Instant Read Thermometer Advice

callahan4life

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Jan 20, 2011

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Callahan, Florida

• Apr 17, 2011

• #1

Alright it is time to squeeze some knowledge and advice from the great folks here at SMF.

I know some of you use the “Thermopen” by “Thermoworks”. It costs $94.99 (with shipping - for me).

My Brother-In-Law, “Fife”, has found what we believe is a pretty good deal.
[h1]He ran across this “Extech 39272 Thermometer” for $39.99 (with free shipping).[/h1][h1]

[/h1][h1]The only difference that I can see is the “Thermopen” is advertised as “Splash Proof” with a quick 3 second read time. The “Extech” says nothing about being “Splash Proof” but says it has a 1 second read time. By appearance the "Thermopen" looks to be a better built piece of equipment but at a $55 difference. [/h1][h1]How well built does it really need to be? How often does someone ruin this type of thermometer from a "Splash"?[/h1][h1]Has anyone here used the “Extech” or have any advice/opinions as to which one to go with?  [/h1]

 

SmokinAl

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• Apr 17, 2011

• #2

I think you should buy one & let us know how good it is. I would own a Thermopen if  they weren't so pricey.

 

rdknb

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Chester (Kent Island), Md

• Apr 17, 2011

• #3

If it works that is a good fine, 2 of them are less then 1 so you have to figure that too

 

benswholehogbbq

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Apr 12, 2010

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Clifton, Virginia

• Apr 17, 2011

• #4

I would go with the $40 one.

There is NO WAY I would pay $100 for a thermometer. But if you want to, go for it and knock yourself out.

 

callahan4life

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Jan 20, 2011

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Callahan, Florida

• Apr 17, 2011

• #5

Quote:

SmokinAl said:

I think you should buy one & let us know how good it is. I would own a Thermopen if  they weren't so pricey.

Click to expand...

I think I am, Al. Just wanted some other opinions first.

Quote:

RdKnB said:

If it works that is a good fine, 2 of them are less then 1 so you have to figure that too

Click to expand...

That was my thoughts also, RDKnB.

Quote:

BensWholeHogBBQ said:

I would go with the $40 one.

There is NO WAY I would pay $100 for a thermometer. But if you want to, go for it and knock yourself out.

Click to expand...

Ben, I would but I was going to wait about a year (when I start doing competitions) because it is so expensive. But now with Fife's find I am thinking of giving this one a shot now.

 

Fife

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Jacksonville, Florida

• Apr 17, 2011

• #6

I have one on order so it should be here this week. We will keep everyone posted as to how well it works. Happy Smoking............Fife out

 

Bearcarver

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• Apr 17, 2011

• #7

I have a Thermopen, and I love it, but if your test proves good, I might wish I had found that cheap one too.

Bear

 

Fife

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• Apr 17, 2011

• #8

I was sitting around the station and just doing searches for different items and came across it thought it could be good so sometime on my hands does pay off I( I hope ) We will see

 

thebarbequeen

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Aug 22, 2010

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Renton, WA

• Apr 17, 2011

• #9

There are other instant read alternatives to the thermapen.  I love my thermoworks hand held with instant read k-type probe: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/handheld/mtc.html

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][size=-2]303-159[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][size=-2]Fast Response Penetration, coiled cable[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][size=-2]1-4: $51.00 ea.[/size][/font]

[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][size=-2]5-up: $41.00 ea.[/size][/font]

 so the handheld unit plus probe right now would come to $84.00, but they run specials that frequently include a probe.  It's great because I don't have to get as close to the heat source and since I can read the results right in my hand, it's always super easy to read.  I think it's a great alternative to the thermapen, and wouldn't trade it for one. 

A cheap alternative that I have several of is this one: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/rt301wa.html   on sale for $19.00 each, results in 6 seconds!  It is a nice long probe, so again, I don't have to stick my head in the oven or smoker to read it!   I love my thermoworks gadgets. Also got an infrared on sale a while back, just for fun - used it last time I grilled and it worked great to let me know my searing side was hot enough. 

 

beer-b-q

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• Apr 17, 2011

• #10

I too have the thermapen and multiple others, thermometers are like smokers, you can never have too many... JMHO

 

tjohnson

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Savage, MN

• Apr 17, 2011

• #11

I own a "Super Fast Red Thermopen"

Yes, it's a lot of money, but 10 seconds on my old one was too long to get an accurate temp.  If the Extech is accurate and fairly quick on it's readings, it's a great buy.

The Thermopen is NSF Certified and I do not see that the Extech is NSF Certified.  This DOES NOT mean it is less accurate!

I'll be interested in the comparison!!!

Todd