I've spent too much money down the years on probe thermometers that operate on low life batteries that corrode w/ ease; don't hold true temperature for long and are hard to find or operate. Been on the fence for a few years on the need for a better thermometer w/o the above frustrations but the proclaimed Cadillac of them all( Thermapen) cost almost $100.00 and I could never justify the layout of funds. Despite being peeved whilst frying. Or baking. Or grilling. Also despite spending that amt and more on numerous replacement thermometers. Kinda LOL-ish:S. Wish I'd found this one from the beginning:ThermopopYou can find it for less money at Amazon but since I was able to score free shipping from KA whilst buying other stuff I went with the impulse.I used it on my last camping trip to figure out the internal temp of a steak cooked on the fire and here are some of the results:It can't be re-calibrated (sigh) but is doing an excellent job to date.

They all seem to work really great until they don't. I end up having to spend double on thermometers so I can have some assurance that they are both reading the same.

Super_Dave wrote:They all seem to work really great until they don't. I end up having to spend double on thermometers so I can have some assurance that they are both reading the same.Exactly!!!....Grrrrrr.Which is why someday I'll pop for it's bigger brother that CAN be re-calibrated at home;).I need someone to do something monumentally wrong first...Oops.

Cooking with a thermometer........GASP!

Old-Biscuit wrote:Cooking with a thermometer........GASP!What's a thermometer? :sSeriously, I can see it for non-DO applications. For steak, I've learned the touch method.http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/

magnusfide wrote:Old-Biscuit wrote:Cooking with a thermometer........GASP!What's a thermometer? :sSeriously, I can see it for non-DO applications. For steak, I've learned the touch method.http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/The touch method is a thing of beauty and I've utilised it for years.:C. The problem is I can never pass the "remove the roast from the heat source" responsibility to anyone else who hasn't learned it. Oh and I fry foods so infrequently I can't depend on my eyesight or a bamboo stick to ensure even heating. We won't discuss my baking skills which are pretty rudimentary to say the least....I'll give this tool a true work out during the holidays when I begin bulk cooking in earnest.

Thermopop Thermometer Review | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

johnhicks
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
BTW, the big difference between the Pop and the Thermapen is that the Pop settles on a reading in four to five seconds while the Thermapen reads in about a second, essentially real time. Five seconds is an eternity while holding one over a hot fire.
johnhicks
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
The Dot uses the same high-temp probes as the Chef Alarm; the cable is rated at 700F and the transition (where the cable connects to the probe) is rated at 644F. The tip will only read to 572F.

All I can say is that I haven't burned a Dot probe yet; I've burned several lesser probes such as Maverick and Nu-Temp over the years. I still have a Nu-Temp but no probes.

You could go to a meter that uses a K-type thermocouple but that's a _lot_ more money. Auber Instruments sells probes rated to 1100F.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2015
NYCgrrl wrote:
mitch5252 wrote:
OP, is the steak laying directly on the coals?
And the benefit?

Thanks.

Yes it is and the benefit is...well a real caveman type of flavour redolent with wood smoke. A fantastic charred exterior. Oh right and and if when you start to set up camp and realize ALL pots are still at home wellllll ya start to make do and claim yer following an actual technique like this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/eisenhower-coal-fired-steak/14244/

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it?

:W.

I will say that you want the butcher to custom cut the meat; a regular supermarket thickness will cook too fast. I had my butcher cut the steak 2" thick and it could have served 3-4 if two of us weren't so greedy.

ROTFLMAOWTIME :c
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
mitch5252 wrote:
OP, is the steak laying directly on the coals?
And the benefit?

Thanks.

Yes it is and the benefit is...well a real caveman type of flavour redolent with wood smoke. A fantastic charred exterior. Oh right and and if when you start to set up camp and realize ALL pots are still at home wellllll ya start to make do and claim yer following an actual technique like this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/eisenhower-coal-fired-steak/14244/

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it?

:W.

I will say that you want the butcher to custom cut the meat; a regular supermarket thickness will cook too fast. I had my butcher cut the steak 2" thick and it could have served 3-4 if two of us weren't so greedy.
xzyHollyxyz
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
OP, is the steak laying directly on the coals?
And the benefit?

Thanks.
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
johnhicks wrote:

I also use a Pop and a Dot.

I like the additional features on the Dot, particularly the alarm, timer and probe. Sounds like it can do nicely on a grill. My only concern is the probe which is often the weak link of that style thermometer. Is it replaceable and how long has it held up for you?
outdoorlovers
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
We bought the $100.00 model after we saw a chef using it in a cooking class we took. It's amazing and we will never use any other thermometer.
johnhicks
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015
Thermoworks does make good gear!

I just replaced my old Thermapen, which I got back in 2005. Over the years it was rained on many times, sat on about as often, dropped frequently and even deep-fried, and it finally died a couple of weeks ago. I got a new splash-proof Thermapen on a "discontinued color" special from Thermoworks.

Ten years of heavy use for about $100 works out to a good deal.

I also use a Pop and a Dot.
Jebby14
Explorer
Aug 21, 2015
Don't much care for digital thermometers for cooking but **** that cow looks good!
edm3rd
Explorer
Aug 21, 2015
Super_Dave wrote:
magnusfide wrote:
What's a thermometer? :s

Common, you're old enough to remember when mom wanted to see if you had a fever. LOL!

ALWAYS wash before using!