ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4 (Grey) - $74.25 (25% off)

why is this so expensive when a crappy one can be had for like 10 bucks? just curious

Quote from StewbeZ : why is this so expensive when a crappy one can be had for like 10 bucks? just curious

This is a shill post, happens all the time with this overpriced brand. They even have several shill accounts on here that we will hear from soon!

Quote from StableChaos : This is a shill post, happens all the time with this overpriced brand. They even have several shill accounts on here that we will hear from soon!

I find it to be a great product, some things are worth the money. Yes, it's a luxury item.

When I'm grilling a bunch if steaks or burgers at once, you want a fast sensing probe so you can grill each one to perfection.

I recommend you get the silicon boot as well.

Quote from StableChaos : This is a shill post, happens all the time with this overpriced brand. They even have several shill accounts on here that we will hear from soon!

Great product. Just because you two are too broke to afford this doesn't mean the value isn't there. I bought one with silicone case 2 months ago and use religiously. If anyone is interested in this get it.

Quote from StableChaos : This is a shill post, happens all the time with this overpriced brand. They even have several shill accounts on here that we will hear from soon!

You could purchase a $10 one, over/under cook many steaks, chicken, other meals.
Then purchase a $40 one, over/under cook many steaks, chicken, other meals.
Then finally purchase this one for the full price $100 since it won't be on sale when you need it then.

Or just buy it now for $75.

This brand is not shill, it is probably the most reputable for professional use.

Calibrated test equipment that holds its accuracy well across its measurement range requires precise electronics. There is a large markup of course, but part of that goes into the product development (and the rest towards marketing).

If you want a cheaper but similar quality option, the same company makes the ThermoPop. It works well but takes slightly longer to read and does not auto turn on, the display does not rotate automatically based on the orientation/angle of measurement.

I bought the ThermoPop and it has helped me make better/consistent steaks. That alone can be worth it, if you have ever ruined one of yours while cooking.

I do regret getting the ThermoPop though. If I could go back, would have gotten the MK4 instead. It is a buy once, last a lifetime type of item.

I own this kind of mk4 and it's great. Very fast read Temps compared to others.

As many others have mentioned, it is expensive for a reason. I had the ThermoPro TP03 that is frequently on this site and was satisfied, but always wanted better performance. Even on sale the MK4 is the price of 6+ TP03 units. I'm glad I spent the money on the MK4, as it will be the last probe I ever buy and the performance is unparalled. If you don't want to spend the money, get the lower priced ThermoPop. The calibration is key here and no one meets Thermoworks' standard

Thermapens are a buy once cry once product, people are who are serious about cooking and quality products know these are great.

Quote from StableChaos : This is a shill post, happens all the time with this overpriced brand. They even have several shill accounts on here that we will hear from soon!

There are a lot of shills on SD, mostly aimed at the cheap Chinese products that have a new name every 6 months. I seriously doubt ThermoWorks has shills, I happen to have wanted a Thermapen since Alton Brown first started talking about them 20 years ago. But I haven't been able to afford one, I DID buy their Thermopop which I love. I also have a Thermopro TP-17 thermometer (different brand).

Not all products are overpriced just because you can't afford them. Thermoworks is definitely a lot better quality than Thermopro or Maverick, etc.

People threadcrapping good products just because they can't afford them is my least favorite thing on SD. Anything good quality, from grills to watches, knives, etc. You always have them show up.

-MJ

This is the best brand for thermometers. Expensive but worth it. As an engineer this brand is often spec'd out for temperature readings (they make industrial stuff too). I own a Thermapen, Thermopop, and ChefAlarm. If you don't want to spend money on the Thermapen, get a Thermopop, it's better than the rip off brands like Javelin (shill ).

Quote from StewbeZ : why is this so expensive when a crappy one can be had for like 10 bucks? just curious

Since the other guy irked me I'll give you a real response, heh. There are actually a few reasons.

You are paying for higher build quality. Certainly better components and quality control. It is also made in England and not China like all of those. That'll drastically effect the price.

In addition this is thermocouple based, not a thermistor. Thermistors are cheap and used in 99% of consumer temperature sensors and such. They are reliable and accurate _enough_ for most things. Thermocouples are faster and much more accurate. I use them with a multimeter for measuring furnace temps and such.

Why bother? Well, Thermapens were aimed at professionals, that need repeatability and must meet safety standards. The thing is, for average consumers, all of those $10 ones and such tend to be unreliable junk. They may read 10 to 20 degrees off when you first get it or after using a dozen times suddenly go off. So, consumers that can afford one started buying the thermapens for home use. If you enjoy cooking and can afford it, you see it as an investment.

Almost like a professional tool is built to a higher standard than throwaway consumer crap, go figure.

As for me, I have their Thermopop because I can't afford the Thermapen, but still want one.

-MJ

Speaking of multimeters, as an example. Sure you can use a free Harbor Freight multimeter, but if you care about safety on mains, or reliable and accurate readings you use a Fluke.

Why are Ferraris so expensive when you can buy a new Chevy Spark for $14k?

Quote from Alexizupinhea : This brand is not shill, it is probably the most reputable for professional use. Calibrated test equipment that holds its accuracy well across its measurement range requires precise electronics. There is a large markup of course, but part of that goes into the product development (and the rest towards marketing). If you want a cheaper but similar quality option, the same company makes the ThermoPop. It works well but takes slightly longer to read and does not auto turn on, the display does not rotate automatically based on the orientation/angle of measurement. I bought the ThermoPop and it has helped me make better/consistent steaks. That alone can be worth it, if you have ever ruined one of yours while cooking. I do regret getting the ThermoPop though. If I could go back, would have gotten the MK4 instead. It is a buy once, last a lifetime type of item.

I have a thermopop, it works great. The only time I regret getting the thermopop was when they had an open box sale on the MK4 as I wished I had gotten that instead.
One correction, the current generation thermopop does rotate the display depending on orientation.