From Cooks Illustrated
RECOMMENDED
ThermoWorks Super-Fast Waterproof Pocket Thermometer
An extra-thin probe that allowed for easy temperature checks, even inserted horizontally into chicken breasts, and relatively fast readout times put this model at the top of the rankings. We also liked the location of the readout screen at the side of the wand (as opposed to the end) and the simplicity of its controls. Its few drawbacks are a low maximum temperature, the fact that it can’t be calibrated (reset when accuracy seems off), and its lack of an automatic shutoff.
$24
CDN ProAccurate Quick-Read Thermometer
Although this bulb-shaped thermometer felt awkward and cheaply made, and testers found it was too easy to hit the small buttons accidentally while gripping the head, it received top marks for speed, accuracy, and temperature range. An automatic shutoff preserved battery life.
$16.95
ThermoWorks Super-Fast Pocket Thermometer
While just as fast as the other ThermoWorks model, one of our two winners, this model lost points for a bulb-shaped head that was awkward to handle and whose screen was harder to read than one positioned on the side. The slightly longer probe was an advantage when reaching into the oven. Unlike the other ThermoWorks model, this one has an automatic shutoff feature.
$29
Comark Waterproof Digital Thermometer
The side buttons were helpful, but the small screen was difficult to read. It also took a whopping four seconds for this thermometer to even turn on.