Thermapen Instant Read Thermometer

Strong, lightweight, amazingly fast and accurate, the Thermapen instant read thermometer will ensure you cook succulent meat every time!

If you are looking to buy a thermometer to gauge the temperature of food and especially meat, then this little gem is all you need. I bought the Thermapen instant read thermometer on the back of a friend’s recommendation but there are also plenty of excellent reviews about it online.

The main reason for purchasing one was because I cook quite a bit outdoors when the weather permits. I’m a typical bloke who loves his outdoor grill! Cooking meat always means you have to be extra careful that it is slightly over done rather than under done. However now I have this thermometer I know exactly when the chicken, pork or steak is cooked to perfection.

There are a few of these instant read thermometers on the market but I don’t think any of them are as quick as the Thermapen. It literally gives you a near 100% accurate reading within 4 seconds. Other models take much longer even though they claim instant read.

The probe is also brilliant because it folds away into the case when not in use and can be positioned at any angle. It’s also wireless which is a ‘must have’ in my eyes. The last thing you want is wires dangling around hot food, stoves etc. The probe is also really thin so doesn’t make a great big hole in the meat.

Now although I wanted this particular thermometer for my outdoor grilling, my wife also uses it for all sorts of things in the kitchen. Amongst other things it’s great when you have to reheat a meal or to check the temperature of a dish that you’re not quite sure about. It certainly saves poking your finger in!

I know from doing a little research that the Thermapen instant read thermometer is the number one choice amongst professional chefs, restaurants, health inspectors and quality control managers all over the world. It has glowing reviews on the internet and I for one can’t fault it.

The only negative I could say about this particular thermometer is the high-ish price tag. At just under $100 it’s not the cheapest on the market and if you’re prepared to wait 30-40 seconds for a reading then you can grab yourself a cheaper alternative like the Taylor waterproof digital thermometer. Unfortunately I’m not that patient and want to know immediately whether my succulent turkey breast is done to perfection or not!

For those of you who like to know the technical aspects to things, here’s a run down of the Thermapen's stats:

• Able to read accurate temperatures in 4 seconds or less!

• Thin fold away probe that protects from breakage and limits food damage when inserted.

• Covers a wide temperature range of between -58°F to 572°F.

• Accuracy meets USDA guidelines in the food range.

• Big easy-to-read digits. Always a bonus and much easier to read than other pocket thermometers.

• Splash resistant.

• Wireless which makes it safer and more hygienic.

The super-fast Thermapen uses a technology known as thermocouple which is more advanced than a standard thermometer. That’s why it commands a higher price tag. But pound for pound, this really is the only instant read thermometer you’re going to need or want. I’ve been using it for months now and it gets a double thumbs up from me!

If you’ve got one and would like to share any comments or you have any questions, please drop them below.