Taylor Digital Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer Reviews

• I'm not that happy with this thing...

  
  By on 2002-12-26
  I bought one of these thermometers a few months ago as I was exasperated with metal meat thermometers taking too long to register a temperature,and then ultimately dying quickly.

  I was very pleased with this thermometer at first...Very quick read, compared to others that I have owned. Didn't have any problem with the tiny on/off switch (although be careful not to jam it under your fingernail! ouch!). Have noticed that the LCD is temporarily caput if you get it damp (hard not to do when you wash it by hand), but it always sprang back to normal by the next day.

  However, after only a few months worth of occasional usage, it decided to die. Unfortunately it died right at the end of my cooking our Christmas dinner prime rib this evening!! Got up to 130.5 degrees and just stuck there.

  Pulled out my roast, waited 15 minutes and then carved it. Barely a hint of pink anywhere. Not only had it died, but it was WAY off temperature-wise...

  Needless to say, I was none too pleased with this puppy. Nothing like having something crap out right in the midst of holiday cooking (and of course, it was an expensive cut of beef)!! :( One minute it appeared to be fine, the next, it was frozen and unworkable. No hint that it was going prior to this either.

  So although it performed well during it's tiny lifetime, it's not a long-term solution in my opinion. If you're going to buy one, I'd treat it like a disposable!

  Need to buy another one now. I won't be buying this one.
  
  

• My Favorite Kitchen Gadget

  
  By A27UQ2780LSHSP on 2001-07-20
  After reading customer reviews on other digital thermometers and realizing that ALL thermometers are not created equally, I ordered this Taylor digital. It more than met my needs and overcame the drawbacks of others: It is small enough to fit easily into a drawer and can be carried in a shirt pocket; it is extremely easy to clean; since the digital readout is on the flat "head", the temperature is VERY easy to read without having to bend over or read it upside down; it has an ON/OFF button to save the battery and it comes with an extra battery included. Although the description says "instant-read", you do have to watch the read-out climb (quickly) to the current temperature. I'll never have tough, over-cooked meat again.
  
  

• Pretty good overall.

  
  By AYMPVLWFKTAYE on 2002-11-14
  This isn't a thermometer to write home about - it's adequate, and that's that. Its small size is convenient, yet the display is large enough to read easily. "Instant" is a little optimistic, though; it takes a few moments to register the correct temperature. The on/off switch is tiny, lacks any ergonomics at all, and is quite stiff, which makes it a small irritant, and occasional nail-destroyer. Still, it's better than the analog thermometers I've used, and much faster. Don't get this sucker wet, though - it'll temporarily screw up the LCD. Further, if you drop it into, say, a pot of boiling water, the plastic LCD overlay will warp, and the glue will mostly unstick, and it's generally unhappy. However, it's not a bad product, overall.
  
  

• IMPORTANT STEP

  
  By AOTSXCTWDV2OA on 2005-09-08
  Just a quick note, this is an almost instant read thermometer. On average, it takes between 2-4 seconds for a final accurate reading. However, DO NOT TURN IT ON UNTIL YOU HAVE IT INSERTED. I read plenty of reviews stating it takes 30 seconds to record. If you turn it on, it will start at the temperature of the room and crawl up slowly (usually only a few degrees at time). This will be quite frustrating and useless.
  
  Remember, insert it, then turn it on...and BINGO, you are in business.
  
  

• Double check occasionally

  
  By A13H31LR22T8LK on 2006-05-30
  One of the ongoing questions about these thermometers seems to be just how "instant" an instant-read thermometer is. The metal bit (actually, the bit inside the metal tube) has to physically warm up to the same temperature as whatever you're reading before it can send the signal to the display. It's going to take at least a few seconds. You'll never be able to jab it in the steak, glance at the number, and yank it back out a second later; you have to wait for it to warm up.
  
  It appears that different reviewers have wildly different experiences in how long this takes, so you should be able to get an idea of how many seconds "instant" is for YOUR thermometer, and how well it's working in general, by running a quick calibration test:
  
  Get a big cup of ice and add enough water that the ice starts to float. (You want as much ice as possible, but not packed solid.)
  
  Find a clock with a second hand, and check the temperature on the thermometer (so you know what "room temperature" is). Stick the thermometer in the ice water. Watch the time until it hits 32 F (freezing temperature for pure water: salt water can hit 0 F). That should give you a good idea how long it takes to adjust down about 40 degrees in temperature.
  
  It should stop pretty close to 32 F, but you may want to leave it in the ice water for another minute, to make sure that it doesn't keep on going -- that will let you know how accurate it is. Once it's stablized, you can take it out and let it warm up to room temperature again.
  
  Put a pan of water on the stove to boil (a couple of inches of water is fine). When the water boils, grab your clock and turn on the thermometer to get an idea of what temperature it is now (this is to make sure that it's not still cold from the ice water).
  
  Stick the thermometer in the boiling water. At sea level, pure water boils at 212 F, but as you get higher than sea level, the boiling temperature drops. The quick rule of thumb is two degrees for every 1,000 feet elevation, so if you're at 1,000 feet elevation, then you should expect to see water boil at 210 F, and at 6,000 feet, you might see water boil at 200 F. (There are other factors, like how pure your water is, so don't worry too much about a couple of degrees one way or the other.)
  
  Watch the display and the clock to see how long it takes the thermometer to hit the number you expect for your area. That will tell you how quickly it adjusts and how accurate it is. If it takes 15 or 20 seconds to get from room temperature to boiling, then getting up to roast temperature (which is lower than boiling temperature) will probably take 10 or 15 seconds. Therefore, every time you check that roast, or turkey, or whatever, you'll need to allot 10 or 15 seconds to get an accurate temperature.
  
  If you need something faster than this, then you'll have to pay for it. Laser systems (which read only the surface, not the internal temperature) and thermocouple systems (which work like this one, but are much faster: see the red or gray 'Thermapens' offered on Amazon.com by Baker's Catalogue) can easily start at five (or more) times the price of these inexpensive Taylor models.
  
  
  Given the failure rate that other reviewers have noticed, I'd suggest you also double-check how well yours functions every now and again -- particularly before holiday dinners!
  
  
• A Kitchen Essential Tool
  By AX7SO195IZNVA on 2000-11-27
  I've used this thermometer for two years and wonder how I lived without it. (My wife says It's because I didn't cook). I use it to check my ovens; my freezer and refrigerator as well as food being cooked. Having used instant-read thermometers in my photo darkroom for years the discovery of this tool for cooking was like meeting an old and trusted friend and it hasn't let me down. A perfect example of simple technology enriching control of our lives.
  
  
• Too delicate for any kitchen
  By A1SBT55YM2PQJ8 on 2002-12-26
  I do not recommend this thermometer, as it is too delicate for any kitchen. First of all, the on-off switch is much too small and finicky; it is easily broken. Second, the entire assembly is not liquid-proof or even liquid-resistant, so watch out if you drop this thermometer into a liquid! Perhaps water isn't fatal to it, as you can open the case and dry it out. But forget about the thermometer if you get any kind of oil into it. The oil will seep into the display, rendering it unreadable or, worse, simply non-functional.

  I have already been through two of these thermometers. Now I'm buying the old-fashioned kind with the analog dial.
  
  

• Water-Proof Version Available
  By A2E6IA2IN3Z38G on 2003-08-28
  You might have noticed that the price for this thermometer was recently reduced from [money amount]down to [money amount]. That's probably because there is now a water-proof version being made. I found this new and improved version on Williams-Sonoma's website, which is selling it for [money amount].

  It seems as though everybodys biggest gripe about the original thermometer was its lack of resistance to fluids. The new one should solve that problem. I'm awaiting a call from my local Williams-Sonoma retail store to let me know when they have it in stock.
  
  

• Fast!
  By A20CQ20J30DJZT on 2002-09-24
  I have another "instant read" thermometer that came highly recommended a few years ago. But it took so, so long to get a reading, and if I'm not using my probe thermometer, it's because the situation is such that I *can't* leave something stuck in for very long. I knew there had to be something better.

  This baby really *is* instant. I don't have to worry about it melting over the grill, because it won't be there that long. It's almost fast enough that it seems a waste to take my hand away.

  The drawback, however, is the on-off switch. It's far too small, and more than once it put a dent in the top of my fingernail.

  Overall I'm very happy with this thermometer.
  
  

• Great for grilling
  By A36ZRGDZV8SFAC on 2003-03-26
  I purchased this thermometer and have used it several times. I was a user of the "light tree" fork prior to this purchase. Worth the investment. I have cooked perfect meat that is done the way everyone likes it. No more guessing!!! I have had no undercooked steaks or dread the well done. No matter how you like yours cooked from rare to well done you will love this little thermometer. The digital readout and instant read are great. You won't have time to stand over the grill any longer than you have to. You absolutely have to love the fact you are cooking the meat hot enough for the safety aspect also.
  
  
• #1 most essential kitchen tool for ANY cook, pro or not!
  By A2V0IUQ2H9M7D4 on 2002-11-29
  An absolute must for any kitchen and any cook, either professional or not! I've owned several of these throughout my culinary career, and have found them to be one of my most reached for tools ever! The only reason why I've own so many of them is mainly due to the rigors and demands of a professional kitchen, and that the wiring on these thermometers are a bit thin, which makes replacing the battery a bit of a hassle.

  The only other down side to these guys is that they cannot be calibrated. In otherwords, you compare the reading of the thermometer against a known temperature of a control substance, i.e., boiling water, which boils at 212 at sea-level. If you know what temperature water boils at near you, then you know what temperature your thermometer *SHOULD* read when you check the boiling water. If it's off, then you can't adjust the thermometer on these guys. However, i've found that more often then not, that's not an issue with these guys!

  The plus sides: Hyper-accurate readings, with no more then 1 - 2 degrees variable, very consistent, near instant temperature reading, and small, lightweight and reliable design!

  A good reliable probe thermometer (either digital or analog) is absolutely ESSENTIAL for any kitchen, professional or not, for several reasons! The two fore-most reasons are: 1) food safety, you don't want to be serving under-cooked poultry right? and 2) to ensure perfectly cooked meals!

  Salut et Bon Appetit!
  
  

• Flawless
  By AYXXXLEN68X5M on 2003-02-03
  Works just as it supposed to. Even comes with an extra battery. Very convenient. I got mine to use with my outdoor grill and it is perfect for that b/c sometimes you want something on the rare side, but you want to make sure it is cooked to a certain temp. internally. It's instant read feature is the best, b/c you don't have to wait like an analog thermometer and risk overcooking on a hot grill! BTW, it clearly states on the package that this unit is NOT to be left in the oven like an analog unit.
  
  
• Good for the price
  By on 2002-11-08
  After being frustrated with several metal/glass thermometers that took forever to read and were untrustworthy, I bought this one. It's not 'instant-read', although it climbs relatively quickly (compared to others) per partial degree. I had no problem with the switch, although you have to remember to turn it off when you're done using it.

  My only real gripe is that you can't get the plastic LED portion wet. Having wet hands alone (while washing it) caused enough water to get inside and disrupt the readout function. After drying out a day, it worked perfectly fine again.

  I'm waiting for the day that someone designs one that can be thrown in the dishwasher and is almost instant read. They do that and I would pay double what I paid for this one!
  
  

• This is an INSTANT-READ Thermometer
  By on 2003-01-28
  To the person that "used this the first time in a 20 lb turkey, inside a roasting bag," learn how to use an "instant read" thermometer. It is meant to be placed into the meat, read a few seconds later, and removed. You do this when you think the meat is nearly done. It is NOT meant to be placed in the meat at the beginning of cooking and left there for the entire process.
  
  
• I had the same bad luck!
  By A1MGBUAK3O3Q9J on 2004-01-30
  When it worked, it was great, but as previously written, it did not last long! The wires that attach the probe to the head become detached much too easily with handling. It requires "jiggling" to work but that is a little difficult with chicken frying in HOT oil! Was handy, not reliable, I'm hoping to find the time to send it back.
  
  
• Keep it in your apron pocket!
  By A928ID1ZWIBXW on 2003-04-15
  I'm actually writing about a thermometer???? I like this little gadget. The instant read isn't really "instant" it takes some getting used to to know when the actual temperature is right. The first battery I put in was defective and the scale went all over the place, replaced the battery and it worked fine. Good thing it came with a spare. This comes with a little tube to keep the thermometer in and it clips to your apron pocket....now if I knew where I put the apron....also, make sure you take it out of the pocket before you wash the apron, I don't think this will survive the washing machine. I did notice that the little switch appears to be fragile, but I haven't had any problems yet. I just don't know how often this will get used, given my "cook till it looks right" philosophy. Makes me feel professional to have it though.
  
  
• Works Great
  By A8TCAEBMUQ3VP on 2002-03-03
  This is the best digital thermometer I've ever used. First, it comes with its own case to prevent damage. Second, its stainless steel and seems to be fine after a time in the dishwasher. The LED screen is easy to read and has an on/off button to conserve battery use. Also, it quickly climes/drops to the temperature. Overall, a great thermometer.
  
  
• Way Over Priced!
  By A3SABX3OAYCV2T on 2003-07-07
  It's a great product but you can find something just as good in a K-Mart for half the price.
  
  
• Adequate, not great
  By AQ0JADMCUKQUZ on 2004-08-19
  As others have said, this really can't be described as an "instant read" thermometer. Before I bought it, I was thinking that it would take a moment to calculate, then display the temperature right away. What it actually does is slowly climb. It does jump in the beginning, like from 0 to 100, but as it gets closer to the right temp, it definitely slows down. I don't know why that happens, but you can literally watch it tick up from 137.1 to 137.2, and so on and so forth. Usually by that point I just yank it out and say it's close enough, which is hardly instant. :)
  
  That said, I don't think it takes two minutes to read, as another reviewer opined, though as I said it takes longer the higher it climbs, so maybe if you're cooking really hot stuff it might. For most of the normal temps I'd estimate it at about 30 seconds. It just feels longer because you have to stand and stare at it. :) Not a great product, but if you don't mind a little waiting, it's quite cheap, and it will get the job done eventually.
  
  By the way, I agree the on/off switch is quite small, but I don't have a problem with it. If you have nails you might, though. Happy cooking!
  
  
• tough little bugger
  By A1IGEHLM26ZIKX on 2005-07-23
  We use this thermometer in our restaurant. It's been submerged and burned (we left it near the stove top blasting 30,000 btu's) but after a few minutes of blank screen, it comes back to life. We also have an analog Taylor, and after each mishap we tested them together to see if the digital was off - so far, so good. If this $9 thermometer can stand up to the abuse we are dishing out day after day, it will last forever in a household situation.
  
  
• Not intended to be baked or roasted
  By on 2003-01-21
  To the reader who wrote that they put this thermometer in a turkey and baked it. What were you thinking??
  
  
• I discovered new laws of nature...
  By A3D9M9AWSR4W4B on 2006-03-28
  I made 2 experiments using my brand new Taylor Digital Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer which I bought at Target.
  
  First, I found out that H2O boils at 207F which is close to what I was told in school.
  
  Second, I found out that H20 freezes at 0F [sic, Fahrenheit] which means that everything we know about nature needs to be re-evaluated.
  
  I am awaiting to hear from the Nobel prize committee...
  
  
• Too slow
  By A1EHDS3SZI4B7Y on 2003-12-31
  It takes so long for this thermometer to work it's way up to the temp of the food, that the food is already cooling off... I haven't timed it, but I'd say that it takes a full minute to 2 minutes to reach the highest temp.
  
  
• For $8.99 easily a 5 star buy
  By A3GHIS2SKXXC04 on 2005-08-26
  I wanted a digital thermometer just to use for my grill, got tired of forgetting to bring the "in the house thermometer" back in, and getting yelled at about it.
  
  Our normal thermometer is a pro model, and is pretty much an "instant" reading, but it cost a heck of a lot more than this one.
  I`ve found in comparison testing it reads just within a degree of the more expensive model, only it takes 15 to 30 seconds to do so.
  Also don`t drop it, which I`ve done about 5 times now, the top pops off, easy to put back on, but it worries me someday it will go kaput, but then again dropping any thermometer is not recommended, need klutz training.
  
  Overall for $8.99 a sure winner for a backup, or as I`ve done, a grill related thermometer.
  
  TheFarmer
  
  
• Get one with auto off
  By A1ZT2CBKZL2BUA on 2006-10-19
  This one is doesn't work when it gets hot or wet (and where do you use YOUR thermometer?).
  
  Also, it is very easy to leave it "on" draining the batteries. Replacement batteries cost nearly as much as the thermometer itself.
  
  I have another Taylor (unfortunately, there is no model number on it). It is auto off and saves the MAX and MIN temperatures. The MAX is helpful when I want to check I steak on my HOT! grill. I can hold the thermometer with a pair of thongs without burning my hands.
  
  This one is just plain useless.
  
  
• Its been flawless for me so far.
  By AFKMK18ZXRU0Q on 2003-11-07
  I bought one of these about 4 years ago to develop negatives (film) in my bathroom. I probably developed 40 - 50 rolls of film using it to test the temp of the various fluids and its worked without a hitch. I never got the digital head part wet at all, figuring that even if it were "water resistant" I knew better remembering all the watches I wrecked as a kid in the bath tub or swimming pool.

  If your nice to it, it will last you years.
  
  

• Its ok
  By AFYHTOZBD50X4 on 2005-09-19
  When sticking in, it takes about 5-10 seconds to come up to temp. So if you are in front of a hot oven it can seem like forever, But it does what I need it to do.
  
  
• Thermometer
  By AH8A9A94I0CAF on 2006-09-15
  I found this thermometer erratic and misleading. It does not register the temperature quickly, and is not consistent. It has been of no use to me.
  
  
• Fantastic Customer Service!
  By A39WSS7QC5QEIF on 2007-04-19
  I've had this thermometer for about 3 months, I've used it frequently and it has worked perfectly. The battery died but no problem since the manufacturer included a spare battery with purchase. However, when I went to change it, I realized the battery case had been inadvertently glued down & I was unable to replace the battery. Googled the manufacturer (Taylor), filled out an inquiry on their website and WITHIN MINUTES received a response that they would mail me a new thermometer! AMAZING Customer Service! I honestly didn't even expect to get a response for such a small time purchase but I try to let a company know when I see a problem so they have a chance to address it. Quality issues are going to happen but this is a company that really backs their products! I'll be looking for the TAYLOR brand on future purchases.
  
  
• not so great
  By on 2002-11-02
  I've had this timer less than a year and though it functions well, the plastic case warped, popped open and will not remain closed now. It happened while my husband was using it on meat at the grill, despite his efforts to keep it away from prolonged high heat. At this point a metal and glass version will probably be our next purchase.
  
  

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