The 6 Best Wireless Grill Thermometers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

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We tried out some from brands like ThermoPro, Meater, and more

In This Article

The Spruce Eats / Mary Hoban

Maybe you're an aspiring grill master or a barbecue enthusiast or perhaps you're looking to develop your meat-cooking skills. Whatever your reason for lighting up the grill, it's important to have a good wireless grill thermometer handy. Just like with other forms of cooking, grilling and smoking meat require accuracy, particularly when it comes to temperature. A wireless meat thermometer will not only help you get the precise temperature you need to cook your meat evenly and thoroughly without drying it out, but this gadget will also allow you to monitor temperatures from afar so you don't have to hover over your grill the entire time.

When choosing a meat thermometer, you'll want to factor in probe length, wireless range, temperature range, and other handy features. While basic models will get the job done, perhaps you want an app that sends you alerts or tracks the ambient temperature over the course of your grilling session. There are options in a variety of price ranges and styles for every type of griller, and we tested all of the options on this list to help you cook your meat to perfection.

Dual probes with multiple programming options

Accurate within 1.8 degrees

Impressive 250-foot wireless range

Lost connection alarm

Probes aren’t physically labeled

ThermoPro is a trusted name in meat thermometers and offers a wide range of models. The TP20 features two probes and a wireless range of up to 300 feet, so you can wander far from the grill while still monitoring the steaks and chops. It includes a base unit and wireless remote, so you won’t need to add an app to your phone, and the large LCD screen on the base and remote are backlit so you’ll be able to read them in low-light conditions.

The TP20 has a range of 32 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit with presets for nine types of meats using USDA recommendations, and all of the presets can be reset to your preferences, which are saved when the unit is turned off. The timer can be set for two different functions, either to count up or to count down for longer cooking sessions. The probe wires are rated to 716 degrees, but if your probe fails, the company will replace it at no charge.

We've used previous wireless ThermoPro models and appreciated the TP20's upgrades: The probe ports on the transmitter are labeled so you don't have to remember which one is in the steak and which one is in the chicken (although we still wished the probes themselves were color-coded) and the upgraded straight probe design ensures they don't slip up or down during cooking. Between its accuracy and functionality, the TP20 is "well worth the price tag."

Probes: 2 | Temperature Range: 32 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 300 feet | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 716 degrees Fahrenheit

App calculates full cooking time

No wires

Presets for a wide range of foods

5-minute warning before meat is finished

Not 100 percent accurate in water

MEATER, the "first truly wireless smart meat thermometer," improved upon its original model with the MEATER Plus. Many wireless grill thermometers aren't totally wireless—there's often still a wire from the thermometer to the base unit—but the MEATER Plus is completely wire-free. Plus, it's really two thermometers in one: It will measure the internal temperature of your meat as well as the ambient temperature and can be safely used in the oven up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit.

We find the app incredibly easy to use, appreciate that it tracks the cooking time with a final 5-minute warning, and like that it makes it easy to share recipes and access support. The alerts can be customized to your preferences, too. It was close to accurate in all of our temperature tests, though it was a few degrees off in our boiling water test. The fact that it makes grilling "nearly foolproof" justifies its price tag.

If you'll be out of Bluetooth range, you will have to connect a second device in order for the app to work over Wi-Fi. The 4-probe MEATER Block, though, does connect to your Wi-Fi and has a touchscreen standalone mode if you don't want to use an app. The brand still does offer its original MEATER thermometer with a much shorter wireless range of just 33 feet.

We've tested the MEATER multiple times, and continue to love and use it. "You can choose from a list of pre-set temperature settings by food type and cook style—roasting, smoking, searing, etc —and you can create custom cook settings to save for later use," says Steven Schrimpf, our procurement and inventory manager. "I LOVE this feature as I am constantly experimenting with different recipes and methods."

In the time since our lab test, we've even used this in our steam oven, where the inside gets quite...drippy. This has been working reliably, with no issues since we first got it.

Probes: 1 | Temperature Range: Up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 165 feet | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 527 degrees Fahrenheit

Largest wireless range on our list

Unique range of alarm settings

Charging case is a repeater and a speaker

Audible warning when out of range

Bluetooth doesn’t reconnect as quickly as it disconnects

Touting the most advanced Bluetooth, this new wireless probe thermometer from ThermoPro can report back internal temperature on your smartphone for up to 500 feet. It connects with ThermoPro's app which features a custom 24-hour timer, alarms for cooking and ambient temperature, and USDA-recommended preset cooking temperatures for beef, ground beef, poultry, ground poultry, turkey, pork, lamb, veal, and fish.

Its range and incredibly versatile app are just some of the great aspects of the ThermoPro TempSpike. This waterproof thermometer is able to hold a charge for up to three months, and the probe can be used for up to 36 hours before losing its charge. Additionally, the charging case itself is a signal repeater for extending its range and has a built-in speaker in case you're not paying attention to your phone.

After thoroughly testing this one, it's hard to find any faults. The two thermometers in one probe proved accurate at reading internal and external temperatures, while the app proved unique tones and a wide range of alarms. One issue was the Bluetooth range didn't hold up to the full range due to regular suburban obstructions, and once the signal was lost, it took a few extra beats for it to reconnect to the phone. It does warn you, though, when the signal is interrupted.

We even kept it to use every day and are still impressed. While it’s a small thing, the brightly colored charger/repeater makes it easier to find in a kitchen drawer. So far, it has performed well, and we expect it to last for years to come.

Probes: 1 | Temperature Range: 14 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 500 feet | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 572 degrees Fahrenheit

Two color-coded probes

Useful app with customizable presets and alerts

Accurate readings during testing

Not entirely wireless

Probes might fail over time

This NutriChef Bluetooth thermometer is an affordable option that has everything you might need for basic grilling and remote monitoring. It connects to a smartphone app with an indoor range of 100 feet and an outdoor range of 200 feet. If you wander outside the range, you’ll get a push notification so you won’t accidentally go too far from the grill or oven. The stainless steel probes on the PWIRBBQ60 model can withstand up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, while the upgraded stainless steel cables can withstand up to 716 degrees.

This has two probes to monitor two foods at the same time, and the app will alert you when the proper temperature has been reached. We found the temperature reading to be accurate in all of our tests and the app was convenient and user-friendly. We utilized a few of the app's customizations including a reminder timer and a preset for a baked potato side dish. The base unit has a backlit LCD and the display cycles between the two temperatures being monitored.

As with all meat thermometers with this kind of wired probes, we expect that the wires will eventually fail, which is why we appreciate the more modest price tag. NutriChef offers several other models in a similar price range as well. If you want to monitor up to six probes at a time (although it only comes with two), opt for the PWIRBBQ80 model.

Probes: 2 | Temperature Range: Up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 100 feet indoors; 200 feet outdoors | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 716 degrees Fahrenheit

Connects to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Easy-to-use base for quick temperature readings

Can be used with or without app

Can be used while charging

Small Bluetooth range

Thermoworks, the makers of the incredibly popular instant-read Thermapen thermometer, also have a very popular grilling thermometer that can handle multiple types of meat, plus air temperature, all at the same time. It’s great for the grill, the smoker, and the oven, so it will get plenty of use all year long—a factor that can help justify the higher price tag. It performed well in testing and had one of the more standout and easy-to-use designs.

The Signals thermometer includes four probes—three are high-temperature cooking probes and the fourth is for measuring air temperature inside the grill or other cooking chamber. The app allows remote monitoring of the temperatures using both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so there are no worries about getting out of range of the base. It recharges via a USB cable/power plug and can run while it's plugged in, which is great if there's a very long cook.

Meanwhile, the base unit also shows the information, so it’s simple to glance at it when the cook is near the grill. We particularly like the design of the base, which is quite easy to read. The included color-coded probe rings make it easy to see which probe belongs to each temperature reading on the base. For cooks who don’t like apps, the base unit can easily be used without the app. This is available in multiple colors to match the décor or stand out from the crowd.

Probes: 4 | Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 95 feet | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 700 degrees Fahrenheit

Waterproof design

Dishwasher-safe

App assists with cooking

No ambient temperature reading

The MeatStick Mini is different from the other thermometers on this list because of its size, which makes it ideal for tight spaces. Since it’s truly wireless, it can be used with a rotisserie, and because it’s waterproof, it can be used inside a sous vide bag. This is a little 3.7-inch probe, intentionally built that way. It needs to be inserted fully into the meat, which could be a problem with small pieces of meat, however, since only the short handle sticks out, it's nice for use in cramped spaces. So, in an oven, it can be on top of a roast and still not be in the way. It's also convenient to use in an air fryer or small frying pan because it won't stick out as far.

The internal sensor can handle only temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The ceramic handle can withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees, according to the manufacturer, but it does not measure ambient temperature. We were sent a very early edition of the MeatStick Mini, and think the app has probably already improved since its launch. Still, even with the early model, we rated it high for ease of use. This has a setting to alert 5 minutes before it reaches the set temperature. For a more versatile, regular-sized option from this brand, check out The MeatStick X.

Ever since we first tested it, we've used this one because of its size. It has continued to perform well since we first tested it, and it gets used regularly for all kinds of meats, and even for baked potatoes.

Probes: 1 | Temperature Range: 32 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit | Wireless Range: 33 feet for open-cook setups; 6 feet for enclosed cooks | Maximum Ambient Temperature: 572 degrees Fahrenheit

We love the MEATER Plus because of its design, which is truly wire-free. It allows you to specify meat cuts and desired doneness and tells you time estimates as well as how long to let the meat rest after cooking. If you're looking for a stylish thermometer with a large Bluetooth range, we like the ThermoPro TempSpike Wireless Meat Thermometer.

The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie

We tested our top wireless grill thermometers in our Birmingham, Alabama, lab and in the homes of our experienced reviewers. The thermometers were checked for accuracy by taking the temperature of boiling water and ice, before being used for general cooking and grilling tasks over the course of a few weeks. Each was rated on its accuracy, ease of use, durability, features, and overall value. Our testers also gave additional insights into each thermometer's strengths and weaknesses and what they are best suited for in your kitchen.

To test these thermometers, 6 pork loins were grilled, with 3-4 thermometers monitoring each loin. Decibel meters were used to determine the volume of the alarms, while the testers also assessed their own opinion of the sounds. Thermometers were tested with large containers of water at sous vide temperature, boiling water in pots, and ice water. The thermometers and their apps were assessed for accuracy and ease of use.

Several of the wireless grill thermometers on this list have since stayed in our kitchen and have been used on the grill as well as in our oven, and even the air fryer. With the continued use, we've picked up on several things that you may not otherwise know about these handy little sticks.

By Emily Farris

Most grilling thermometer probes look pretty similar—basically, a pokey metal stick that's about 2.5 millimeters in diameter—but how, when, and sometimes where you use the probe will depend on the type of device you choose and the probe that comes with it.

Whether you’re using an instant-read, wired, or wireless thermometer, probe length is important if you’re cooking big cuts of meat. That’s because in order to gauge the true internal temperature, the probe must reach the actual center of the thickest part of whatever it is you’re cooking. So, if you regularly cook large pork shoulders, briskets, or whole poultry, look for a probe length of at least 5 inches.

There’s also some variation in probe shape. While straight probes are standard, if you’re cooking multiple items or using a small smoker or second rack, a curved probe can help create a more compact setup because the entire thing stays closer to the meat, especially on smaller cuts. Additionally, many probes feature a “step down” probe, which means a portion of the tip is smaller in diameter than the rest of the probe to prevent juices from escaping when you first poke the meat.

Finally, if you’re cooking more than one piece of meat or a large cut (or bird) that doesn’t necessarily cook evenly, multiple probes can be beneficial. On a multi-probe device, each probe creates a "channel" to display those temperatures separately. Some models even let you name the channels (e.g., top, side, thigh, breast, etc.).

Perhaps the most important feature of a wireless thermometer is its wireless range and how it connects. After all, if you’re buying a wireless thermometer, it’s likely because you don’t want to be glued to the grill for the duration of your cook—no matter how short or long. The range can vary widely among devices, from around 100 feet to more than 300 feet. Keep in mind, too, that a device’s range is variable depending on whether it’s indoors or outdoors because walls and structures can weaken a signal.

The options are a remote device that connects to the probe, or an app that connects to the thermometer and sends information to your phone. While an app is convenient—and eliminates the need to keep your eye on an additional device while grilling—there’s also the risk of your phone dropping a Bluetooth or wireless connection. If you regularly find apps or Bluetooth-enabled devices frustrating, a wireless thermometer with an included transmitter might spare you some stress while cooking. Some advanced wireless thermometers (like the MEATER) allow the charging box to be used as a signal repeater, nearly doubling the wireless range, though it’s not always as strong as a direct signal.

How much information do you actually need—or even want—when you’re grilling? If you only need to know the internal temperature of your meat, just about any grilling thermometer will do. But for some grillmasters, tracking the ambient temperature is important. Some grilling thermometers (especially those that connect to apps) even keep a detailed history of every cook, including internal and ambient temperatures.

While this additional information may seem like overkill, it can be helpful to reference it if a cook doesn’t quite turn out as planned, or if you made the best brisket of your life and hope to repeat it step by step, degree by degree. The detailed recording is also helpful when it comes to planning your future cooks. For example, if you want to eat pulled pork for dinner at 6 p.m., you can reference your last cook to see that it took 10 hours (even if the recipe said it would only take eight), so you know that it needs to be on the smoker by 8 a.m. so it can be off at 5 p.m. and cooled and pulled by 6 p.m.

Think about the highest and lowest temperatures you use when grilling (or, say, cold smoking) and check to make sure the thermometer you buy covers that full range. If you want to monitor a meat’s internal temperature when thawing or brining, you’ll certainly need a thermometer that goes as low as it does high.

If you’re using a wireless grill thermometer, you’ll obviously want to be alerted when your meat has reached the target internal temperature. But think about what other alerts you may need, like temperature drops or even drastic ambient temperature changes. The latter is especially helpful if you are smoking meat overnight and actually want to sleep. It’s also helpful to get an alert if you take the transmitter out of range or otherwise lose the signal from the probe. And, last but not least, it should be easy to turn off an alert once you acknowledge it (is there anything more annoying than an alarm that won’t stop?), so look for a clear and accessible way to silence the beeping.

Wireless grill thermometers will require some sort of battery power, and each is a matter of preference. Most take AAA or AA batteries, while some have rechargeable lithium batteries. With the latter, you never need to worry about having disposable batteries available, but if it’s not charged when you need it, you’re out of luck. If your unit requires disposable batteries, you’re only a battery change (or a quick trip to the nearest store) away from a working thermometer.

While some parts of some grill thermometers are billed as dishwasher-safe, for the most part, thermometers should always be hand-washed, taking care to avoid submerging the transmitter or display. If you’re able to carefully wash just the probe with soap and hot water without getting the digital components wet, that’s fine. Otherwise, wipe everything with a clean, damp cloth to remove any debris, then sterilize the entire thermometer with an alcohol or bleach wipe. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel with rubbing alcohol or a sanitizing bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water). Once clean, be sure to immediately and thoroughly dry all parts of the thermometer before putting it away.

If you’re using a thermometer with a rechargeable battery (like the MEATER), it’s important to always return it to the charger when after each use. The last thing you want is to reach for your meat thermometer when you need it most, only to find the battery has died. For thermometers that require disposable batteries, be sure you always have extra so you don’t run out mid-cook. And, as with all gadgets (especially ones you use for cooking), store all of the components together.

Meat thermometers are not always accurate, which is why it's important to calibrate your thermometer a few times a year or at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer. To test if your meat thermometer is accurate, stick the probe into a glass of ice water and hold it there for a minute. It should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. If it doesn't, you'll want to recalibrate it as directed in the user manual.

Most meat thermometers need to be inserted at least a half-inch into the meat for a proper reading but double-check with your owner's manual for more precise guidance. When cooking steak or red meat, you'll want to insert the thermometer in the center of the thickest part, not near the bone or fat/gristle, and when cooking ground meat, insert it in the thickest part or sideways in thin items like hamburgers.

"My go-to is actually using two thermometers: a digital probe thermometer and an instant-read thermometer," says Paul Sidoriak, the author of "The Flippin’ Awesome Backyard Griddle Cookbook" and founder of Grilling Montana. "Digital probe thermometers are left in the food during the cooking and help me gauge the food’s doneness from start to finish. Instant read thermometers on the other hand are ideal for checking thicker areas of the food for doneness."

One of the main appeals of wireless meat thermometers is that you can leave the probes in while your food in on the grill or oven. This allows you to constantly monitor the inner temperature without having to open the grill and insert the thermometer. However, most wireless thermometers do have a max temperature at which they can safely operate, and you'll need to be careful not to exceed it.

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

Donna Currie is a freelance food writer who specializes in product reviews and recipes. She's tested more than 100 products for The Spruce Eats and is no stranger to grilling. From gas to charcoal to kamado and indoor electric grills, Donna has cooked meat on all types and personally tested three of the wireless grill thermometers featured in this roundup.

This article was updated by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. She's written close to a dozen pieces on all styles of grills and done firsthand testing of smokers and grills featured in her articles. She interviewed Paul Sidoriak while researching for this roundup.

United States Department of Agriculture. Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. Updated May 11, 2020