[header] How to choose a food thermometer [title] Choose a digital thermometer. [step] Non-digital " dial " thermometers-sometimes called bi-metallic stem thermometers-are no longer your best option. Over time, the metal on these instruments expands and contracts, causing the inner workings to shift and show an incorrect temperature. 
Instead, digital thermometers are easily the best choice. They are easy to read, remarkably accurate, and available in a wide variety of styles.