If I had it to do again, I'd get the pop. Have the pen and its a great tool, but in my set up in the dark I have to use it left handed. I could have gotten back light I guess, or I could have saved some coin and gotten the pop that swivels. Same results just a tick slower. 

If I had to start over, I'd probably get a few pops. 

I already have two pens but the pop might be a little better. 

Same here, I went with the ThermoPop and it works just fine.  It gets to temp in about 5 to 6 seconds.  The only thing if you are going direct it gets a little hot, so wear gloves if you are.

I would have gotten the pop if they made them them. Good reviews. 

I know one person who bought the key chain size folding one. She loves it. 

Guess I am odd man out.  I have both the pop and the pen.  I prefer the pen (mine is back lit).

The pen feels more rugged, I can fold the probe and put it in my pocket.  It hits temp noticebly faster.  The pop takes a few extra seconds to dial in.  I also prefer the varied angle/hand position on the pen.

For the price the pop is awesome.  However, I figure a single cook can have more money than a pen costs.  Just my 2 cents.

I have $3000+ in two larges, table, and accessories. Saving $60(thermopop vs therm open) was not a big concern. I have 2 thermopens. 

I have a backlit TP & just ordered the St Paddys Day sale TP which is non backlit. Both I have in the glow in the dark clear silicone magnetic boot. 

buzd504 said:

I also have two pens, one backlit and one not.

Question about the backlit - mine seems to be flaky about the backlit coming on.  Is it light sensitive or should it come on every time?

It is light sensitive.

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Guess I am odd man out.  I have both the pop and the pen.  I prefer the pen (mine is back lit).

The pen feels more rugged, I can fold the probe and put it in my pocket.  It hits temp noticebly faster.  The pop takes a few extra seconds to dial in.  I also prefer the varied angle/hand position on the pen.

For the price the pop is awesome.  However, I figure a single cook can have more money than a pen costs.  Just my 2 cents.

Both do have there place. I agree with your assessment. You are paying for that extra speed and accuracy with the thermopen, but it's there.

Guys bash the Maverick that BGE offers, but i find it to be pretty damn good and backlit.

Hungry Joe said:

buzd504 said:

I also have two pens, one backlit and one not.

Question about the backlit - mine seems to be flaky about the backlit coming on.  Is it light sensitive or should it come on every time?

It is light sensitive.

Thank you.

4 or 5 seconds doesn't seem like much but if you multiply that by 8 or 10 if you're cooking something like lamb loin chops it makes a big difference. My vote is for  the thermopen.

I've got a ThermoPen I've had for many years and a couple ThermoPops and I needed another thermometer but got one of these instead:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Accurate-High-Performing-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B00GRFHXVQ/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426807816&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=thermapop+thermometer


Pretty impressed with it. Seems well made and nice size - quite a bit smaller than a ThermoPen. It's not quite as fast as a ThermoPen (maybe a second or two slower) and I wish the probe was just a little bit longer but I do like the unit and would recommend them to folks that don't want to spend the extra $$ a ThermoPen costs.

my thermopop spent all winter outside. sometimes it got buried by snow sometimes it got rained on. tough little bugger