What separates a novice from a pro is knowing how to use a cooking thermometer correctly. Forget timers, charts, or poke tests. Temperature is the only thing that truly matters. Once you master this essential skill, you’ll cook with confidence and leave the stress of second-guessing behind. With MEATER, that path to mastery couldn’t be easier.

This guide will walk you through the different types of thermometers, why a smart thermometer is the best option, and how to use it like a pro.

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THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEAT THERMOMETERS

Not all thermometers are created equal. Here’s how the most common types stack up:

INSTANT-READ THERMOMETERS


These give you a quick, instant reading. They work well for thinner foods like smash burgers or fillets, but they’re not designed to stay in the oven or grill. Constantly checking interrupts your cook and makes consistency harder to achieve.

DIGITAL PROBE THERMOMETERS


Typically connected by a cord to a monitor outside the oven or lid. These meat thermometers let you keep an eye on temps without opening the lid, but those cords tie you down and limit multitasking.

DIAL THERMOMETERS


These classic probes let you check temps without constantly opening your oven or grill, but they’re difficult to read accurately and often have a slower response time compared to more advanced cooking thermometers.

SMART COOKING THERMOMETERS


These are the gold standard and the ultimate tool in the kitchen to achieve epically cooked food. A smart thermometer offers accuracy, consistency, and freedom. You can monitor internal and ambient temperatures in real time right from your phone or tablet. With hands-free alerts, you can step away from the grill, oven, fryer, or even sous-vide while still getting perfect results.

Want the best of the best? Then you’ll want to reach for a MEATER wireless smart thermometer. MEATER pioneered smart wireless thermometer technology by creating a multisensory probe for accurate internal and ambient temperature. When paired with the MEATER App, the probe guides you through every step of the cooking process and provides real-time monitoring and alerts. To top it all off, the probe is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. That is why we are trusted by a community of over 75 million cooks worldwide.

HOW TO USE A SMART MEAT THERMOMETER

Every MEATER probe is designed to make cooking easier. Here’s how to use it correctly:

PROBE INSERTION

• Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, past the safety notch so the internal sensor is fully inside.

• Avoid fat, bone, or gristle for the most accurate reading.

• The pointed end measures internal meat temperature, while the shorter back end reads ambient cooking temperature—meaning the temperature of your oven, grill, or whatever environment you’re cooking in.

CONNECT TO THE APP


• Open the MEATER app on your phone or tablet.

• Pair your probe via Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi if you’re using MEATER Plus, MEATER Block, or MEATER Pro Duo.

CHOOSE YOUR COOK
• Select your protein and doneness preference, such as medium-rare steak, roasted chicken, or smoked brisket.

• The app automatically sets your target temperatures.

HANDS - FREE MONITORING

• Watch real-time updates of internal temp, ambient temp, and estimated cook time.

• Receive alerts for when to flip, wrap, or pull your meat to rest.

RESTING GUIDANCE


• MEATER calculates carryover cooking and notifies you when resting is complete.

• The result is meat that’s tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.

TIPS FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT


• Placement matters. Always ensure that you’re insert the probe correctly and check temps in multiple spots for larger cuts. Multi-probe products like the MEATER Block, MEATER Pro Duo, or MEATER Pro XL make this easy and allow for checking multiple temperatures at once.

• Mind the ambient sensor. Keep the shorter end of the probe fully outside the meat so it reads your grill or oven temperature correctly.

• Trust the app. Use the presets for your protein and doneness level instead of guessing.

• Account for carryover cooking. Pull your meat when the app recommends. Waiting until it “looks” done often means overshooting your target temp.

• Keep it clean. A thin layer of grease can interfere with accurate readings and charging. Check out our guide on how to clean a MEATER food thermometer for easy step-by-step care.

If you want to know how to use a cooking thermometer and unlock consistent, restaurant-quality results at home, MEATER is the tool you’ve been waiting for. With smart wireless technology, real-time guidance, and trusted accuracy, MEATER makes mastering any food simple. Whether you’re grilling, frying, smoking, sous-viding or more, MEATER turns every cook into a success.