Struggling to cook your steak to the perfect doneness?
If you're struggling to consistently cook your steak to the perfect doneness that you desire, then getting a meat thermometer can help you remove all the guesswork in grilling a steak.
Plus it ensures your food is safe to eat.
In this quick walkthrough, we will be highlighting the best BBQ meat thermometers available in Australia, and breaking them down according to your needs so that you can spend less time choosing and more time grilling!
Best practices in using meat thermometers.
If you've never used BBQ meat thermometers before, you can think of them as like using any other kinds of cooking thermometers out there.
However, it's good to know some of these tips before your meat thermometer purchase - assuming you're not a BBQ world champion chef.
Looking at the stainless steel temperature probe of the thermometers might make you think otherwise, but most of them are not fully water-resistant.
Be careful not to submerge the whole thermometer in the water, unless stated you can do so otherwise.
Most temperature probes are not fully water-resistant.
This is because most meat thermometers have cables that connect the probes and the device itself.
Even though the cables seem to have a metallic shine to them, water can still seep through the gaps between the connection with the probe.
So when you're washing the meat thermometers, make sure to wipe just the probes, and not throw the whole thing in the dishwasher.
Know the target temperature range to achieve your desired doneness.
It's best to know what your target temperature is before sticking the meat probes in the steak and then Googling up what the internal temperature should be to get your medium-rare steak.
It's always better to do a bit of your homework beforehand.
Calibrate your thermometer.
To ensure accurate temperature reading when grilling the steak, make sure to calibrate the meat thermometer.
A simple way to do it is by using boiling water since we know water boils at 100°C - we learned that in science class.
Stick the probe in and it should read anywhere close to that.
It's also best to maintain your meat thermometers by calibrating them periodically to ensure an accurate reading.
So you've now learned the best practices, let's get on with the meat thermometer walkthrough!
Best if you're on a budget:
Man Law Dial Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Does $12 sound "budget" enough?
It's cheap, and it sure does get the job done.
It has a glow-in-the-dark dial and large, easy-to-read numbers, something not many instant-read thermometers in this price range have.
It is also fully waterproof with its stainless steel finish.
Because of these features and for the price, it is one of the best cooking thermometers out there especially if you're on a tight budget and want to spend the money on something else.
Such as spending the money on Traeger's Rubs, yummy.
Inkbird Grill Single Digital Meat Thermometer
It has an IPX5 Waterproof Rating meaning it is fully waterproof and can be washed under running water.
Not only can you use it to measure the temperature of the meat you're cooking, but you can also use it for the other side dish you have on the other grill.
It has a reading time of around 3-5 seconds, which is alright compared to other digital instant-read thermometers.
Other than that, this digital thermometer also comes with a rechargeable 250mAH lithium battery that can last up to 10hrs with the backlight on or up to 30hrs with the backlight off.
One unique feature that this digital probe thermometer has is that it is magnetized, allowing you to place it on a metallic surface.
All in all, this is one of the best meat thermometers in terms of value and affordability.
Inkbird 6 Probe Digital Meat Thermometer
If you're more of a BBQ veteran that likes to cook multiple pieces of steaks at once while still having absolute control, then this multi probed BBQ meat thermometer by Inkbird will be your best friend.
There are two models available, one that can connect up to four probes and one with six probes in a single device.
The highlight of these digital meat thermometers is that they have Bluetooth connectivity that connects to a free app on your smartphone.
Through this Bluetooth thermometer and the app on the smartphone, you can set up custom temperature alarms that go off when the temperature goes over the limit you've set and displays the temperature readings of all the probes installed, allowing you to have a more hands-off cooking process.
These multi-probe thermometers allow you to monitor the ambient temperature inside the smoker with one probe, while also monitoring the internal temperature of a bunch of steaks at once with the additional probes, making sure you have no undercooked meat.
Costing $89, this BBQ meat thermometer is a tad pricier than the single probed one also by Inkbird, but it's worth getting the extra probes especially when you have a bunch of meat inside the smoker to monitor.
It's one of the best meat thermometers available for multi meat grilling sessions.
Overall, best for multi steak cooking sessions.
Best for the extra functionality:
Inkbird Smoker Meat Thermometer
It also features multiple probes and allows you to monitor the temperature of the meat through the Inkbird app on the smartphone.
Of all the useful features this cooking thermometer has, the highlight would have to be the added functionality of a smoker fan blowing through a blast pipe into your smoker or kamado.
The variable speed fan allows charcoal grilling to be a set-and-forget experience.
You can adjust the current temperature of the smoker itself by setting the right temperature range for it to maintain and it will do it all for you - all through simple taps on your smartphone.
One thing that might put you off though, is the $289 price tag.
Thus we recommend you purchase this only if you have a smoker or kamado laying around your backyard outdoor kitchen.
BONUS - Best if you're also looking for a smoker:
Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 24
It's equipped with a built-in leave-in meat thermometer probe that connects directly to their updated PID Controller, meaning you could control the desired cooking time and temperature and cook the meat right from the controller or with Camp Chef's app on your smartphone.
We've created an in-depth review of the Camp Chef Woodwind which you can read here.
If you're looking for a nice BBQ rub on your steak...
You've finally reached the end of the "Best Thermometer in Australia" walkthrough.
After deciding on what kitchen thermometers to get, it's time to get some nice BBQ rubs for your steak.
100% natural, gluten and MSG free, with no fillers, preservatives, additives, or anti-caking agents, 100% Australian Made.
Inside, you've got four unique flavours: the smoky and tangy Chipotle & Lime, the mexican style Poco Loco, the slightly spicy, sweet & tangy Smokey Joe Jerk Seasoning & the back-bitingly spicy Firecracker rub.
All natural and naturally good..
If you have questions regarding anything BBQ-related, feel free to visit the friendly team at Tucker Barbecues or email sales@tuckerbbq.com.au / call 02 9748 8368.
We're always happy to help.