ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Instant-Read Thermometer

The screen on the ThermoPop 2 turns itself. Its 1 1/4-inch backlit display auto-rotates, so the numbers read right side up whether you poke a steak from the left, the right or at an awkward angle over a crowded grill.

It’s a lollipop-shaped instant-read thermometer that gives a reading in two to three seconds, accurate to within 1°F. The probe has a reduced tip, so a quick check doesn’t leave a big hole in a chicken breast. It’s rated IP67 waterproof, switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and runs on a single 3V coin battery. Each one is individually tested and comes with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate, which is exactly the kind of paperwork a brisket guy likes to show off.

It’s pocket-sized, which makes it an easy stocking stuffer for the guy who still cuts into the meat to see if it’s done. This one is the bright Cayenne Pepper Red, easy to spot on a cluttered prep table or in a drawer.

The catch: it’s a spot-check thermometer, not a leave-in probe. During a long smoke, someone still has to walk out to the grill and check.