Best instant thermometer? (too many choices)

CPARKTX2

I originally had a Thermopen and liked it a lot, but like a lot of others found, it broke after a couple of years.  I currently have a Javalin, but it is a bit slower to read, and doesn't do well consecutively testing multiple items.  After a quick search on Amazon the market seems flooded with options these days...anything you have found to work well?  Priorities for me are quick (instant) read, small point/tip, good quality.  

SGH

Thermapen One sounds like what you are looking for👍

SGH

That’s what will replace my 12+ year old classic. 

The Cen-Tex Smoker

CPARKTX2 said:

I originally had a Thermopen and liked it a lot, but like a lot of others found, it broke after a couple of years.  I currently have a Javalin, but it is a bit slower to read, and doesn't do well consecutively testing multiple items.  After a quick search on Amazon the market seems flooded with options these days...anything you have found to work well?  Priorities for me are quick (instant) read, small point/tip, good quality.  

Not sure which version you have but I have the Javelin Pro Duo and have never had a better instant read than that. I had the regular javelin and did not care for it.

SGH

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

I had the regular javelin and did not care for it. 

I had the Javelin. Can’t say much about it though. Party Monster dropped it in a 5 gallon pot of 375 degree peanut oil. With that said, I can say it will not hold up to being submerged in 375 degree oil 😂

The Cen-Tex Smoker

SGH said:

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

I had the regular javelin and did not care for it. 

I had the Javelin. Can’t say much about it though. Party Monster dropped it in a 5 gallon pot of 375 degree peanut oil. With that said, I can say it will not hold up to being submerged in 375 degree oil 😂

That would do it lol

BigGreenKev

I have a thermapen for at home.  Got a cheap Weber instant read for $12 to use at inlaws cabin (FIL is the 2 martini cooking method) and it works as good as thermapen overall

lousubcap

I have a thermapen ( basic) that has 10+ years on the clock.  Battery replaced once.  No real issues other than it needs to be fully opened to initially read.  
I also believe in a backup.  Acquired an inexpensive Javelin (flash sale) several years ago that works well.  Within past couple of years bought a Javelin Pro Duo and that is the best for the $$ I have experienced.
In fairness, the Javelins were not available 10+ years ago and the thermapen has definitely performed as advertised.  FWIW-

SonVolt

$29. One of mine's already broke, but its replacement (under warranty) has been rock solid for several years now. I never should have bought the Thermapen - it's bulky and overpriced for my needs. 

danhoo

CPARKTX2 said:

I originally had a Thermopen and liked it a lot, but like a lot of others found, it broke after a couple of years. 

Do you still have your broken thermapen? have you tried repairing it? 

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Thermapen+Rotating+Hinge+Contact+Renewal/121288

lkapigian

I have MK4s and Duos , both comparable, Duo has a magnet which I both like and dislike, similar price point right now....for me, of Al the cooking " tools" I have, a thermometer is most important and im not cutting corners 

HeavyG

Baby Back Maniac did a review of the new One that Thermoworks sent him gratis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERifGjEg9y8

FanOfFanboys

SonVolt said:

$29. One of mine's already broke, but its replacement (under warranty) has been rock solid for several years now. I never should have bought the Thermapen - it's bulky and overpriced for my needs. 

I use and love my thermapen but I had a pop first and I have given 4-5 as gifts. For the kind of people who don't spend time on cooking forums especially it's a great gift and better than anything they'd buy out of the grocery store. If they would have bought one at all 

njl

I'm another Javelin Pro Duo fan (and owner of multiple broken Thermapens).  The one caveat I'll throw out there with Lavatools is THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT.  Consider their products disposable.  If you have a problem with them (or a probe for your Carbon Lite dies), you're on your own.

HeavyG

njl said:

I'm another Javelin Pro Duo fan (and owner of multiple broken Thermapens).  The one caveat I'll throw out there with Lavatools is THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT.  Consider their products disposable.  If you have a problem with them (or a probe for your Carbon Lite dies), you're on your own.

I had one of my original Javelins die near the end of its warranty. I contacted them via email and they suggested I try a couple of things which I did and got no joy. They sent me a return label which I used to ship the dead one back and they sent me a replacement a couple weeks later. That was a year or two ago.

njl

HeavyG said:

njl said:

I'm another Javelin Pro Duo fan (and owner of multiple broken Thermapens).  The one caveat I'll throw out there with Lavatools is THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT.  Consider their products disposable.  If you have a problem with them (or a probe for your Carbon Lite dies), you're on your own.

I had one of my original Javelins die near the end of its warranty. I contacted them via email and they suggested I try a couple of things which I did and got no joy. They sent me a return label which I used to ship the dead one back and they sent me a replacement a couple weeks later. That was a year or two ago.

I tried contacting them multiple times about my Carbon Lite probe (one of the sensors stopped reporting) and never heard back.  Last I looked, there is no phone contact info, so you're limited to their web contact form or email.  The more I looked into it, the more it looked like "Lavatools" is just one guy in California importing product from China.

Carolina Q

njl said:

I tried contacting them multiple times about my Carbon Lite probe (one of the sensors stopped reporting) and never heard back.  Last I looked, there is no phone contact info, so you're limited to their web contact form or email.  The more I looked into it, the more it looked like "Lavatools" is just one guy in California importing product from China.

@njl,@Lavatools is a member here, though not active at all. 2018 last post I think. Still, perhaps he/she can be contacted through this forum. 

carl292

thermapop $30 and 8 yrs later, no issues.

RyanStl

I got a ThermoPro Amazon lightning deal for $14 last year and it reads fast and accurate. Doesn't get a lot of use though.

jtcBoynton

I'm still using my Thermoworks Thermapen from 2007.  The thing will not break so I have missed out on all the newer models.  

Bar

jtcBoynton said:

I'm still using my Thermoworks Thermapen from 2007.  The thing will not break so I have missed out on all the newer models.  

Same here.

Runamuck

I love my Thermapen Mark IV. Thinking about another to keep in my camper.

jtcBoynton

Runamuck said:

I love my Thermapen Mark IV. Thinking about another to keep in my camper.

Then you better stop thinking about it and order one fast. They are closing out that model (30% off sale). 

RRog17

njl said:

I'm another Javelin Pro Duo fan (and owner of multiple broken Thermapens).  The one caveat I'll throw out there with Lavatools is THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT.  Consider their products disposable.  If you have a problem with them (or a probe for your Carbon Lite dies), you're on your own.

I had one crack where the probe attaches and opens. I contacted them. They sent me a new one. 

caliking

I have a couple of thermapens, Thermopops, and lavatools javelins. 

Someone on the forum mentioned the Thermoworks DASH mini, on another thread a while ago, and that’s my current favorite. 

It’s easy to carry on a neck lanyard or in your pocket. Gave away the thermopops, because of the design. I like that you have to unfold the probe each time fir use. Form factor is very similar to thermos used in foodservice.