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An accurate instant-read digital thermometer is an essential tool for success in the kitchen. If you don’t already have one, we recommend that you start by purchasing an inexpensive digital thermocouple or thermistor thermometer. Look for one that has an accuracy better than 1 °F / 0.5 °C and a response time of less than 10 seconds. The choices can be bewildering, so below are two pocket-style digital thermometers that we recommend.There are two other types of thermometers that we regularly use in our kitchen: a thermocouple reader with thermocouple probes and a noncontact infrared thermometer. The former allows you to use wired probes to remotely measure two temperatures at the same time, such as both the core temperature and the surface temperature of your food. The latter is useful for measuring the temperature of a sauce or the surface temperature of grilling meat, and you can use it simply by pointing the thermometer at your food and pulling a trigger.