Equipment Review: The Best Digital Instant-Read Thermometers & Our Testing Winners
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- Опубликовано: 31 май 2018
- Behind the testing: cooks.io/2JosT7R
Full testing details and ranking chart: cooks.io/2LdcdNK
Watch more equipment reviews: • Equipment Review: The ...
Buy the Thermoworks Thermapen ONE: alnk.to/btmaHFb
Buy the Thermoworks ThermoPop: alnk.to/faA5iNC
We tested 11 digital instant-read food thermometers to find the best one (listed in alphabetical order):
EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Food Thermometer
Lavatools Javelin
Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
Maverick Rain Drop Waterproof Digital Thermometer
OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer
Palermo Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Polder Stable-Read Instant Read Digital Thermometer
Taylor Rotating Display Thermometer
ThermoPro TP03 Instant Read Thermometer
Thermoworks Thermapen Mk4
Thermoworks ThermoPop
We’ve recommended a Thermapen for more than a decade, but there’s new competition. Is it still the best digital thermometer?
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WINNING TRAITS OF A GOOD THERMOMETER
- Accurate within 1 degree of target temperature
- Reads in 3 seconds or less
- Comfortable to hold with multiple grips
- Easy to turn on and off
- Highly visible digital display
- Probe at least 4 inches long to reach into foods
- Automatic backlight display for low-light situations
- Sleep mode with motion-sensored auto-on so thermometer wakes up when you move it
- Rotating display
- Highly durable
WHAT WE TESTED
We tested 11 digital thermometers priced from $11.95 to $99.95. We ran a series of accuracy and speed tests and evaluated each model's comfort, ease of use, and durability while making caramel, roasted beef, seared steaks, and grilled chicken. We asked a series of testers to evaluate each thermometer's comfort and usability. Temperature ranges were reported by manufacturers; we calculated the average margin of error from all three accuracy tests. All thermometers were purchased online.
RATING CRITERIA
Accuracy: We evaluated the accuracy of each thermometer in an ice bath at 32 degrees, in a sous vide water bath set to 125 degrees (the temperature of a medium-rare steak), and in boiling water at 212 degrees; models that were within 1 degree of accuracy at each temperature rated highest; any thermometer within 2 degrees received a fair rating, and those that were more than 2 degrees off the target temperature received a poor rating.
Speed: We timed how long it took for each thermometer to read the temperature in ice water, boiling water, and a sous vide water bath at 125 degrees (medium-rare for a steak); those that read in 6 seconds or less rated highest.
Ease of Use: We rated how easy and comfortable each model was to use. We preferred those with spacious, grippy handles; long probes; and minimal buttons. Models with automatic wake-up, easy-to-read displays, and a single step for turning on and off also rated highest.
Durability: We monitored the thermometers throughout testing for both functional and cosmetic damage; those that emerged looking and operating like new rated highest.
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Also worth noting: The Mk4 takes normal batteries (AAA) so you are more likely to have spares lying around if your probe dies in the middle of cooking dinner.
Definitely one of the best improvements they made. I liked the original Thermapen, but the Mk4 fixed every complaint I had and a few I didn't know I had, so I got one the first time they had a decent sale.
dasbrawnyman
: I agree. I have two Thermapens--an Mk4 and an older model that uses one of those "coin" batteries. Last year, I tried to replace the battery in the older model but, the cover on the battery compartment could not be budged. I finally gave up and sent the unit back to Thermoworks for battery replacement and calibration check. That cost $25. The Mk4's redesigned battery compartment is a great improvement.
Thank you. I HATE COIN CELL BATTERIES. This is actually the most important feature to me. No joke.
I thought the mk4 had an internal rechargeable battery
@@dirtrider88 no
This is the real reason why I subscribed to this channel. I love these types of content so much!
GeeCee they’re great! I love watching them
I especially like the works recommended by the author. It's very good. I often use a kitchen tool is suitable for barbecues, pizza and turkeys. It is used to measure the temperature of water and milk, and is used for Christmas and Thanksgiving gifts.
A m a /dp/B09BQYLSNR
Love Lisa”s equipment reviews! I don’t buy kitchen equipment without
her reviews first :) The world; and ATK’s channel, NEEDS MORE LISA !!
Thanks for watching and being a fan!
@@AmericasTestKitchen I agree she is excellent!
Thanks for all the time and effort that are put into this test and videos. You make shopping and deciding which kitchen tools to purchase a breeze.
This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen. I like when people who actually need a good product and have the funds to experiment do so and share it.
This is some serious testing, well done. Very informative.
I was just about to buy a thermometer!! I’m so glad I found this review, thank you!!
I have the several Javelin thermometers but I mainly use the Javelin PRO myself. Absolutely fantastic probe, couldn't be happier. Great review.
I’ve needed a new thermometer for sometime now but just couldn’t pull the trigger. Thanks for doing the legwork I can now get myself a new thermometer!
It's stressful watching this when you already own one of these and it's one of the ones they're reviewing
Crisis averted
lger2010 lol
Tell me about it! I own/use the red one... it's ok at best.
So true. We own the red one in the test and let me tell you it’s a piece of junk.
Red one didn't last. Otherwise I actually liked it. Wouldn't buy again, though.
Now that's what I call an exceptional review. To the point info, combined with experience & several price point options. Thank you. 🎉
Many points are covered I'm not even thinking about - love the suggestions. Thank You.
A very thorough and thoughtful review. The decimal-place readings are probably useful for certain confectionery processes.
I like it because you KNOW when a thermometer has settled in on a temperature
This is *THE* go-to video for where food thermometers are concerned. Excellent information, presentation and coverage 💯
I love my mk4. I use it for beer brewing as well as cooking and it has just been fantastic.
thermometer amzn.to/2wddZcd
I love it when the one I own and use is the winner. Thank you Alton Brown, you were right as always.
I have used Thermoworks, including the original Thermopen (Mark I, I guess) for years, since TV chef Alton Brown mentioned them. Outstanding gear. I haven't been disappointed by any of their offerings.
Always love your reviews. I trust them because of your rigorous testing. Thank you! This is just a minor negligible thing but to calibrate a thermometer with boiling water, you need to take the temp of the steam just above the water. Impurites in water can cause them to vary from boiling at 100°C.
Wow, that sure covered a lot of factors I would've never thought of when considering a probe thermometer.
I love these videos. Very helpful. I bought the recommended thermometer. I also like the large digital display and various directional use. Huge difference in cooking. Thank you.
This video help me pick a thermometer after a week of trying to find out which one was best for me thanks
Very well explained. Now I know everything about thermometers.
I have two thermometers that make it worth having. The first is a Haber instant read. I paid $12 for it. Then the other is an infrared thermometer - it was around the same price point and it's good for checking ovens for correct temp and hot spots plus freezers/fridge too.
Thanks for the review. It was thorough and appreciated! Going for the top of the line.
Been wanting to add this to my must have's. Now I know which one to buy. Thanks
Another great review. Thanks!
this is a really good review. thanks for sharing
The first Thermo Pro I bought was accurate but cheaply made. I bought several one year to give as gifts and at least two of the metal probes separated from the plastic body when removed from the meat. I've been using a Saferell for a while now and I'm very pleased.
This was great. Thorough and easy to understand.
Thank you! I was actually researching for digital thermometers to start learning candy-making. So glad this one has such versatility and accuracy.
As annoyed as I was by this test, you need to invest in the winner (and hire a team of code monkeys to do the whole dipswitch thing). Candy making is very very temperature (and humdity, and atmospheric pressure) dependant, where a couple degrees at the wrong time is the difference between sweet garbage you eat alone in the dark over the sink, and what you get paid for.
So I've heard. It's going to be difficult because of living in a basement. The humidity is insane here, but we have a dehumidifier that may help.
Hi Lisa... All your reviews are amazing and so informative... Can you guys please do a review of Sous Vide Circulators?
Thank you! Talk about timing. I'm in the active market for a new digital cooking thermometer. 99 bucks will be a stretch but I don't skimp when I comes to measuring tools.
I absolutely love my Thermapen and could never live without. I agree, $100 sounds like a lot for a food thermometer...until you use it!! It is so, so worth it.
You could easily waste $100 at some restaurant that doesn't know how to cook a steak medium rare.....
Can it be used to make candy?
@@cbrown1664 That's one of the ways I use it for!
I love my thermapen mk4, I feel it’s well worth the money. It’s my favorite kitchen tool too!
Wow, detailed and complete. Thanks!
👍Another excellent review. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Thanks for providing it. 💗
I really like and appreciate the presenter. Based on her blender reviews of all of the new and gadgety offerings I ended up going with her recommendation and got the only reliable Vitamix 5200. Haven't looked back. I feel as if I can really trust her as she is fair and balanced. Am going to likewise follow her lead on the probes
Before I retired, I was in charge of purchasing equipment for 23 food service sites. I tested many food thermometers over the years. In the end, I bought Taylor 9848FDA digital thermometers. While they do have 3" probes, they're also compact enough to carry easily in a shirt or apron pocket. They are accurate, reliable and easy to calibrate. Plus you can buy them for about $20.
Got a pepper mill you can recommend?
I also like my Taylor. They're almost abuse proof.
You are spot on, I used these for close to 20 years. The earlier ones use a 357 button battery & the newer ones of course use lithium batteries. My prime use was checking calibration of fryers
Thank you for very informative review.
Can I use thermometer in pressure cooker
I love my Mk4 Thermopen. They go on sale all the time for $80-85. I know that seems like a lot but if you're really into cooking you probably already have pans, knives, and equipment like an Instant Pot or sous vide that cost that much or more. I use mine regularly for things like making miso soup or ramen tare where temperature is important. Or taking the guesswork out of cooking a steaking to the perfect rare or medium rare without relying on the more qualitative finger poke method. There's not really anything I can think of to improve on the design or performance. And they're made in England so it's nice knowing someone is getting paid a decent wage to manufacture them.
Great video. Thanks. Pull the trigger on the Javelin PRO Duo due the this vid since its half the price of the thermapen mk4 but still holds up against it.
I use my CDN ProAccurate thermometer in both Farenheit and Centigrade because I use recipes from all over the world. The majority of recipes use Centigrade; the CDN changes from one to the other at the push of a button. To change between Centigrade and Fahrenheit you to open the case (!) of the Thermapen Mk 4 to use an internal switch. The CDN is just as fast and accurate as the Thermapen. And it is less expensive.
Have the Thermoworks Mk4 and their ThermoPop. Excellent tools of the trade. Worth every penny.
I ordered my Digital Instant-Read Thermometer today because of their thorough tests. I would never have spent that much money on a thermometer if America's Test Kitchen hadn't recommended it. Thank you America's Test Kitchen! I depend on you.
I really like these reviews.
Some great food for thought here in considering a food thermometer.
Once again thank you for a great review. Looks like it's time for me to upgrade my old thermal pen to the new Mark 4 😁
Great video, as usual. Thanks!
Would you guys please do a review on ceramic and stone coated nonstick pans? I'm particularly interested in the maifan/granite/marble coating's performance and their safety. Thx
Its just ceramic plastic and aluminium. No one is making pans with granute or marble cooking. Its just a name like the red copper chef pans. They dont have the namesake material its just marketing tactics.
Thank you for the excellent video! I bought the THERMAWORKS THERMAPEN MK4 and it is the best tool for cooking steaks and chicken on the grill and turkey in the oven. I highly recommend this expensive but worth every penny tool! :-)
just brought the mid ranged thermometer. thanks
I am done trying to figure out what thermometer to get to be able to make certain caramels, temper chocolate because I read reviews that the candy ones lose their number markers, have the glass break, moves in the pot, have the alcohol measurement split or make those lines in the tube. I better use an instant-read that while it can't be left in the pot won't be as annoying as ruining batches of desserts with the wrong temperature. And the analog ones can be too inaccurate when you need accuracy. Thank you so much for doing the testing for us.
Thanks for the great info!! Mk4 is the way to go!!
i bought the beautiful mint green on he far left and for 19 dollars, it's been an excellent addition. I'm left handed, so it's a little awkward to read. No problem. Next, I'd like to get the Javelin Pro Duo.
Thank you for this great video.
Are thermometers with wires a different category. I find it easier to put something in the oven and always know the temp. Some even come with bluetooth so u can monitor the temp from the living room
I received the thermapen 4 literally yesterday and today I saw this video! I almost didn’t watch it afraid I didn’t get the best one 😁
I got it on sale as it’s a color they won’t be making any more! Look for those!
Should have tested the Weber. Very accurate and quick.
Great content
I wonder how they decide which to buy. I use a Lavatools Javelin. It is a bit smaller, but every good thing they looked for it has, except hyperextending feature. It’s waterproof, reads in 2 seconds, and is still accurate. I’ve had it for 4+ years. Still accurate (anyone can do the ice boiling thing). Cost-still-$25. I cannot see buying something 4 times more expensive because it rotates, probe a little longer, etc. I think there is some selection bias in your strategy. Bonus: battery has lasted all those years and it has auto shut off.
Another ATK recommendation I’ve purchased.
I was always asking how the Thermapen could be so expensive when cheaper stuff does the job. But now I get it.
BenRangel Part of it is country of origin. The Thermoworks Thermapen is made in the U.K. while most, if not all, the others are made in China. Some of us prefer not to provide funds to one of the biggest threats to the free world.
If you want a Thermoworks , buy directly from them as they are many times much less then say found on Amazon and you get more color choices . Plus if you have a shopping email address, you can sign up for sales which they seem to constantly have .
When using one of these probe type thermometers is the temperature gathered by the whole probe or mostly just the tip? In other words if you were checking something that was not very thick such as a steak or a hamburger does the part of the probe that is not inside the meat also gather intelligence or is it just the first half inch of the probe that gathers the heat reading? Thanks Simon
I love my Mk 4 Thermapen.
I'm quite pleased with the Javelin Pro. My partner got it for me for x-mas, and it gets used almost everyday. I'm a lefty, and I love the rotating screen. Another plus: it has a magnet on the back so I keep it on the side of my fridge instead of a drawer. Handy for sticking it on the grill frame outside too. I might upgrade to the Thermoworks someday, but I really feel it would be only marginal improvement for twice the price. And that math just doesn't work for me right now.
Your.....PARTNER??? Why not say "boyfriend" or whatever?
@@terry7893 Not sure why it matters to you that I use non-gendered language to refer to my domestic life-mate. Everyone we actually care about understands and has zero issues with using the term partner. Get a hobby. And a Javelin Pro thermometer!
@@candicewaller403 Why it matters is because it sounds weird. The people who you care about probably make fun of you behind your back. It's like saying "I drive a transportation vehicle". Gee, who would have guessed? But is it a truck or a car or motorcycle or a skateboard? What are you trying to hide by saying "transportation vehicle"? Grow up and call this person your girlfriend or boyfriend or whatever.
@@candicewaller403Your Awesome. Perfect attitude. Imo 😊
@@terry7893Be nice 🙂
Decimal points might be more useful or relevant for people who use Celsius?
outstanding video.
Can you review regular/convection microwaves and steam convection microwaves next?
When a piece of equipment is only purchased once, it's often worth the extra money to get the best option.
A thermometer with the probe on a wire is more versatile. It can be inserted into any environment without much worry about steam, heat or grease contacting the main unit: in the refrigerator, outdoors. Although it may need two hands if there is no magnetic surface to secure the main unit. And the cable tension may pull at the probe.
If only I did so much research and tests when choosing a partner...
Women do research... and apparently they don’t like one with a small probe. Sorry about your luck.
By the time you've gone through half the test-criteria, the current test subject usually has half of their stuff moved in.
Michael Hype
Oh dear God, you’re too funny! 😂🤣😂
No doubt !ha!
It really does not matter because after you sign the papers the switch is on. My advise to any man is just say no.
I have two Thermapens and really like them for their near-instant and reliable performance but, being left-handed, they are a little awkward to use. It is not a big issue and I have learned to cope but, I would appreciate a readout display on both sides of the case, a probe head that could swivel 180 degrees or a dedicated left-hand model. I would be willing to pay a little extra for any of these design changes. In addition to the Thermapen, I also have two other Thermoworks products for continually monitoring both food temperature and air temperature in my oven and smoker. All of these work flawlessly. Good investment and, no, I do not have any affiliation with The Thermoworks company.
Nobody cares for us lefty’s
hi there, is there a thermometer out there that will beep when a liquid reaches two separate temperatures? for example a liquid needs to be heated to 70c or above. Allowed to cool to 60c (where first alarm is needed) to add another liquid, then allowed to cool to 50c (where second alarm is needed) to pour mixed solution?
Best blow torch?
In 2021, you can get a waterproof, rechargable, backlit and with an extra external wire probe (with alarm) and up to 500F for around 25 CAD or 20 USD
Those min max buttons are for guys like me, I use a kitchen thermometer testing air conditioners.
Do non stick plans please
When my current cheap one dies (soon I think, the screen gives up when too hot) I'll be sure to referance this again.
Every video review I saw on the channel. they always give high ratings to the most expensive products.
Usually, yes, but not always, and in some cases expensive does equal better.
They love Pyrex pie pans, and they're some of the least expensive. Also, they often pick Oxo products as their favorites, and they're moderately priced.
Would love recommendations for the thermometers with the long cord that you close in the oven door. I used to have one and it was so handy until it broke.
Hi. ATM did a review on RUclips n chose Chef Alarm. I'm the description area, press Show More, the web site is usually in blue, press that n it will take you to the web site n not Amazon. ATK also did a RUclips video on thermometers n using your phone. Hold this helps. Peace to you and yours
Hi. My computer second guessed my letters. ATK & IN the description area. Peace to you and yours
Kristen try the ink bird I have the 4 probe one that's rechargeable and tells u ur temp on ur cell phone thru Bluetooth and it's cheap and works great got mine off Amazon for like 30 bucks or less
Can’t seem to find a decent link to getting a therma pop. Anybody know where I can find one I’m from Canada.
As much as the OXO thermo is might as well get the Thermapen!
Thanks for sharing this information in such great detail. I didn't realize there was so many variations.
~~~~~
I feel more confident in the doneness of my food when I use an instant-read thermometer, like the one I have from Alpha Grillers ... Switchblade Style Instant Read Food Thermometer With Backlight.
ThermPro+ $25.00 and worth it. The read out doesn't rotate, but has everything else.
Recently purchased the new Thermapen One. I absolutely love it. I look for any excuse to use it, and will never own another thermometer. Buy once, cry once.
Beause the Thermapen is a UK product, actually less expensive on Amazon.co.uk or Thermapen.co.uk, especially when they're remaindering out less popular colors. Of course, shipment from UK to USA might eat up a lot of the savings, but if you're in Europe, they're good sources. The Thermapen Mk4 is called the Thermapen Professional when sold in the UK - I don't know why they use a different name here.
What do you think about laser reading thermometers? Do they work as accurately?
They only read surface temps. For cooking, you really need a probe thermometer, although a laser one is nice for checking temp of your pan or grill, etc.
What about those thermometers you leave in the oven while the food cooks to monitor the temperature constantly? Are they worth it or instant read are the way to go?
When you put the probe into the food and leave it in during cooking you do not need instant read, it is constantly sampling the temperature.
And, it two different functions, one you're monitoring temp constantly, like when you smoke meat for hours and you need a fast temp check when you're cooking a 1" steak and want to know it's temp as it's finishing cooking.
I bought an MK4 a few months ago. At first I felt as though it just was not worth the extra money. Now that I have used it a while, it is the only cooking thermometer that I use, period. I use it daily and would not even consider another thermometer for cooking.
Is this supposed to be a candy thermometer? Can someone recommend an old school candy thermometer for caramel or oil? I don't want to use a handheld digital thermometer like this. I want something I can leave in there while the liquid heats up.
Save your money and get a basic lavatools javelin. All the chefs I work with use it and have their own color.
How about thermopro tp19?
I fucking love this channel.
I was just thinking about considering getting a new instant read thermometer - the very inexpensive one I have had all the temperature guides on the handle, but they have all been rubbed off after what seems like not a lot of time (and took forever to read out temperature!). Not sure if I'll splurge or settle on your mid-point priced winner...hm...
Shell out the extra cash for the Thermapen. It really is worth it.
Wonder if there is altitude compensation for boiling water?
There is quite a differential between sea level and, say, 15k ft.
What do you do with all that yummy food after cooking? Asking for a friend.
I would love if you guys have a breakdown on how everything performed on different tests. People may want to weigh the criteria differently. For instance, I couldn’t care less about the display rotating, but it seems to have figured heavily into your decision.
The full testing report found in the intro might have that infomation. I'm in the market myself, so I'm off to read it as well.
The Thermapen is meant for right handed people. Oftentimes, I'll put the probe in the food and the temp is upside down. I use the ThermoPop more often because it's ambidextrous. I just have to make sure the display is correct before I take a measurement. I didn't know I could open up my Thermapen MK4 and do a preset by munging with DIP switches. :D
Sometimes I worry myself with how much I look into things before buying lol. Here I am just telling myself, to just pick a damn thermometer!
Have you rated a Bluetooth thermometer?
The Thermapen Mk4 now has a rattlesnake pattern that really snazzy,...but 30.00 more? Guy's, it's just a sticker, not a real skin? (ahh, hell wit it, Ima geddit)