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Anyone have a Thermapen?

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
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There are two models, about $20 apart.
This one (Mk4) is the newer higher-end model.
Made in England.
If you have one, is it worth the $$$$$$ ?


Directly from the manufacturer:
Regular price is $99.
On sale now for $85.14.
FWIW KingArthurFlour sells the Mk4 model for $103. :blackeye:

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I have the kind with the long wire that you can leave in the oven while cooking. You set an alarm and it goes off when the temp is within 5 degrees of what you want. I don't cook much that has to go in the oven for long periods so it's pretty much exclusively used for turkey. I prefer that since you don't have to open the oven to check.
 
I have one! Absolutely worth it. It's the king of thermometers. I don't only use it for meat and seafood--it withstands super high temperatures, so I use it when making caramel and toffee too!
 
I don’t have one but have wanted one forever. I will now that it’s being offered for 85. I am very curious about lifespan/water resistance and just how instant read it is. Compared to $35 versions.
We also have the prongs with remotes and love it for meat.
This thermapen is perfect for puddings, pastry creams, breads and such!
 
I have the Mk4 and can say that it is worth the cost. Received as a Christmas gift and use it frequently as I cook every day. I plan to gift this Mk4 - will be my go-to gift for the next year or so! Highly recommend.
 
I was actually thinking of buying one for DH for his birthday. Do you think it's worth it over regular meat thermometers?
 
After trying a couple of inexpensive brands, I sprung for a Therapen years ago for it's speed and accuracy. Loved it but last month the battery died and I can't get the battery cover off
 
Do you think it's worth it over regular meat thermometers?

Mine is inexpensive, fast enough and pretty accurate. I wouldn't spend $$$$$ on such a simple thing.
I use it every day (beside cooking for people I also cook fish for dog and cats).
 
I figured our current one ($15 from Target) works just fine. When it breaks, I'll get the Thermapen...
 
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I was actually thinking of buying one for DH for his birthday. Do you think it's worth it over regular meat thermometers?

Yes. I cook frequently and can say that it's much more accurate than a regular meat thermometer
 
After trying a couple of inexpensive brands, I sprung for a Therapen years ago for it's speed and accuracy. Loved it but last month the battery died and I can't get the battery cover off

In my research I came across another complaint about this.
It's even addressed on their website.


Thier newer model, Mk4 (currently $17 more) has some improvements over the "classic" model, see below.
One is a redesigned battery cover, probably because of these complaints.
Also it uses one AAA battery instead of those more expensive "coin" batteries.
 
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Snip from their website:

What are the differences between the Classic Thermapen and the Thermapen Mk4?
(See a Classic Thermapen and Thermapen Mk4 comparison charthere.)

Customers ask us every day what the differences are between the Classic Thermapen and the Thermapen Mk4. They want to know which model is best for them, because deciding which Thermapen to purchase is a big decision.

If you are trying to make the best decision, here’s what you need to know:

How They Are the Same
  • 2-3 second readings
  • High accuracy to ±0.7°F (±0.4°C)
  • Foldaway thermocouple probe
  • Display temps in °C or °F

How They Are Different
1. As long as its probe is open, the Thermapen Mk4 automatically wakes up whenever you pick it up. It’s always ready to go. This is helpful when a cook is moving fast and temperatures are rising quickly. On the other hand, if your Classic Thermapen’s automatic shut-off feature deploys while you are cooking, you must close and re-open the probe in order to use it again. (However, you can change the Classic Thermapen’s settings so that it remains on until the probe is closed.)

2. The Mk4’s display automatically rotates, so it doesn’t matter how much you move the probe around and it doesn’t matter which hand you hold it with; the numbers will always be in the correct position to read. The Classic Thermapen’s display does not rotate.

3. The Mk4 has a backlight; the Classic doesn’t.

4. The Mk4 uses a single AAA battery. They are easy to find and last twice as long as the CR2032 coin cell batteries the Classic uses.

5. The Mk4 is waterproof. The Classic is splash-proof.
 
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Both on sale now for $67.15 and $84.15 if you buy from their website.
I called a week ago when the prices were higher and she told me they have several sales over the year, often near holidays.
This is their Father's Day sale.

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I have the Thermapen MK4 as well as the ThermoDot. I love them both! I use the pen when I’m brewing a massive pot of tea for kombucha, to check oil temp for deep frying, check temp of meat in a pan, etc.

I prefer the ThermoDot when I’m reverse searing meat. I like being able to leave the probe in my steak or roast and being alerted when it’s ready. It would be very annoying to check constantly with the pen.

I’ve used the cheap supermarket thermometers before and they’re hard to read.
 
I have the Thermapen MK4 as well as the ThermoDot. I love them both! I use the pen when I’m brewing a massive pot of tea for kombucha, to check oil temp for deep frying, check temp of meat in a pan, etc.

I prefer the ThermoDot when I’m reverse searing meat. I like being able to leave the probe in my steak or roast and being alerted when it’s ready. It would be very annoying to check constantly with the pen.

I’ve used the cheap supermarket thermometers before and they’re hard to read.

OMG, bless you my child.
I didn't know about the ThermoDot, and am ordering one now ... also on sale for F-Day.

Actually I started this whole research project because a month ago I order a cheapo Taylor wire-probe digital thermometer on Amazon. Only $9, free shipping.
It stopped working after 3 weeks. :angryfire:
Not worth the time, hassle, shipping cost to return. GRRRR!

I'm sick of buying several of the same cheapest-money-can-buy gizmos over and over and over.
That one failed where the wire entered the probe.
I know this because if you push the wire firmly into the probe it works - see pic on right.
When you let go it stops working. (clearly an open connection of the wire IN the probe).

The probes for TermoWorks Dot (left pic below) have metal mesh shield and a coiled metal spring to reduce stress on the wire where it enters both the probe and plug - a superior, rugged, industrial design.
And they make several for different applications.
And you can buy a replacement!


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@kenny I hope you like it! My original probe thermometer was also by Thermopen. It lasted years and took reliable temps so I hope this one does too.
 
I’m not sure what model I have, but I LOVE my thermapen so much and couldn’t imagine cooking or baking without it! It makes my life so much easier.
 
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