Its time to smoke up your meat, and you want that professional touch. Well, its simple really. Chefs, the good ones, all operate as engineers. They have blueprints (recipes) that tell them exactly how to prepare the food. One of the main features in any good recipe is the cooking time and temperature. In many cases, this includes the inner core temperature of the food, such as meat or a souffle.
Top-Rated Smoker Thermometer List:
| Photo | Product name | Feature | Pros | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Maverick ET-733 Long Range BBQ Thermometer | This is the Maverick ET-733 Long Range Wireless Dual Probe BBQ Smoker Meat Thermometer Set |
| More Information |
 | 2. ThermoPro TP20 Wireless | This is the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer with Dual Probe |
| More Information |
 | 3. DozyAnt 3 1/8" Larger Face 550F BBQ | This is the DozyAnt 3 1/8" Larger Face 550F BBQ Barbecue Charcoal Grill Pit Wood Smoker |
| More Information |
 | 4. ThermoPro TP-16 Thermometer | This is the ThermoPro TP-16 Large LCD Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer |
| More Information |
 | 5. Lumsing Replacement Thermometer | This is the Lumsing Replacement Thermometer Probe |
| More Information |
 | 6. Lavatools Javelin PRO Thermometer | This is the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer |
| More Information |
 | 7. ThermoPro TP-08 | This is the ThermoPro TP-08 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer Dual Probe |
| More Information |
Smoking is the same, it has a core temperature, and the smoking ingredients also need to be maintained within a specific heat zone so that the maximum benefit of that smoky, succulent flavor can be reached.
Here is a list of the seven best smoker thermometers for 2020, this is compounded from personal use, professional and amateur reviews and observation of the products in operation.
Best Smoker Thermometer Reviews:
Contents
1. Maverick ET-733 Long Range Wireless Dual Probe BBQ Smoker Meat Thermometer Set
The Maverick ET-733 is a leading long-range WiFi dual probe for both meat and grill temperature. This is the model to have if you are busy getting around while grilling and cannot have your finger on the grill all the time.
Once you place the meat probe into your product, you can let it cook while dicing and slicing other produce. The transmitter of this device will alternately send you a display of the meat and smoker temperature.
You can set alarms; the timer alarm will sound once the timer reaches zero and the temperature alarms will sound once the specified temperature is reached. The smoke alarm will sound when you go under or over a preset temperature range.
This model has a 24-hour timer alarm, and the range that the wireless will reach is around 30 meters. Just take note that when you lose the signal, you won’t know unless you look at the display, there is no signal loss alarm.
The Maverick ET-733 probe jacks are sealed, so they are water resistant. The device comes with a hanger, so you can attach it to a location within 1 meter of the food since the cable is only 1 meter long.
A large backlit screen gives you ease of view and the device comes with 15 preset temperatures for different food types.
Specifications
- Meat probe: L: 6″ (150mm), Día: 0.16″ (4mm), cable: 3′ (0.9m).
- Smoker probe: L: 3″ (75mm), Día: 0.16″ (4mm), cable: 3′ (0.9m)
- Battery type: 4xAAA (Included)
- Temperature Min / Max: 14 to 410ºF (-10 to 210ºC)
- Display precision: 1º
- Speed from 32°F to 212°F: Meat probe: 30, smoker probe: 40
- Speed from 212°F to 32°F: Meat probe: 40, smoker probe: 60
- Size of numbers in display: Temperature: 0.56″ (14mm)
- Weight: 7.5oz (210g)
Conclusions
What is good about this device are the two probes, so you get both food and griller readings. This is an accurate device, which is a big plus, although there is no automatic off switch, which is unusual for a remote device. This is a great wireless meat thermometer for smokers.
2. ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer with Dual Probe
The ThermoPro TP-20 is a wireless device that comes with two probes and has timing functionality. This could defiantly be one of the best wireless meat thermometers for 2020.
This device uses RF signals (Radio Frequency) and not WiFi or Bluetooth, and are covered in rubber for extra waterproof protection.
Once you turn both units on, the transmitter and the receiver, they automatically sync, and you can toggle your temperature display in either ºF or ºC and also toggle between the food and grill probes for alternate readings.
The alarms can be set for an upper limit only, however, when they sound they are accompanied by a backlight that displays the temperature in flashes, and you can silence the alarm by pushing a button.
The probe cable to transmitter length is 1 meter, and there is a grill grate clip to help mount the probe. The timer can be set to 99 hours or 59 minutes and has a countdown mode.
What is good about this device is the communications loss alarm that beeps when the receiver is out of range. If you forget to turn the device off after use, and there are no communications between the devices for more than 30 minutes, the receiver will shut off.
Specifications
- Temperature Range: 32˚F to 572˚F (0˚C to 300˚C)
- Battery: 4 x AAA batteries
- Temperature Accuracy: ±1.8˚F (±1˚C) from 32 to 212°F (0 to 100°C)
- Resolution: 1°
- Probe Length: 6 ½” food grade SS probe and 3″ oven/bbq SS probe
- Cable Length: 40″ SS mesh cable
- Remote Range: Up to 300 feet
- Probe and Wire can withstand up to 716˚F (380˚C)
Conclusions
This is a great all-around wireless device. It is not IoT since it works in RF, but it is an exceptional tool. The TP-20 is a perfect first-time choice if you want to have a near excellent experience with your grilling/cooking temperature control.
Customer service is great, so if there is an issue at the beginning, contact the company and get a replacement for any issue with a part. This is a great value for money item that is easy to use and has a nice selection of presets. I consider this one of the best wireless meat thermometers for smoker applications.
3. DozyAnt 3 1/8″ Larger Face 550F BBQ Barbecue Charcoal Grill Pit Wood Smoker
When it comes to hands-on cooking, there are two options to consider, a digital probe that requires batteries and an analog probe that requires nothing.
Analog probes are the old school method, where you place the probe into the food, wait for the dial to reach its level and then just pull out, or leave it to watch occasionally.
Analog probes are so simple that they should be kept alongside a digital probe for backup, or use the digital as a backup. Another great thing about an analog probe is that they are sturdy, waterproof and the entire body with reading is heat proof.
The DozyAnt has a 3 1/8” face with a 3” stem. The face is a standard dial, with color codes for the smoke and grill ranges. The color ranges are 100 ˚F -250 ˚F for smoking, 250 ˚F -350 ˚F for BBQ.
Installation requires you place the stem through your grillers 7/8” hole and connect the installation kit.
This is a simple stainless steel constructed device, it has a no-fog glass cover and is so inexpensive, you would laugh when comparing this to a digital device.
Specifications
- Type: Single Analog Probe
- Probe Length: 3″
- Probe Gauge: 1/2″ NPT STM
- Face: 3″ Dia., 2.5″ stem, 1/2″ NPT
- Reading: 100˚F to 550˚F
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
Conclusions
This is a must item to have anywhere, it will complement all digital devices, and can be used as a standalone for cookers, or n installed kit for grillers. Its price is laughable, so buy one as a spare for emergencies if you are hooked on a digital device.
4. ThermoPro TP-16 Large LCD Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer
The ThermoPro TP-16 is their single-channel food thermometer which delivers very good value for money for a digital thermometer.
This is a non-waterproof device, so don’t use it on rainy days.
The TP-16 is accurate up 200º F or 93º C, but can sometimes falter above these readings. This device comes with a countdown alarm and a timer that can be set for 24 hours. It also has a temperature alarm that sounds when the temperature has been reached.
The alarm sounds when either the time limit is reached, or the countdown has reached zero. The only disconcerting issue with the alarm is that there is no off switch, you either speed cool it or heat it over the target temperature.
What is good about this model, is that it comes with the standard ThermoPro preset temperatures for different foods.
The probe on this device is 4” long, but there is a bend which can be an issue for some. Essentially, 4” is more than enough for most temperature measurements.
I remind you that this is not waterproof, so you need to hand wash this probe carefully.
Specifications
- Probe: L: 4″ (10cm), Dia: 0.16″ (4mm), tip: 0.10″ (2.5mm), cable: 40″ (1m)
- Battery type: 1 x AAA (included)
- Min / Max: 32 to 482°F (0 to 250°C)
- Ambient operating temperatures: Probe to 482˚F (250˚C)
- Display precision: 1º
- Size of numbers in display: Temp: 0.5″ (12mm)
- Weight: 0.18 lb. (82g)
Conclusions
The ThermoPro TP-16 is a digital single probe unit, it is reasonably price and performs well. It has its benefits, as well as its detriments, and should be considered a standard starter probe for someone that is starting to understand the importance of food temperatures.
5. Lumsing Replacement Thermometer Probe
The Lumsing replacement probe is part of the Lumsing Wireless Meat Thermometer set. This probe connects to the wireless set and comes with a step-down tip and can accurately gauge temperatures up to 572˚F/300℃.
This probe comes with a stainless-steel handle that makes it flame resistant, and with the silicone handle can withstand temperatures of up to 482℉/250℃.
The cable is a Teflon stainless steel mesh that is 50” long and is also heat resistant to 482℉. These models come in different colors, so you can attach different probes to each item being cooked/grilled. Since the probe attaches to the Lumsing IoT set, you get the best of a great replacement probe and the quality of Lumsing.
Since this is a digital probe, only wash it by hand.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Cord Dimensions: 50”
- Weight: 1.28 oz
- Cord Material: Teflon and Stainless-Steel mesh
Conclusions
A perfect replacement probe for the Lumsing Wireless Meat Thermometer set.
6. Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Ambidextrous Backlit Instant Read Digital Meat Thermometer
It’s time to go pro. The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is a professional digital thermometer and is deadly accurate in the hands of an experienced cook. Actually, its accurate in any one’s hands and is a perfect all professional and amateur cooking device.
This is a no-nonsense tool, it works right out of the box and comes pre-calibrated.
All you need to do is insert it into your food, and the reading is immediate. This is actually one of the fastest and most accurate gauges on the market today and in my opinion the best smoker thermometer for 2020, or any year.
This is not an inexpensive tool, it comes with a price that reflects its quality, but that price is not high, and delivers exceptional value for money.
Now let’s take a closer look at my rave of this device.
This is an extremely accurate model that provides ± 0.9°F reading accuracy. Now, for anyone in the industry, you will know that this reading is about as perfect as you need for 99% of the products you will cook. (Unless you are called Heston Blumenthal, and then you will need a scientific instrument instead.)
The speed of this device is exceptional; you get an accurate reading within 2-3 seconds of insertion.
The temperature ranges this device delivers covers -40°F to ~482°F (-40°C to ~250°C), so essentially you can cook anything and everything. It also works with deep fryers, so expect perfect chips and tempura.
The display is easy to read, no BS on this device, you just get a plain temperature reading, and it is powered by a battery that delivers over 4,000 hours of cooking time.
Specifications
- Response time: 2-3 seconds
- Temperature Accuracy: ± 0.9°F @ -4°F~302°F (± 0.5°C @ -20°C~150°C)
- Temperature Range: -40°F~482°F (-40°C~250°C)
- Battery type: 1 x CR2032 button cell battery
- Battery life: 4000+ hours
- Water resistance: IP65 splash resistant
- Tip: Ø 1.6mm tapered tip
- Display: 2″ antifog backlit display
Conclusions
When it comes to near perfect, you get the Lavatools. This is a hands-on the device, which means you prod the food, get a reading an move on. The price to value ratio is exceptional, and the simple functionality of this product proves that simple is the best. Or in the words of Gordon Ramsey “Less is More.”
To complete my rave here are some pros that I singled out, it comes with a motion activated backlight and an auto-rotating the ambidextrous screen. The read time is below 3 seconds, and the accuracy is within ±0.9°F. The battery life is over 4,000 hours, and it comes with an auto shut off and sleep feature. The only down is that it cannot be left in a hot environment, this is a hands-on the device for quick reading only.
7. ThermoPro TP-08 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Meat Thermometer Dual Probe
This is the ThermoPro budget model, the TP08 which is cheaper than the TP20. This is a dual probe thermometer set and delivers a lot for its price, making this one of the most affordable with great value for money wireless probes on the market.
At a glance, you will find that this device’s receiver works within a 300’ radius of the transmitter. This means that you can run around handling guests, children, chopping salad, deep frying chips and generally moving like a headless chicken while the meat is cooking under the supervision of this device.
The TP08 comes with factory presets that save you time, and the device is automatically synced when started. It also comes with the standard range of alarms that ThermoPro provides, including food temperature, grill temperature, total cooking time and a countdown timer.
Specifications
- Temperature Range: 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C)
- Temperature Accuracy: ±1.8°F (±1°C) from 32 to 212°F (0 to 100°C)
- Resolution: 1°
- Probe Length: 6.5″ food grade stainless steel probe and 3″ oven/bbq stainless steel probe
- Cable Length: 40″ stainless steel mesh cable
- Remote Range: Up to 300 feet
- Receiver Display Size: 1.5×1.3 inches (39×34 mm)
- Transmitter Display Size: 1×0.55 inches (26×14 mm)
This is the economy pack of the ThermoPro models and is well worth considering over the other models. In fact, I would suggest that the price prompts and urges you to buy it over most other competitors, only for the absolute value for money saving you get.
FAQ
- How do meat thermometers work?
A meat thermometer uses the difference in the coefficient of expansion in two different metals to measure the temperature. The difference in the two metals expansion rate is a scientific fact, although they can change at different sea-level heights. The higher the temperature (or cooler) will cause each metal tip to expand or contract at a different rate. In most cases, the metal is designed like spring around a rod, and the spring contracts or expands along the rod/. The delta (the difference between the starting point and the current point) is measured and presented in degrees Fahrenheit or centigrade rather than in the distance such as millimeters.
- Where to place the thermometer in the smoker?
The heat of a smoker is not as important as the heat of your food. This means that you have two options: If you use a single probe, then you need to place it as close to the food as possible. Make sure that your built-in thermometer is close to the meat, and remember that it only gives you a basic heat range for around the meat. The second option is to use a dual probe set; one is placed in the meat the other will give you the smoker reading. This probe set is far more accurate, and you will always succeed when using such a combination.
- Where to install grill thermometer?
If your griller/smoker doesn’t have a thermometer port, you will need to create one. This is a very simple process that requires a drill and a wrench or pliers.
On the grill cover, approximately 45 degrees, measured from the back upper line (what you see as a horizon when looking at the griller from the front at eye level) to the front (bottom front) drill a 3/8” hole in the center at the middle point of the imaginary line.
This hole must be at least 2” to 3” inches above the cooking grate level. If you have a large griller, then you can drill two holes for two devices, at the center of each section of the cover.
After drilling the hole, slide the thermometer stem into the hole, and using the thermometers threads, (they all come with them) tighten a nut to secure the device in place. Do not tighten the nut, just make it fit snugly.
- Can you leave the thermometer in the meat while smoking?
Yes, depending on the device you buy. Essentially, an all-metal device is designed to sit in the meat. All you need is a 2” insertion, and that will suffice. Make sure you use an appropriate thermometer since some of them are not designed for long-term use. In this review, apart from the Lavatools device, all the thermometers can be placed in the meat for long cooking times.
