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Next best thermometer to the Thermapen

Powak
Powak Posts: 1,412
in EggHead Forum
I'd like to get a quick and accurate thermometer but would like to avoid the $150 price tag of the Thermapen. What's the next best option? I picked up a $20 Taylor but it only turns on 20% of the time and then it takes forever to get a reading.
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  • tgs2401
    tgs2401 Posts: 424
    I didn't want to spend the money plus the Thermapen MK4 seems so big to me. I bought this one from Thermoworks for $20 and it works great. Takes 5 seconds instead of 3, waterproof, and clips in s shirt pocket.
    One large BGE in Louisville, KY.
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  • tarheelmatt
    tarheelmatt Posts: 9,867
    You can find previous versions of Thermapens for around $80, I think. 
    ------------------------------
    Thomasville, NC
    My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
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  • nth78
    nth78 Posts: 154
    Javelin Pro.  
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  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 19,780
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    This. I used to have an RT600C, but I kept forgetting to tutn it off and the battery would die. I don't think it was backlit either (can't remember). 

    The thermopop is a winner. 

    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
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  • nth78
    nth78 Posts: 154
    Javelin pro is as good as the thermapen mk4.  Only reason to pay more would be the company reputation
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    nth78 said:
    Javelin pro is as good as the thermapen mk4.  Only reason to pay more would be the company reputation
    Javelin Pro is very nice. I like it more than my Thermapen.

    I bought a Javelin when they first came out over a year ago. I kept it outside stuck underneath (it has a magnet built into it) my stainless prep table. A few weeks ago it seemed to be dead - it would not turn on when pulling the probe out. Replaced the battery. Still no bueno. Contacted the company via email and they sent me a label to return the dead one and they sent me a new one.

    Lavatools may be a new company and they could disappear (like any company) but my experience so far with them and their products has been great.

    Personally I hate the Thermopop and never use mine. Anyone thinking of buying a Thermopop should at least take a look at the Lavatools Javelin which is actually a few bucks cheaper.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • Golfguy77
    Golfguy77 Posts: 93
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    Thanks for the heads up!  Just placed an order for one.
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  • QDude
    QDude Posts: 1,064
    The Javelin Pro is a great alternative.  Quick read, backlight feature, very accurate.  I have both a Thermapen and the Javelin.  Both are great.

    Northern Colorado Egghead since 2012.

    XL BGE and a KBQ.

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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    Where can you find the Thermopop for $20? They're $71 on amazon.
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  • nth78
    nth78 Posts: 154
    Powak said:
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    Where can you find the Thermopop for $20? They're $71 on amazon.
    Thermopop is a short, slower thermometer from the same company that makes the thermapen.   I wouldn't want one.  The javelin pro is a competitor with all the same features of the thermapen but quite a bit cheaper
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  • StaMic006
    StaMic006 Posts: 13
    I just bought a TP MK4 for $79.  If you register your email on their website they'll send you codes and let you know when they are having sales (which seems to be every week). Also the MK 4 is $99 the Classic TP is $79.  I have 2 MK 4's and they are simply the best IMO.  
    Buford, GA  LBGE, BGE MiniMax
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  • DMW
    DMW Posts: 13,836
    Powak said:
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    Where can you find the Thermopop for $20? They're $71 on amazon.
    On Thermoworks official website. Do not buy Thermoworks products from Amazon. See the banner on their website.

    http://www.thermoworks.com

    They/Them
    Morgantown, PA

    XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer -  PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE  - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker
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  • gamason
    gamason Posts: 406
    nth78 said:
    Powak said:
    The Cen-Tex Smoker said:
    Thermopop. They are $20 right now. They are backlit, have a rotating display you can see from any angle and no moving parts to break like its $119 big brother. I use my pop more than my pen. 
    Where can you find the Thermopop for $20? They're $71 on amazon.
    Thermopop is a short, slower thermometer from the same company that makes the thermapen.   I wouldn't want one.  The javelin pro is a competitor with all the same features of the thermapen but quite a bit cheaper

    Plenty long enough and a WHOPPING 2 seconds slower. Thermopop does the job just fine, OP you'll be glad you bought it.

    Snellville,Ga.

    LBGE

    Minimax

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  • Terrebandit
    Terrebandit Posts: 1,750
    Powak said:
    I'd like to get a quick and accurate thermometer but would like to avoid the $150 price tag of the Thermapen. What's the next best option? I picked up a $20 Taylor but it only turns on 20% of the time and then it takes forever to get a reading.
    The Thermopen is not $150.  I'm not sure where you got your info but thermopop was a good cheap alternative. I have both. 
    Dave - Austin, TX
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  • Golfguy77
    Golfguy77 Posts: 93
    Thermopop is the same length.  Reads in 5 sec vs. 3 sec.  I've got an extra 2 sec. To save a $100!
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  • Chauncy
    Chauncy Posts: 47
    The only thermapen alternative is the javelin pro, not the thermapop.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6N2UMzP79Q
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  • DoubleEgger
    DoubleEgger Posts: 19,155
    Buying quality only stings once. Just get the Thermopen. You won't find anyone who owns one that thinks they aren't worth every penny they paid for it. 
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    DoubleEgger said:
    Buying quality only stings once. Just get the Thermopen. You won't find anyone who owns one that thinks they aren't worth every penny they paid for it. 
    Some people buy Yeti's

    Smart people buy Rtic's. :)
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • JohnnyTarheel
    JohnnyTarheel Posts: 6,629
    Thermapen !!!  Just do it so you won't lie in bed ever night wondering why you didn't do it right the first time....  
    Charlotte, NC - Large BGE 2014, Maverick ET 733, Thermopen, Nest, Platesetter, Woo2 and Extender w/Grid, Kick Ash Basket, Pizza Stone, SS Smokeware Cap, Blackstone 36"
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  • Coul
    Coul Posts: 111
    Just bought myself the Javelin Pro and will be testing it out tomorrow. 
    LBGE circa 2016
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  • nth78
    nth78 Posts: 154
    Coul said:
    Just bought myself the Javelin Pro and will be testing it out tomorrow. 
    You won't be sorry.
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  • clemsontyger97
    clemsontyger97 Posts: 400
    edited July 2016
    I have the RT600C and pleased with it after one year
    --Because I'm like ice, buddy. When I don't like you, you've got problems.

    KJ Classic
    28" Blackstone
    South Carolina native, adopted Texan, residing in Olive Branch, MS.  Go Tigers.
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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    Should I get the Classic Superfast Thermapen or the Mk4?
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  • HeavyG
    HeavyG Posts: 10,380
    Powak said:
    Should I get the Classic Superfast Thermapen or the Mk4?
    If you're dead set on getting a Thermapen I'd go ahead and spend the extra $20 and get the Mk4.
    “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away.” ― Philip K. Diçk




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  • SmokeyPitt
    SmokeyPitt Posts: 10,490
    edited July 2016
    Yeah just to reiterate the thermopens are pricey but they are not $150. The classic is $79 from the manufacturer. 

    http://www.thermoworks.com/Classic-Thermapen?gclid=COXp_L2J580CFcgjgQod_1wNgw

    Which came first the chicken or the egg?  I egged the chicken and then I ate his leg. 

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  • Powak
    Powak Posts: 1,412
    SmokeyPitt said:
    Yeah just to reiterate the thermopens are pricey but they are not $150. The classic is $79 from the manufacturer. 

    http://www.thermoworks.com/Classic-Thermapen?gclid=COXp_L2J580CFcgjgQod_1wNgw
    Yes I just realized that. I had made mistake of always looking at them on Amazon. If the Mk 4 is worth the extra $20 I'm sold. I need a good rugged and reliable thermometer and I'm done with the cheap stuff after having gone thru 3 thermometers.
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  • SmokinTiger81
    SmokinTiger81 Posts: 746
    The newest thermapen also uses triple aaa batteries.  The older model is a special batt you won't have in the drawer at home.  
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  • Jameson19
    Jameson19 Posts: 354
    nth78 said:
    Javelin Pro.  
    +1 on this 
    Large BGE, Adjustable Rig, Small BGE, 2 BBQ Guru's, 18" WSM, Rockwood, Stage 3 Roush Mustang and a hot wife... 

    Las Vegas, Nevada!
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  • gmac
    gmac Posts: 1,814
    Just bought 4 thermopops. Christmas shopping is done and everyone is getting yellow since it's one of the 4 colours at $20. 
    Mt Elgin Ontario - just a Large.
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