If you want perfectly-cooked bread that’s utterly moist, impressively soft, and 100% delicious, you need to know its internal temperature – and unfortunately, most of us don’t have an infrared vision. To ensure your bread is the perfect temp (typically 190F), you will need a bread-baking thermometer. I like the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer.
Hey, fellow bread bakers! I’m Michelle, and I’ve been baking bread and writing about it for several years. I’ve found baking bread to be so much fun, even though the process can be tedious and finicky. I found that having a bread-baking thermometer makes it much easier.
I like the ThermoPro because it’s handy, easy to use, and displays a reading within five seconds with impeccable accuracy. I love that it is foldable and easily stored, whether on a kitchen hook, magnetized to the fridge, or placed in a kitchen drawer. The auto shut-off is pretty neat, too.
Everyone has their wants and needs when purchasing a bread-baking thermometer, though. That’s why I went ahead and chose three other top-notch options. Whether you like classic thermometers or need something budget-friendly, I’ve got you covered.
Which one of these excellent thermometers for bread-baking will you purchase?
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Best Thermometer for Bread Baking: Top Picks
Many thermometers are on the market, making it challenging to find the “right one.” Well, I decided to do the hard work for you. I sifted through honest reviews, features, and price tags to ensure I found the top three. Let’s take a closer look at which ones ranked.
1. ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer (Best Choice)
- Key Features: ±0.9 accuracy, magnetic back, notch for hanging, reading in 3-5 seconds, 10-minute auto-shutoff, C/F switch, backlit screen, LED display
- Temperature Range: -58F to 572F
- Probe Length: 3.9 inches
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.3 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
When it comes to the best thermometer for bread baking, the ThermoPro is really the standout product. It comes with all of the features you could ever want, wish, or dream of when it comes to a thermometer – and yes, it’s that good. Don’t believe me? Check out these benefits.
Let’s start with the impressive temperance range, starting at -52F up to 572F. While you might not need those extreme temps for bread baking, it’s nice to know you have the option. Results are displayed in 3-5 seconds with ±0.9 accuracy, ensuring you can be 100% confident in this device.
Aside from accuracy and astounding temperature ranges, this thermometer is also a must-have when it comes to convenience. It’s entirely foldable, making it a breeze to stash in kitchen drawers. However, it also comes with a magnetic back to stick to the fridge and a notch for hanging on a kitchen hook.
Overall, this is a brilliant thermometer. The only drawback for some users was that they didn’t like the plastic body. However, it doesn’t affect quality. Many people have had these thermometers for years without issue, and the plastic design actually makes them pleasantly lightweight.
2. KT THERMO Instant Read 2-Inch Dial Thermometer (Best Old-School Option)
- Key Features: Instant-read, stainless steel solid construction, large display, corrosion-resistant, handy pen cover
- Temperature Range: 0F to 220F
- Probe Length: 5 inches
- Dimensions: 6.69 x 2.01 x 3.9 inches
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
Not everyone is into the whole digital thermometer craze. You will enjoy the KT Thermo dial thermometer if you prefer old-school methods like dial thermometers. This dial thermometer comes with lots of pluses – the best one being there are no batteries required, saving you money long-term.
People love this dial thermometer for many reasons, from the extra-large display to the instant-read capabilities. It can handle temperatures up to 220F, which is perfect for all your bread-baking adventures.
This dial thermometer is crafted with stainless steel to ensure it’s long-lasting, durable, and reliable. It also comes with a handy pen cover that will prevent bacteria from forming on the probe and reduce the chance of accidental pokes – which everyone can agree is a significant plus.
This is an all-around great dial thermometer for bread baking. However, much like most other dial thermometers, it has the potential to fog up and be somewhat challenging to read. Try to keep steam away from the thermometer, and it will be good to go!
3. Qi Mei Portable Stainless Steel Probe (Budget Pick)
- Key Features: ±1F accuracy, LCD digital display, 10-minute auto-shutoff, C/F switch
- Temperature Range: -58Fto 572F
- Probe Length: 5.8 inches
- Dimensions: 0.71 x 0.59 x 9.6 inches
- Weight: 1.58 ounces
Don’t want to spend too much money on a bread-baking thermometer? Don’t blame you. For those that want to save a buck without compromising quality, the Qi Mei is an excellent choice. It’s less than ten bucks and will knock your socks off!
This digital thermometer is truly simple at its finest. It has four buttons, including the essential ON/OFF switch, a convenient C/F switch, and a Min/Max function. It reads temperatures relatively quickly and has ±1F accuracy – pretty impressive considering the price tag.
With a temperature range of -58F to 572F, you know this thermometer has you covered – regardless of which loaves make their way into your bread machines.
This is a handy, simple, and inexpensive thermometer you can use for bread baking. Keep in mind that it isn’t as “instant” as the other choices, though. You might need to wait a few extra seconds before getting your reading, but it’s nothing too substantial or time-consuming. I wouldn’t worry.
Best Thermometer for Bread Baking: Things to Consider
Now that you know the top bread thermometers, it’s time to make a final decision. But before you do – consider these critical details.
Probe Length
Most loaves of bread hover around 2 ½ inches, making all these thermometers perfect for bread baking. However, if you like more wiggle room, plan to make sky-high loaves, or use your thermometer for other products, you might want a lengthier probe.
Digital/Dial
Everything seems to be digital these days; it’s the way of the future. But not everyone is on board. Some people prefer to use traditional items, especially when it comes to reliable kitchen tools. That said, it’s time to choose: digital or dial?
Weight
Weight isn’t a huge factor, but it’s still worth considering. Some people might like a heftier thermometer as it gives off the illusion that it’s more robust and long-lasting. Others want something as lightweight as possible.
Convenience
Some of these options come with convenient features you won’t find elsewhere. For example, the top pick can be stored in three ways, while the dial option has zero need for batteries. Discover which convenient features are most important to you.
Extras
Each of these three thermometers is unique in its own way, which means they all have specialty extras. Pay extra close attention to the “key features” listed under each product name. Find which amenities you can’t live without and go from there.
Temperature Range
All of these thermometers will work well for bread baking, as they can handle the “usual” temperature of 190F. Much like the probe length, some people may want a broader temp range, especially if they plan to use it for other items.
Price
Finally, consider the price. None of these thermometers are “expensive,” but some people prefer to keep small kitchen utensils under $10. Double-check the price tag before buying.
Verdict
These thermometers are great for bread baking, but I highly recommend the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer. It works well for all bread-baking projects, from sourdough to soft white bread, and has an immense amount of convenient features you will love.
Which thermometer for bread baking will you buy?
About Michelle
barbara stroup
It is unfortunate that your review does not include an alarm-type oven thermometer, with long cord that can be left in the loaf as the bread bakes, and sound an alert when the temperature is reached..
Michelle
Hi Barbara,
Sorry about that! That sounds incredibly handy!