instant read thermometers

Is there a difference in instant read thermometers? Is there a particular brand or model to buy? Any one to avoid?

I've had several instant-reads, and my experience is that you get what you pay for. The cheapo $8 one I got from KMart wasn't worth a damn, but the basic Pyrex model, which is around $15 at a variety of retailers, is fairly good and standard. It's a bit slow, unfortunately, taking up to 10 or 15 seconds to get an accurate read sometimes, which can be a pain (literally!) over a hot grill.

The one I covet is this one from King Arthur:

http://shop.bakerscatalogue.com/items/item4322.html

Two words: suh. weet.

I have owned several and they all seem to have to one thing in common. None of them work worth a crap.

I got a Thermapen [the one Lucky is craving above] for Christmas and I love it! Big, easy-to-read numbers, and sub 4-second readings that are very accurate so far as I can tell. If it ever broke, I'd replace it in a heartbeat.

The big downside: it's about $90, depending on where you buy it. I've seen them for sale in the Baker's Catalog (url above) and at http://www.thermoworks.com.

I prefer one that fits in my shirt pocket. I think I paid about $15 for the one I have now, and it's fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

I prefer one that fits in my shirt pocket. I think I paid about $15 for the one I have now, and it's fine.

Of course it is!