I have all kinds of them from classes I've taught over the years. I can't say the the most expensive equals "best", but you can find information from "Cook's Illustrated", etc. for their input. I still like the simple analog thermometer with a dial on it. I've got a Thermapen and a Polder digital and like them too.

I'd suggest one you can calibrate (by turning the little nut on the underside). They take quite a beating in the kitchen and in the drawer, and you need to check them for accuracy occasionally.

Check the link below for more information and how to calibrate the thermometer (towards the end of the link).

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Thermometer

I have an INSTA-READ by Component Design purchased at Sur La Table. It is one of many of the same type I've been using for years.... no matter where I bought it.

I love my Thermapen but they aren't cheap. Thanks to the decline in the dollar I see this one is $20+ dollars more than I paid for mine.

It's highly accurate and offers quick response. Easy to read; it's used a lot in the food industry.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Thermapen Reviews

I've been using a Taylor thermometer, which I bought because it can also be used for candy and deep frying. The probe is a bit thick for use as a meat thermometer, but they also make a meat thermometer, which I also have used and liked. It needs a new battery, however, and so I've been using the candy thermometer for everything.

Lars

I've used several instant read thermometers over the years and the Thermapen I have now is far and away the best. It has done more to improve my cooking than anything else I've changed in my kitchen for many years. No more overcooked anything, period.

I've been wondering this too - I just bought one that got decent reviews from Consumer Reports. Haven't use it yet so we'll see. It was reasonably priced so if it's not great it's not a major investment - it's gotta be better than what I have.

I noticed several people mentioned Thermapen so I just looked into that - $90-$95 on Amazon. That made me wonder - just how many people are willing to spend nearly $100 on a meat thermometer! And then I wondered if the "vast prosperity" that might lead to demand for such meat thermometers is currently vanishing and thus demand for such meat thermometers is diminishing as well.

Guess I might have given that more thought than it warrants but I just can't imagine spending that much money on a meat thermometer....my mother would turn over in her grave.....

My daughter wanted a digital instant read thermometer and I gave her one from King Arthur's, which she is very happy with. I'm putting one of the same on my Christmas list this year and it's only $17.95 + shipping. I think it all depends on how much you use one and for what purposes as to which works best. I have one with a dial and the idea of a digital is much more appealing to me.

Jude

Well, obviously there are going to be circumstances where that kind of cost isn't possible or justified.

But I use mine for preserves and candy and DH uses it for smoking meat and fish where temps are critical. We had Taylor thermometers but they just didn't hold up while the Thermapen is still going strong. The replacement costs of 3 Taylors equalled one Thermapen.

Carol

Add another fan of the Thermapen. Expensive,yes but well worth the money. Fast, accurate, and we use ours for more then just meat. NancyLouise

I've had several in the ten and twenty dollar range - all bad. I decided to spend the extra cash for a Thermapen and have never been sorry.

Beverly

Okay Carol and others, I checked the website for the Thermopen thermometers and they also have one that is probably in line for what I would use it for and I think it's about $17 or so. I think I'll forego the King Arthur's and opt for it. I don't think of an instant read as a meat thermometer but one for many uses. If I did as much as some of you do with preserving, putting up or whatever you choose to call it, I would get the "Daddy of them all" in a heartbeat.

Jude

This is the one I have and am bragging on.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thermapen

Jude, whichever you get, I hope it's perfect for your needs. Let us know how you like it. It's always helpful to get unbiased reports from forum members.

Carol

Okay I just used my new $18 digital instant read Taylor Weekend Warrior last night. This was recommended by Consumer Reports who of course rarely evaluates high end products. I tested with the boiling water method and determined it was about 2 degrees high so I kept that in mind and adjusted accordingly. It worked great for me - MUCH better than my old one that seemed to result in consistently overcooked meat.

Anybody have an update on this topic? some of the links are defunct, and the Taylor Weekend Warrior has been discontinued by manufacturer...

I know America's Test kitchen rated them recently, but the site won't let me subscribe to see the results. I might spend $20 for a thermometer, but not $100

I just ordered a Thermopop, $29. Per reviews, works just about as good as the $98 Thermopen, by the same company.

I'm still using the same Thermapen I wrote about in '08. I would not hesitate to buy another one should the need arise.

Still love my thermapen i purchased a few years ago during a valentine sale from their website. It has prime real estate in my knife drawer...easy access.

I did pick up one at SurLaTable for a vacation home that tests true to temp. Seems fine but did not test side by side over time...just for a day or two.

Ditto on the Thermapen. I don't regret the expense at all, and you'll find you use it more than just for meat. Your roast chickens will turn out perfectly.

I also have a Polder probe thermometer similar to this one. It's remarkably useful. Stick it in a roast and set the alarm to go off when the meat reaches a certain temp; foolproof.

I have a Thermopop and am very happy with it. I've had it a couple of years. Not 'instant' read but it's very fast.

Thermopop