ConsFirst / Meat thermometers / Compare
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE vs ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on speed, accuracy, ease of use, durability.
The biggest complaint about the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is hard to justify the price; for the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 it's no auto-on; stiff power button on the back. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE | ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in meat thermometers | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $ |
| Type | Instant-read | Instant-read |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 6% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.6 | 3.9 |
| Speed | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Accuracy | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Range & app (wireless) | — | — |
| Durability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $40 · $$ $40–100 · $$$ over $100. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
- Hard to justify the price
Wirecutter dropped it as its upgrade pick because the Javelin Pro Duo and ThermoWorks Sizzle were just as fast and accurate, so it isn't worth two to three times the price. Amazon's review summary says opinions on its value are mixed.
- Settings are hidden under the battery cover
Tom's Guide says you must unscrew the battery compartment to switch °F/°C, change brightness or adjust calibration, then reassemble it before use.
Source: Tom's Guide - Spot checks only; screen contrast could be better
Tom's Guide lists that you can't leave it in and it has no smart features. Serious Eats says the screen numbers could use more contrast.
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
- 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.
- 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.
Who should pick which
Pick the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE if
Fastest, most accurate spot checks
Daily use for years (5-year warranty)
Frying oil, candy and baking as well as meat
Skip it if: You want to leave a probe in the roast; You want an app or alerts; You'd rather pay a third as much for nearly the same speed
Pick the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 if
A budget pick from a top brand
Camping or the grill (IP67, pocket clip)
Reading the screen at any angle (4-way rotation)
Skip it if: You want auto-on when you pick it up; You temp food over a very hot grill often; You want a magnet to store it
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