The $9.99 ALDI Find I’ve Used 5 Days a Week For a Year

Last year, I was in ALDI picking up a few things when I inadvertently came across the Range Master Food Thermometer. I'm a big believer in using a thermometer when cooking meat, and I've owned several over the years. But they've all eventually stopped working for reasons I can't explain.

I wasn't expecting much from this $9.99 ALDI find when I tossed it into my cart. But I needed a replacement, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm happy to report that it's still going strong one year later. 

This compact, foldable thermometer delivers accurate temperature readings in about three seconds. Its wide temperature range of -4°F to 518°F and user-friendly features like a backlit display and magnetic backing make it one of my most-used kitchen tools.

Why I Love ALDI's Range Master Food Thermometer

After a full year of using this thermometer five days a week, I can honestly say it's a great kitchen purchase. It eliminates all the guesswork from cooking meat, which is one of my biggest worries. One quick probe, and I know precisely when my roast chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

The 180-degree reversible display with backlight has been surprisingly useful when grilling in dim light (like in the evenings outside) or trying to read the temperature at awkward angles. The pre-installed battery is still going strong and the auto-off function has saved me from a dead battery when I needed it most. The probe folds neatly for storage—a highly underrated design feature, I might add! It also has a hold button to lock the reading if needed.

As a klutz who's also rough on her stuff, I'm mostly thrilled about how well it's held up. I've dropped it, splashed it with sauce, and subjected it to the chaos of my everyday cooking routine. A year later, I'm still reaching for it with complete confidence.

How I Use ALDI's Range Master Thermometer

For me, checking the safe temperature of meat is its primary use. But I also use it for more kitchen and cooking tasks. For example, I check the temperature of my homemade bread when I'm on the fence about its doneness, test oil for deep frying, and even use it to make Swiss meringue.

The wide temperature range from -4°F to 518°F means I can (and do!) use it to check if my freezer and fridge are cold enough. The Range Master thermometer is a simple, affordable tool that punches well above its weight. It's genuinely made my life easier and my cooking more reliable and consistent.

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