Choosing the best refrigerator thermometer could mean the difference between well preserved or quickly spoiled foods and hundreds of dollars in groceries lost. To find the best refrigerator thermometer, our evaluation focused on accuracy, digital vs. analog, construction, and battery vs non-battery.
After more than 14 hours of research and testing, our pick for best refrigerator thermometer goes to the Rubbermaid Refrigerator Thermometer. It is a dependable workhorse with killer accuracy (-/+ 2 °F), a durable stainless steel base, a shatterproof lens, and easy-to-read markings. Keep reading to learn more about the Rubbermaid Refrigerator Thermometer and other high-grade refrigerator thermometers available for purchase.
Top 7 Best Refrigerator Thermometer
#1 Rubbermaid Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes with a large analog display (6″ tall) and is battery-free, a great choice for people who would prefer not to swap out batteries every couple of months.
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- Accurate to within -/+ 2°F
- Super durable (stainless steel casing and shatterproof lens)coolers, and mini-fridges
- Hook to shelf rack option provides nice visibility
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- Base is narrow; could be knocked over if not careful
- View could be obstructed by food products depending on where it is hung
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This refrigerator thermometer is built very sturdily with a stainless steel base and a shatterproof lens. It is pretty rigid, more than capable of standing the occasional drop. A large dial with a brightly marked needle and bold letters makes it very easy to read. Kudos for a hanging tab that allows us to be suspended on any rack.
This refrigerator thermometer’s temperature range runs from -20 to 80°F, displaying both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings for any fridge and freezer. While testing, we determined findings were accurate to within -/+ 2 degrees, which is very respectable. A mechanical thermometer also eliminates the need for a battery, so it requires much less maintenance over time. Compare this fridge with our guide to the best french door refrigerator to make sure you’re making the right choice.
#2 Taylor Classic Series Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This large refrigerator thermometer comes with a large 3″ analog dial, working great for people with limited visibility, with acceptable temperature ranges marked right on said dial.
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- Large and easy-to-read analog display
- Can be hung from a rack & does not need a battery
- Acceptable temperature levels marked on the dial for easy reference
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- May be too large for some fridges
- Hanger tab could be more secure
- The glass surface is not crack-resistant
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This refrigerator thermometer’s temperature range reads within -20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with tested accuracy levels to within -/+ 3°F,- very commendable in our book. Markings even depict ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ temperature ranges (e.g. 40 degrees to 80°F are marked ‘Danger” and 0 to -20°F is marked as ‘Freezer’ level.
Our favorite feature with this refrigerator thermometer is its extra-large proportions with a 3-inch dial, durable glass lens, and bright red pointer for easy reading. Plus, a small hang tab and sturdy steel base makes it easy to hang or stand on a fridge wire rack or bottom shelf. Just be prepared to potentially move it on occasion based on your refrigerator’s fill level. If you’re still not sold by this fridge, try starting with our guide to the best refrigerator brands.
#3 Unigear Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes with large LCD screens, high accuracy (/±2°F) and comes in a two-pack, making it a great choice for people who own multiple refrigerators.
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- Very responsive and accurate (±2°F)
- Easy to read digital screen
- Foldable hook for easy hanging
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- Needs battery replacement every three to six months
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We love how accurate this Unigear refrigerator thermometer is, with accuracy to within ±2°F. In addition to the current reading, it also tracks recent high and low temperatures to better manage your cooling. A large LCD screen presents a clean display and it can either stand or hang on a hook on a fridge shelf for better visibility.
Our only knock is this refrigerator thermometer needs a small 3-volt lithium battery which needs to be replaced every three to six months. However, this refrigerator thermometer more than makes up for it with recent High and Low-temperature readings for users to get a better sense of how temperatures change over time. This fridge is definitely among the best refrigerators available on the market.
#4 Jsdoin Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: MOST DURABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes with a sturdy stainless steel construction and comes in a two-pack, good for people who want to keep an extra one handy or take on a trip.
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- Corrosion-resistant design
- Visual guide on temperature ranges
- Includes hook for easy hanging & does not need batteries
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- Variance on the high side (±4°F)
- Some small variances may show between each in the same refrigerator
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This freezer thermometer does a great job with temperature readings. Our testing revealed accuracy to within ±4°F, which is acceptable. A large dial displays bold temperature numbers with a bright red pointer and graphics for temperature range (OK Freeze, Freezing, Refrigerator, and Warm), which provides a nice visual guide on what temperature is acceptable depending on its placement in a freezer or main refrigerator shelf.
We love this refrigerator thermometers construction, made of rust-resistant stainless steel. A wide base stand and small hook also allow it to stand or hang on a refrigerator shelf, so it can be as visible as you would like it to be. All in all, we were very impressed with this refrigerator thermometer’s overall build quality. While you’re at it, you might also want to look at our guide to the best refrigerator water filter.
#5 LinkDm Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: BEST MULTIPACK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes in a durable stainless steel casing and ships in a four-pack, which works wonders in larger households or commercial locations, such as restaurants and warehouses.
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- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wide stand and integrated hook for easy hanging
- On-dial reference guide for acceptable temp ranges
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- Relatively lower accuracy rate (±4°F)
- Hook is oddly shaped; may not “fit” on some wire racks
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This 3.05″ by 3.05″ by 2.75″ commercial refrigerator thermometer is built solid, encased in stainless steel with a wide base and integrated hook to hang anywhere on a fridge. Its large dial features bold letters and a reference scale for OK Freeze, Freezing, Refrigerator, and Warm for a good visual guide of how your food is doing.
While testing this refrigerator thermometer, we observed accuracy levels to within ±4°F, which is about mid-range. On occasion, there may be some slight variance between two refrigerator thermometers in the same freezer. For the rest of your kitchen needs, you might want to take a look at our guide to the best kitchen appliances.
#6 WellBridal Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: EASIEST TO READ
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes with a jumbo-sized dial and a wide steel base, making it perfect for the vision impaired or the elderly.
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- Sturdy, flat base stand, so doesn’t need to be hung
- Ships in pack of 2
- Displays both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings
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- Relatively lower accuracy rate (±4°F)
- Odd shaped hook may not hang on all types of refrigerator shelves
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This refrigerator thermometer is an all-around workhorse. A large, easy-to-read dial displays the temperature from -20 to 80 °F with a well-labeled scale for safe and unsafe temperatures (e.g. OK Freeze’ Freezing, Refrigerator, and Warm ranges. We love this, as it provides a quick visual on refrigerator safety.
While testing we observed respectable accuracy of ±4°F. Our only knock is that it is not as accurate as our leading picks (±1°F to ±2°F range), so food may need a little extra visual inspection every now and then. If you are looking for a no-frills and inexpensive refrigerator thermometer with a degrees Celsius option, this is an excellent choice.
#7 Cooper-Atkins 330-0-1 Refrigerator Thermometer
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This refrigerator thermometer comes in an ultra-slim profile (4.25″ by 0.625″), making it a great choice for small fridges.
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- Slim and compact profile
- Very accurate (±2°F / ±1°C)
- No batteries required
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- No stand, so must be hung via hook
- Not ideal for larger refrigerators
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Our favorite feature with this refrigerator thermometer is its slim profile. At only 0.625″ long, it takes up very little space. A single vertical glass tube is capped on both ends with polyethylene end caps, good enough to withstand an occasional drop.
Accuracy with this refrigerator thermometer is on point, working to within ±2°F / ±1°C. Consider this a no-frills refrigerator thermometer for readings only, lacking some of the features of others including stands, large circular dials with color guides, LCD screens, and recent High and Low-temperature readings for a better read on refrigerator settings over time. We love how easy it is to check the temperature with this unit.
How We Decided
In determining the best refrigerator thermometer to buy, we explored accuracy, digital vs. analog, construction, and battery vs non-battery.
Accuracy is the most important feature. We recommend refrigerator thermometers with an accuracy rate of ±2°F / ±1°C. This means actual real-world temperature only varies within that range for a truer reading. Second-grade refrigerator thermometers carry wider variances (e.g. ±4°F / ±1°C), which can be made up with other features such as color scales, integrated hooks, and LCD screens.
We evaluated digital vs. analog refrigerator thermometers. Digital refrigerator thermometers carry large LCD screens with digitized numbers – crisp and easy to read. Analog refrigerator thermometers consist of larger dials with magnetized pointers. Arguably, analog provides a better visual representation, as some include visuals for safe temperature ranges based on freezing, regular refrigerator, and warm temperatures.
One important distinction is the use of high and low recent temperatures. Digital refrigerator thermometers have a broader range of features such as this one. Choosing either is mainly a matter of preference and aesthetics.
Construction is a key consideration. We like refrigerator thermometers encased in stainless steel or hard plastic to better withstand regular wear and tear. These can even be used as outdoor thermometers or room thermometers.
Lastly, we assessed refrigerator thermometers based on battery versus no battery. Some refrigerator thermometers need battery replacement every three to six months, which can be tough to manage over time.
Best Refrigerator Thermometer Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Accuracy
Our preference is for refrigerator thermometer accuracy to within ±2°F / ±1°C, which we feel is an acceptable variance before noticing a drastic disconnect between actual vs. imagined thermometer in the quality of your food. Most of our recommended picks operate within a ±4°F range, which is serviceable. No need to be adjusting the temperature here with odd calibrations. - Digital vs. Analog
Digital refrigerator thermometers carry a wider range of features for refrigerators and freezers, such as recent high and low readings for a better gauge of your refrigerator’s performance. Large LCD screens are also a pleasure to read. However, analog refrigerator thermometers have good color representation and bright red pointers that are just as readable. Choosing either is mainly a matter of preference. - Construction
Look for food-safe refrigerator thermometers that are encased in stainless steel or hard plastic to withstand those bumps in the refrigerator. Kudos for refrigerator thermometers that have stands or integrated hooks for easy hanging. - Battery vs. Non-Battery
Refrigerator thermometers batteries need to be replaced every three to six months. Keep that in mind when it comes to overall cost and convenience.
