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This thermometer offers a bit more speed, plus temperature alerts, temperature holding, and a fold-up probe that’s handy for taking readings at odd angles.

TechGearLab

When it comes to meat thermometers, lefties often get the short end of the stick. But with the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo, those ambidextrous chefs among us no longer have to settle for less. The probe is dominated by an oversized screen with large, easy-to-read font that automatically rotates based on positioning. Not only is it highly accurate, but the Javelin is one of the fastest instant-read thermometers in our review, clocking in an average response time of just under four seconds. The backlight is the brightest of any we tested, and the probe has a motion sensor that triggers the backlight with a flick of the wrist, perfect for those operating in heat-proof gloves over hot, open-pit flames. Cleanliness is the name of the game in professional kitchens, and we appreciate that Lavatools impregnates the plastic shell of their probes with an anti-microbial additive to help keep this device clean in between washings. It also has a high level of waterproofing &#40;IP65.&#41;
However, this performance machine does carry a considerable price tag. The Javelin costs more than twice the amount of all other instant-read thermometers we tested. This probe was one of the few with zero deviation from 32℉ during our calibration test. However, it does tend to deviate up to 2℉ from an accurate reading at temperatures above boiling. While this is minor, it is notably more sway than other top-performers. And unlike some of our other favorites, this thermometer cannot be recalibrated if it indeed loses accuracy over time. Like other ambidextrous models we tested, we do wish that the probe was designed to fold 270° for a full range of use. But for a professional-grade thermometer, it is tough to beat both the speed and functionality of the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo, especially for left-handed chefs.

America's Test Kitchen

This thermometer wasn't quite as good as the Mk4 or the OXO model, but it gave them a real run for their money. It was fast and accurate and had a large handle that kept us safely away from the heat; the handle was slightly slicker and less roomy than we'd like but better than those of most models we tested. The big, clear display rotates two ways, and the long probe worked great at various angles. It turned on automatically when we opened the probe and turned off when we closed it. It also automatically wakes up with a touch if you leave the probe open. Its backlight turns on with a vigorous shake. Its one button operates a hold feature and min/max functions; we found the latter unnecessary, but the former is quite useful. The button wasn't perfectly responsive, and loading three functions on one button was a bit confusing, but overall the design was pleasantly minimalist, and you can ignore the functions you don't need.

When it comes to meat thermometers, lefties often get the short end of the stick. But with the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo, those ambidextrous chefs among us no longer have to settle for less. The probe has an oversized screen with large and easy-to-read font that automatically rotates based on positioning. Not only is it highly accurate, but the Javelin is one of the fastest instant-read thermometers in our review, clocking in an average response time of just under four seconds. The backlight is the brightest of any we tested, and the probe has a motion sensor that triggers the backlight with a flick of the wrist, perfect for those operating in heat-proof gloves over hot, open-pit flames. Cleanliness is the name of the game in professional kitchens, and we appreciate that Lavatools impregnates the plastic shell of their probes with an anti-microbial additive to help keep this device clean in between washings. It also has a high level of waterproofing &#40;IP65.&#41;
However, this performance machine does carry a considerable price tag. The Javelin costs more than twice the amount of all other instant-read thermometers we tested. This probe was one of the few with zero deviation from 32℉ during our calibration test. However, it does tend to deviate up to 2℉ from an accurate reading at temperatures above boiling. While this is minor, it is notably more sway than other top-performers. And unlike some of our other favorites, you cannot recalibrate this thermometer if it loses accuracy over time. Like other ambidextrous models we tested, we wish the probe was designed to fold 270° for a full range of use. But for a professional-grade thermometer, it is tough to beat both the speed and functionality of the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo, especially for left-handed chefs.

No other thermometer under $50 can match the ThermoPop’s combination of speed, reach, reliability, and easy-to-read display.

This affordably priced instant-read thermometer impressed us with its speed and accuracy, generous temperature range, easy-to-read display, and splash-proof body.

Our favorite digital kitchen thermometer has an easy-to-read backlit display that’s great for day or night cookouts. It will survive a dunk in sauce or marinades, and you can easily clip it to an apron or pocket when not in use.

This thermometer was fast, accurate, and easy to hold. It had a few cushy extra features, including a rotating display and a backlight, which came in handy for grilling. The ThermoPop is an excellent inexpensive alternative to the Thermapen.

Our former inexpensive winner had another strong showing. It was dead accurate and extremely fast. Compared with fancier models, this model felt like driving a standard car. The display does rotate and has a backlight, but you have to stop and press a button for both functions. You have to be more careful when holding its small lollipop-shaped head, but it makes the best of its size with a grippy, ergonomic design that's reasonably secure and easy to push and pull out of dense foods. Because the head is so small, this model did put our hands a little closer to the heat.

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The ThermoPro TP03 takes the cake for a high-performing probe at an unbeatable price point, nearly half its competitors' price. This thermometer continually outperformed its listed measurement accuracy of 0.9℉ in everyday cooking duties and lab tests. In both our high and low-temperature tests, we noted a much more remarkable precision of 0.3℉, three times better than advertised! Not only that, but this probe was consistently clocking in at under four seconds. This made it the second-fastest in testing to read a stable temperature. Its overall basic look may fool some, but the numbers don't lie &mdash; this is a foldable probe that not only holds its own but, in many cases, crushes the performance of a majority of the other thermometers in this review.
While the simple TP03 impresses in terms of performance, it lacks in terms of features. It sports no waterproof rating and has specific heat limitations. For example, it explicitly states that you cannot leave the probe immersed in hot liquid or food for more than one minute without damage to the probe. The two biggest downfalls are related to the screen: 1&#41; it does not feature a locking temperature readout, and 2&#41; it has one of the smallest displays of the models we tested. However, there is no reason not to try out this entry-level instant thermometer for its value. This model is lightweight, with both a clip-loop for carrying and a magnetic backing.

The ThermoPro TP03 takes the cake for a high-performing probe at an unbeatable price point, nearly half its competitors' price. This thermometer continually outperformed its listed measurement accuracy of 0.9℉ in everyday cooking duties and lab tests. In both our high and low-temperature tests, we noted a much more remarkable precision of 0.3℉, three times better than advertised! Not only that, but this probe was consistently clocking in at under four seconds. This made it the second-fastest in testing to read a stable temperature. Its overall basic look may fool some, but the numbers don't lie &mdash; this is a foldable probe that not only holds its own but, in many cases, crushes the performance of a majority of the other thermometers in this review.
While the simple TP03 impresses in terms of performance, it lacks features. It sports no waterproof rating and has specific heat limitations. For example, it explicitly states that you cannot leave the probe immersed in hot liquid or food for more than one minute without damage to the probe. The two biggest downfalls are related to the screen: 1&#41; it does not feature a locking temperature readout, and 2&#41; it has one of the smallest displays of the models we tested. However, there is no reason not to try this entry-level instant thermometer for its value. This model is lightweight, with a clip-loop for carrying and a magnetic backing.

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When it comes to a less complicated wireless option that doesn't require a smartphone, we believe there is no better value than the ThermoPro TP07 Wireless. This meat thermometer consists of two separate units &mdash; the transmitter with wired probe and the programmable receiver. We were most impressed with how easily the two pair wirelessly and the signal strength going from inside the kitchen to outside on the grill. With features including countdown and count-up timers, internal probe temperature, and preset meat temperatures, we pleasantly found the receiver to be easily programmable. We also particularly appreciated the thoughtful addition of different color backlights for the LCD screen on the receiver, which clearly identifies vital moments in cooking: the first increase in temperature, within 15℉ of set temperature, and when the probe reaches the set internal temperature.
While both units can display temperature, only the transmitter displays the temperature at a decimal resolution. But despite this advantage, it's the transmitter that could use the most improvement. We feel that the unit could easily have a much larger LCD screen. More importantly, it would hugely benefit from something other than the simple hanger that easily slips from an oven handle every time we opened the door, such as a magnetic backing or clip. We found that the interface is much more intuitive than it appears, despite its clunky-looking button layout, and will have you accurately taking meat temperatures right out of the box. 

When it comes to a less complicated wireless option that doesn't require a smartphone, we believe there is no better value than the ThermoPro TP07 Wireless. This meat thermometer consists of two separate units &mdash; the transmitter with wired probe and the programmable receiver. We were most impressed with how easily the two pair wirelessly and the signal strength going from inside the kitchen to outside on the grill. With features including countdown and count-up timers, internal probe temperature, and preset meat temperatures, we pleasantly found the receiver to be easily programmable. We also particularly appreciated the thoughtful addition of different color backlights for the LCD screen on the receiver, which clearly identifies vital moments in cooking: the first increase in temperature, within 15℉ of set temperature, and when the probe reaches the set internal temperature.
While both units can display temperature, only the transmitter displays the temperature at a decimal resolution. But, despite this advantage, the transmitter could use the most improvement. We feel that the unit could easily have a much larger LCD screen. More importantly, it would hugely benefit from something other than the simple hanger that easily slips from an oven handle every time we open the door, such as a magnetic backing or clip. We found that the interface is much more intuitive than it appears, despite its clunky-looking button layout, and will have you accurately taking meat temperatures right out of the box. 

If the rest of your household is optimally controlled via apps on your phone, why not your next meat thermometer? The Soraken Wireless Thermometer includes various programmable options as expected with most smart technology. It's possible to program each of the multiple probes according to specific cooking techniques, meat types, internal temperatures, or a timer that can be programmed for up to 240 minutes. Four are included, but the transmitter can support up to six probes. While you are away from the grill prepping sides, the Soraken will keep you updated with a chart of temperature vs. time and specified temperature alarms. Though the wireless capability from the grill is slightly limited when moving back inside the kitchen, we found that its wireless range outside easily outperformed its advertised ability. We were able to walk more than 200 feet away before ultimately losing the signal.
The Soraken is also the fastest updating wireless model we tested. The app and transmitter seem to update every few seconds simultaneously. This thermometer appeared to be highly accurate in our testing. Still, the lack of a decimal resolution on the readout or a listed measurement accuracy made this quality hard to verify. This unit cannot be recalibrated, so even if you are not getting accurate temperature readings, you may never know. It's pretty awesome to be able to remotely monitor and track the progress of up to six different pieces of meat all at once, even though we found handling the multiple probes somewhat cumbersome at times.

If the rest of your household is optimally controlled via apps on your phone, why not your next meat thermometer? The Soraken Wireless Thermometer includes various programmable options as expected with most smart technology. It's possible to program each of the multiple probes according to specific cooking techniques, meat types, internal temperatures, or a timer that can be programmed for up to 240 minutes. Four are included, but the transmitter can support up to six probes. While you are away from the grill prepping sides, the Soraken will keep you updated with a chart of temperature vs. time and specified temperature alarms. Though the wireless capability from the grill is slightly limited when moving back inside the kitchen, we found that its wireless range outside easily outperformed its advertised ability. We were able to walk more than 200 feet away before ultimately losing the signal.
The Soraken is also the fastest updating wireless model we tested. The app and transmitter seem to update every few seconds simultaneously. This thermometer appeared to be highly accurate in our testing. Still, the lack of a decimal resolution on the readout or a listed measurement accuracy made this quality hard to verify. Unfortunately, you cannot recalibrate this unit. So, even if you are not getting accurate temperature readings, you may never know. It's pretty awesome to be able to remotely monitor and track the progress of up to six different pieces of meat all at once, even though we found handling the multiple probes somewhat cumbersome at times.

Consumer Reports

“Whether I’m grilling at home or smoking meats at the restaurant, my go-to gadget is a high-quality digital meat thermometer,” says the pitmaster Rodney Scott of the restaurant Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Charleston, S.C. For those who are serious about barbecue, a digital meat thermometer will be your grilling best friend, the chef says. The Thermapen is Scott’s favorite; he finds it to be quick, durable, and accurate. For more options: See the top meat thermometers from CR’s tests. 

Meat Thermometer Comparison