If you are in the market for a high performance instant read thermometer then someone has surely recommended the $100 Thermapen to you. The same company, the Utah-based ThermoWorks, also makes the $34 ThermoPop.
I was in need of an instant-read thermometer after an unfortunately splash of water ruined my brand new Oxo Good Grips Chef’s thermometer ($20 down the drain!) so I bought the ThermoPop. Here are my thoughts.
ThermoPop Basics
The ThermoPop is a lollipop-style instant read digital thermometer, sometimes known as a meat thermometer. Its main feature is that it’s fast — with the temperature arriving in under 4 seconds in the food being measured. It’s also quite accurate, as ThermWorks does all their own calibration in-house and guarantees +/- 2 degrees F of accuracy up to 248 degrees F.
Other features include the ability to measure Celsius or Fahrenheit, a display that can rotate in 4 different directions, a splash-proof rubberized and sealed body, and a backlight.
There is also an auto-off feature which will turn the thermometer off after ten minutes. This is helpful because the ThermoPop does not have an off button.
ThermoPop Specifications
- Temperature Range: -58 to 572 degrees F (-50 to 500 degrees C) at 1 degrees increments
- Accuracy:
- -4 to 248 degrees F: +/- 2 degrees F
- Above 248 degrees F: +/- 4 degrees F
- Device Safe Operating Temperatures: 32 to 122 degrees F (0 to 50 degrees C)
- Measuring Time: 3-4 seconds
- Waterproof Rating: IP66
- Battery Type: CR3023
- Working Life: 5000 hours
- Dimensions: 7 inches tall 1.8 inches wide x 0.8 inches deep
- Display Size: 0.95 inches on the diagonal
ThermoPop Accuracy And Speed
In my daily usage and actual testing I found the Thermopop to be quite accurate — with the stated +/- 2 degrees F that Thermoworks stated. The thermometer seems less prone to the rapid fluctuations you see in many instant thermometers as well, giving a temperature reading that seems more authoritative and easier to read then most lollipop thermometers.
Using The ThermoPop
Overall, the ThermoPop is great. It’s fast, responsive, and it doesn’t mind a splash.
I really like the ability to rotate the display. When I’m cooking in the lower oven, it’s ideal to have the numbers facing me, not away from me, but in the upper oven you want them facing the opposite direction. And then when I’m frying a steak, making burgers, or tempering chocolate, I can choose the right side for the hand I’m using.
There is a backlight but I haven’t found it to be very useful. I guess my cooking spaces are adequately lit, but I could see this coming in handy now and then.
I have to say I find it a little annoying that the ThermoPop doesn’t have an off button. I understand that the battery life is incredible and there is an auto-off feature, but it still seems wasteful to but the device away when it’s turned on. (Perhaps I’m am more Type-A then the makers of the ThermoPop!)
Overall, I like the ThermoPop a lot and it’s a big step up from my previous OXO as well as my budget ThermoPro TP03.
Video Review
FAQs
What's the difference between the ThermoPop and the Thermapen?
The $34 Thermopop and the $80-$100 Thermapen are similar devices, but they have significant differences as well. The main differences are that the Thermapen uses a fold-out design and it can be recalibrated by the user. The Thermapen MK4 also have an IP67 waterproof version where the Thermopop is only sold in IP66 splash-resistant models.