In this Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo review, we look at why I love and recommend this thermometer.
I personally own and use this thermometer a few times per week and have tested every feature, from its quick read times to its durable design. My experience with the Javelin Pro Duo has been positive, its use has ensured my meats have been cooked to perfection every time. Because the best thing about the Javelin Pro Duo is its speed and accuracy. It removes all the guesswork from cooking.
So, if you’re looking to step up your BBQ game with a reliable thermometer, read on as I explore, explain, and expound my opinions on this ambidextrous thermometer that doesn’t play favorites, being made for righties and lefties alike.
Learn all about its features, speed and accuracy, what I like, what might be improved, and why it’s a recommended product.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Ratings and Final Verdict
After thoroughly reviewing the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo, I find it an impressive thermometer, especially considering its price range. It’s quick and accurate, which is crucial for my BBQ and grilling needs.
The auto-rotating display is a convenient feature, and the backlit screen is helpful in low-light conditions.
Although it’s made of plastic and not waterproof, its build quality is decent.
Overall, I see it as great value for its performance, making it a suitable choice for both serious and casual cooks.
Pros
- Has the features of thermometers that cost way more.
- Accurate readings of ±0.9 °F.
- 2 to 3 second read time — Not the fastest, but plenty fast enough.
- Backlit display that’s easy to read in any lighting conditions.
- Auto-rotating, ambidextrous display.
- Up to 4,000 hours of battery life.
- Auto shut off and motion wake to help prolong battery life.
- Splash proof and water resistant.
Cons
- Plastic build quality doesn’t feel as durable as other instant read thermometers I own.
- Not waterproof, only water resistant.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is best suited for those who take grilling and cooking seriously, value precision in their cooking, and want great performance at a medium price.
It’s not the best instant-read thermometer I have tested, but it’s very good and cheaper than the market leaders. So, it’s a product for price-conscious people who seek value for money. Although there are cheaper alternatives, you will not get the same quality.
This thermometer is also an ideal match for BBQ enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned grillers, who want a reliable and accurate instant-read thermometer. The device’s quick response time, ease of use, and durability make it a top pick for anyone who wants to ensure their meats are perfectly cooked every time. Thanks to its ambidextrous design, it’s also a great choice for left-handed users.
On the other hand, this thermometer might not be the best fit for casual cooks who rarely grill. Its features, while impressive, may be more than what is necessary for infrequent users.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a completely waterproof option or one with a sturdier, non-plastic build, you might want to consider other alternatives.
A fast and accurate instant-read thermometer with many features only found on more expensive competing products. 2 to 3-second read time, hold function, auto-rotating display for right and left-handed users, an integrated magnet for hanging, a 3-year warranty, and more besides.
Our Ratings Explained
This section will give you a transparent understanding of how we arrived at our ratings. We discuss what we discovered in our research and tests that led to our scores on the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duos accuracy for response time, ease of use, build quality and durability, battery life, and additional features.
Accuracy
The Lavatools advertise the Javelin Pro Duo as having an accuracy of ± 0.9 °F @ -4°F~302 °F.
In our iced water and boiling water tests (detailed below), we found that it was well within these parameters and also matched very closely to the industry standard Thermapen One.
It is highly accurate, with a precision better than ±0.9°F, making it reliable for precise cooking tasks, so we scored it a high 9/10.
Response Time
Marketing states a quick response time of 1-3 seconds. During use, I found it reached within a degree or two of the final temperature within 2 to 4 seconds, which is faster than many other thermometers in its category, though I own faster ones. So I scored it a 8/10.
Ease of Use
With its intuitive design and straightforward functionality, it’s user-friendly. Apart from having the probe fold out past 180 degrees like some competitors, I cannot see how it could be made easier, so I scored it a 9/10.
Build Quality and Durability
The thermometer is well-built and durable for regular kitchen use. Still, some users might prefer a more robust construction for BBQ found in competing products. For example, with an IP65 splash-proof rating, it’s resistant to water splashes, but it’s not fully waterproof, which is a consideration for some outdoor environments. Also, display visibility varies in extremely bright conditions.
So overall, I scored it a 8/10.
Battery Life
Marketing states it will last for over 4,000 hours of use on a single battery, which ranks high in this category compared to competitors. I use mine semi-regularly and have not had to replace the battery in 2.5 years! (Though note I own many thermometers, so it doesn’t get the use it might from others.) I scored this a solid 9/10.
Additional Features
It offers several useful features that I found useful during use, like an intelligent stabilization alert, integrated magnet, and min and max temperature display, adding to its functionality. However, competing products such as the Fireboard Spark and ChefsTemp FinalTouch offer more, so I scored the Javelin a 8/10.
General Overview of the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo
The Javelin PRO Duo is a digital thermometer from the instant read category. That means you insert the probe into any food you want to know the internal temperature of, wait a few seconds for a reading, and then take it out again.
It’s my favorite of the 3 instant-read thermometers I own, and tops my recommendation list of the best instant-read thermometers.
It’s not meant to be left in for the duration of a cook, but instead used occasionally for a sample reading only. Check this guide if you’re after a leave in, remote thermometer for barbecues and grills.
The internal temperature of food, especially meat, is crucial to know as it is the only way to ascertain doneness (in meat like steak or fish) or whether it’s safe to eat (such as with pork or chicken).
To turn the PRO Duo on, just unfold the probe from the handle, and it automatically gets to work. There’s an auto shut-off feature to conserve your battery, but a little wiggle wakes it back up again.
Once on, you can use this thermometer for grilling and smoking (just remember not to leave it in), baking, making candy, or for taking liquid temperatures.
Manufacturer Specs
- Probe length: 4.5”
- Handle length: 6.25”
- Total length: 10.75”
- Width: 1.8”
- 2” anti-fog backlit LCD screen
- Temperature range: -40 °F to 482 °F (-40 VC to 250 °C)
- Accuracy: A ± 0.9 °F @ -4 °F~302 °F (± 0.5 °C @ -20 °C~150 °C)
- 4000+ hour battery life (single CR2032 battery)
- Certification: NSF, CE, RoHS, 100% BPA free
Why You Can Trust Us
Firstly, and most importantly, I own and use the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo. It’s been a part of my grilling kit for a while now, so my review isn’t just from a quick look; I use this thermometer regularly.
Also, as someone who’s been in the BBQ game since 2005, and since 2017 has been sharing honest, no-strings-attached reviews on this website, I’ve seen and used a lot of grilling gear.
My current collection of over 20 thermometers, including 9 instant-read types, speaks to my experience and expertise in thermometers. I’ve used plenty of other thermometers, so I know how the Javelin Pro Duo stacks up.
Finally, I don’t have any ties or connections to Lavatools or any other brand, so my words and opinions are 100% my own.
In-Depth Review and Test Results
To truly test the Javelin Pro Duo, I incorporated it into my daily grilling routine. It was used in high-heat grilling, low-and-slow smoking, and even indoor cooking.
I tested its ease of use with one hand while flipping burgers with the other, and its durability when I accidentally dropped it onto the patio.
It’s been a trusty tool in both hectic and calm cooking moments. Here’s a write-up of how I tested and what I found.
What’s in the Box?
- Javelin PRO Duo thermometer
- Owner’s manual
- 1 CR2032 button cell battery (pre-installed)
First Impressions and Features
Right out of the box, I was struck by its sturdy feel and sleek design, clearly a step above in quality compared to cheaper models.
The foldable probe clicked into place with a satisfying snap, and the large, easy-to-read display was immediately noticeable. It felt lightweight yet durable, perfect for the rough and tumble of frequent grilling sessions. Powering it up, the speed of the temperature reading was almost instantaneous, showing how great it works right from the start.
One feature that stands out is the “ambidextrous display” which reorients itself depending on how you hold the thermometer. If you’re right-handed, you insert the probe with your right hand, and the display is right-side up. Using your left hand, the thermometer could be said to be ‘upside down’, but the figures on the display invert themselves, allowing you to view them properly.
The display is viewable from almost any angle, and moving the thermometer activates the backlit display – a practical feature in varied lighting conditions. And You can turn on the backlight by tapping a sensor beside the LCD. A double-tap of the sensor will display the highest or lowest temperature reached since the thermometer was turned on, which can be cleared by holding the sensor in the MAX/MIN mode.
The HOLD feature is another thoughtful addition. By keeping your finger on the sensor and waiting for the word HOLD to appear on the display, you can lock in the current temperature reading, perfect for when you need to focus on your grilling.
Inside the battery compartment, you’ll find four toggle switches. These are for switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius, toggling the auto sleep function, the stabilization alert, and choosing the precision of the readings.
Each feature is a testament to the thoughtfulness of this tool’s design. So far, so good.
Ease of Use
Even for a beginner, this is an easy device to master. The single sensor makes switching between display modes a breeze, and using toggle switches to change personal preferences keeps the exterior from feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
The probe unfolds a full 180 degrees, making it truly ambidextrous, especially when combined with the rotating display. And, because the auto-wake and backlight features are motion-sensitive, you can operate the PRO Duo even if you’re wearing gloves and can’t activate the sensor.
Speed and Accuracy
My use showed the Javelin PRO Duo has a response time of 2-4 seconds, to get to within 1 °F of the final temperature. That is fast, which is fantastic because it means your lid is up for as little time as possible.
So, it’s fast, but is it accurate? Yes. Yes, it is.
Since cooking to temperature is everything, you’ll be glad to know the PRO duo is advertised as accurate to +/- 0.9F between -4 and 302 °F (-20 to 150 °C).
In my tests of placing it into iced water and boiling water, it showed within a single degree Fahrenheit of 32 °F for freezing water, and 212 °F for boiling water.
So for me, it’s highly accurate, and I’m willing to put my trust in it. In fact, I do, because I use it all the time, both for outdoor cooking and in my kitchen.
Design and Build Quality
Let’s get the most obvious design aspect of the Javelin PRO Duo — side on, it looks like a lightcycle from TRON.
If that’s not reason enough to love it, it’s also robust and ergonomically shaped, fitting nicely into your hand for easy use. And, you can choose from eight different colors to match your décor.
A couple of other notable design features include the “lanyard hole” that no one will use with a lanyard, but many will use to hang it from a hook or nail, and the integrated magnet. I especially like the magnet because I can just stick the whole thing to anything metal nearby.
The housing is IP65 plastic. What does that mean? It means it’s sealed up tight as a bank safe; it’s dust-proof and splash resistant, too, though it’s not suitable for total immersion. As for the probe, it’s made from 18/8 stainless steel for enhanced resistance to corrosion.
Something else it’s resistant to is microbes. We’re seeing more and more products advertised as having an ‘antimicrobial’ coating of some description. Lavatools has used a silver-based additive that’s right in the plastic to help reduce the risk of your thermometer becoming a hotel for nasty little food-borne bugs. Apparently, it’s better than 99% effective, too. (I still recommend wiping it off with a damp cloth after use.)
One final bit of design ingenuity — when folded up, the lanyard-hole end of the plastic body neatly protects the tip of the temperature probe. That’s excellent, because you really don’t want to damage the probe by dropping it or when it’s tossed in a drawer.
Warranty and Support
You get a 3-year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects on this thermometer.
To file a claim, just fill out the form on their website, and they’ll let you know where to ship it for repair or replacement. If there’s nothing wrong with your Javelin PRO Duo, but you simply don’t like it, you’ve got 30 days to return it for a refund.
If you want to stay connected with Lavatools, you can sign up for email alerts, but don’t expect to get “social” with them. They have Instagram and Facebook accounts, but both are virtually empty. That seems unusual in this day and age, but maybe there’s just not a lot to be said about a thermometer?
What the Web Says: Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Reviews
At the time of writing, the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo earned these ratings at various ecommerce stores:
- Lavatools.co: 4.7/5 from 413 reviews
- Thereviewindex.com: 8.6/10 from 760 votes
- Ebay.co.uk: 4.6/5 from 634 reviews
The review on Smoked BBQ Source is highly positive. They commend its fast temperature reading of approximately 2 seconds. They emphasize the convenience of the backlit display, useful for low-light conditions such as evening grilling. The price is also seen as a strong point, offering advanced accuracy and features at a moderate cost. However, the review does note the construction could be improved with heavier-weight plastic.
Overall, they recommend the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo for its excellent performance, convenient features, and good value, making it a great choice for a mid-range priced instant-read thermometer.
The review on Smoked Meat Sunday is generally positive. Key points supporting this include its quick and accurate temperature readings (1-3 seconds), ease of use, auto-rotating display for convenience, and sturdy build quality. They also praise the large, easy-to-read backlit display, magnetic back for storage, and auto-shutoff to extend battery life. However, the review notes some drawbacks, such as using a CR2032 button cell battery instead of standard AAA or AA batteries, the lack of a lock function to prevent the display from rotating, and no calibration function.
Despite these minor issues, Smoked Meat Sunday deem the thermometer a high-quality and useful tool for cooking.
Summary of Our Findings
So, just like the 0.06” tapered tip on the probe, it’s time to get to the point — is the Javelin PRO Duo ambidextrous thermometer “right” for you, or should it be “left” alone?
What We Like
The main selling feature of this thermometer, in my mind, is the LCD screen that rotates the display to suit its orientation. Not only is it great for lefties, but it also means anyone can read it no matter how it’s inserted.
Thanks to the inclusion of toggle switches inside the battery bay, you can’t accidentally switch scales or mess up a variety of other options by pushing the wrong button.
Lots of thermometers are small and insubstantial. Not this one; it’s solidly built, though lightweight, and feels like a tool, not a toy in your hand.
What Could Be Improved
Left-handers might wish the probe could unfold 270 degrees to allow for true left-handed top-down readings. I’d hardly call that a deal-breaker, though!
Will I Get Value for Money?
If your idea of “value” is spending the least amount of money possible, then this is not your thermometer.
The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo is an upgrade from cheap, short-lived instant reads. You get better performance, better workmanship and materials, and enhanced features. For all that, I still think the price is reasonable.
Bottom line: it’s well worth the money.
Do We Recommend this Product?
A high-quality instant-read thermometer should be a must-have for any serious griller or even casual users who simply want better, more consistent results.
There are a lot of options, but only a few good ones. The Javelin PRO Duo is one of the best. It gets a thumbs up from me, and I know you’ll love it.
A fast and accurate instant-read thermometer with many features only found on more expensive competing products. 2 to 3-second read time, hold function, auto-rotating display for right and left-handed users, an integrated magnet for hanging, a 3-year warranty, and more besides.
Alternative Products to Consider
The instant-read thermometer is fiercely competitive; there’s no shortage of alternatives to the Javelin Pro Duo. Here are two products I have also tested that you might want to consider.
ThermoWorks Thermapen One
The Thermoworks Thermapen ONE is pretty much the industry standard instant-read thermometer, used in many thousands of professional kitchens across the globe, so it is the leading alternative to Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo. Here’s why…
The Thermapen ONE marvels with a swift response time of only one second, outpacing the Javelin Pro Duo’s rapid 2-3 seconds. This faster reading is helpful so you spend less time with your hands over a hot grill. High accuracy is another important element where the Thermapen ONE is the best in class, demonstrating a precision of ±0.5°F, just ahead of the Javelin Pro Duo’s ±0.9°F. This superior accuracy ensures flawless cooking every time.
The Thermapen ONE offers an intuitive design with a 360 degree auto-rotating display and a brighter, automated backlight, handy for twilight conditions or night-time grilling. While the Javelin Pro Duo also offers a user-friendly, 180-degree rotating display, the Thermapen’s additional perks, like the superior backlight, 4-way rotating display, and faster rotation, delivers smoother usage.
Regarding build quality and durability, both thermometers are well-made. Nonetheless, the Thermapen ONE prevails with its waterproofing and a lengthier 5-year warranty than Javelin Pro Duo’s 3-year warranty. Durability is especially essential for regular grillers requiring a trusty tool that can endure consistent outdoor use.
Battery life is another key consideration. The Thermapen ONE runs on a single AAA battery, offering an impressive 2,000 hours of life, excluding backlight usage. This gives it an edge over the Javelin Pro Duo, which also boasts long battery life but falls short of the Thermapen ONE.
Regarding extra features, the Thermapen ONE integrates a motion-driven sleep and wake mode, an IP67 waterproof rating, and a foldable design. These aspects amplify the convenience and boost the thermometer’s life and reliability.
While the Thermapen ONE is pricier than the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo, the extra cost is acceptable, considering its superior response time, accuracy, durability, and additional features.
In conclusion, the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo holds a firm place in the market, but the Thermapen ONE, with its extraordinary speed, precision, and robust construction, brings forth a promising alternative for those ready to invest slightly more dollars in pursuit of outstanding performance.
Click here to read our full review of the Thermapan One.
Fireboard Spark
The FireBoard Spark is a feature-packed alternative to any standard instant-read thermometer, offering features not found anywhere else. Let’s compare it to the Jaavelin Pro to show why you might want to consider the Spark.
Additional Features is where the FireBoard Spark truly shines. Its additional features like WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, compatibility with the FireBoard mobile app to monitor cooks from your phone, and the ability to connect an external probe for long-term temperature monitoring make it a more versatile choice for tech-savvy grillers.
Both thermometers boast high accuracy, but the FireBoard Spark edges out with its slightly better accuracy range, particularly in common cooking temperatures. This precision can make a difference in getting that perfect cook.
The Javelin Pro Duo is known for its quick response time. However, the FireBoard Spark takes it up a notch, offering a more rapid one-second response time.
The Javelin Pro Duo is straightforward and user-friendly, and the FireBoard Spark matches this ease of use while raising the bar with its SyncMode™ feature, allowing it to connect with other FireBoard devices for a more integrated cooking experience.
Both are well-built, but the FireBoard Spark’s design, which includes built-in magnets for easy storage and an IP66 waterproof rating, gives it an edge in durability, especially for the demanding and potentially wetter outdoor cooking environment.
Regarding battery life, The Javelin Pro Duo is decent, but the FireBoard Spark stands out with its USB-C rechargeable Li-Ion battery, offering over 12 months of normal use between charges. This is a significant advantage for regular grillers who prefer not to worry about frequent battery replacements.
Regarding pricing, the Fireboard Spark is a fair bit more expensive than the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo. However, considering the added features and connectivity options, the price difference can be justified for those who want more from their thermometer.
In conclusion, while the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo is a great thermometer, the FireBoard Spark stands out for its advanced features, longer battery life, and enhanced durability. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor cooks looking for a more connected and versatile grilling experience.
Click here to read our full review of the Fireboard Spark.
That’s a Wrap
Concluding my Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo review, I found it stands out as a reliable and user-friendly instant-read thermometer. It excels with its quick response time, accuracy, and unique features like the ambidextrous display, making it a top choice not just for right-handers but for everyone.
While it might not be the cheapest option, its durability and performance offer great value for money. Perfect for both outdoor grilling enthusiasts and kitchen cooks, this thermometer is an excellent investment for anyone seeking precision in their cooking.
For those looking for an alternative, a product like the Thermapen Mk4, known for its top-tier accuracy and build quality, could be a better fit. Or perhaps the Fireboard Spark with its unrivaled feature set.
Do you have any questions, comments, or anything else to add? If so, please feel free to drop them in the comment section below. I will make sure to answer all.
Here’s to more ‘measured’ grilling!
My Javelin pro duo Is the worst thermometer ever. It won’t Give me an accurate reading.
It just gives me random temps. I’ve tried a new battery hold feature etc. I would normally
just throw it away, but for the money, i’m still trying to figure it out. Way to complicated.
Hi, Lance. Have you spoken to Lavatools about it? You may just have a faulty unit? I’ve had mine a couple of years now, and it’s worked faultlessly the whole time. No complaints at all from me.
The Javelin Pro has really been a huge help when cooking chicken breasts which are easy to over or under cook. I love the unit, but the power saver feature is bothersome. The duration is too short, and I don’t see that it’s adjustable. I check my chicken breasts on the grill frequently moving from one to another as they approach the target temp. It’s dark many times when I’m grilling, so I can’t see without the light on in the Javelin. As I’m bouncing from one chicken breast to another as the interior temp of the meat rises, it keeps shutting off. I have to press the button again and again or shake it over and over to relight the display. I would like to see an option to leave the light on until I turn it off manually.