Photo: AcuRite
Unless you’ve got a really great oven, chances are you need a standalone oven thermometer to get your recipes right. This is especially for those recipes with precise temperature needs.
Most of the thermometers that you’ll find in an oven don’t give an exact reading of that oven’s internal temperature. This is often a result of calibration issues or because the oven has different hot spots. So, a movable thermometer becomes the solution.
In this oven thermometers review, you get a list of the top offers in the market, plus a buying guide to simplify the selection process for you.
In this post:
- 10 Best Oven Thermometers – Review
- 1. Rubbermaid FGTHO550 – Best Overall Oven Thermometer
- 2. Taylor 5932 – Best Budget Oven Thermometer
- 3. Admetior T803BH – A Simple & Clean Oven Thermometer
- 4. Cooper Atkins 24HP-01-1 – Oven Thermometer With HACCP References
- 5. CDN DOT2 – Nice Thermometer At A Nice Price
- 6. Winco TMT-OV3 – Large Dial Oven Thermometer With HACCP Guidelines
- 7. AcuRite 00620A2 – Oven Thermometer Up To 600° Fahrenheit
- 8. Polder THM-550N – Dishwasher Safe Oven Thermometer
- 9. OXO 1051106 – Oven Thermometer With A Unique Gripping System
- 10. Farberware 5141019 – Oven Thermometer With Blue & Red Zones
- How to Buy the Best Oven Thermometer
- How To Use an Oven Thermometer
- Conclusion
10 Best Oven Thermometers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
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1. Rubbermaid FGTHO550 (Best Overall) |
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2. Taylor 5932 (Best Budget) |
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3. Admetior T803BH (Simple & Clean Design) |
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4. Cooper Atkins 24HP-01-1 (With HACCP References) |
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5. CDN DOT2 (Good At A Nice Price) |
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6. Winco TMT-OV3 (With Large Dial & HACCP Guidelines) |
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7. AcuRite 00620A2 (Up To 600° Fahrenheit) |
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8. Polder THM-550N (Dishwasher Safe) |
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9. OXO 1051106 (With Unique Gripping System) |
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10. Farberware 5141019 (With Blue & Red Zones) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Rubbermaid FGTHO550 (Best Overall)
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2. Taylor 5932 (Best Budget)
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3. Admetior T803BH (Simple & Clean Design)
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4. Cooper Atkins 24HP-01-1 (With HACCP References)
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5. CDN DOT2 (Good At A Nice Price)
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6. Winco TMT-OV3 (With Large Dial & HACCP Guidelines)
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7. AcuRite 00620A2 (Up To 600° Fahrenheit)
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8. Polder THM-550N (Dishwasher Safe)
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9. OXO 1051106 (With Unique Gripping System)
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10. Farberware 5141019 (With Blue & Red Zones)
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1. Rubbermaid FGTHO550 – Best Overall Oven Thermometer
Photo: Rubbermaid
- Temperature range: 100-550 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
This Rubbermaid FGTHO550 is one of the most accurate oven thermometers on this list and its other features help make it the overall best. It’s made of stainless steel and includes red, white and black on its dial for easy readings.
This thermometer also includes a hook for hanging it inside the oven and a flat base to help balance it on racks and other flat surfaces. It’s slightly bent when resting, so you can see the dial more easily while standing.
You get readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius using a bi-metallic gauge system. This ranges from 100-550 degrees Fahrenheit, which equals roughly 40-300 degrees Celsius.
For downsides, its dial is relatively cluttered and the base could also be wider for more stability.
It’s designed for professional use anyway, so it should withstand all the rough handling of both home and professional kitchens.
Pros:
- Top-quality stainless steel oven thermometer
- Features an easy-to-read dial with different colors
- Dial reads both in Fahrenheit and Celsius
- NSF-approved thermometer is completely safe
Cons:
- The dial is a little cluttered
- Its base is relatively small
2. Taylor 5932 – Best Budget Oven Thermometer
Photo: Taylor
- Temperature range: 100-600 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
The first thing you’ll notice about this oven thermometer is its neatly laid out and stylish dial. This includes the stylish numbers and the red pointer that makes it easy to read.
It measures temperatures from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and additionally offers a Celsius scale, although the numbers are smaller and harder to read. The dial also includes marked temperature zones for warming, baking, and roasting.
An integrated hook lets you hang it, or you can let it stand on its own in a slightly tilted position, which makes for easier readings from the top down.
For cons, its Celsius scale isn’t very readable and the dial could use better colors.
The entire body is stainless steel and the thermometer weighs just 3 ounces. It comes with a lifetime warranty from Taylor, who also offers freezer and refrigerator thermometers.
Pros:
- Stylish stainless steel thermometer
- Offered at an attractive price
- Measures temperatures from 100 to 600 degrees F
- Features a red dial for faster and easier readings
- Backed by a lifetime warranty from Taylor
Cons:
- The Celsius scale is not easily readable
- Brighter colors on the dial would be nice
3. Admetior T803BH – A Simple & Clean Oven Thermometer
Photo: Admetior
- Temperature range: 50-500 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
Here you get an impressively designed oven thermometer with a clean feel. It has a 1.7-inch dial with a white background, a black scale, and a red pointer for easy temperature readings.
Unlike most other oven thermometers, this one comes with a single Fahrenheit scale, which gives it its clean look. The downside, however, is that there’s no Celsius scale.
Admetior makes this thermometer using high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, and it will give readings for any ambient temperature between 50 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and it does it with high precision.
Another downside to this offer is that it costs twice as much as the previous offers in this review, but then, higher precision does have its price.
Pros:
- Simple and clean design
- Features a 1.7-inch large dial
- Includes a hook for hanging and a stand
- Measures temperatures from 50-500 degrees F
Cons:
- It’s relatively costly
- The scale is only in Fahrenheit
4. Cooper Atkins 24HP-01-1 – Oven Thermometer With HACCP References
Photo: Cooper
- Temperature range: 100 to 600 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
This Cooper Atkins 24HP-01-1 is another top-rated oven thermometer, designed to offer basic thermometer functions and then, additionally do a little more.
You get a 2-inch wide dial with both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Then, there are the HACCP reheating guidelines for safe food management at the lower part of the dial.
These guidelines help to make the dial appear somewhat cluttered. Secondly, Cooper Atkins offers only a 1-year warranty.
Body is stainless steel and measurements range from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit with a +/- 25-degree accuracy. Cooper Atkins offers a 1-year warranty on this thermometer package.
Pros:
- Made from quality stainless steel and glass lens
- Features HACCP reheating guidelines on the dial
- NSF approved thermometer for safety
- Measures from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit with a +/-25 accuracy
Cons:
- The dial is somewhat cluttered
- Other oven thermometers feature longer warranties
5. CDN DOT2 – Nice Thermometer At A Nice Price
Photo: CDN
- Temperature range: 150 to 550 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
Here’s an NSF-certified stainless steel oven thermometer that’s offered at a very low price, about 50% cheaper than most other offers here.
It’s a well-designed and feature-rich thermometer with lots of information on its dial. It offers a 2.3-inch dial with a red needle for easy readings.
You get readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, plus there are temperature range markings on the dial, showing from ‘Warm’ and ‘Moderate’ to ‘Very hot’ and ‘Broil’ temperatures.
For cons, it’s nice but just isn’t a stylish thermometer. You can find better-looking ones elsewhere.
It also offers a 2-way mounting option between hanging it from a hook and letting it stand. The manufacturer backs it with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- Nice stainless steel and durable oven thermometer
- Offered at a low and attractive price
- Features both a Fahrenheit and a Celsius scale
- Comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- It’s nice but it’s not really stylish
6. Winco TMT-OV3 – Large Dial Oven Thermometer With HACCP Guidelines
Photo: Winco
- Temperature range: 50 to 500 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
This Winco TMT-OV3 is not for those who want a thermometer with a simple display, but if you’re a lover of information, then you might love it.
The dial is completely filled with lots of information, including the Fahrenheit scale from 50 to 500 degrees, and HACCP guidelines for hot food handling.
Another outstanding feature of this thermometer is its simple and round design, which makes it look both classic and modern at the same time.
You’ll notice that it lacks a Celsius scale, however, and for many, its dial is simply over-crowded with information.
For pros, it’s also NSF certified as completely food safe, and includes both a standing panel and a hanging hook.
Pros:
- Very stylish and elegant stainless steel thermometer
- Features a large 3-inch dial
- NSF certified as food safe
- Comes with a stand and a hanging hook
Cons:
- The dial is a bit crowded with information
- There’s no Celsius scale
7. AcuRite 00620A2 – Oven Thermometer Up To 600° Fahrenheit
Photo: AcuRite
- Temperature range: 150 to 600 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
This oven thermometer comes with two features that set it apart from the rest. The first feature is that it reads up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and this makes it useful for certain people.
Its second nice feature is that it has bold figures on the scale, making it a preferred choice for those with eyesight problems. The dial also measures 2.5 inches in diameter, which is enough.
The downside is that there’s no Celsius scale on the dial, only the Fahrenheit scale and temperature range indications like warm, bake, roast, and broil.
On the bright side, it’s NSF certified and AcuRite backs it with a 10-year warranty, which means you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Pros:
- Simple and reliable stainless steel design
- Measures from 150 to 600 degrees F
- Features color-coded temperature ranges
- Backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- The temperature scale is only in Fahrenheit
- Cheaper thermometers are available
8. Polder THM-550N – Dishwasher Safe Oven Thermometer
Photo: Polder
- Temperature range: 50-500 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel
Polder takes a swing at making the best oven thermometer here with this THM-550N thermometer. It features an impressive design and is additionally dishwasher safe for easy maintenance.
It reads temperatures from 50 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and displays both in Fahrenheit and in Celsius. The dial is also beautifully designed to offer a clean overview while being easy to read.
Unlike the previous thermometer from AcuRite, this one lacks bold-faced numbers, so it’s probably not the best option for people with eyesight issues. Its warranty is also just 1-year long.
It can stand on its own, however, or hang from a grate. Plus, its unique dial design sets it apart from the rest and makes it lovable.
Pros:
- Nice, stylish, and fun design
- It’s dishwasher safe and easy to keep up
- The dial features Fahrenheit and Celsius scales
- Includes a stand a hook for hanging or standing
Cons:
- It doesn’t have bold-faced numbers
- Its warranty is only 1-year long
9. OXO 1051106 – Oven Thermometer With A Unique Gripping System
Photo: OXO
- Temperature range: 200 to 500 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
Most oven thermometers feature a standing base and a hook on top to hang the thermometer, and this offers you multiple options of using them. The problem though is that they can easily fall off.
Enter Oxo Good Grips, this thermometer features a unique gripping system that lets you attach it to any grate in either a standing or a hanging position.
What you also get, is a thermometer that’ll neither shift nor fall during use because it comes with a unique and very smart gripping system.
It also comes with a silicone ring for non-slip handling, but it isn’t dishwasher safe, so you are only allowed to hand-wash it. There are other cheaper offers, such as the AcuRite 00620A2.
However, you get large, easy to read numbers, plus beautifully designed Fahrenheit and Celsius scales.
Pros:
- Dial features large and easy to read numbers
- Comes with a unique gripping system
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Covered by a non-slip silicone ring for better handling
Cons:
- It’s not dishwasher safe
- Costs more than most other thermometers
10. Farberware 5141019 – Oven Thermometer With Blue & Red Zones
Photo: Farberware
- Temperature range: 100-600 degrees F
- Material: Stainless steel and glass
Here comes an offer from Farberware. It features a stainless steel build and measures temperatures from 100 to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the reasons that it’s on this list of the best oven thermometers is because of its dial design. You get bold numbers in the Fahrenheit scale and a complementary Celsius scale.
For downsides, you can get cheaper offers elsewhere, such as the Winco TMT-OV3 and it’s not dishwasher safe.
Asides from that, there is a fading blue and red scale that gives it a special look and it also comes with a base for standing and a hook for hanging it from grates.
Pros:
- Features a lovely blue and red dial design
- Made of durable stainless steel
- Reads temperatures from 10 to 600 degrees F
- Can either stand or hang from a rack
Cons:
- Cheaper offers are available
- This thermometer is not dishwasher safe
How to Buy the Best Oven Thermometer
Photo: Taylor
There are certain features in an oven thermometer that are more important than others, so you need to understand and keep an eye on these important factors if you want to make the right choice.
They are as follows:
1. Digital vs Analog
The first major difference between oven thermometers is their underlying technology. Most oven thermometers are analog, but you’ll also find digital thermometers, especially the high-tech laser ones.
Digital thermometers cost more than analog ones on average. Also, the laser versions are handheld, meaning you can’t leave them inside the oven because they’ll melt. The best digital oven thermometers can get very costly, but they also come with impressive features.
Analog thermometers are for keeping inside the oven throughout the cooking process, and you have to read them through the oven’s glass door.
Whichever type you decide to choose is up to you, it’s only important to make sure of its accuracy.
2. Accuracy
The major reason for getting an oven thermometer is accuracy, so it’s necessary to make sure that the thermometer that you’re getting is as correct as possible.
How much accuracy you want is up to you, but you shouldn’t settle for a thermometer that’s off by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. An accuracy of 5 degrees or fewer is acceptable.
One of the best ways to get a quality thermometer with a high accuracy level is to focus on well-known thermometer brands such as Faberware with its Faberware 5141019 that are known to make correct thermometers.
3. Temperature Range
Lower heats are no problem, the problems with an oven thermometer begin at higher temperatures, and this is where you should always pay attention.
You need a thermometer that will withstand more heat than you are looking for or need, and this usually boils down to the materials used in making the thermometer.
4. Material
For analog oven thermometers that you need to leave inside the oven, the materials that it’s made from are what determine how much heat-resistant it is.
For the metallic parts, stainless steel is the best and most affordable material. The glass used also has to withstand the desired temperatures.
5. Ease of Use
Ease of use is another important consideration because an unusable or difficult-to-use thermometer is of no good to anyone. For digital thermometers, just make sure that they offer an easy method of taking temperature readings.
For analog thermometers that you keep inside the oven, you need to make sure that it has a colorful enough display with good contrast to increase its readability. You should also check for a hook for hanging it and a flat stand for balancing it inside the oven.
6. Quality & Maintenance
The thermometer’s overall quality is also important because it determines how easy it is to keep it up. A good thermometer will be easy to clean and won’t need recalibration very often. Again, the easiest way to assure a good quality thermometer is to go with known brands.
How To Use an Oven Thermometer
Photo: AcuRite
Following is a step by step guide to making the best use of your oven thermometer. If you have concerns in any way about the accuracy of the oven thermometer you are about to use, you can also get a second one to crosscheck their reading.
Another tip to keep in mind is to let the thermometer cool down completely after use before you touch it or try to remove it from the oven.
Step 1. Place the Thermometer in the Oven
The goal of an oven thermometer is to give you the temperature of the food that you’re cooking, as precisely as possible. This makes it necessary to place the thermometer as close as possible to where you’ll place the food.
Placing it near the middle of the oven and on the same rack that you’ll bake on is good, just make sure that it’s stable and that you can easily read its display from that position.
Step 2. Set Oven Temperature
Next step is to set the desired temperature on your oven. This is the temperature that you’re meant to bake your foot at and your oven’s design will determine how you set this, either using dials or pushbuttons on digitally-controlled ovens.
Step 3. Preheat the Oven
Now is the time to preheat the oven to the desired temperature that you just set. You’ll need to give it a few minutes to heat up, depending on how fast your oven is.
You’ll also need to allow a few extra minutes for the thermometer to catch up, but how long exactly depends on its design and construction materials. So just give it a few more minutes.
Step 4. Compare the Thermometers
Once you’re sure that your oven has preheated, it’s now time to compare your oven thermometer against the pre-installed one.
If they both have the same reading, then simply move on to the next step. Else, if the readings differ from each other, then you’ll need to adjust your oven to make them match.
So, for instance, if you set the oven at 300 degrees F and your new oven thermometer is showing 250 F, you’ll need to increase your oven’s temperature. If the thermometer, however, shows 350 F, then you’ll need to turn down your oven’s heat.
If you had to adjust your oven’s heat to match your thermometer, then give the thermometer a few minutes before checking if the readings match.
Step 5. Start Cooking
You can now place your food inside the oven to start cooking it. Also, check the thermometer from time to time and make adjustments if necessary.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this oven thermometers review, and you’ve seen all the top offers in the market, from the simple to the elegant.
If you are just after a great thermometer with an overall great rating and price, then the Rubbermaid FGTHO550 is the best recommendation.
For the best budget offer, the Taylor T803BH is the best recommendation with its up to 600° F range and lifetime warranty.
If things are looking rough, and you need a special thermometer that will neither shake nor fall, then you need the OXO 1051106.