The Complete Meat Temperature Guide
Cooking meat to the right internal temperature is the key to safety and taste. This guide covers steak, chicken, burgers, and BBQ with clear temperature tables and practical tips.
Steak temperature guide
| Doneness | Internal temp. (°C) |
|---|---|
| Rare | 50°C |
| Medium Rare | 55°C |
| Medium | 60°C |
| Medium Well | 65°C |
| Well Done | 70°C |
For a full breakdown and common mistakes, see our Steak Temperature Guide (Rare, Medium, Well Done). Use a
digital meat thermometer for accurate readings.
Chicken internal temperature
| Cut / type | Safe internal temp. (°C) |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 74°C |
| Breast | 74°C |
| Thighs / legs | 74°C |
| Ground poultry | 74°C |
Chicken must reach at least 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part to be safe. Undercooked poultry risks foodborne illness; a thermometer removes the guesswork.
More detail: Safe Chicken Temperature – When Is It Safe?.
Burger cooking temperature
| Doneness | Internal temp. (°C) |
|---|---|
| Medium Rare | 55°C |
| Medium | 60°C |
| Medium Well | 65°C |
| Well Done (safe) | 70°C |
Ground beef can carry bacteria throughout, so if you prefer pink in the middle, source quality meat and cook to at least 55°C. For maximum safety, 70°C is recommended.
Full guide: Burger Temperature Guide for Perfect Juicy Burgers.
BBQ temperature tips
On the grill, surface temperature and thickness vary a lot. Rely on internal temperature, not time or look. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part, away from bone and fat.
- Steak: 50–70°C depending on doneness (see table above).
- Chicken: 74°C minimum.
- Burgers: 55–70°C depending on preference; 70°C for well-done/safe.
- Pork chops: 63°C for medium, 71°C for well-done.
See How to Use a Meat Thermometer for BBQ for step-by-step tips.
Cooking Thermometer FAQ
What temperature should steak be cooked to?
Steak doneness depends on internal temperature: rare 50°C, medium-rare 55°C, medium 60°C, well-done 70°C. A digital meat thermometer gives the most accurate reading.
What temperature is safe for chicken?
Chicken should reach at least 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part to be safe. A meat thermometer ensures every piece is cooked through without overcooking.
Why use a meat thermometer?
Cooking time alone is unreliable. A meat thermometer measures actual internal temperature so you get safe, perfectly cooked meat every time.
For an accurate, fast-reading tool, check our Precysil digital meat thermometer.