BBQ Thermometer Which One to Buy? Complete Buying Guide

A good BBQ thermometer is the most important investment you can make for better BBQ results. Not the most expensive rub, not the best briquettes — a thermometer. Without a core temperature, you're guessing. With a thermometer, you know for sure. On this page, we explain the different types and help you make the right choice.

Why a BBQ thermometer is indispensable

  • No more dry chicken — chicken is done at 75°C, not when "it looks good"
  • Perfect steak — medium rare is 52–55°C, not a feeling
  • Safe meat — pork, chicken, and ground meat have a minimum food-safe temperature
  • Consistent results — the same every time, regardless of the size of the meat

→ Core temperatures for all types of meat — complete guide

The three types of BBQ thermometers

1. Instant-read thermometer

A handheld thermometer that you insert into the meat for an immediate reading in 2–3 seconds. Ideal for steak, chicken, and other quick dishes.

Pros:

  • Fast and accurate
  • Versatile — works for all types of meat
  • Inexpensive (from €15)
  • Compact and easy to use

Cons:

  • You have to open the lid to measure — loss of heat
  • Not suitable for continuous monitoring during low & slow

Popular brands: Thermapen (premium, approx. €100), ThermoPop (mid-range, approx. €35), cheaper alternatives from €15 on bol.com

2. Wired probe thermometer (leave-in)

A probe that you insert into the meat and that is connected via a cable to a display outside the BBQ. You can monitor the temperature without opening the lid. Ideal for low & slow.

Pros:

  • Continuous monitoring without opening the lid
  • Set alarm for desired core temperature
  • Ideal for pulled pork, brisket, and spareribs
  • Affordable (from €20)

Cons:

  • Cable can be cumbersome
  • Limited range

Popular brands: Weber iGrill (approx. €60–80), ThermoPro TP20 (approx. €40–60)

3. Wireless Bluetooth/WiFi thermometer

A probe in the meat that connects wirelessly to your smartphone. You can monitor the temperature via an app — even when you're not near the BBQ.

Pros:

  • Completely wireless — no cables
  • Monitoring via smartphone app
  • Multiple probes simultaneously (for BBQ temperature and core temperature)
  • Alarm on your phone

Cons:

  • More expensive (from €60)
  • Dependent on battery and connection

Popular brands: MEATER (approx. €80–120, fully wireless), Inkbird IBT-4XS (approx. €40–60), ThermoWorks Signals (premium)

Which thermometer for which use?

Use Best type Budget
Steak, chicken, fish Instant-read From €15
Spareribs, pulled pork Wired probe or wireless From €30
Brisket (10+ hours) Wireless with app From €60
Kamado Wireless with BBQ + core probe From €60
All-in-one Instant-read + wired probe From €50 total

Where to measure the core temperature?

  • Always in the thickest part of the meat
  • Never touch the bone — bone conducts heat and gives an artificially high reading
  • Not at the edge — the edge is always hotter than the center
  • For chicken — measure in the thigh, not the breast

→ How to measure core temperature? Practical guide with all temperatures
→ Complete temperature guide for all types of meat

The core temperatures you need to know

Meat Medium rare Done
Steak / beef 52–55°C 60–65°C
Pork 63–68°C (pink) 70–75°C
Chicken (breast) — 75°C
Chicken (thigh) — 80–85°C
Lamb 55–58°C 65–70°C
Pulled pork / brisket — 93–98°C

Tips for using your thermometer

  • Calibrate regularly — test in ice water (0°C) or boiling water (100°C)
  • Clean after each use — with a damp cloth, never submerge unless waterproof
  • Store the probe carefully — the tip is fragile
  • Measure multiple times — in different spots for a reliable reading

Frequently asked questions

Which thermometer is best for beginners?

An inexpensive instant-read thermometer (approx. €15–25) is the best first investment. Fast, accurate, and versatile. Upgrade to a wireless probe later if you plan to do more low & slow cooking.

Do I need a thermometer for spareribs?

Spareribs are traditionally measured by time (the 3-2-1 method), not core temperature. But a thermometer helps monitor the BBQ temperature. → The 3-2-1 method explained

Is the MEATER the best thermometer?

The MEATER is completely wireless and has an excellent app — ideal for long low & slow sessions. For quick dishes, an instant-read is faster and cheaper.

More BBQ knowledge

Bought a thermometer? Now for the rub.

With the right thermometer and a good dry rub, you'll always achieve the perfect result.