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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?
Whether you prefer glass or plastic, these are the food storage containers that won’t let you down like the others:
We review the best (and worst) blenders:
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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Assuming boiling water is always 212 degrees would be false. Water only boils at 212 at sea level. where I am, it is 210 and in Denver water boils at 202.
Im currently trying to use my handheld Taylor to test water temp for Pizza dough… ITS NOT WORKING!!! Wasted far too much yeast in failed attempts!!!
Iv'e been looking everywhere to buy this mk4 thermometer and nobody has it. 🙁
As much as the OXO thermo is might as well get the Thermapen!
The expensive models are 1 degree more accurate. That is absolutely nothing. It won't ruin a dish. It should do nothing to your confidence. It literally does not matter at all. The expensive models are….more money.
When a piece of equipment is only purchased once, it's often worth the extra money to get the best option.
I am a thermometer enthusiast I think. Honestly if you have the money I guess why not Mk4. But really that's not for the average user. That's like someone who has liability and food poisoning to worry about (even then they don't buy mk4's either, too expensive). Getting a Mk4 when you only cook a steak once a week or so etc… is serious overkill. Also, rotation for portrait and landscape? Like how lazy are we? What kind of stress situation am I having to read this temperature? Under heavy fire in combat? I mean I'm pretty sure my brain can figure out the digits if they are rotated with just a few seconds of computation. It's cool I get it. But over engineering imo. More can go wrong when you add that stuff. My advice is to try a few, and test them. You'll know which one to trust after a while. I think these are mostly all the same components until you hit like mk4 $100 level. That being said, spend over $15.
I used to work with a woman who looked exactly like this lady. I wonder if they are related
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News flash, they ALL SUCK lol
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
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.
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.
I love this channel. It mixes science with culinary art. It doesn't rely on word of mouth claims, it actually puts claims to the test.
This sounded like a commercial for the one they like and they didn't talk about any others that may fulfill our needs. They only talked about what was good for them. It would have been nice if there was a more of a description of the other models they had laying on the table. I saw one that I was looking for on the table and was hoping I may find out something information about that one. To me this review is very one-sided and is not worth my time.
I got the Mark 4 on sale from the manufacturer for 69.00
212 F degrees is correct for boiling water only if one is at sea level.
That red ThermoPro from amazon with 91,000+ reviews is a TURD. Very very slow, inaccurate and the on/off button doesn't work well.
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.
Things are fine in this video however you are looking for too much of comfort in thermometer like things will be totally automatic. Yon need some effort to handle any instrument,just like effort to cook something
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?
The ugly truth: Nice thermometer pen while it lasts. If it fails during their warranty period, you're out of luck. You have to submit an on-line warranty claim to try and prove why your thermometer should be covered under warranty. Even failure from normal wear and tear is not covered! It doesn't matter because they will not reply to your request. If you send an email to their customer service, they will not reply! They have no intentions of ever honoring their "warranty". This company (Lavatools) is owned by a Chinese company in Hong Kong. They tout "Designed in the U.S. made in China". The thermometer is overpriced and lacks the features of less-expensive thermometer pens with actual warranties (Inkbird 1ht-1s).
"Off by 2°, not enough to ruin a meal"
Candy makers: "SACRILEGE! TREACHERY! FAKE NEWS! 2 DEGREES IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELICIOUS CANDY AND MOUTH GARBAGE! HOW DARE YOU FU-"
Everyone else: "Yeah, that makes sense. Who cares."
The MK4 is now $69 =)
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! 🙂
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.
Who else already owns the red one?
I noticed you limited your test to hand-held instant read – type thermometers…. What I've found to be the best & most helpful user friendly thermometer is called the " MEATER " aptly named because it is designed to be put into your meat and left there ( it is a wireless Bluetooh variety ) to keep a constant vigil on when your meat rises to the exact temp you program into it & promptly notifies you via your smartphone … There is also a better or more pro grade unit named the MEATER PLUS which gives an even greater range of usability I guess in case you are a busy caterer and need the free range of movement away fro. The oven , smoker , closed grill being used like an oven , etc. But you now don't have to lose all your smoke or ambient heat just to check your heat/fineness now , or missed & now it's over temp & overdone & dry but will get caught exactly at the right time … As of right now i don't see any other contenders for the best thermometer to even come close to the " MEATER PLUS " THERMOMETER … By the way i am in no ( zero ) way affiliated with this or any kitchen appliance … This is just that good in my humble opinion …Others might be great but this seems to be the most versatile meat thermometer & most convenient user friendly ever or at least so far …As far as cost ? How much are a few dried out racks of ribs worth to you , or some dried up overdone ribroast / prime rib ????? Quality cannot be bought cheaply….Think about that next time you look at $$$ expensive steaks & $ cheap steaks for your next BAR-B-Q …WHICH are YOU buying ?????RIBEYE , or FLANK/SKIRT STEAK ?????Always buy quality when you can …Quality never disappoints , Cheap always does … Bon – Appetit'
Remember folks: These tests have been done in a professional kitchen environment. Your home kitchen setting will probably be far less hectic and strict and as such you don't need something that is super top notch that'll also send you down into the poverty line.
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.
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.
Wow, that sure covered a lot of factors I would've never thought of when considering a probe thermometer.
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 am a beginner, i use the Thermometer https://amzn.to/37hdh0G, it's different from the video shown, there is a heat-proof probe cable and magnet on the back. Anyway, thanks for your video.
just brought the mid ranged thermometer. thanks
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.
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. 😀
Decimal points might be more useful or relevant for people who use Celsius?
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 😁
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.
I need to disagree with your statement that thermometers with decimal places aren't necessary. You are contradicting yourself. In one breath you say being 2 degrees off is not acceptable but 1 degree is okay. Without the benefit of seeing the decimal place you can be an additional 1 degree off (.9 to be exact). They are not hard to read and would recommend it to anyone watching this vid.
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.
What do you do with all that yummy food after cooking? Asking for a friend.
Who eats all that food
https://youtu.be/dzdb0oaDZdY
Thank you for this great video.
Somehow I don't understand parts of this review. Particulary when she goes over the not do great thermometers. The complaints are on shallow features and she didn't mentiom which specific ones were off by how much. She DID say their top ones were within 1 degree accuracy. She said others were off by 2-3 degrees. But I didn't understand if that applied to all the ones that did not make their top picks.