Want great barbecue? It all comes down to temperature.

Whether you're grilling steaks, smoking brisket low and slow, or meal-prepping chicken, getting the internal temperature just right makes all the difference — it’s what separates dry, tough meat from juicy, flavorful barbecue. And what’s the best way to find that internal temperature? A meat thermometer.

There are hundreds of meat thermometers on the market today and many different styles for different uses. But they all have their place in the world of barbecue. Below, we break down the different styles of probes, offering pros and cons for each style, and we look at the best styles of cooking for each type of probe.

Types of Meat Thermometers

Instant-Read Digital Thermometer

One tool that every pitmaster should have in their arsenal is a good quality instant-read meat thermometer. These are battery powered probes that can be used to check the internal temperature of meat quickly and accurately when it’s cooking.

This style of probe ranges in price depending on quality and durability, but they are typically the most affordable option.

I use an instant-read probe far more often than any other style because they are versatile, accurate and quick. They are also lightweight and can be stored in the pocket of your apron for easy access.

Best for:

-Hot and fast cooking
-Quick temperature checks during longer cooks
-Leaner or thinner meats like steaks and poultry

Pros:

-Quick, accurate temperature readings
-Lightweight and portable

Cons:

-Doesn’t watch temperature during the entire cook
-Requires you to open the smoker to check temperature

Bluetooth Meat Probes 

Bluetooth meat probes have gained a ton of popularity in recent years. They allow you to watch the temperature of your meat throughout the entire cook and let you check the temperature directly from your phone. These probes are fantastic for longer cooks when you want to be able to watch temperature without opening and closing your smoker repeatedly.

This style of probe typically has two components: the probe and the base. The base is what connects the probe to your phone or tablet, and it charges the probe when it’s not in use. The probe is removed from the base and inserted directly into the meat, where it will stay for the duration of the cooking process.

Many Bluetooth probes read both ambient temperature and internal temperature, plus the apps will offer an estimated cooking time based on current temperature and grill conditions.

Best for:

-Low and slow smoking
-Thicker steaks and roasts

Pros:

-Watch temperature directly from your phone throughout the cook
-No need to open the smoker to check temperature
-Great for hands-off temperature monitoring

Cons:

-Will leave a hole in the center of your meat
-Connectivity can be spotty depending on the model you use
-Some models can’t handle high-temp cooking

Wired Digital Thermometers 

Similar to the Bluetooth meat probes, a wired meat probe will allow you to keep an eye on the temperature of your meat throughout the entire cook without opening your smoker.

While some people prefer a Bluetooth style probe, the classic wired probe is a great option because you don’t have to worry about charging the probe and the base between cooks.

A wired digital probe will have a meat probe that is connected to a metal wire that plugs into the base, which is outside of the smoker or grill. The base will have a display that indicates the current internal temperature. This style of probe also eliminates some of the connectivity issues found with Bluetooth probes because there is no need for WiFi or Bluetooth signals.

Best for:

-Low and slow smoking
-Thicker steaks and roasts

Pros:

-Watch temperature throughout the cook
-No need to open the smoker to check temperature
-No need to charge the probe prior to cooking
-Eliminates connectivity issues found with Bluetooth probes

Cons:

-Most models lack WiFi connectivity
-Digital display must be kept outdoors near the smoker

Infrared Thermometers 

While this style of thermometer will not allow you to check the internal temperature of your meat, an infrared thermometer is a great tool to keep around. These thermometers use infrared technology to check the surface temperature of your grill or griddle so that you can ensure you are cooking your meat at the correct temperature every time.

Best for:

-Surface temperature reading
-Cooking on a griddle (such as a Blackstone)
-Checking the temperature of your grill

Pros:

-Takes quick and accurate surface temperatures without touching the grill surface
-Ensures that your grill or griddle surface is the perfect temperature for cooking

Cons:

-Cannot take the internal temperature of meat
-Accuracy can be affected by ambient grill temperature

No matter your style of cooking, having the right thermometer(s) can take your barbecue from good to unforgettable. Whether you prefer the quick convenience of an instant-read or the all-day precision of a Bluetooth or wired probe, choosing the right tool helps you cook with confidence. Because in the world of BBQ, temperature isn’t just a number—it’s the secret to perfect meat every time.