Barbecue Thermometers

With slow and low barbecuing, it’s especially important to monitor the temperature of the fire without opening the grill lid. If your grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, it’s a good idea to buy one. We tested eight oven and barbecue thermometers, digital and dial-faced, all of which could slip through the grill lid’s vent holes. We found a surprising range of features and prices—from $7.99 to $99. Our two favorites turned out to be the cheapest models tested, and our highly recommended model gives you simultaneous meat and oven temperature readings. On the grill, a heatproof silicone finger-grip under the dial allows you to take the thermometer out of the lid vents and check the temperature of the meat.