Do I need a wireless smart thermometer or is an instant-read enough?

For most home cooks an instant-read pen handles 90% of cooking: steaks, chops, chicken thighs, baking. Wireless smart probes (MEATER-class, CHEF iQ, ThermoMaven) earn their keep on long cooks like brisket, pork shoulder, or whole turkey where you don't want to keep opening the lid. Many serious cooks own one of each rather than choosing.