The 7 Best Oven Thermometers

What to Look for in an Oven Thermometer

Readability 

This is the single most important factor when deciding which model to purchase. Bright white backgrounds, large numerals, and clear zone markings will help you see the temperature, even through an oven door. If you cannot clearly read the interface, the thermometer is useless. 

Temperature Unit and Range

In some aspects, this is a preference. For most cooks, Fahrenheit readings will suffice, but if you consult recipes with less traditional temperature requirements, Celsius marks may help. The more important aspect of this consideration is the range of temperatures. A wide range of temperatures is optimal; 50 degrees to 500 degrees Fahrenheit will cover most traditional recipes, but for high-heat cooking, grilling, or baking, you may want to look for a thermometer that measures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Placement

Oven thermometers can usually be placed in one of three ways: they come with hooks that hang from an oven rack; they have a base that allows them to stand freely; or they have a probe meant to be placed inside the food you're cooking. Some thermometers are integrated with multiple options.

Digital or Analog

For many years, all oven thermometers were analog. They had a simple dial with an arrow to indicate temperature. Analog thermometers remain popular today, but now there are plenty of digital options available, too. Digital thermometers usually have long wire probes that go inside the oven while the device itself stays outside. They tend to assess temperature faster than analog thermometers but are more expensive.

The choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Chef and culinary producer Jackie Bakula says, "The digital ones are great, but I kind of like the old-school ones." She adds that digital thermometers seem to break more often, so she prefers "something that's not overly expensive, [and] that gives you a basic and accurate reading."

FAQs

How do you use an oven thermometer?

Start by putting your thermometer in a cold oven on the same rack (hanging or freestanding) where you will place your food. Set your desired cooking temperature, and allow it to preheat. If your oven temperature is registering lower than the one you set, let it continue heating until it reaches the cooking temperature based on your thermometer’s reading. Once the thermometer reaches your desired temperature, place your food in the oven. Check periodically, and adjust the temperature if needed.

How do you calibrate an oven thermometer?

This might be the most important step you can take toward consistent cooking. "I’ve never run into an oven that’s exactly at the right temperature," says Bakula. "Unless your oven has been calibrated by a professional, I would say always go with a thermometer to be on the safe side."

To calibrate a thermometer, place it in a cold oven and preheat it to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. When the oven finishes preheating, check the thermometer and record the temperature difference. Repeat this process five times, increasing the oven temperature by 50 degrees each time. Again, record the differences at each interval. Add the variants together and divide by six. This will give you the average temperature your oven varies, hot or cold. Next time you go to preheat your oven, use this calibration to adjust your oven temperature.

How long can you leave an oven thermometer in the oven?

If an oven thermometer is designed properly, you should be able to leave it in an oven for as long as you want. Oven thermometers are made of durable materials designed to withstand high heat.

Where do you place an oven thermometer?

"You always want to place it in the center of the oven," Bakula tells us. "I like to hang it from the center of a rack." The center is the most neutral position and closest to the food you're cooking. Bakula suggests not playing oven thermometers on external surfaces like baking trays "because it will give you an abnormal reading."

Can you use an oven thermometer in a grill?

Yes, but you must ensure your thermometer has a range between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and not higher than 550-600 degrees Fahrenheit. This will afford accuracy, even when you are smoking food or only have half your grill fired.

How do you clean an oven thermometer?

Over the life of your thermometer, it will encounter oil sprays, baking powder, and other bits of cooking debris. Properly cleaned surfaces will head off readability issues. To make sure you're getting the most accurate readings possible, first check the packaging to be sure any glass is waterproof. Next, make sure the thermometer is cool. Using warm water and mild detergent, scrub using a soft washcloth, and then rinse and dry at once.

If you are dealing with particularly tough stains and the above does not work, make a paste of baking soda and water, and then spread it over the face of your thermometer. Leave that on for about 15 minutes, and then wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Dry immediately. Baking soda is remarkably good at removing virtually any kitchen stain.

How We Selected

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the top-rated oven thermometers on the market, evaluating their key features, including temperature accuracy and usability. We carefully compared the key components of an excellent oven thermometer, from the quickness of readings to heat resistance. We also looked at reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assess which thermometers were the best for personal needs in your kitchen. We've also tested dozens of kitchen and food thermometers in our testing Lab over the years, and have used those insights to select the products on this list.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who worked in restaurants throughout college, including La Madeleine in Atlanta, where she relied on accurate oven thermometers for a successful morning bake. Between her experience as a restaurateur and avid home cook, she has calibrated many ovens. She loves her Taylor Classic Oven Thermometer for its readability and versatility, especially on those days when she is moving between grill and oven. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast. 

Sources

Jackie Bakula, a chef, food stylist, and recipe developer, was interviewed for this piece. Bakula is also an Emmy-award-winning culinary producer who's worked on television shows that include "The Chew," "Dinner Takes All," and "The Great Holiday Baking Show." She received a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.