Here we have just a few of the hundreds of temperature measuring devices available today. The devices shown I have used very successfully, and have given years of service. Note: A number of the units shown are from ThermoWorks, and are available only directly from ThermoWorks. Some Asian knock-offs closely mimic ThermoWorks designs and trade dress, but may not measure up in quality, accuracy, or durability.
This type is the first type of thermometer you should buy. It is great for measuring the inside temperature of meats, cakes, etc. and for accurately reporting the temperature of water. It will also report oil temperatures, but you have to get a little close for comfort if the oil is really hot or bubbling. "Instant" means 2 to 4 seconds for good ones.
The unit in the photo is a top-of-the line ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4,
which has many advanced features, and goes to 575°F/300°C.
Cost is 2020 US $99.99. The ThermoWorks little ThermoPop is also very
highly thought of at $34, and also goes to 575°F. Other units are
available from other manufacturers on the Internet for $15 on up. The
unit you select should go to at least 500°F/260°C.
Once called "instant read" thermometers, these are far slower than
the best electronic devices, and accuracy is not as tight, but tight
enough for most cooking needs. The one in the photo is obviously only
for deep frying and candy making due to it's fat probe. Others have
thin pointed probes suitable for measuring the inside of roasts or
turkey thighs. There are many models available on the Internet starting
at about 2020 US $8.
This is practically a "must have" for pan frying, deep frying and even stir frying. Know instantly and accurately what your oil temperature is for precision control - without getting your hands close to the hot oil. There are currently dozens of units available on the Internet from 2020 US $16 to over $150.
The unit in the photo to the left is Electronic Specialties EST-35, available through the Internet at for as low as US $36. It features a bright laser beam for precision aiming and measures surface temperatures from -22°F to 500°F/260°C. With a response time of less than 1 second, it's really great for measuring hot oil and other materials that are rapidly changing temperature - and you can measure from a safe distance. I currently use my ThermoWorks IR-IND - but that's wretched excess for cooking - up to 1400°F/760°/C.
Oven thermometers of this type are still quite useful, though they
have the disadvantage of often being knocked down and bouncing around
when stuff is put into and taken out of the oven. They also can only
be read by opening the oven door, quickly changing the temperature
within. These can be had for 2020 US $5 and up. The one in the photo
has obviously had some use.
This unit, the ThermoWorks Dot, is very highly thought of as a
replacement for the Classic Oven Thermometer, and the probe can also be
inserted into roasts or turkey thighs to monitor meat temperatures. It
has a single high temperature alarm and a strong magnet in the back to
hold it to metal surfaces. It is extremely easy to use, unless you need
the advanced features of the ChefAlarm or similar, and is compatible
with several different ThermoWorks probes. The Dot costs 2020
US $43. Other brands are available as low as $15 (no alarm).
This is the high end unit for controlling oven cooking, very highly
regarded by users and reviewers alike. I used a Pyrex brand unit for a
couple years, but the ThermoWorks ChefAlarm in the photo proved far
easier to use, with a lot more features, and much sturdier construction.
It can also accept other professional probes. With both high and low
alarms, I have used this unit to control my oven to within 90°F and
105° for many hours with very little attention. The probe can also be
inserted into roasts or turkey thighs to monitor meat temperatures. It's maximum
temperature is 700°F/370°C. This unit costs 2020 US $64.
All ThermoWorks units included here were purchased by me personally at full price, or when on sale at ThermoWorks. Neither I nor Clovegarden have any relationship with ThermoWorks except as a customer. I just find their products outstanding and worth the price.