5 Grill Thermometers That’ll Make You the BBQ Hero

Every pitmaster worth their salt knows that temperature is the key to BBQ greatness. A trusty grill thermometer? It’s your secret weapon. Whether you’re aiming for that perfect medium-rare steak or smoking the heck out of a brisket, a good thermometer keeps you in control. Check out our top 5 picks for grill thermometers that will take your BBQ from “meh” to mouthwatering.

1. ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

If there were a hall of fame for grill thermometers, the Thermapen ONE would be a first-ballot inductee. It’s like the Ferrari of the BBQ world — sleek, fast, and gets the job done in record time.

Why It’s Hot:

• Speed Demon: You’ll get a reading in 1 second flat. No more hovering over the grill waiting.
• Super Accurate: We’re talking within 0.5°F. Say goodbye to overcooked steaks.
• Built for Battle: Waterproof and comes with a 5-year warranty. Spill a drink on it? No problem.

But…

• Pricey: If you’re on a budget, this might sting a bit.
• No Wireless: You gotta stick close to the grill.

2. MEATER Plus

Want to wander around the yard while your meat cooks? The MEATER Plus has got your back. This bad boy is 100% wireless, and with Bluetooth, it practically hands you the reigns to BBQ like a boss.

Why It’s Hot:

• Truly Wireless: Toss out those tangled cords — this one’s cord-free!
• Long-Range Freedom: The Bluetooth range is a cool 165 feet. Go ahead, take a nap in your hammock.
• Smart Cooking: It pairs with your phone to give step-by-step guidance, like having a grilling Yoda.

But…

• Expensive: Freedom comes with a price tag.
• Battery Life: Remember to charge it up between BBQs, or you’ll be flying blind.

3. ThermoPro TP20

You want bang for your buck? The ThermoPro TP20 is like that trusty sidekick who never lets you down. With dual probes and wireless monitoring, it’s your BBQ battle station.

Why It’s Hot:

• Two-in-One: One probe for your meat, one for your grill temp. Perfect for multi-taskers.
• Wireless Champ: 300 feet of wireless range. You can be inside watching the game and still keep an eye on your brisket.
• Pre-Programmed Temps: Want a perfect pork chop? Just choose your meat type, and the TP20 handles the rest.

But…

• Not as Fast: It’s not winning any races, but it gets the job done.
• Fixed Probes: The probes aren’t interchangeable, so handle with care.

4. Inkbird IBT-4XS

If you’re juggling multiple dishes on the grill, the Inkbird IBT-4XS is your multi-tasking hero. It’s got four probes to track different meats at once, so no guessing if the chicken’s done while the ribs are still smoking.

Why It’s Hot:

• Four Probes: Monitor up to four pieces of meat at the same time. Perfect for big BBQs.
• App Connected: Bluetooth ties it to your phone for easy readings.
• Rechargeable: No more scrambling for batteries. Just plug it in and recharge.

But…

• Limited Range: At 150 feet, you won’t want to stray too far from the grill.
• App Glitches: Sometimes, the app likes to play games when you need it most.

5. Weber iGrill 2

From the kings of grilling comes a smart thermometer that’s as reliable as your trusty Weber grill. With the iGrill 2, you can track up to four temperatures and get app alerts when your food’s ready for its close-up.

Why It’s Hot:

• Four Probes Support: More probes, more control. Monitor everything from burgers to brisket.
• Longevity: With 200 hours of battery life, it’s built for the long haul.
• Magnetic Mounting: Stick it to your grill and keep your hands free.

But…

• Pricey: You’re paying for the Weber name and smart tech.
• Probes Sold Separately: Yep, more probes mean more cash.

Grill Thermometer Showdown

What Makes a Great Grill Thermometer?

So what should you look for when picking your perfect grill thermometer? Here are the key factors that’ll make your BBQ life easier:

1. Accuracy – You want something with precision. Anything within 0.5°F-1.8°F is solid.
2. Speed – How fast can it give you a reading? Thermometers like the Thermapen ONE are lightning fast, while others may take a few seconds.
3. Wireless or Not – If you want to monitor your food while mingling with guests, wireless is the way to go.
4. Range – Wireless range can vary, so if you’re planning to wander, choose something with a longer range like the ThermoPro TP20.
5. Multi-Probe Capability – If you’re grilling for a crowd, you’ll want a thermometer that can handle multiple probes like the Inkbird IBT-4XS or the Weber iGrill 2.

Which One Should You Get?

The best grill thermometer for you depends on how you like to grill. Are you a hands-on grillmaster who wants instant readings? Go for the Thermapen ONE. Love to wander while your meat cooks? The MEATER Plus is the wireless wonder you need. Grilling for a big family? You’ll want a multi-probe system like the Inkbird IBT-4XS or Weber iGrill 2.

Now, go forth and grill like a pro! With one of these thermometers in hand, your BBQ game is about to get a whole lot tastier.

With these thermometers on your side, you’re ready to conquer any BBQ. Keep an eye on that temp, and you’ll serve up perfect, juicy meats every time. Happy grilling!