Grilling exploded during the COVID pandemic and according to prominent grill companies, there are no signs of slowing. Even during the winter months, people enjoy the fun and flavor of grilled foods.
This also has meant an explosion of available grilling accessories, including instant-read pens. These devices are fantastic for getting quick readings even above a bed of hot coals, but they are not all created equal. And there are so many types of thermometers available, it can be difficult to know which one is best.
That answer all depends on your grilling needs and budget. Below are our recommendations of the five best instant-read pens grilling, each with varying functions and at different price points. Keep reading to find out which one is best for you.
Best Overall Pen: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
ThermoWorks has made a reputable name for itself in the grilling world. There are lots of knockoffs online that look very similar to ThermoWorks pens and even have similar names. But they fall short of the quality and precision you will find from this brand.
The Thermapen ONE is their most popular thermometer, and for some very good reasons. Precision is at the top of this list, with the pen’s ability to get readings in only one second.
The pen has a very small sensor that can detect exact temperatures in food, and you only need to insert it ⅛ inch for an accurate reading. This can be particularly helpful for reading, for instance, very thin cuts of meat.
The Thermapen ONE has a backlight display and a replaceable battery. It is waterproof (although not dishwasher safe). This is especially useful if you happen to leave it outdoors in the rain.
It comes in a variety of colors and has a five-year warranty, which is better than almost any device out there. The company’s customer service is stellar as well, should you encounter any issues.
At around $100, it is on the higher end of “basic” pens out there. Yet you can expect the Thermapen ONE to last for many years and perform as well down the road as the day you get it. Especially considering the extensive warranty, it is still a great value at that price.
Best Budget Pen: ThermoWorks ThermaPop
If you want a more economical alternative to the Thermapen ONE, the company's ThermaPop is a good option. It also has the same rugged design and a super-thin sensor for quick readings. Temperature gauging is a bit slower than the Thermapen, usually around two to three seconds, but no more than four.
The ThermoPop has a backlit display as well. It comes with a carrying/storage case with a clip. This makes it great for carrying in your pocket or apron.
Best Leave-In Probe: ThermoPro TP20B
ThermoPro makes many different pens, but their leave-in probes stand out. The TP20B is a great high-end option that you can sometimes find for under $50.
The TP20B's monitoring base state with two wired probes provides accurate, continual monitoring. It is a durable device that is splash-proof. It is simple to set up and requires no syncing with other devices or applications.
Also, the TP20B comes with a mobile receiver that allows you to move up to 500 feet away from the grill. This can be useful for longer cooks or monitoring a cook from a separate space from your grill.
Best Bluetooth Pen: Meater Plus
Meater has made a name for itself in the ever-growing world of completely wireless grill monitoring. The Meater Plus syncs through Bluetooth with your phone, tablet, or computer. It allows you to set up cooks for specific pieces of meat and tells you exactly when to remove the food from the grill.
One of the best features of this device is that it monitors both internal food and the ambient temperature of the grill. You can set a range for both on the app, which will alert you if the temperature falls or rises outside of that range. This is especially useful for precision smoking.
There is no fee for the service, which includes cloud-based software. This means you can sync the probe with one device and monitor it, even remotely, using another. This goes for all functions of the app, including temperature-range alerts.
One limitation is that there is a 400-degree upper temp for this prob––any higher and you could damage it. This makes it ideal for smoking or grilling at lower temps, but not the best option for searing at higher ones.
The Meater Plus costs around $100, although the company often runs sales. They make an identical thermometer (the standard Meater, not the “Plus” version) that has a shorter range: around 33 feet.
It can save you $30 or so, but it may be suitable for anyone who is okay monitoring temperatures right next to the grill. Note that, if you have a kamado or other ceramic grill, the signal may have a tough time getting through––in this case, the Meater Plus is a must.
Best Analogue Pen: OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Meat Thermometer
If you want to get back to the basics while keeping the price down, a standard chef’s thermometer is a good option. However, many you will find are cheaply made and not very accurate.
There is an exception: the OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Meat Thermometer. This pen is very well-built and accurate. While the reading is not instantaneous, it is close and much faster than almost any other analog thermometer you will find.
This thermometer also comes with a storage case that has a handy cooking temperature cheat sheet on the side. You will find this pen for between $15 to $20. That may be slightly more than other analog thermometers, but this one is well worth the few extra dollars.
Learn More About Instant-Read Pens and Grilling Accessories
Now that you know what thermometer options are available and what these pens offer, you can determine which is best for your grilling needs. Find a new thermometer that will help you gauge more accurate temperatures and achieve your cooking goals.
We hope you found this information on instant-read grilling pens useful. If so, take a look at our other in-depth reviews and information about tools and equipment, so you can get the most out of your yard. You can also reach out to us for advice or further recommendations.