Best Instant-Read Thermometer? ThermoWorks, ThermoPro, Lavatools, or Typhur?

Which instant-read thermometer is the best? Do you need to spend a lot to get one that’s fast, accurate, and durable? Or are the cheaper ones just as good?

To answer those questions and find out which one is truly the best, I tested six of the highest-rated brands on the market, including ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2, ThermoPro, Typhur, Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo, and Alpha Grillers. 

In this review, I break down each thermometer. I’ll show you which ones are worth buying, and which ones you should avoid. I’ll also share a comparison chart so you can see all the key specs and test results side by side. I’ll start with the most affordable and end with the most expensive.

---

Use the links below to navigate the review:

• Comparison Chart
• How I Tested
• Alpha Grillers
• ThermoPro TP19H
• ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
• Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
• Typhur InstaProbe Core
• ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
• Final Verdict: Which Instant-Read Thermometer Is the Best?

---

Comparison Chart

Swipe to view the entire chart on mobile.

Thermometer	Alpha Grillers	ThermoPro TP19H	ThermoPop 2	Javelin PRO Duo	Typhur InstaProbe	Thermapen One
Price	$ (Amazon)	$ (Amazon)	$$ (ThermoWorks)	$$ (Amazon)	$$$ (Typhur)	$$$$ (ThermoWorks)
Warranty	Lifetime	3 yr	2 yr	3 yr	10 yr	5 yr
Waterproof	IP67	IP65	IP67	IP65	IP67	IP67
Backlight Duration (s)	8	17	11	12	Always on	12
Rotating Screen?	No	2-way	4-way	2-way	2-way	4-way
Magnetic?	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Strongest	No
Power On/Off Method	Opens/closes probe	Opens/closes probe	Button press	Opens/closes probe	Opens/closes probe	Opens/closes probe
Boiling Time (sec)	2	8	4	2	3	1
Boiling Temp (212°F)	210°F	211°F	212°F	212°F	212°F	212°F
Sous Vide Time (sec)	5	6	7	3	4	5
Sous Vide Temp (124°F)	122°F	123°F	124°F	123°F	123°F	124°F
Ice Bath Time (sec)	5	5	8	3	7	4
Ice Bath Temp (32°F)	31°F	32°F	32°F	32°F	32°F	32°F

How I Tested

To evaluate each thermometer, I ran a series of controlled tests to measure speed, accuracy, durability, and overall usability.

For temperature accuracy and response time, I conducted three key tests: boiling water (target 212°F), a precisely controlled 124°F water bath using the Breville Control Freak induction burner, and an ice bath (32°F).

I took three readings per thermometer in each test to assess both accuracy and consistency.

To verify water resistance, I tested based on each thermometer’s IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Models with an IP67 rating (the Alpha Grillers, ThermoPop 2, Typhur InstaProbe, and Thermapen ONE) were fully submerged in water for 20 minutes.

Models with an IP65 rating (the ThermoPro TP19H and Javelin PRO Duo) were sprayed with water from the sink for 1 minute to simulate high-pressure splashes.

For durability, I dropped each thermometer twice from counter height onto a hardwood floor, simulating real-world kitchen accidents.

To assess backlight visibility, I brought all six into a completely dark room and compared how readable their displays were once the backlight activated.

I also removed and replaced the battery cover on each unit ten times to evaluate how easy it is to access the compartment and whether the design holds up to repeated use.

In addition to those tests, I compared magnet strength, probe length, how long the backlight stays on, screen readability at different angles, and grip comfort for both left- and right-handed use.

Alpha Grillers

The Alpha Grillers Instant Read Thermometer is the most basic model I tested, but it still checks off many core features. It powers on when you unfold the probe and shuts off when you close it. It also enters sleep mode after 10 minutes, though it doesn’t automatically wake when picked up; you need to close and reopen the probe to turn it back on.

The display does not rotate, which makes angled readings more difficult and limits usability for left-handed users. The button layout is simple and accessible, with controls to hold the temperature, activate the backlight, and switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. However, the °F/°C button is placed directly under your thumb, making it easy to press by accident.

It includes both a hanging hole and a built-in magnet for storage. The magnet held up fine on a fridge and grill but was tied for second weakest in strength compared to others I tested.

In terms of speed, Alpha Grillers held its own. It averaged 2 seconds in boiling water, 5 seconds in a 124°F sous vide bath, and 5 seconds in an ice bath — tied with Typhur and noticeably faster than ThermoPop 2 and ThermoPro.

The bigger issue was accuracy. It consistently read 1 to 2 degrees below the target temperature in every test:

• Boiling Water (212°F): 210°F
• Sous Vide (124°F): 122°F
• Ice Bath (32°F): 31°F

The Alpha Grillers is rated IP67 for waterproofing, which means it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. I submerged it for 20 minutes and it passed with no issues. It also survived two drops onto a hardwood floor without any damage or performance problems.

The backlight is bright and the digits are easy to read head-on, but visibility drops off sharply when viewed at an angle. It also had the shortest backlight duration of the group shutting off after just 8 seconds.

The probe is 4.4 inches long and the handle provides enough clearance to keep your hand away from hot surfaces. It comes with a CR2032 battery pre-installed. The battery cover requires a coin or knife to open, and while it’s fairly easy to remove, the shallow groove makes it prone to slipping and chewing up the plastic slightly over time.

If you’re just looking for something simple, it gets the job done. But the lack of rotation, minor design quirks, and consistent under-reading make it hard to recommend over more accurate options.

ThermoPro TP19H

The ThermoPro TP19H is inexpensive but includes several thoughtful features that set it apart from the more basic models. Like most thermometers I tested, it powers on when you open the probe and shuts off when you close it. It also enters sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity and, unlike Alpha Grillers, it auto-wakes when you pick it up.

The screen rotates automatically in two horizontal positions, which makes it usable for both right- and left-handed users.

I also like that the backlight and lock buttons are large and easy to find, and the Fahrenheit-to-Celsius switch is hidden on the back and requires a 5-second hold. That prevents accidental changes, which is a common issue with some other models.

It has a built-in hanging hole and a magnet for storage. 

Where the TP19H fell behind was in speed. It was the slowest thermometer overall in my tests:

• Boiling Water (212°F): Averaged 8 seconds, reading 211°F
• Sous Vide (124°F): Averaged 6 seconds, reading 123°F
• Ice Bath (32°F): Averaged 5 seconds, reading 32°F

It was the only thermometer that took more than 5 seconds on average in all three tests. It’s also slow to display a reading after opening the probe; most thermometers power on instantly, but this one takes a few seconds to show the temperature.

Accuracy was decent but not perfect. It read one degree low in both the boiling and sous vide tests but hit the correct temperature in the ice bath.

The TP19H is rated IP65, which means it’s protected against water spray but not full submersion. To test this, I rinsed it under running water for one minute. It passed without any performance issues. It also handled two drops onto a hardwood floor with no damage.

Battery access requires a small Phillips screwdriver, and ThermoPro includes one in the box. It uses a single AAA battery, which was not pre-installed.

The backlight stays on for 17 seconds, the longest duration of any thermometer I tested. The next closest was 12 seconds. The digits are easy to read in the dark, but the display does fade when tilted downward, similar to Alpha Grillers.

The probe measures 4 inches, and the handle keeps your fingers clear of hot surfaces. Overall, the TP19H offers better usability and features than Alpha Grillers, but the slow speed and minor responsiveness issues hold it back.

ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 was named Best Overall instant-read thermometer by the New York Times, but in my testing, it didn’t live up to that title in every category.

Unlike the other thermometers in this group, the ThermoPop doesn’t fold. The probe is fixed and comes with a protective sheath. It powers on with a button press, and you have to hold the button down for 5 seconds to shut it off. That’s easy to forget, and while it will enter sleep mode automatically after 10 minutes, failing to manually power it down could lead to faster battery drain over time.

The screen rotates in four directions, so the display stays upright no matter how you hold it. That’s a plus for usability, especially in awkward positions or for left-handed users.

However, it lacks both a magnet and a hanging hole, so there’s no convenient way to store it on a fridge or grill. The body is small, smooth, and slightly top-heavy, making it harder to grip, especially if your hands are wet or you’re wearing gloves.

It also doesn’t include a temperature lock or stabilization alert, features that are present in some of the higher-end models like the Javelin PRO Duo or Thermapen ONE.

Speed was its biggest drawback. In all three tests, ThermoPop 2 was slower than average:

• Boiling Water (212°F): Averaged 4 seconds, reading 212°F
• Sous Vide (124°F): Averaged 7 seconds, reading 124°F
• Ice Bath (32°F): Averaged 8 seconds, reading 32°F

It was the slowest thermometer in both the sous vide and ice bath tests. That’s a bigger issue for this design because the small lollipop-style form factor forces you to pinch the body close to the probe, putting your fingers directly over hot surfaces. If you’re measuring something steamy or splattering, slow response time increases the risk of getting burned.

Accuracy, however, was excellent. It hit the target temperature exactly in all three tests; no under- or over-shooting, and no fluctuation between repeated readings.

The ThermoPop 2 is IP67-rated, meaning it’s fully waterproof. I submerged it for 20 minutes and it continued to work perfectly. It also passed the drop test with no damage or impact to performance.

The backlight stays on for 11 seconds and provides good visibility in the dark when viewed straight on. Like most of the thermometers I tested, the display becomes harder to read when viewed from an angle.

The probe is 4.5 inches long, and while the battery compartment is easy to open with a small screwdriver, the CR2032 coin cell battery can be hard to remove. There isn’t much space to grip it with a tool or fingernail, which can make swapping batteries more frustrating than necessary.

ThermoPop 2 nails accuracy and screen rotation, but its sluggish speed, awkward grip, and lack of mounting options make it feel less refined than the best performers in this group.

Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo

The Javelin PRO Duo from Lavatools was named the best mid-priced instant-read thermometer by both The New York Times and America’s Test Kitchen, and in my testing, it largely lived up to the praise.

The screen rotates automatically in two horizontal directions, and it includes a stabilization alert that beeps and flashes when the temperature locks in; a helpful feature that some cheaper models lack. You can activate the backlight by tapping the front of the device.

That said, a few design choices could be better. The touch sensor doesn’t always register taps reliably, especially if your fingers are wet or you’re wearing gloves. And if you want to switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius, turn off the stabilization alert, or disable sleep mode, you need to open the battery compartment and manually flip one of four tiny, unlabeled levers. There’s no guidance on the thermometer itself, so you’ll likely need to look it up the first time.

In terms of performance, the Javelin PRO Duo was among the top performers in every test:

• Boiling Water (212°F): Averaged 2 seconds, reading 212°F
• Sous Vide (124°F): Averaged 3 seconds, reading 123°F
• Ice Bath (32°F): Averaged 3 seconds, reading 32°F

It was the fastest thermometer overall in both the sous vide and ice bath tests, and second only to Thermapen ONE in boiling water. Despite being off by 1°F in the sous vide test, its consistency and speed across all scenarios were excellent.

The Javelin PRO Duo is rated IP65, meaning it’s splash resistant but not waterproof. I rinsed it thoroughly under running water and it continued to function without any problems. It also passed the drop test with no damage, no performance loss.

The backlight stays on for 12 seconds, the second-longest duration in my testing. More importantly, the digits remain easy to read even when you tilt the device. Most other thermometers lose contrast or become unreadable at an angle.

It also features two magnets on the back, one on each side of the battery compartment. That makes it easier to mount on smaller or irregular surfaces, compared to models with a single magnet.

The probe is 4.4 inches long, and the handle keeps your hand safely clear of hot food. The battery compartment is easy to access using a coin or knife, and the groove is deeper than on Alpha Grillers, so you’re less likely to slip and damage the plastic.

Overall, the Javelin PRO Duo combines fast, reliable performance with thoughtful design features, although its settings could be more accessible. It’s one of the strongest options in the mid-range category.

Typhur InstaProbe Core

The Typhur InstaProbe Core is one of the most premium-looking thermometers I tested. It has a sleek all-black design and a crisp, always-on LED display that’s visible from any angle — even in full daylight or total darkness. Unlike the others, there’s no backlight button or timeout; the numbers are always illuminated, which makes it one of the easiest to read in any lighting condition.

The screen rotates in two directions, so it works well whether you’re right- or left-handed. It has a dedicated temperature lock button and a Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle, though I found the lock button could be better placed. It sits slightly out of reach when holding the device naturally.

There’s no hanging hole, but it does include a magnet, and it was the strongest magnet of the group by far.

In performance tests, the InstaProbe landed squarely in the middle:

• Boiling Water (212°F): Averaged 3 seconds, reading 212°F
• Sous Vide (124°F): Averaged 4 seconds, reading 123°F
• Ice Bath (32°F): Averaged 7 seconds, reading 32°F

It hit target temps in the boiling and ice bath tests and missed by just one degree in sous vide. Its ice bath performance was second slowest, only beating ThermoPop 2. But it was faster than average in sous vide and close behind the top performers in boiling water.

The Typhur is rated IP67 waterproof. I submerged it for 20 minutes and it passed with no issues. It also survived two drops onto hardwood without any visible damage or malfunctions.

The battery compartment is secured with a Phillips-head screw and was one of the easiest to open and reseal. Unlike the others, which use a single battery, the InstaProbe runs on two AAA batteries, which may be less convenient if you’re used to single-battery devices, but it also likely extends battery life, especially with the always-on screen.

The probe measures 4.2 inches, and the handle gives you good clearance when working over hot surfaces.

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

The ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is the most expensive thermometer I tested, and also the highest rated. It’s been America’s Test Kitchen’s top recommendation for years and is listed as the upgrade pick by The New York Times.

The design is clean and minimal with no external buttons. There’s no dedicated lock, hold, or backlight control.

Instead, the screen automatically lights up in low-light conditions, and all settings, including Fahrenheit/Celsius toggle, screen rotation lock, decimal display, and sleep timer, are hidden inside the battery compartment.

If you want to make changes, you’ll need to open the case and use two small buttons labeled “M” and “S.”

The display rotates automatically in all four directions, but you can also lock it in place if you prefer. It’s also the only thermometer I tested with no magnet or hanging loop, so you’ll need to store it in a drawer.

The most noticeable thing about the Thermapen ONE is its speed. It powers on the moment you open the probe and displays a temperature instantly. Unlike others that take a second or two just to load a number on screen, this one responds in real time.

That speed was confirmed in testing:

• Boiling Water (212°F): Averaged 1 second, reading 212°F — the fastest of the group
• Sous Vide (124°F): Averaged 5 seconds, reading 124°F — one of only two thermometers to hit the exact target
• Ice Bath (32°F): Averaged 4 seconds, reading 32°F — second fastest, behind only the Javelin PRO Duo

While it wasn’t the fastest in every individual test, it was the most consistently accurate across all three, hitting the correct temperature every time without drift.

It’s IP67-rated for waterproofing and passed my 20-minute submersion test with no issues. It also survived two drops without any damage or performance degradation.

The screen is bright and easy to read in the dark. Like most of the others, the digits lose contrast if you tilt the device too far, but they’re otherwise clear and responsive.

The battery compartment is the only area that gave me trouble. It’s sealed with a rubber gasket to keep water out, which works well, but it also makes the cap harder to screw back in. I had to twist more forcefully than with other models, and the screw started to strip slightly.

The probe is 4.25 inches long and the handle keeps your hand clear of hot surfaces. If speed, accuracy, and usability are your top priorities, and you’re willing to deal with the lack of a magnet and the tricky battery compartment, the Thermapen ONE is the most polished and reliable thermometer I tested.

Final Verdict: Which Instant-Read Thermometer Is the Best?

Now that you’ve seen the pros and cons of each thermometer, the question is: which are actually worth buying, and which should you skip?

The best overall is the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE. When it comes to instant-read thermometers, accuracy and speed matter most, and the Thermapen ONE delivered on both. It was the only thermometer to hit the exact temperature in all three tests, and it was also the fastest overall, averaging just 1 second in boiling water, 5 seconds in sous vide, and 4 seconds in an ice bath. It doesn’t include a magnet or lock button, but those are minor trade-offs for top-tier performance and usability.

If you’re looking for a second option, the Javelin PRO Duo is my next recommendation. It was nearly as fast and accurate as the Thermapen, hitting target temps in two out of three tests and landing just 1°F off in the third. It also offers extras like a stabilization alert, a 12-second backlight, and dual magnets for easier mounting.

The Typhur InstaProbe Core is also worth considering. It has the most readable display (an always-on LED that never times out) and a sleek, durable design. It’s the only model tested with a 10-year warranty. But while it tied for third in average speed and nailed accuracy in two of three tests, it was slower in the ice bath and didn’t quite match the consistency of the Javelin, making it a slightly weaker value overall.

As for the rest:

• Alpha Grillers consistently read 1–2°F low in every test and has limited screen visibility, no rotation, and poor angle readability.
• ThermoPro TP19H was the slowest overall, taking 6–8 seconds to stabilize in most tests.
• ThermoPop 2, despite strong accuracy, was the slowest in both sous vide and ice bath tests, and its fixed-probe design makes it more awkward and potentially unsafe around hot food.

If performance is your priority, stick with the Thermapen ONE or Javelin PRO Duo. The rest come with trade-offs that just aren’t worth it.

Compare the current prices of each thermometer at the links below:

• Alpha Grillers (Amazon)
• ThermoPro TP19H (Amazon)
• ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)
• Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo (Amazon)
• Typhur InstaProbe Core (Typhur.com, Amazon)
• ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)