For this Maverick PT-75 review, we’re taking a hands-on look at this instant-read digital thermometer, a folding-probe type unit made with grillers in mind. I will put it through its paces to see if it’s fast enough and accurate enough to ensure you never miss the perfect doneness level.
Plus, I’ll explain some of the features that make it stand out from others in this category, including a novel LCD screen you’ll flip for — and that flips for you.
You see, Maverick, makers of quality thermometers since 1981, wants to be the thermometer for everyone — yes, even for you left-handers with a display that flips upside down!
Stick with me to see if we can agree on whether or not this thermometer deserves a spot at your barbecue.
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Ratings and Final Verdict
The Maverick PT-75 has quick and reasonably accurate readings, though at +/-2 °F between 0 to 212 °F, many faster instant-read thermometers are on the market these days.
The screen is 180-degree rotating, though this must be done manually. In contrast, with competing products, it is entirely automatic depending on how the unit is held.
Adding a count-up timer is a thoughtful touch that sets it apart, as it’s something I haven’t seen on any other models.
The build quality is good for the price, with weatherproofing evident and a seal in the battery compartment keeping water out.
Features like the high-contrast, backlit display, and the inclusion of a meat doneness chart on the rear are practical features that add to its value.
Overall, the build quality and feature set make it a good thermometer at this price point. You have to spend more to get higher accuracy and faster read times. So if you are on a budget, it’s a good choice. But there are better products out there for a little more money.
Pros
- Cheap compared to many competing products.
- Fast and accurate for the price. There are better, but they cost more.
- Large, bright, easy to read screen.
- 180-degree rotating screen.
- Unique count up timer that we’ve never seen on an instant read thermometer.
- Water-resistant, including a rubber seal on the battery compartment.
- A small doneness chart on the back, so you don’t have to remember or search for target temperatures.
Cons
- Although the screen rotates, it’s not automatic. You need to configure this.
- +/-2 °F accuracy, although sufficient for grilling tasks, is lower than many modern competing products.
An instant-read digital probe thermometer with a 2-second read time, +/-2°F accuracy from 0 to 212°F, and a unique count-up timer that we haven’t seen on any competing product.
With a rotating screen, C or F selection, a backlit white on black display, and a doneness chart on the battery compartment rounding out the features, this is a highly capable product at an affordable price.
Our Ratings Explained
Here is why we scored the Maverick PT-75 what we did, where it won and lost points.
Accuracy
The Maverick PT-75 boasts a Type K Thermocouple sensor, renowned for its precision in temperature measurement. This sensor is known for being both fast and accurate.
However, a margin of error of +/-2 °F from 0 to 212 °F doesn’t compete with the best thermometers on today’s market that boast accuracy of +/-0.7 °F or better. While this might not affect everyday grilling tasks, it does introduce minor inaccuracies, and competing products are more accurate, so we have to lose a couple of points in this category.
Score: 8/10.
Response Time
The PT-75 response time is in the 2-3 seconds range. This is more than good enough for any cooking task, but again, it is slower than a handful of competitors, so we have to deduct a couple of points here, too.
Score: 8/10.
Ease of Use
The Maverick PT-75 is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its folding probe, simple one-touch operation, and 180° rotating LCD display cater to left- and right-handed users. The thermometer’s intuitive design allows easy toggling between °C and °F, and the built-in timer is a thoughtful addition for monitoring cooking times.
However, the necessity to use a multi-function button for certain operations, such as rotating the display, could be streamlined for an even smoother user experience.
Score: 8.5/10.
Build Quality and Durability
The Maverick PT-75 features a water-resistant design with a rubber seal inside the battery compartment. This attention to detail suggests that the thermometer is built to withstand the rigors of regular grilling, from accidental splashes to changes in outdoor conditions.
Including a food-grade stainless steel probe further adds to its robustness, ensuring it can endure high temperatures and repeated use.
While the PT-75’s build quality is commendable, it does not feel as premium as some competing models I own and have tested. Nevertheless, for its price point, the PT-75 offers a solid construction that promises longevity and reliability.
Score: 8/10.
Battery Life
The PT-75 operates on 2 AAA batteries and can run up to 10 hours continuously, sufficient for many grilling sessions.
However, compared to competitors that boast battery lives many times longer or have rechargeable options, the PT-75’s performance in this area is good but not exceptional.
Score: 7.5/10.
Additional Features
The Maverick PT-75 has a count-up timer triggered by folding the probe, which is particularly useful for managing cooking times without needing a separate timer.
The ability to easily switch between °C and °F, coupled with the rotating display for left or right-hand use, also adds to its versatility.
While these features are impressive, the market offers thermometers with more advanced features, like 270-degree fold out probe, 4-way rotating screens, and even Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration, all of which the PT-75 lacks.
For grillers who value practicality and straightforward enhancements that improve the cooking experience, the PT-75’s additional features offer value. But there are more feature-packed models on the market.
Score: 8.5/10.
General Overview
The Maverick PT-75 is a battery-powered instant-read digital thermometer. Like others in this category, the handheld unit consists of two key sections: the base unit, including an LCD readout, and the food-grade stainless steel probe.
The probe measures the temperature of whatever it’s in contact with, even if that’s just the air. For our purposes, we’re most interested in checking the temperature of cooked meat to determine doneness.
To operate, simply swing the folding probe out of the protective slot in the base. The probe has a 180-degree range of motion, and, once inserted into your food, it delivers a reading to the LCD in a matter of seconds.
In addition, you can opt to have the temperature displayed in either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
A unique feature of the Maverick PT-75, which we’ll look at further in a bit, is the count-up timer. No, that’s not a typo — count up timer. Folding the probe back into the base triggers a count-up timer that runs to a maximum of 99 minutes.
Manufacturer Specs
- Thermocouple probe: -40 °C to 232 °C (-40 °F to 450 °F)
- Accuracy: Below -18 °C (0 °F) +/-4 °F; From -18 °C—100 °C (0 °F t o212 °F) +/-2 °F; Above 100 °C (212 °F ) +/-4 °F or 1% whichever is greater.
- Resolution: 0.1 °C or °F
- Thermocouple sensor: Type K Chromel Alumel, ungrounded.
- Response time: (90% TTC*2.3) in liquid: 2.3 seconds typical.
- LCD display size: Visible area: 38mm x 17mm (1.5″ x 0.67″)
- Timer mode: Max count up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds.
- Weight: 3.4ozs
- Power: Two AAA batteries.
- Dimensions: 6.2 inches x 1.4 inches.
- Battery life: Approx. 10hrs continuous usage.
- Standards and certifications: IP44 sealing, hand washable, splash proof, non-submersible.
- Probe dimensions: Length: 120mm, Dia: 3.5mm
Why Trust Us
In my nearly two decades of BBQ and grilling, I’ve owned and used dozens of different thermometers, including the Maverick PT-75 reviewed here. So I can compare the Maverick’s performance against dozens of other products I have also tested and used.
I have put this thermometer through the same rigorous testing I apply to all my instant-read thermometers, including the water test, boiling water test, and measuring its read time. You can see photographs of this and my results below. I also used it over a period of weeks with many different cooks to see how it performs in real-world grilling and BBQ scenarios.
And as always, my review process for this thermometer went beyond just my personal experience. I went out and sought insights from other professional reviews and customer opinions and studied online discussions in BBQ forums and on social media.
This thoroughness, combined with my commitment to writing unbiased reviews on this site since 2017, is why you can trust my recommendations.
An instant-read digital probe thermometer with a 2-second read time, +/-2°F accuracy from 0 to 212°F, and a unique count-up timer that we haven’t seen on any competing product.
With a rotating screen, C or F selection, a backlit white on black display, and a doneness chart on the battery compartment rounding out the features, this is a highly capable product at an affordable price.
In-Depth Review and Test Results
Here is where I put the Maverick PT-75 instant-read thermometer to the test and share insights from my experiences of real-world use.
First Impressions
It’s a sharp-looking thermometer with a professional appearance; the black housing and grey rubber accents indicate this is serious equipment, not a toy.
The Maverick PT-75 looks robust, too. It’s large enough to get a solid grip on it, and it’s relatively weighty.
With the probe fully extended, it’s nearly 11 inches long. That’s great for keeping your hand far away from the fire.
Design and Build Quality
Because you can flip the screen for left- or right-handed operation, Maverick has kept the shape of the body simple. Rather than try an ergonomic design that really only suits righties, they’ve gone for more of a cylindrical shape. As a result, it’s perfectly easy to hold and operate in either orientation.
The plastic feels heavy-duty and should hold up to reasonably rugged wear and tear. The probe end has a bit of rubber trim to save the housing from cracking should it take a spill onto the patio.
You’ll find a large hole at the opposite end that should accommodate most tool hooks. This thoughtful feature helps free up workspace, usually at a premium on most grills.
Ease of Use
Overall, it’s not at all complicated to operate. There’s no ON/OFF switch, no backlight to worry about, and the tapered probe makes it easy to insert into even the toughest cuts.
I have some issues with the multi-function button; an auto-rotating display makes more sense to me, and I think separate buttons for switching from F to C and activating the timer would be preferable. These are minor quibbles, though, and it doesn’t take long before all these operations are almost second nature.
Speed and Accuracy
Not that I don’t trust manufacturers, but I like to see for myself how well a thermometer performs.
I conducted a couple of simple tests (which you can do yourself) to determine how fast and how precise the Maverick PT-75 really is.
Maverick claim an accuracy of +/-2 °F from 0 to 212 °F and a reading speed of between 2 and 3 seconds. Let’s put that to the test.
Ice Bath Test
Water freezes at 32 °F. The Maverick PT-75 measured our iced water at an average 33.1 °F, though the displayed temperature seemed to bounce about a little during the test, going between 32.9 °F and 33.3 °F.
That is good enough, especially when you consider we used tap water for the test (tap water has impurities, so will not be precisely 32 °F) and is better than the claimed +/-2 °F.
Boiling Water Test
Water boils at 212 °F at sea level and slightly lower temperatures depending on your height above sea level. I live within 500 feet of sea level, so I would expect to see figures very close to or at 212 °F.
The Maverick PT-75 measured my pan of water at a rolling boil to be 211.8 °F. This is surprisingly close and good to see.
I typically like to see an instant-read thermometer within 1 degree Fahrenheit of reality if possible because when cooking steak to different doneness levels, 2 or 3 degrees can make all the difference!
A claimed 2-degree accuracy then doesn’t blow me away, but it seemed to perform much better. I’d say this is an easy pass, and more than acceptable at this price point.
Speed of Reading
Maverick claims a read time of between 2 and 3 seconds.
In my testing, I can verify this is the case. Reading is sufficiently fast for everyday use. Faster reading thermometers exist — The Thermapen one, for example — but they come with much heftier price tags!
Although not the best I’ve seen, the Maverick PT-75 certainly passes the speed and accuracy tests and is easily good enough for grilling and smoking purposes.
Features and Benefits
As we’ve written many times throughout this website, you have to cook to temperature, not to time. Since knowing the temperature is the only safe and accurate way to tell if your meat is either cooked through or cooked the way you like it, owning a good digital thermometer is imperative. And the faster and more accurate, the better.
Well, what could be faster than “instant”?
Of course, no thermometer is truly instant, but the Maverick PT-75 certainly gives it a good try. You should have your reading within about 2 seconds, which means you aren’t holding your hand over the hot grill long enough to burn yourself, and you can get the lid up, take a reading, and shut it again before you’ve lost too much heat.
The Maverick PT-75 is also highly accurate. We’ll do our own tests below, but, for now, it’s enough to know that it’s generally at least as good as the specs suggest; you’ll be within 2 degrees Fahrenheit of dead-on accuracy, if not better, in most cases. When a difference of 5 degrees can mean the difference between pink and juicy and “dammit, I just missed it,” accuracy is crucial.
One of the noteworthy features of the Maverick PT-75 is the LCD screen. You’ll notice right away that it’s white on black, rather than the typical black on white-ish. The high contrast makes it easy to read under any light conditions during the day.
Even better, it’s perfectly readable at night without needing a separate backlight – because it IS backlit! No more fumbling to turn on the light or eating up your battery power during a night cook.
However, to help preserve the battery, the backlight powers down under certain conditions, including after 10 minutes of a running count-up timer, and after 3 minutes of reading below 104°F.
Additionally, the LCD can be rotated 180 degrees to suit the orientation of the thermometer. In other words, the numbers will be right-side-up no matter which way you have the unit turned.
Just press and hold the rear button for 3 seconds to flip the display. Left-handers will love this, but it’s also handy when your current set-up leaves you no choice but to insert the probe from the “wrong” side. Say goodbye to craning your neck sideways to read the temperature.
What really sets the PT-75 apart from the competition is the automatic count-up timer.
If you want to use it, press the multi-function button on the back of the thermometer once after unfolding the probe. A timer icon should be visible on the LCD. After taking your reading, folding the probe back into the handle starts the timer ticking.
What good is it? Simple: You’ll always know how long it’s been since the last time you checked the temperature.
Let’s say you’re doing a long cook, like roasting or smoking. You’ve taken a reading, but it’s not quite ready yet. So, you say to yourself, “I’m going to go get a beer, and I’ll check back on this in 15.” Take the thermometer with you, and you’ll know to the second when it’s time to go back, reducing the risk of missing your target and overcooking your meat.
What Others Say
The review of the Maverick PT-75 on AmazingRibs.com is highly positive. They praise its performance, noting that it offers virtually instantaneous readings thanks to its thermocouple sensor and has better accuracy than the manufacturer claimed. The review highlights the thermometer’s unique features, such as a count-up timer and an easily readable LCD with a white LED backlight. The design and construction are considered better than average, with a comfortable grip for users and a thoughtful inclusion of a moisture seal around the battery compartment.
Overall, the Maverick PT-75 is awarded a Gold Medal for its design, functionality, and ease of use, making it highly recommended for cooks looking for a reliable instant-read thermometer at a decent price.
Warranty and Support
Maverick provides a 1-year limited warranty on the PT-75 against manufacturer’s defects.
If you have any issues, you can call them in New Jersey via the local or toll-free number. They’re there Monday to Friday from 8:00a to 4:00p, Eastern Time. And you can email their customer support if you prefer. Either way, they can help you troubleshoot the issue or set up a return if need be.
Their website features a Help Center and FAQ section to help you figure things out on your own, and you can download the manual. There’s also a Community section where people ask questions, and Maverick tries to answer them, but there’s not a lot of activity here.
Summary of Our Findings
Let’s sum up everything we now know about the Maverick PT-75:
What We Like
The automatic count-up timer is a unique feature we haven’t seen anywhere else. It’s likely to be one of the key reasons to buy this thermometer.
For the price, it’s a fast thermometer and an accurate one, as well.
It’s a small thing, but the doneness chart for your major categories of meat stuck to the battery compartment lid is a nice touch. Novice and infrequent grillers will especially appreciate this thoughtful touch.
Does it rain where you live? Here, too. Which is why it’s nice that the Maverick PT-75 is water-resistant, including a rubber seal inside the battery compartment.
What Could Be Improved
While the 180-degree rotation of the display is handy, what’s not so handy is having to use the multi-function button to make it happen. We’ve reviewed other thermometers with this function that flip the display automatically.
Staying with the multi-function button, you have to hold the C/F button as you open the probe to switch between measurement types. While it prevents accidental switches (I’m trying to find a good reason for it), a single press of the button with the probe open seems more straightforward and logical.
Will I get Value for Money?
There are less expensive digital instant-read thermometers out there. But, few offer the same degree of accuracy, speed, and outstanding features as the Maverick PT-75 until you pay a bit more.
Considering all that it does and how well it does those things, you get what you pay for.
Do We Recommend this Product?
Yes, we do!
Everyone who grills meat should own a digital thermometer. And anyone who truly cares about getting that meat cooked just right should own a good digital thermometer.
The Maverick PT-75 is a good thermometer that will satisfy grillers on a budget.
If you want and can afford the best of the best, we suggest checking out some more premium models. But if you are looking for a cost-effective bargain, consider the Maverick PT-75.
An instant-read digital probe thermometer with a 2-second read time, +/-2°F accuracy from 0 to 212°F, and a unique count-up timer that we haven’t seen on any competing product.
With a rotating screen, C or F selection, a backlit white on black display, and a doneness chart on the battery compartment rounding out the features, this is a highly capable product at an affordable price.
Alternative Products
Here are two thermometers we would highly recommend as alternatives to the Maverick PT-75.
ThermoWorks Thermapen One
The Thermoworks Thermapen ONE sets the gold standard in instant-read thermometers, widely adopted by professional kitchens worldwide, making it a top contender against the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo. Here’s why:
Boasting a rapid one-second response time, the Thermapen ONE edges out the Maverick’s 2-3 second response, minimizing the time your hands are exposed to heat. It leads in accuracy too, with a precision of ±0.5°F compared to the Maverick’s ±2 °F.
The Thermapen ONE also shines with its user-friendly features, including a 360-degree auto-rotating display, compared to the Maverick’s 180-degree, which needs manual selection.
In terms of durability, both thermometers are robust, but the Thermapen ONE goes further with superior waterproofing and a longer 5-year warranty compared to Maverick’s 1-year.
Battery efficiency is another win for the Thermapen ONE, powered by a single AAA battery for up to 2,000 hours, outperforming Maverick’s 10 hours.
It also packs extra features like motion-activated sleep/wake mode, IP67 waterproof rating, and a foldable design, enhancing convenience and longevity.
Though more expensive, the Thermapen ONE’s faster readings, greater accuracy, enhanced durability, and additional features justify the higher price, offering a superior option for those willing to invest in top-notch performance.
Click here to read our full Thermapen One review.
ChefsTemp FinalTouch X10
The Chefstemp Finaltouch X10 is a superior alternative for those seeking higher precision and efficiency. Its remarkable accuracy, with an error margin of just ±1 °F, ensures that your meats are always cooked to perfection.
The Finaltouch X10’s rapid response time, delivering readings between 1 and 2 seconds, significantly outpaces the PT-75, making it an ideal tool for grillers who value speed and accuracy.
Designed with right and left-handed users in mind, the Finaltouch X10 features a 270° rotating probe and an auto-rotating display, making it truly ambidextrous and automatic, not needing manual screen orientation switching.
The Finaltouch X10’s robust build quality, evidenced by its IP67 waterproof rating, ensures durability and resilience in all weather conditions, addressing the PT-75’s limitation to only being water-resistant and IP44.
The Finaltouch X10’s motion-activated wake-up mode adds an extra layer of convenience, eliminating the need for manual power on/off, which is a notable improvement over the PT-75’s functionality. Its impressive battery life of up to 3,000 hours on a single battery offers longevity and addresses the PT-75’s only 10 hours of battery life.
In terms of cost, while the FinalTouch X10 may come with a higher price tag compared to the Maverick PT-75, the investment is justified by its superior features, durability, and performance enhancements. The price difference reflects the advanced technology and user-friendly design of the FinalTouch X10, making it a worthwhile consideration as an alternative.
Click here to read our hands-on testing of the ChefsTemp FinalTouch.
Conclusion
I get that there are stupid amounts of instant-read probe thermometers out there. It can be tough to make an informed decision with so many choices. But, trust me when I tell you, the Maverick PT-75 is head and shoulders above most of the entry-level crowd.
If you’re a lefty, or even an experienced righty who knows that sometimes the “right” way isn’t the best way to probe a cut of meat, the rotatable LCD is almost reason enough to buy one right now. Couple that with the count-up timer and the auto-undimming backlight (I don’t know what else to call it!), and it’s practically a no-brainer. Surely, we can all agree on that?
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