Our Honest Review of ThermoWorks' ThermoPop 2 Thermometer
This fully waterproof thermometer claims to read the temperature in less than three seconds, so we put it to the test.
Taylor Murray
A quality thermometer is an essential piece of kitchen equipment, even for professional chefs. Whether you're making a batch of peanut brittle or roasting a turkey, there are some recipes where the temperature matters. Modern thermometers can be used to take the temperature of boiling hot oil or ice-cold liquid and everything in between. Instant-read thermometers do this in a few seconds, reducing the chances of missing a crucial window of time in a complicated recipe.
One of our favorite thermometer brands, Thermoworks, has debuted a new instant-read thermometer. It's an updated version of an older model that they sell so we wanted to see if this version could pass our tests and prove itself worthy of upgrading from your old model.
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What We Tested
We tested the ThermoPop 2, a newer version of the original ThermoPop thermometer by Thermoworks, a well-known thermometer brand that makes the fan-favorite Thermapen. The new version of this gadget has a few notable upgrades, such as a fully waterproof design, faster reading and NST certification. It's an instant-read thermometer with a probe and an attached, battery-operated display for reading the temperature.
- Accurate readings
- Finalized temperature in less than 3 seconds
- Illuminated display
- Not as fast as some thermometers
- Thermometer Type Instant read
- Temperature Range -58 to 572 degrees F
- Response Time Full reading in 2-3 seconds
- Special Features Waterproof, auto-rotating screen, backlit display, NSF certified, NIST-traceable calibration certified
- Warranty 2 years
How We Tested
To test the thermometer, we put it through a few trials of typical use. First, we cooked a thick ribeye steak, taking the internal temperature as it went from rare to well done. Next, we repeated this test with a thick chicken breast.
After we had completed these two tests, we inserted the thermometer into both ice-cold water and boiling water, alternatively, to independently test the accuracy. We also wanted to determine if these extreme temperatures had any effect on the readings.
We also noted how easy the thermometer was to clean and how easy the manual was to read and interpret.
Taylor Murray
Our Key Takeaways from Testing
What We Liked in Testing
- Super-accurate temperatures: The ThermoPop 2 is NSF-certified and offers an NIST-traceable certificate that uses actual test data to verify its accuracy to national standards.
- Fast reading: Some thermometers can take up to 10 seconds to deliver a final reading but the Thermopop 2 does it in a fraction of that time. This can save you precious time when cooking tricky recipes.
- Auto-rotating display: The ultra-clear backlit display rotates in 25-degree increments depending on which way you're holding the thermometer, making it fast and clear to read.
What We Didn't Like in Testing
- There isn't much to criticize this thermometer for, but during testing, the readings did occasionally take slightly longer than three seconds to deliver a reading (by a fraction of a second).
Taylor Murray
The Bottom Line
Overall, the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 thermometer is a great buy, especially for the price. It's quick, slim and convenient to use. We liked the easy-to-read design and user-friendly controls.
Taylor Murray
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ThermoPop 2 a good thermometer?
After several rounds of testing, we can safely say the ThermoPop 2 is a good thermometer worth buying. We liked the clear, easy-to-read display and super-accurate readings.
How fast and accurate is the ThermoPop 2 thermometer?
The ThermoPop 2 can read the temperature in two to three seconds.
What's the difference between the ThermoPop 2 thermometer and the original ThermoPop thermometer?
The ThermoPop 2 has a larger display for faster reading at a glance. The display rotates around the screen based on what angle it is held at, so you won't have to crane your neck to get the temp. The thermometer has a slimmer profile to make it easier to store, yet it still manages to be twice as accurate as the original (and now certified by the NST).
How do you clean an instant-read thermometer's probe?
In most cases, including the ThermoPop 2, cleaning a thermometer's probe is as simple as wiping it off with a wet paper towel. You can also give it a quick scrub with hot, soapy water if needed, but the stainless-steel material won't cling to most kinds of food.
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the last six years, covering everything from carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.
Why You Should Trust Food Network Shopping Experts
Food Network Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are tested in real home kitchens that reflect real-world use cases. Our testers follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing the best products, our testers evaluate all of the testing data and take into consideration many factors including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. The products covered on FoodNetwork.com are chosen completely independently by our editors without any outside influence. Our editors do not accept products in exchange for a positive review or promised coverage.
