to measure the temperature of liquids.
Can I leave the oven thermometer inside the oven while cooking?
Yes, you would leave the oven thermometer inside the oven while cooking in most cases. You wouldn't put an infrared thermometer inside the oven, though. That's just used when you open the oven door and want to check the temperature inside.
Also, if you're using a digital thermometer with a probe that goes inside the oven, you won't put the digital block in the oven. Always check the instructions that come with the oven thermometer to be sure you're using it safely.
Can I use an oven thermometer in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can use an oven thermometer in a toaster oven. It has the same type of dry heat that an oven has, and as long as there's room, you can use it. You might choose to purchase one that's on the small side, perhaps 2" or 2.5", if you're looking for a dial oven thermometer.
Can I use an oven thermometer in an air fryer?
No, this would not be recommended. First, the air fryer heats up quite quickly, and the oven thermometer wouldn't necessarily have a chance to detect the heat as fast.
To add, an air fryer is relatively small and really doesn't have the extra room needed for an oven thermometer along with the food. Finally, air fryers have their own accurate thermostats that would render a separate thermometer unnecessary.
Can an oven thermometer be used in a microwave oven?
No. A microwave oven does not get hot inside. It heats food with radiation that vibrates the water molecules inside the food, not with heat.
Further, most oven thermometers are made with stainless steel, which cannot safely go inside a microwave oven. To do that would cause damage not only to the thermometer itself but also to the microwave; it could even start a fire.
How often should I replace my oven thermometer?
An oven thermometer will last a long time, usually several years at the minimum. If yours has been dropped or submerged in liquid, though, or if it seems to be getting inaccurate over time, it's probably time to replace it.
When you buy your oven thermometer, you should make note of whether there's a warranty. If so, contact the manufacturer or the seller if you think you need to replace your thermometer before the warranty period is up.
Where should I put my oven thermometer inside the oven?
Since you'll want to measure the temperature of the oven where the food is, it's best to place the thermometer as close to the food as possible. This might mean hanging it from the rack directly over the food or standing it on its base right next to the food.
If you're using an infrared thermometer, try aiming it near the food but not on the food itself. Aiming the light closer to the heating element might show a higher reading, and aiming it toward the front of the oven might show a lower one since you'll have opened the oven door.
What types of cooking are oven thermometers most necessary for?
You wouldn't need to use an oven thermometer when heating up leftovers or baking a casserole, most of the time.
Some cooking is a little more finicky, though, and would benefit from knowing the temperature inside the oven. These can include baking, creating custards or soufflés, making meringues, and baking puff pastries.
You might also want to check the oven temperature when roasting meat in the oven, though the internal temperature of the meat is going to be more important than the ambient oven temperature most of the time. Be sure to double-check what your meat temperature should be for optimal food safety.
Mastering Temperature Control: Revealing the Best Oven Thermometer
An oven thermometer is a handy device to have in the kitchen. Whether you want one that's simple and inexpensive or one that comes with a few more bells and whistles (and a higher price tag), you'll probably find yourself using it regularly to check the temperature of the oven or other cooking appliances.
In my experience, the MEATER Plus was by far the most fun and interactive oven thermometer. However, many people don't want to spend all that much on this type of kitchen gadget.
Since that's the case, the KitchenAid brand thermometer I reviewed would be a great choice for a moderately priced and high-quality oven thermometer.
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