It’s time to talk about meat—thermometers, specifically. Everyone needs at least one type of meat thermometer on hand, whether they’re a professional chef or a novice home cook. A meat thermometer makes your cooking easier. As the name suggests, it measures the temperature of meat during the cooking process. This involves roasting a pig, chicken, searing a steak, pan-frying pork chops, and poaching fish. In this article, we will show you the best meat thermometer for a pig roast along with the buying guide to help you pick the one which suits your needs.
Contents
- 1 Why is it important to use a good meat thermometer when cooking?
- 2 What are the different types of thermometers you can buy for pork?
- 3 Long-probe vs. short-probe meat thermometers
- 4 What to consider while buying a meat thermometer for pig roast
- 5 Best meat thermometers for pig roasting- meat thermometer summary list
- 6 Top 5 meat thermometers for pig roast – best cooking thermometer with great reviews
- 6.1 #1 Yummly Premium Wireless Smart Leave-in Meat thermometer
- 6.2 #2 ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
- 6.3 #3 Lavatools Javelin Pro Digital Meat Thermometer for Grill, BBQ
- 6.4 #4 Lavatools PT12 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer, Grill Meat thermometer
- 6.5 #5 Polder Stable Read Digital Food Meat Thermometer – Budget Meat Thermometer
- 7 FAQ – best meat thermometer
- 8 Conclusion
Why is it important to use a good meat thermometer when cooking?
The only certain way to determine if your dinner is thoroughly cooked and ready to eat is to use a meat thermometer when cooking. Though you may have a keen sense of when your steak is medium-rare or have a gut feeling whether your chicken meat is properly roasted, only a meat thermometer can be certain.
A meat thermometer can also be used to evaluate whether or not a meal has been overcooked, especially for meat. Meat that has been cooked to the right temperature is juicy and tender; meat that has been left in the oven or on the grill for a long time is dry and flavorless.
Did You Know? For roasts, steaks, and thick meat chops, insert the thermometer into the center at the thickest part, away from bone, fat, and gristle. Refer to this short guide to know more about food thermometers.
What are the different types of thermometers you can buy for pork?
Meat thermometers come in a wide variety of styles, just like other kitchen appliances. Different varieties of thermometers are better suited for different uses; such as analog or digital, and those with a long or short probe. You can buy these thermometers for different types of meats like pork roasts or beef and even use them while making soup or boiling water.
It’s important to learn the benefits and drawbacks of several types of meat thermometers before you buy the ideal one for you.
Long-probe vs. short-probe meat thermometers
Longer probe thermometers often feature probes that are up to five inches long, making them perfect for cooking larger cuts of meat. To put it another way, whether you’re cooking a brisket or a turkey, get out your long-probed thermometer.
While a meat thermometer with a long probe can work with thinner cuts of meat like flank steak or chicken breast, it will be more difficult to handle and maybe less accurate because the probe must penetrate (but not go through) the meat regardless of thickness.
What to consider while buying a meat thermometer for pig roast
Style
There are many various sorts of thermometers on the market, and the style you choose will be based on how you like to cook your meat. A simple, leave-in meat thermometer may suffice if you rarely prepare anything other than roast beef or chicken. A digital probe thermometer can help you boost your game by allowing you to see the temperature readings of the meat from outside the oven, set temperature maximums and alarms, and more.
Analog or digital
Analog thermometer is less expensive than a digital cooking thermometer, but they are always slower and more difficult to read. This is less important with a thermometer you’ll put in the Thanksgiving turkey for a few hours than it is with a thin steak or caramel sauce, where even a small fluctuation in temperature might be the difference between success and failure.
Instant read features
The size and design of an instant read thermometer are the most critical features: you would like the one that isn’t too big or too little, has an easy-to-access probe, and that you can grasp firmly even if steam or grease are present. Many newer instant read models also feature displays that light up or swivel in two or four directions (so you can view the temperature no matter where you or your food are); these are convenient, but they can add a good portion to the final price.
Number of probes
Because most remote probe thermometers only come with one probe, you can only monitor the temperature of one dish at a time. Some, on the other hand, come with up to four probes, allowing you to make a wide range of recipes with only one device. This is useful if you entertain frequently or regularly prepare different varieties of meat at the same time.
Smart functionality
Smart thermometers can connect to a smartphone app and update you about your cooking. This will allow you to keep track of what’s cooking in the oven even while you’re not there. Apps that track temperature over time and provide settings for specific cuts of meat may help remove some of the guesswork from the process. However, because your cooking tools and personal tastes are tough to hard-code into any software, choose one that is customizable. You can get yourself a smart wifi meat thermometer to help you with cooking. We have collated a list of the best wifi meat thermometer available in the market just for you.
Did You Know? Food thermometers can also be used to test the temperature of boiling water or your bathwater. The ideal bath water temperature for adults is about 102° F; three degrees more than the normal body temperature. Baths and showers should never be hotter than 112° F.
Best meat thermometers for pig roasting- meat thermometer summary list
#1 Yummly Premium Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer – The Yummly Smart Thermometer monitors temperature throughout meat cooking — no strings (or wires) attached.
#2 ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer – The new ThermoPro uses advanced technology and includes a number of innovative features illustrated below.
#3 Lavatools Javelin Pro Digital Meat Thermometer for Grill, BBQ – Whatever you need to cook, the Lavatools thermometer can conquer any cooking task like barbecue.
#4 Lavatools PT12 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer – NSF certified superior build quality like nothing else on the market backed by an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty.
#5 Polder Stable Read Digital Thermometer – With this new, exclusive technology, get accurate readings in as fast as 4 seconds
Top 5 meat thermometers for pig roast – best cooking thermometer with great reviews
Although the Yummly Smart Thermometer is designed to work with the Yummly cooking app (which is necessary); you may use it with any of your own recipes for a subscription fee that provides you access to curated galleries of recipes that match your tastes and dietary needs. Simply open the app on your Android or iOS device, which is flooded with beautiful photographs and slick temperature visuals. Follow the on-screen directions, and wait for the alarm that indicates that your food is ready.
The thermometer must then be charged for 30 minutes on the battery-powered dock before being connected with your phone or tablet, which took me a few tries to get right. The Yummly Smart Thermometer is lively and engaging. It’s a great example of what smart cooking will look like in the future. Check out more wireless meat thermometer options by clicking on this link.
User Experience
This unit had great reviews. Users appreciated the app and that it’s easy to use. They said that the readings are consistent and accurate so you can feel confident that your meal won’t be ruined by a false reading. They liked that since it’s a wireless meat thermometer. One of the customers said that she is technologically inept but the directions made it easy to download the app and use the thermometer. Although some users were very disappointed with the accuracy of this product. Others were facing issues pairing their smartphone with it.
Pros
- Excellent app experience
- You can use up to four probes at once
- Magnetic charging dock
- Assisted cooking programs
- Built-in timers and alerts
- Completely wireless and Bluetooth connected
Cons
- Time-consuming setup
- Short probe
My Verdict: Get the results you want, every time, with this 100% wireless meat thermometer on your smartphone. This is clearly the best roasting meat thermometer available in the market.
You will not lose heat by opening your oven, grill, or smoker to do a temperature check. For more options, check out the best thermometer for oven.
#2 ThermoPro TP19H Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer
This simply measures the meat’s temperature. There is no on/off button; it turns on when someone opens the probe and turns off when you leave it or after a few minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. The probe extends from the body and folds effortlessly back into place when not in use.
Individually calibrated ThermoPro provide another assurance, and we found this to be consistently accurate. However, a guide to advise the temperature for meats on the thermometer would have been helpful. It only needs to penetrate 3mm into the meat, so it’s ideal for smaller cuts like chicken thighs. We also liked how the tip is quite small, so the meat doesn’t end up having a giant hole in it.
User Experience
Users were really happy with their purchase. This is the reason it is one of the highest-rated products on the list. Users said that it is well made and works perfectly. They also appreciated the thermometer being waterproof and added it works quickly and accurately. One of the users commented that this is an excellent piece of kit, and every kitchen should have one which I completely agree with. There are no negative reviews on this product at the time of writing this article.
Pros
- Ambidextrous backlit display
- Quick easy to read
- Straightforward
- Accurate
- IP65 waterproof
Cons
- Limited features
My Verdict: This is nice to hold and satisfyingly chunky in hand, and it wouldn’t take up much space in the drawer.
Also read the best thermometer for smoking.
#3 Lavatools Javelin Pro Digital Meat Thermometer for Grill, BBQ
The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is twice as expensive as the Lavatools PT12 (we’ll talk about it below), but it comes with several added features that make it worthwhile. To begin with, temperature readings are given about one second faster. The probe is also 1.5 inches longer at 4.5 inches. You can use it for multiple cooking needs from grilling to barbecue.
3D motion wake, anti-fog display, stability alert, and backlighting are among the other features. Furthermore, the ambidextrous display turns depending on how the screen is positioned, making it easier to read the temperature.
The thermometer is a super-smart device with an intelligent stabilization feature, a loud alarm or buzzer, and the ability to hold the readout, so you don’t have to re-check the temperature.
User Experience
Users appreciated the accuracy and said that the Javelin Pro is right on. They also appreciated the speed of the temperature reading. Users were happy that it was small, light, easy to use, and can be used in either hand. One of the customers said that the Javelin Pro Duo is a must for anyone working in a restaurant environment or frequently grilling or doing barbecue in the dark. Some users were disappointed with the product life of this tool and mentioned that it stopped working after some months.
Pros
- High level of accuracy
- Fast Instant-Read temperature of 2-3 seconds
- Designed for high-heating cooking
- 4.5-inches food-grade stainless steel probe with a tapered tip
- Large 2-inches auto-rotating ambidextrous backlit LED display
- Automatic shut-off and motion awake feature
- Audible alarm
- Easy to calibrate
- Foldable design
Cons
- Relatively short probe
- The magnet could be more powerful
My Verdict: For super fast and highly accurate temperatures, the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Meat Thermometer is an excellent choice for all foodies. Use this thermometer to cook and enjoy your delicious pig roast with some fantastic salad. One of the best grill thermometers in my opinion.
Refer to the best thermometer for grilling for similar options.
#4 Lavatools PT12 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer, Grill Meat thermometer
The Lavatools Javelin thermometer has a range of -40 to 482 degrees and is meant to deliver readings in four seconds with an accuracy of 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. The closer the item you’re measuring is to room temperature, the better the accuracy. The 2.75-inch long food-grade tapered probe is made of 18/8 stainless steel. To prevent bacterial growth, the tool is coated with an antimicrobial coating.
It can run for at least 4,000 hours on a single CR2032 3V battery. This instant read meat thermometer unit comes with an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty from Lavatools.
User Experience
This thing is great and users know that. Users were happy with its accuracy and durability. They liked how it automatically turns on/off when you pull out the wand. One of the customers commented that she really needed an accurate instant-read thermometer, and this one is the best. Another user commented that she loves how it’s magnetic and readily available – whether it’s on the fridge or on a dishwasher. Customers were having trouble claiming the warranty and with customer service.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Fast response time
- Accurate readings
- Easy-to-read display
- IP65 splash-proof construction.
- Magnetized for convenient storage
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Short probe
My Verdict: Unlike many other thermometers, the Lavatools PT12 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer is fast, precise, durable, and loaded with useful features.
#5 Polder Stable Read Digital Food Meat Thermometer – Budget Meat Thermometer
In as little as four seconds, the Polder Stable-Read thermometer gives precise readings. Once you’ve inserted the probe into your roast and pressed the button, you’ll hear a beep, indicating that a stable temperature is available. The temperature hold option saves the result until it is reset. This eliminates the need to bend and strain to read the temperature.
When sampling, a probe tip that is exceptionally thin leaves a smaller puncture hole. It stores the reading on the large, easy-to-read screen until you reset it. It operates on a single CR2032 3V battery and measures temperatures from -49 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit.
User Experience
Users were happy that the numbers were large, was very quick, and it has a pleasing design. They also mentioned that it seems to be very accurate. What I really liked about this thermometer is that beeps when it has registered the temperature. This means no guesswork like with those that do not beep. One of the users commented that it’s inexpensive, well made, and simple to use. What else do you want? Some users, on the other hand, were complaining regarding the product quality and said that it stopped working after few uses.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Accurate
- Fast
- Inexpensive
- Hold reading until reset
Cons
- Questionable water resistance
My Verdict: All in all, the Polder Stable Read Digital Thermometer is a great product aside from its attractively low price.
The digital display is a major benefit of this thermometer. For more options, you can check out the list of the best digital meat thermometer.
FAQ – best meat thermometer
1. How Do I Know When My Food Is Done Cooking?
A thermometer is nothing more than a tool for determining the temperature of the meal you’re preparing. Based on the information provided by the thermometer; you must make judgments about whether to increase or reduce the heat and when tasks are done. In most circumstances, the lowest temperature reached in the thickest section of the food is used to determine doneness.
2. Where Should I Place My Probe Tip To Gauge Doneness?
The coldest area of most cooked items when checking doneness is the very middle of the thickest piece. With larger foods, you can use your thermometer to take brief readings in several places to ensure that the entire portion is cooked. When chilling food, the thickest part’s center will be the last to cool.
Keep in mind that the sensors on different types of thermometers have varying sizes.
3. How Often Should I Calibrate My Thermometer?
The term “calibrate” is frequently mistaken to imply that a thermometer must be adjusted for accuracy. While changes may be necessary, “calibrating” a thermometer merely involves comparing its accuracy to a known standard. No adjustments should be performed if the thermometer meets the manufacturer’s or quality control agency’s accuracy specifications.
Mechanical thermometers, such as dial thermometers, should be calibrated on a daily basis. Digital thermometers, on the other hand, are usually only calibrated once a year.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the “best” meat thermometer for pig roast; it comes down to personal preference and the purpose for which you will use it. Depending on your needs, you can pick any of the top 5 meat thermometers that are mentioned above. It will suit every type of home cook. Apart from this, you can also check out the best meat thermometers in the market and pick the one which suits you the best.
To those who want to read honest reviews and make a solid decision which they will not regret later. Ritik is an enthusiastic writer and what makes him stand out is his extensive knowledge in the field of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Seeing his mom using different gadgets and appliances at home fascinated him more in this niche since the childhood. He loves to share his research and knowledge about all the latest kitchen gadgets and appliances being released in the market and provide his reviews along. He helps his audience decide what will fit the best in their kitchen and what not.
