Easily available thermometer

[phantomsmoke]

I see lots of recommendations for the mavericks and thermapen thermometers.  I am thinking of investing in one of these, however I haven't been able to find them in stores.  I am looking to do a pork butt this weekend and do not have time to wait for an online order to get here.  Is there any good thermometers that are easily available in a target or walmart?  I'm assuming you can succeed without a probe in the meat constantly but you will need to have an instant read to check it every once in awhile,  Suggestions?

 

[s2k9k]

Well you are correct, a leave in probe is nice but not really necessary but an instant read is necessary. 

I'm not sure what they have at the stores you mentioned, I would just go look and see. I wouldn't buy the cheapest thing, something in the middle since you are planning on buying something better later. A digital would be best. Whatever you get test it in some boiling water and that will let you know how accurate it is, so if it's off a little you know how to adjust for it. Since you are going to smoke a butt and you're looking for 205* checking it in 212* water will get you real close even if it is off a little.

 

[phantomsmoke]

Is Taylor a reliable brand?  Anyone ever use them?

 

[s2k9k]

I've never used one but have seen the name around a lot. Probably good for what you need this weekend.

 

[diggingdogfarm]

The Comark Instant-Read Digital is a good little thermometer that's available for about $20 around here.
It's not as accurate as the ThermaPen, but it is NSF approved, none the less.

~Martin

 

[chef jimmyj]

Since you are doing Butts you can figure 1.5 to 2 Hrs/Lb and use any tested Instant Read near the end of the cook time to see where you are at. If you want/need to be able to quick check progress hourly, you will be able to get a Cheap, " Leave in the Roast " Meat Thermometer, in any Grocery or Kitchen supply store. Using it in a Smoker it will most likely get a Yellow smoke film over it but it will get you by for a smoke or two until you purchase a MAV or whatever. Just test for accuracy...JJ