Essential Thermometers For Home Cooks

[@Loueloui]

If you are researching thermometers, be aware that ThermoWORKS (the ones featured here) are not sold on Amazon, but a misleadingly similar brand ThermoPRO is. I made this mistake, and purchased an inferior quality thermometer, which I discovered after torching a very pricey rib roast.

[@cherylelinsmith743]

Yes, I called up Thermoworks to find where I can buy it. They don’t sell it on Amazon or big box stores. Mostly on their own website. So looking forward to getting mine.

[@louniece1650]

Thank you!

[@ktt1977]

Thank you, another reason to cancel prime subscription

[@Dave_Hrabosky]

I have used the ThermoPen and the Thermoworks Smoke for years - ThermoPen for probably 10 years or more. I don’t think I would remember how to bake or grill meats without these tools any longer. Absolutely worth the investment. I can’t remember the last time I prepared any dish that was over cooked. I highly recommend.

[@brokenwizards9122]

I used to be scared of undercooking chicken, and I always overcooked it. These thermometers are game changers.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

They certainly are! I went from dry lifeless beef to succulent reverse sears! I love the meater+ i got. Wireless and works with my phone. It also utilizes the power of technology to give me a perfect piece of meat and let me know about how long that will be. The meater+ is a great solo probe, but the meater block gives you 4 probes so you can cook steaks to different temps for guests, get more intricate with a large piece of meat on a full day cook, or perhaps its surf and turf! I just got my mom the meater block for christmas, she was good before but now she can get textbook with ease for a family that like their meats different ways.

[@Bobololo]

I was hesitant to spend the money on a Thermapen, but decided to get one when Thermoworks was having a sale on them; wasn't a huge savings but enough to give me the push. I love it! Compared to the digital read thermometers I had before that took foreeeeeever to read up to the actual temp, having that instant read is so nice and worth it. Plus, the in-factory calibration is really nice and appreciated.

[@doodlecharmz]

Same

[@JAFrk]

I believe we were in the exact same spot literally a month ago. I was torn between a Thermapen and a 15$ amazon alternative. Really happy I went with a Thermapen. (The shipping really did just kinda soured their holiday sale :( )

[@dank5495]

Thank you !

[@Rhodeygirl]

I got my grilling husband the Javelin Pro from lavatools. It was a runner up in earlier testing. For half the price of Thermoworks, it has almost all the same features. I kept watching him try to use a traditional meat thermometer and thought 'he's either going to set himself on fire or burn himself standing there that long over the grill'. No longer an issue!

[@imallfordabulls]

ATK recommends AND I saw it used by other shows and chefs and actually recommended. I broke down and bought. Totally worth it. Be sure to catch a sale as well. Save at least $20. I managed to get the older model for around $60, but I think that’s now out of stock.

[@rbarr775]

I've lost track of the number of excellent tips I've gotten from Adam Ried and his team. Thanks! UPDATE: Now that I've gotten used to using these thermometers, my confidence level has risen to the point that I'm now roasting my first turkey. First Thanksgiving turkey in this house in 45 years! So far everything is on track. I have both the Polder and the Thermopop in use today.

[@ehynes9236]

Earlier this year after seeing a another ATK video I ordered a Thermoworks One which is their newest instant read “Thermapen One” along with the silicone case which I really like the magnet on it since I can store in on side of the fridge for easy access. I also purchased one of their Infrared thermometers which are great for measuring surface temps - like the temp of a preheated skillet, or a piece of electronic equipment that suspect might be overheating - it gets daily use when warm up canned cat food and want to check temp after giving it a stir without having to actually insert a probe and having to clean it every breakfast and dinner (yes a probe would be the most accurate but the IR is close enough for my purpose). This month I purchased the Thermoworks Chefs Alarm for myself and another as a Christmas gift for a friend. Good feature that you can check accuracy and calibrate if necessary. It’s nice to be able to set either an alarm when something has reached the “High” temp (like roasting in oven) or a “Low” alarm when cooking something like yogurt where after first heating milk to a higher temp you need it to cool down to a lower temp before adding the starter. I haven’t used it yet but will be soon

[@ernestpaul6444]

its probably too late now to buy it online but an instant read thermometer is a great gift for christmas for an aspiring home cook you know!

[@Stephenrsm7600]

Thank you, Adam for testing and bringing us your recommendation for top thermometer!!!!

[@jase_allen]

The Thermapen Mk4 was discontinued in favor of its successor, the Thermapen One. And while they're expensive, Thermoworks often runs sales and specials. I waited and got my Thermapen for around $70.

[@terry7893]

Wow! You really got ripped off! They're now about $33.

[@jj_1167]

@@terry7893yo where did you get yours?

[@terry7893]

@@jj_1167 I didn't buy one but I think on their site they're now $33.

[@AdvancedUSA]

The Thermopen is one of the best kitchen tools I've ever bought. I am very critical of amateur design flaws and this thing is FLAWLESS. It is extremely accurate and super fast - under 2 seconds. The thought that went into the design is impressive. When I take my first temperature reading I open it up. It comes on automatically. This is the only time that it requires two hands. There are no buttons on this because they are not needed. After my first reading I lay it down (open) and it shuts off in 30 seconds. Pick it up and it's on before you're ready to use it. No matter which way you turn it the displays moves to stay upright. If it senses a lack of light the backlight comes on. When I'm done, I clean it, close it and enjoy having used it. It is a pleasure to have things that work.

[@david_reynolds3660]

No that was a good and informative episode of ATK! We need more like this! And personally, I have nothing in the house but Thermoworks

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Agree, have the classic Thermopen myself. If I'd had the timing down right, I'd have had the MK4 for about the price of a classic, but by the time I could pull the trigger, the sale was past. Oh well, even the classic is more than sufficient. I do want the Chef Alarm for meat probing and would love the stack alarm too, but I also hear the OXO timer is just as good too.

[@david_reynolds3660]

Get on their mailing list! They have sales all the time! Mark fours we’re going for $59 a crack and they were clearance in them by color over about a 12 week.

[@hightde13]

I was wondering what you guys thought of the Thermoworks DOT probe thermometer. I've loved mine. It's so simple to set up and use.

[@95SLE]

I recently purchased one. It is not bad, and the price was right. I picked up the blue dot. You will need to set it up for every cook as there is no ability to save routines for the different meats you cook. Blue tooth and the app work well. It was on sale.

[@norcaldata]

I was on Amazon today looking for one of these and I thought to myself WWATKB?! Thanks for this!👍🏻👍🏻

[@Zelmel]

It's always amusing to me how consistently Thermoworks is the best in every category of temperature sensors they make. I love my ChefAlarm, only issue I have is that the cables are very easy to break if you're not very careful on washing+storage. I'd definitely recommend buying a couple extra probes for home cooking.

[@tomgates316]

@@sandrah7512 Was going to mention the probe spools as well. Got several of them, I use their Smoke and Blue Dot thermometers for grilling and smoking and have many temp and grill probes and all their wires. Used to be a mess, tried using twist ties, but a hassle and did end up ruining two probes. Saw the spools - Thermworks knows my pain!! - and got one for each of the probes. Life is so much better now. And they have a great magnet on each.

[@danutagajewski3330]

I've had my Thermopop for over 5 years...love it! Instant read, and best of all, I can switch between celsius (metric here in Canada) and fahrenheit with the touch of a button.

[@baskaran5317]

yoursmind99.blogspot.com/2022/12/heat-on-eatfood-thermometers.html

[@christopherwoods5150]

I bought my instant read thermometer because it had great reviews, but importantly, also a bottle opener. Alpha Grillers Instant Read Meat Thermometer, Waterproof with Backlight & Calibration. In red. $15, and one for my dad. Neither of us are big drinkers, but grilling is when he normally has a beer.

[@cherylelinsmith743]

My friend just ordered me the Thermapen One their latest one. So looking forward to getting it. It comes with its own case. I got the red color they use all the time on Americas Test Kitchen and Cooks Country. My Dad would have loved to have it when he was alive.

[@JoeGalanteTribute]

It is great to see the winner, but I believe the video would be better if they would have shown ALL the thermometers tested and why what ended up being the most expensive ones in their categories were chosen. There are plenty of less expensive folding thermometers that cost as little as $17 that have excellent ratings on Amazon. I understand the notion of professional tools for the professional but just the same as a home mechanic doesn't need to buy Snap-On tools for his hobby, a $20 thermometer may be all one needs in their home kitchen instead of one that sells for $90 like the top choice. I can buy the less expensive ones 5 times for the same cost. Just my 2 cents.

[@myNEONCITY]

Such a pointless, nonsense comment. They gave their top performing pick, as well as a best-buy option which cost less and performs almost as good. Did you miss that part?

[@scothu]

The polder classic is 24 years old.. there's nothing newer, around the same price, that you recommend????

[@delenalevine2943]

Learn something everytime

[@rcmaniac25]

Thermoworks is GOAT. I remember buying a Pop. Stab the food, 3 or so sec... temp readout. Move on with life. My roommate suddenly showed up with a knockoff Thermopen... "was something not working on the Pop?" "No, I just wanted an instant read thermometer" "the Pop is instant read" "it is?" "give it a try" (ice water, put both Pop and knockoff in. Pop came out to 32 F in ~3 sec, knockoff came to 34 after 5 sec and then stopped). Their face went red. There's a reason everyone from ATK to Alton Brown to that person at work who always seems to have the most amazing food recommends Thermoworks... because they work and they work well. Also, they have to be doing something right because they never advertise or sponsor people, yet always get recommended.

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

Who calibrates the oven thermometer?

[@chrisehli444]

Everyone that wants their baked goods to come out correct..

[@mencken8]

These are good recommendations. I get along with the cheap Polder probe thermometer, but do not regret for a moment spending $100 on the Thermapen. Just buy it. And as for an oven calibration thermometer, ours was off 35F when new, the cheap calibration thermometer was our only guide to the correct temperature.

[@KenS1267]

I've had Polders for over a decade, I think I may be on my third. IIRC they were the top recommendation from ATK back when I first got it. I used to work in restaurant kitchens and am very familiar with using instant reads to check roasts and poultry but that is a PITA in the home kitchen. The probe thermometer is so much better.

[@kaydee3195]

What about small pieces such as stir fry or kebobs? I deal with food phobia due to post surgical issues and hypersensitive stomach if overcooked or rpugh food is involved. Can easily set it off and tend to overcook my meat out of fear from forst year of post surgical woes ( lost gallbladder and then deal with post op illeus that was unfound for a year...gastritis every week. Could not eat. Still happening ) would the corded probe wprld for its pin soze to get that reading or is it impossible? Thanks!!

[@kd1s]

I have a Haber - gotta repair it the wires for the probe are dodgy. That said I also have an infrared thermometer. It's pretty accurate too.

[@khanscombe619]

How much of an upgrade is the ThermoPen MK4 over its Classic "Super-Fast"? Is it still good enough if you already have it?

[@MrsCaviar]

Thank you!

[@m4d2h0]

How old is this video? I can see it was just posted, but the Thermapen Mark iV has been discontinued some time ago. The link in your description actually links to the replacement - Thermapen One. Why is Adam saying you should have a Mark IV in the video, when you can't get one anymore? Is it just because it's an old thermometer that you just happened to have on hand? I would love to see a review of the Thermapen One and see how it compares to the discontinued Mark IV.

[@camarolover23]

Great job America’s test kitchen.

[@summerrose1545]

What di you mean by calibrating a thermometer? Can you elaborate please?

[@marthamika7372]

😊

[@JaneDoe-vi5yc]

What about one of those infrared "gun" type -- so I can see how hot the oil is in the pan?

[@Fedeleness]

Buy , Buy, Buy, Buy 2.

[@mikeb6389]

Nice.

[@undrline]

Um, this is incomplete relative to the title ... it's just oven and meat thermometers. Surely a pot thermometer should be on the "essential" list? I came looking to see if I should have separate thermometers and which the best would be for boiling milk (cheese) and sugar (candy). If people don't have a dedicated deep fryer, a thermometer is essential.

[@DrakeLovett]

I feel like I've seen this video before... oh right, I have. Also, ThermoWorks has a new version of this out now, but since this is a recycled video, of course it doesn't mention it BUT, it the new one is linked in the description

[@brandonhoffman4712]

I would suggest the "meater" line of thermometers. Wireless, works with your cell phone, peace of mind and freedom of movement while cooking. It even tracks and monitors your cook, tells you how long you have to hit your target in order to prep other items, and can tell you exactly when to slice your meat to retain its juices. I got the Meater+ as I am a bachelor, I just got my mom the Meater block with 4 probes for christmas. With the meater block your cook is even available via the cloud in case you need to run some errands while keeping track of things! I have gone from a novice that is scared to cook a steak because they end up so overdone and dry, they suck the life out of you. To the most tender and juicy reverse sears whose own juices are so delectable they need mopped up with every bite! The Therma pen does look cool for instant reading stuff though. I also like my deep fry thermometers, great for reheating meals sous vide style (keeps stuff juicy and tender) or for making flavored oils and candle making.

[@KonaGal]

The ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4, has been discontinued

[@Obecny75]

If i have a digital thermometer (the Thermoworks ThermoPop) do I still need a candy thermometer for candy type things? Or to measure the temperature when I make meringue?

[@polosandoval]

You don’t need a separate one, but when doing candy like things, syrup temps rise quickly so you would have to keep checking often. Easier would be to get a candy thermometer you could leave in the pot clipped to the side.

[@bigskybob]

Anyone else notice in the intro-roll Adam's retrieving a boiling lobster from a pot with his bare hands?

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Actually, I think it's already been boiled, but cooled down enough for Adam to do that without scorching himself. It's for an intro anyway.

[@johnwilde164]

I have a ThermoWorks probe thermometer. Their pot clip doesn't work in all pots. It doesn't work on mine.

[@DS-xl1ro]

Is there a left hand version?

[@Sambist718]

Are guys going to do test on water filters

[@rodrigocartens7563]

Can you sumerge the probe in oil for deep frying?

[@tomgates316]

You can use the Thermopop or Thermopen to temp oil for deep frying by dipping the tip. If you want to have something giving you a constant reading of your fry oil temp, something like the Chefalarm and its wired probe can be used. In many of the ATK shows you will see the girls, or others, with a wired probe clipped to their Dutch Oven full of fry oil and getting a constant reading of the temp on the base unit.

[@ejharrop1416]

Any reviews on wireless probes?

[@sleazycakes]

people say the difference between a professional chef and a home cook is the amount of fire on the stove, when you season, how much butter, reducing wine and stock, etc. Among these are whether you use a thermometer.

[@malcolmxxx86]

I have the thermopop and use it mostly when cooking large cuts ..not steaks..on a grill ..then again this is a show for home Cooks so my experience doesn't require a thermometer for most stuff... including chicken and steaks

[@Amocoru]

Thermapen has been king for so long it's not even worth considering another anymore until someone really steps up.

[@95SLE]

Thermapen one is on sale.

helo

[@petek210]

Thermapen has no equal. Well worth the price.

[@CaptainFabulous84]

I use an old rectal thermometer. Works great!

[@jackielinde7568]

Are you sure it wasn't a pain in the butt to use?

[@CaptainFabulous84]

@@jackielinde7568 Sometimes there's a little resistance when you first go to push it in, but otherwise no issues.

[@kinjunranger140]

but they taste like $hit

[@jackielinde7568]

@@kinjunranger140 That's a poopy thing to say.

[@kinjunranger140]

@@jackielinde7568 lol

[@wyattarcher2772]

How did left handed testers feel about the thermopen ?

[@johnhpalmer6098]

I use mine all the time, and I'm left handed, but it's the classic so the display does not rotate but if you hold it from behind with your left hand as you grab the vessel with hot liquids with your right, it's a workable solution to get a quick reading. Thankfully, I'm ambidextrous so can use both hands for many tasks.

[@ep2223]

Is this sponsored by Thermoworks? Seemed like one long commercial to me! No mention of other brands.

[@myNEONCITY]

Maybe it’s because they produce some of the best thermometers. Also he mentioned two other brands in the video so don’t know how you can make such a false claim “no mention of other brands”

[@pavelow235]

The problem with UPLOADING years old videos is that all these instant read therometers have been discontinued, you should know this AMERICAS TEST KITCHEN, and do better.

[@myNEONCITY]

The only one discontinued is the Thermapen MK4. And who cares? There’s a better one available in its place. It’s not like the viewer is missing out on something amazing. And literally everything else mentioned in this video is still available.

[@lemmykilmister873]

🤔

[@johnmci55]

Bill Ponderosa

[@Blackmark52]

You mean my thumb isn't accurate enough? Ignorance is bliss and easier on the pocketbook.

[@kimlackey4135]

I have low vision and use the ThermoWorks talking thermometer.

[@silverfeigner]

Do those thermometers work for making candy?

[@coreysuffield]

you would want to use a "Digital Thermometer Scraper"

[@g3tog4]

The MEATER should have been included… wireless Bluetooth probe…

[@tomgates316]

They have another segment on thermometers for grilling/smoking that includes wireless like the Smoke and Bluetooth like the Blue Dot. Looked at the Meaters, but stayed away from it due to reviews of them being destroyed on the grill from flame-ups, or not inserting them deep enough to protect the low-temp tips. Replacing a wired probe to a base unit is a much cheaper fix than losing the entire probe/thermometer.

[@monkeymanbob]

If you need a thermometer to tell that water is boiling. You shouldn't be allowed near boiling water

[@myNEONCITY]

Are you a child? What a stupid comment. Yikes.

[@roberthart9886]

but oven thermometers don't stay accurate

[@nutritionalyeast704]

I wish he was my husband

[@joegonzalez4188]

The polder is terrible - they obviously do not do any life testing. It wont last 5 cooks

[@hazel555]

$99? Now $150-something on Amazon.

[@JeffInDFW]

Be aware, thermoworks does not sell on Amazon. Someone is buying them and reselling them there. I have read that since you are actually not the original owner and did not buy from Thermoworks, they will not honor the warranty. You should look into that. I only buy direct. Good luck.

[@confusedwhale]

Oh, that's an awful picture of Adam in the thumbnail. I'm so sorry Adam.

[@senior_ranger]

The motto of Capitalism. "Don't buy just one, buy two."

[@tomgates316]

Person without a watch doesn't know what time it is. Person with two watches, never quite sure.

[@busterbrown446]

This was a waste of time. I'm not spending a $100 for a thermometer. You're inexpensive choice is so basic but yet its $30. Y'all are out of touch with the economics of everyday folks.

[@matthewishunting]

You don't have to be da Vinci to able to read 3 digits upside down. I feel like that's a silly feature

[@josephgaviota]

The purpose of this video is to tell us what is the _best_ unit to buy.

[@ImaLeshLushnIcantgetmyPhil]

@@josephgaviota Must be a type of engineer. Sounds like something they would generally say. Not all, but most. lol

[@matthewishunting]

@@josephgaviota I'm pretty sure the purpose of the video is to get views and start conversations for the algorithm 🙃

[@prccap]

get back to work already, and stop this BS from home

[@mrmichael112002]

So this video sponsored by thermoworks - can you do this by true results and what about Bluetooth enabled real solutions ????? Sellouts

[@jam6875]

No they are just miles ahead of the competition

[@Dave_Hrabosky]

@Jam. This! Yes.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

What makes you think that crap? Thermoworks ARE the better thermometers to buy. I have the older classic myself and have wanted one for a very long time. Beats the crap out of the cheap $3 mechanical probes that take forever to reach temp.

[@senior_ranger]

@@johnhpalmer6098 Right, don't mess with my instant gratification!