Pictures by Thermapen / Instagram: @thermapen

Determining the right degree of doneness is a challenge not only for grill beginners: If the meat is left on the grill for too long, it becomes dry and tough, but if the cooking time is too short, you cannot enjoy it. In addition, the core temperature varies depending on the thickness and texture of the meat.

Built-in lid thermometers can be used to monitor the heat in the cooking chamber , but this is not enough to determine the correct temperature inside the meat . Another disadvantage is that the heat builds up under the lid and can therefore be displayed as much as 20°C higher. Measuring with a lid thermometer alone is therefore not particularly useful.

With a grill thermometer , however, the temperature of the food can be determined very easily and simply. This way, you can cook the meat precisely without having to cut it first. At the same time, you prevent the grilled food from drying out and from being taken off the grill too early. This way, the meat juices are retained and give it a unique taste!

The thermometers consist of at least one sensor, which is inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The core temperature can then be read directly on the integrated display . The practical and compact design also makes the thermometers very handy and easy to store in any bag .

Grill thermometers are not only available in all colors, shapes and price ranges: some of them have special functions such as timers, alarms or even Bluetooth transmission to your own smartphone!
Whether you're a beginner or a grilling pro: with these practical helpers, every meal will be a complete success and will meet even the highest expectations of enjoyment!

Analogue grill thermometers:

The classic variant is the analogue thermometer. Popular are
They are popular mainly because of their ease of use and low cost. They also do not require electricity to use, so you do not need to change or charge batteries. However, the measurements can be a bit slow and inaccurate. In addition, there is no digital temperature display, which can lead to errors when reading.

Digital grill thermometers:

In terms of design, digital thermometers are very similar to analogue ones. They are also very easy to use, as the exact temperature can be easily read from the digital display. A power source is required for use, which can be a button battery or a rechargeable battery, depending on the model. Another advantage is the quick and accurate measurement of digital thermometers.

Some have foldable measuring sensors, which means they save space and can be easily stored in a trouser pocket. Others, however, have a cable connection between the sensors and the temperature display. In this case, you should pay particular attention to whether the cables are heat-resistant. Many digital thermometers also have various additional functions.

Wireless grill thermometer:

Not just for high-tech fans: With a wireless grill thermometer, you can keep an eye on your steak anytime, anywhere! The measuring devices, also known as wireless grill thermometers, transmit the temperature wirelessly to the receiver, or directly via Bluetooth to an app on your cell phone. Not only is the temperature transmitted, but depending on the model, the progress is also recorded and warnings are given as soon as the respective temperature range is exceeded or not reached. Some models even contain programs in which the cooking points for different types of meat are already preset.

In addition to the contact thermometers, there are also contactless infrared thermometers with which the surface temperature of the grilled food can be precisely determined.

Whether digital or high-tech thermometer: When choosing the right device, in addition to the technical details, it is important that it is easy and uncomplicated to use.

Pictures by The MeatStick / Instagram: @themeatstickig

Once the thermometer is switched on, it is ready for use. When using it, you should know that the number of sensors can vary between models. In addition to devices with just one sensor, there are also so-called dual-sensor thermometers that measure both the core temperature of the meat and the heat inside the grill. In some models, the second sensor can be easily attached to the grill using a magnet.

As soon as the sensor is fixed in the middle of the meat , an electrical signal is generated that is then transmitted to the display. To avoid errors , the needle should not touch a bone, as this could distort the measured values. Depending on the model, the temperature is now measured and displayed within a few seconds . Since some displays can only show Fahrenheit, you should make sure when buying that the unit can also be changed to degrees Celsius .

The protein structures contained in meat only denature at temperatures above 60°C. It is therefore important that the heat
is kept constant over a longer period of time. Since you cannot see from the outside whether the meat is still cold or raw in the center, you should always have the temperature under control. For larger pieces, it is also advisable to cook the grilled food at a lower heat for several hours at a constant temperature in order to create a tender and mild flavor .

Grill thermometers can also be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen.
In addition to meat and fish products, they are also suitable for the uniform preparation of various pasta products such as cakes
or bread is very helpful. This way you can prevent
the dough burns on the outside while it is still liquid in the core.

First, preheat the pan to at least 180°C and add a little oil. Seasoning can be done before or after cooking, as you like . Before frying, the meat should be at room temperature and dabbed with a kitchen towel. When the steak is dry, it can then be put in the pan. If a crust is already forming, it is due to the
Time to turn on the thermometer.

Once the steak has been seared until crispy on both sides, the thermometer is used. To ensure the temperature measurement is as accurate as possible, it is best to place the sensor in the middle of the thickest part of the muscle. The appropriate range for the core temperature can now be set depending on the model. With wireless thermometers, you should also activate the timer and alarm function and can also select the corresponding program if necessary.

Once the desired core temperature has been reached, you can do the palm test to be on the safe side: if the steak is as hard as the palm of your thumb when you place your thumb and index finger together, the meat is still fairly raw . If you press your thumb and ring finger together, the hardness of the palm is equivalent to medium doneness . Once you have reached the desired doneness, you can take the steak out of the pan and, after letting it rest for a short time , serve it.

The Meater Block Thermometer Set contains four temperature sensors with the latest technology! In addition to a Bluetooth range of up to 50m, the dual temperature sensors also offer the option of measuring core and ambient temperature at the same time!

With a measurement speed of just three seconds, the new Thermapen Blue LE is one of the absolute leaders! Thanks to the secure connection, the temperature data can also be easily transferred to your smartphone.

The Thermapen digital second thermometer is a real classic! In addition to the fast response time, the device also offers a wide measuring range from -49.9°C to +299.9°C. The probe can be easily folded to the side for practical use.

The MeatStick MiniX is a true all-rounder! Due to its high heat resistance, the device is ideal for preparing food in a pan or deep fryer. With a length of just 9.5 cm, the MiniX is also very handy and easy to store.