Thermapen and Thermopop are both Thermometers manufactured by Thermoworks. But then, the fact these two did similar work and originated from the same source does not mean they are the same. Right from construction, to speed and price, they are totally different.
When talking about price, there has been quite a lot of murmurs concerning the outrageous price of thermapen. I mean who decides to place such huge amount of $100 and above on a mere thermometer when you can actually get a similar thermometer of the same value for less than half that price?
Not just anyone would do that, but only true professional grillers who know what delayed and inaccurate readings can do to your overall grilling experience.
What makes thermapen different from thermopop? Does thermapen worth that outrageous amount placed on it? Why should I go for thermapen instead of thermopop?
I know all these are questions bothering your mind at the moment, and you are seriously craving for answers. But first of all, let’s take an in-depth look at these two digital thermometers, with their descriptions and features.
Thermopop
Thermopop is designed in a simple ballon-like shape with a long probe sticking out from its mouth. It features a display that reads the temperature of your meat within 3 to 4 seconds.
The thermopop is the first rotating display pocket thermometer. It gives the choice of picking as it is designed in 9 colors (black, green, red, yellow, white, blue, pink, purple and orange) and just like the simplicity of its design, this thermometer is also very easy to operate.
Portable and very handy anytime you need it, thermopop is easy to use by both right-handed and left-handed individuals. Startup is easy as all you need is just a push of a button, and the thermometer starts rotating. It rotates the display in 90-degree increment and then after 3 to 4 seconds; it reads the temperature of your meat.
Thermopop can be held in either hand and can even be read upside down. It is splash-resistant – meaning it repels any splash of light water on it.
Features
- Takes 3 to 4 seconds to read
- Back-lit digits
- Splash-proof design
- Temperature range: -58 to 570 degree Fahrenheit (-50 to 300-degree centigrade.
- Reads in Fahrenheit and centigrade
- 5,000 hours of performance
- Replacement batteries available
- Easy startup: simple push button
- Convenient in all angles
Thermapen
Thermapen is a superb work of Thermoworks. Thermoworks has designed lots of thermometers, but none is as unique as thermapen. Designed in the cutest and easy-to-handle way ever, this thermometer is definitely topping the list of thermometers.
Thermapen works far better than your grill thermometer, with precise measurement and durability; it has taken over the spotlight in the market.
Thermapen is designed with a long and slightly large easy-to-hold handle, just like you have it in a kitchen knife. From the tip of the knife-like handle, a long needle called probe juts out; you insert the probe into your meat to do the readings. The probe can be folded in with ease when not in use and even out when you want to use it.
The temperature readings are displayed on a large easy-to-read LCD Display which features a backlight, hence can be used and be easily read even in the dark.
Thermopen can be handled with both left and right hands and no matter how greasy your hands might be while cooking, thermapen is always handy, providing a strong grip without slipping off. It reads the temperature of your meat accurately within 2 to 3 seconds.
This thermometer is water-resistant, so you can even do the cleaning with water after using. In fact, leaving it outside after cooking is not a bother as it repels water, dew or what have you.
Interestingly, thermapen is designed in 15 different colors…wooh! So, if you are one who gets picky when it comes to colors, you have a wide range to select from.
Thermapen can be held in any direction – straight up or down. Immediately you pick up the thermometer, just as if it is aware of what you want, it wakes, and the light comes on, and as soon as you set it down, it goes to sleep.
Immediately this thermometer comes on; the display automatically rotates to give you a clear read of the thermometer irrespective of the way you have handled it or the angle you turn it.
Designed with a thermocouple probe, thermapen readings are accurate and instant.
Features
- Foldaway thermocouple probe
- Patenting auto-rotating display
- Motion-sensing sleep and wake mode
- Intelligent backlight
- 2 seconds reading
- Use in either hand
- Waterproof to 1P67
- Displays temperatures in degree centigrade and degree Fahrenheit
- Available in 15 colors
- Uses recommended professional thermocouple technology
- Temperature range of -58.0 degree Fahrenheit to 572.0 degrees Fahrenheit
What makes Thermapen different from Thermopop?
Thermopop and thermapen are both thermometers designed by the same manufacturers – Thermoworks. Both have so many features in common – almost having the same design – but their similarities should not make us lose sight of their differences, which are as wide as the similarities.
Most people are ignorant of the differences between these two thermometers. All their eyes are set on is the outrageous price of thermapen.
Although, I would not want to be too forward and judgemental but permit me to say that setting thermopop against thermapen is like setting a tiger against a lion – both might look alike, but a lion will always be the king of the jungle.
For better understanding, the aspect of differences will be highlighted.
Construction
Looking at the structure of both thermometers, it is unarguable that thermapen is designed with standard, having the comfort of the users in mind.
Thermapen is designed in a knife-like handle; I call it to handle because definitely, you enjoy the luxury of a firm grip on your thermometer while checking temperatures of your cooking – no slipping off.
Asides the strong grip it offers, the thermometer can accommodate your large hands so well that the large LCD on the handle is not covered while holding it. So, while holding your thermometer, you catch a clear glimpse of the reading as well.
This can’t be said of thermopop that is quite small or let’s say ‘portable.’ Holding it means covering it up, including the reading display on it.
Speed
Speed is what also set these two thermometers apart.
A thermopop reads the temperature of your food within 3 to 4 seconds, but a thermapen, on the other hand, does the reading within 2 to 3 seconds. In fact, some users swore to the fact that thermapen actually reads the temperature of your cooking in just 1 second. Yeah, it is that fast, and for that reason, it is named an ‘instant-read thermometer.’
Accuracy
Thermapen has shown more responsibility than thermopop. Its ability to read temperature accurately and instantly has given it a huge spotlight.
Those who have used thermopop have testified to the fact that they have to conduct the readings on their food more than once to get an almost-exact figure and for the number of times you check, you get different values. Hence, to get an accurate and reliable reading, it takes about 5 seconds or more.
Ignition
For thermopop, ignition means having to push a button before the thermometer set to work. But for thermapen, pushing buttons is out of the way.
If there is one thing thermapen is quite popular for, it is its ability to sense motion and react to it immediately. When you want to make use of this thermometer, just pick and fold out the probe (a necessary task), the thermometer comes on automatically (indicated through the backlight).
This thermometer remains on as long as you are using it, and immediately you set it down, it goes off on its own.
LCD
Of course, both thermometers display their readings. However, thermapen is designed with a large LCD Display that clearly shows your readings in gigantic figures – just a glance, you know what the temperature is reading. This is unlike thermapop, which has a very small LCD and tiny printed fonts.
Splash-proof versus water-proof
Thermopop is splash-resistant – meaning it can only repel light water; anything more than light on this device can cause havoc.
Thermapen, on the other hand, is water-resistant – meaning it can repel puddles of water.
Why should I go for Thermapen instead of Thermopop?
If you can afford it, why not go for a thermometer that is more effective, less time-consuming and accurate instead of one that will leave you frustrated with delays and inaccuracies in readings.
The speed difference might not seem a big deal for family cooking. Not until you have a large cookout and there are more than 40 hamburgers to read. Would you prefer a 3-second inaccurate reading then or a 1-second accurate reading?
Does thermapen worth the outrageous price placed on it?
Of course, it does. Its durability, accuracy, speed and every other uniqueness it offers, bring it to the ‘expensive’ level.
Leave a Reply