Instant Read vs Dial Thermometers: Which Is The Best Cooking Tool

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In the culinary world, precision is paramount. The choice between an instant-read thermometer versus a dial thermometer can significantly impact the outcome of your cooking. This article explores why an instant-read thermometer is the better choice for cooking, highlighting its accuracy, speed, and convenience.

Taking the temperautre of a spatchcocked turkey with the Thermapen One on a pellet grill.
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As cookbook authors, chefs, and publishers of popular recipes, we know firsthand that one of the most important tools you should own is a good instant-read thermometer. These digital thermometers are an investment; not all are created equally or for the same task. Read on to learn why you should ditch the old-school dial thermometer for the more helpful digital version.

Brief History of Dial Thermometers

Dial thermometers have been a staple in kitchens and on grills or smokers for over a century. Developed in the early 1900s, these thermometers use a bimetallic strip to measure temperature. As the strip bends in response to temperature changes, it moves a needle on a dial, indicating the temperature.

A dial thermometer on a Big Green Egg.

While dial thermometers have been reliable tools in the kitchen, they come with limitations. Their accuracy and speed are often not up to the standards required for precise cooking. Frequent calibration is also necessary to maintain their accuracy, which can be cumbersome.

The Emergence of Digital Thermometers In Cooking

The advent of digital thermometers in the mid-20th century revolutionized temperature measurement in cooking. Using sensors like thermistors or thermocouples, digital thermometers provide accurate and quick readings displayed on a digital screen. This innovation has made them indispensable in modern kitchens.

Instant-read digital thermometers have become especially popular among chefs and home cooks. Their ability to deliver rapid and precise temperature readings has transformed cooking practices, ensuring that dishes are cooked to perfection every time.

Just go to any BBQ competition and you’ll see chefs and pitmasters using all forms of digital thermometers.

Reason One: Accuracy and Precision in Cooking

Accuracy is critical in cooking, where even slight temperature variations can affect the texture and flavor of a dish. Instant-read thermometers excel in this area, providing precise readings within a fraction of a degree. This precision ensures that meat is cooked to the perfect doneness and that delicate dishes are not overcooked or undercooked.

Grilled Bavette steak on a cutting board with a beer based Beef marinade.

Dial thermometers can be less reliable. The bimetallic strip can degrade over time, leading to inaccurate readings. Additionally, dial thermometers need regular calibration to maintain accuracy, making them less practical for everyday use in the kitchen.

It’s also our belief that instead of how long you cook something it’s about cooking something until it reaches the proper internal temperature. Take our smoked salmon for example. The secret to great salmon is not to overcook it. The only way to ensure this is by using a digital thermometer (not by providing an exact time of cooking in an oven or grill).

Reason Two: Speed of Measurement

One of the standout features of instant-read thermometers is their speed. These digital devices can provide a temperature reading in just a few seconds. This rapid response time is invaluable in cooking, allowing chefs to make quick adjustments and avoid overcooking.

In contrast, dial thermometers can take up to a minute or more to stabilize and provide a reading. This delay can be frustrating and can result in food being cooked beyond the desired temperature. The swift measurement capability of instant-read thermometers helps ensure that food is cooked perfectly every time.

Reason Three: Ease of Use

Instant-read digital thermometers are designed for ease of use. The digital display offers a clear and straightforward reading, which is particularly useful in the fast-paced environment of a kitchen. Many digital thermometers also feature backlit displays, making them easy to read even in low-light conditions.

Newer models also offer wireless or Bluetooth capabilities and connect to your smartphone, which makes it much easier if you are smoking a brisket or roasting in the oven.

How to use the Signals Thermometer by Thermoworks

Dial thermometers, with their needle and dial, can be more challenging to read accurately, especially in dim lighting or for those with vision impairments. The simplicity and clarity of digital displays make instant-read thermometers a more user-friendly option in the kitchen.

Reason Four: Durability and Maintenance

Digital thermometers are generally more durable and require less maintenance than dial thermometers. Many are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, making them easier to clean and more resilient to the spills and splashes common in a kitchen.

Some can handle higher heat, like grilling steak or chicken, and be left in the meat while it is cooking.

Dial thermometers, on the other hand, have more mechanical parts that can wear out over time. The bimetallic strip and dial mechanism are susceptible to degradation, necessitating regular calibration and potentially more frequent replacements. The robust design of digital thermometers ensures they remain reliable tools in the kitchen for longer periods.

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Reason Five: Versatility and Features

Instant-read digital thermometers offer a range of features that enhance their functionality in the kitchen. Some models come with programmable alarms, allowing users to set specific temperature targets. Others have hold functions that lock the temperature reading, making it easier to record and monitor.

Dial thermometers typically lack these advanced features, limiting their versatility. The additional functionalities of digital thermometers, such as programmable settings and easy-to-read displays, make them more adaptable to various cooking needs and preferences.

Types of Digital Thermometers

There are different styles of thermometers to select from. Each with a specific purpose. You may end up with various models depending on how often and what styles of cuisine you cook.

Instant Read Digital Thermometers

Instant read thermometers are meant to measure one point of the meat within seconds so you can determine when the item being cooked is done. They are not meant to be left in the meat. The speed also allows them to take the temperature in multiple points quickly so you don’t impact the cooking process by waiting 30 or more seconds like a dial thermometer.

Thermoworks thermapen taking the temperature of a smoked burger on a smoker.
Smoked to 140 degrees

Examples include the Thermoworks Thermapen One and the Fireboard Spark.

Leave-In Digital Thermometers

Leave-in digital thermometers are meant to measure the ongoing temperature of your item being cooked. Often they have multiple probes that can measure various points of the roast or the temperature of your oven or grill. Commonly a leave-in thermometer will have Bluetooth or WIFI access to broadcast the temperature to a remote or an application on your phone. Apps can save the data for each cooking session.

Smoke thermometer by Thermoworks

Examples include the Thermoworks Smoke Unit or the Fireboard, which have up to 4 probes and measure both the meat and the chamber cooking temperature.

IR Based Thermometers

IR stands for Infrared Thermometer. IR thermometers are intended to measure the surface temperature of an object. These are best for measuring the temperature of things like flattop griddles, or pizza stones when making pizza. Some models can double as both an instant-read or an IR.

Taking temperature of inside of grill with ThermoWorks thermometer

Examples include the Thermoworks Industrial IR thermometer, which we use every time we make a pizza. Avoid buying anything that is labeled “instant read dial thermometer” as they are not comparable to a digital version and still take a long time to come to proper temp.

Meater and Fireboard are two additional companies making great thermometers, but have downfalls. When comparing brands be sure to look at the range as well as the guarantees that are provided.

Get Cooking

When it comes to choosing an instant-read thermometer versus a dial thermometer for cooking, the digital option is clearly superior. The precision, speed, and ease of use offered by instant read thermometers make them an essential tool for any kitchen.

While dial thermometers have their place in history, the advancements in digital technology have elevated the standards of temperature measurement in cooking.

An instant-read digital thermometer ensures quick, accurate, and reliable readings, helping chefs and home cooks achieve culinary perfection every time. Investing in a digital thermometer is a smart choice for anyone serious about cooking, providing peace of mind and consistently excellent results.

Also be sure that you occasionally check the accuracy of your thermometer to see if it needs calibration.

Best Instant Read Thermometers

There are hundreds to choose from, but over the years we have come to use and trust one company for the most comprehensive products on the market. Thermoworks has more top rated products than any other company from organizations like America’s Test Kitchen.

Best Overall Instant Read Thermometer

The Thermoworks Thermapen One is our favorite overall thermometer. In addition to less than 1 second read time, the backlight function, and durability is a stand out. Available in multiple colors.

Temperature being taken of chicken thighs with Thermapen.

Best Digital Thermometer Under $35

Thermoworks ThermoPop 2 reads temperature in 2 – 3 seconds and the same craftmanship of their higher priced products. Because it doesn’t have as swivel like its competitors on Amazon, it lasts longer because it’s less likely to break. Available in multiple colors.

ThermoPop instant read thermometer

Learn more about thermodynamics in our article about carryover cooking. Be sure to read more about the perfect chicken temperature or the perfectly cooked steak and why a digital thermometer is such an important investment.


About Vindulge

Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.

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About Mary


I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!

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