ConsFirst / Meat thermometers

ThermoWorks

ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2: the downsides first

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#4 of 8
$Instant-readScore 3.9/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,158 ratings (Nautical Blue listing).

A compact, fully waterproof stick thermometer that Wirecutter, Serious Eats and CNET all recommend for value. It doesn't turn on by itself, and its short fixed probe puts your hand closer to the heat.

Top complaints

  • No auto-on; stiff power button on the back

    Wirecutter says it doesn't turn on automatically, which can be frustrating. Serious Eats found the rear power button rigid and less intuitive, and powering off takes a few seconds of holding.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats (instant-read), Serious Eats (meat thermometers)
  • Hand gets close to the heat

    Wirecutter says the small head and fixed stick probe bring your hand closer to the heat than fold-out models, and it has no magnet.

    Source: Wirecutter
  • Front screen can shatter

    Amazon's review summary says some owners report it lasting years, while others mention the front screen shattering.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

  • Fast enough and accurate

    Wirecutter averaged 2.47 seconds to read 130°F water and 11.43 seconds for 365°F oil. Serious Eats found its accuracy and speed similar to the Javelin Pro and OXO.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats (instant-read)
  • Big screen that rotates four ways

    Wirecutter says it is its only handheld pick whose numbers rotate in four directions; there is also a push-button backlight.

    Source: Wirecutter
  • Waterproof and long-lasting

    Rated IP67 (Wirecutter). Serious Eats says its long-term units still work great after a few years.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats (instant-read)
Good for
  • A budget pick from a top brand
  • Camping or the grill (IP67, pocket clip)
  • Reading the screen at any angle (4-way rotation)

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up: reliable, easy to read and fully waterproof, but no auto-on and fewer features; at about $40 the Javelin Pro Duo suits most people better.
  • Serious Eats (instant-read): Best budget instant-read: speed and accuracy like the Javelin Pro, with a rigid rear power button.
  • CNET: Best budget meat thermometer: easy, affordable, large readout; no smart features.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked meat thermometers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in meat thermometersThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

Long the benchmark instant-read: about one-second readings, top accuracy and a 5-year warranty. Wirecutter now says cheaper models match it, and Serious Eats reports it is being discontinued in favor of the Thermapen Nano.

Its catch: hard to justify the price#2 in meat thermometersThermoWorks BlueDOT Alarm Thermometer with Bluetooth

Serious Eats' favorite grill thermometer: a wired probe with a large onboard display, loud alarms and an optional phone app. It has only one probe, the cable can wear with heat, and Wirecutter thinks a fully wireless TempSpike gives more range for the money.

Its catch: only one probe#3 in meat thermometersLavatools Javelin Pro Duo Instant Read Thermometer

Wirecutter's top instant-read and Serious Eats' mid-priced pick: fast, accurate and well equipped, with a magnet and a 3-year warranty. The screen flips only 180 degrees, and switching °F/°C means opening the battery cover.

Its catch: screen rotates only 180 degrees

Head-to-head

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