Thermometer: I am a big proponent of simplicity in BBQ. In the information age, we are constantly being bombarded with new options, tips and tricks almost every day. Some would venture to say meat, seasoning and fire is all you need, but if we want certain results, the conversation becomes more nuanced. The goal of this post will never be to tell you you need a thermometer; as a matter of fact you don’t. In the same breadth, it is my strong opinion that using a meat thermometer, when utilized correctly, will give you more consistent desired temps. In the simplest of terms, your cooking will become easier. 

For the guy or gal who is just trying to get into grilling something more than hot dogs and burgers, meat thermometers are a great tool. Shooting for a certain target temp will most definitely remove the anxiety factor from the process of learning how to make your best BBQ. These devices should be used as a tool to get better at the craft while creating consistent results. Let’s be honest, if you find a way or method to get great results repeatedly, why not use it?

This is what thermometers have done for my cooking journey. I had no idea how to get the perfect turkey breast until I started aiming for the 165 degree Internal temp. I only recently learned about the ranges of steak temps. My Inkbird instant read thermometer as well as Inkbird ambient temp monitor has helped me improve my steak cooking tremendously. The same can be said for all my meats. The thermometer has not only helped me with the meat temps, but also to understand how to accomplish certain cooking temps in my different grills/smokers. 

These days, I understand how much charcoal will get me low and slow temps in my weber kettle. Provided I keep certain variables consistent; charcoal, setup, fire starter technique and meat placement, I will get consistent results over and over. Because I have used a meat thermometer while developing these practices I am confident that as long as I keep those variables the same my results will not change. Nowadays, I don’t always use an ambient temp monitor for this reason. 

If this is the first time you are looking into meat thermometers, you can easily be overwhelmed. On my Amazon store, there are a bunch to choose from. Types I have used are 

• Wireless thermometers
• Wired thermometer/bluetooth
• Wired thermometers/WiFi
• Instant read

Thermometer:-

These are all the ones that I have used but there are many. The thermometers listed above have tons of reviews on amazon so look into them and see which type fits your style and budget. 

Meat Thermometers on a whole are one of the tools that always help me create the best results possible. I will always recommend a thermometer, especially if you are just starting out grilling or smoking. These brands and types are just what I have used but there are certainly others that might even be better. One thing I would love if you take from this post is, this helped me improve my food and I hope it can do the same for you as well.