Published July 1, 2007.
For long and slow barbecuing, it's especially important to monitor grill temperature.
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.
