Is My Turkey Done? Best Meat Thermometers For The Holidays (Slideshow)

The Polder Dual Sensor model reads both the meat temperature and the oven temperature on different dials. This thermometer can also be used on the barbecue thanks to a silicone finger-grip under the dial that allows you to pick up the thermometer without burning your fingers. It's a great value at $11 because of its multipurpose use, but will be less accurate than a digital reader.

The CDN DTQ450X is Amazon's best-selling meat thermometer. This model gives a precise reading in two to three seconds, with a compact design that you can throw in your pocket as you're running around the kitchen. A downside, though, is that this model isn't quite long enough to test the center of a larger bird.

According to Harold McGee and Alton Brown, the ThermoWorks Thermapen is the best thermometer available. This model gives a temperature reading in three seconds, with a high accuracy of +/- 0.7 degrees, and it turns automatically on and off depending on the temperature of the meat. It is very expensive, though — it may be a better idea to spend your money on your meal rather than on your thermometer.

The Maverick Voice Alert model is recommended by America's Test Kitchen and by Good Housekeeping as a great meat-probe device. This gadget can be programmed either by temperature or by "doneness" of your meat. This is a good choice if you want to reuse your Thanksgiving thermometer for later in the year with roasts or other oven-cooked meats. If you think an audio alert will disrupt your focus in the kitchen, this isn't the thermometer for you — the monitor will alert you frequently as your meat cooks.

The Polder Original All-in-One model is a meat-probe thermometer with a 43-inch cord that attaches to a magnet-backed monitor that attaches to your oven. This model allows you to set an optimal low and high temperature range — an alarm notifies you when the meat reaches your presets without having to open your oven door.

America's Test Kitchen recommends this ThermoWorks model as the best meat-probe thermometer. This model received high marks for its ease of use, and for an easy-to-read display that shows time in addition to temperature. An alarm can be programmed to alert the cook when the desired temperature is reached. This gadget also received great reviews for its on-point probe accuracy.

If you're looking for an inexpensive and compact meat thermometer, this Taylor model is a good bet. The device reads from -40 degrees to 450 degrees, and gives an instant reading. Customer reviews have showed that the device is breaks easily, however, so use this one gingerly.