Inkbird IBT-4XS Bluetooth Thermometer and Rechargeable Instant Read Thermometer

Why it's worth it

The IBT-4XS gives you four wired probes, Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery and IPX5 water resistance for far less than anything else here. It's the sensible pick for a casual weekend griller.

Four probes at this price is the reason to buy it. Most budget thermometers give you one or two; this one lets you watch a couple of steaks, a chicken and the grate temperature at once. Readings come back in a few seconds and it reads down to -58°F and up to 572°F, so it covers everything from a cold brine to a hot grill.

Battery life is where it quietly beats units costing several times more. Grilling24x7 measured about 40 hours per charge, against the 8 to 12 hours typical of competing budget models. That means a full overnight cook without hunting for a charger at 3 a.m. It's rechargeable rather than eating AAAs, and IPX5 water resistance means a rain shower won't end your cook.

From our review of 7 wireless meat thermometers, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +Four probes at this price is the reason to buy it
• +Battery life is where it quietly beats units costing several times more
• +Accuracy is good enough for the cooking most people do
• +There's a real argument for starting here

What to know

• –It's Bluetooth only. Once you step inside the house and put a wall or two between you and the base, expect the connection to drop
• –The probes have to click firmly into the ports or you'll get garbage readings — the listing itself warns about this
• –Above 250°F, budget Bluetooth units in this class tend to drift a few degrees