In this review, I go in-depth and in-person with the Thermapen One from ThermoWorks. I own this thermometer, have used it for months now, and have put it through its paces to share my results with you.
Across this site, we repeatedly say you cook to temperature, not time. It’s the only way to guarantee perfect doneness levels and accuracy in your cooking. So, the most important BBQ tool you will ever own is a reliable instant-read thermometer. And there’s none more reliable than the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE.
Pretty much the industry standard professional instant-read thermometer used across thousands of kitchens and BBQ teams worldwide, this thermometer is praised for its super-fast read times and accuracy.
But how fast and accurate is it? How is the durability? How about the ease of use? I’ll let you know all that, plus what I like about it and what, if anything, could be a little better.
Of course, we’ll get into all the specs and features and their benefits in the real world. I’ll cover speed, accuracy, and overall quality and wrap up with my recommendation: is the Thermapen One worth owning?
Let’s start with a bottom line up front look at the ratings I’ve given it and my final verdict.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Ratings and Final Verdict
Of all the instant-read thermometers available on the market, the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is quite simply the best.
It has unmatched accuracy and reading speed, and its features and functions make it incredibly easy to use.
Offering rapid, one-second temperature readings and exceptional accuracy of ±0.5 °F, the ONE is a tool you can rely on to ensure you hit the internal temperatures you are aiming for every time.
Its user-friendly design, complete with a large, easy-to-read backlit screen, 360-degree auto-rotating screen, and automatic sleep mode to extend battery life, make it a top recommendation.
I have reviewed scores of tools and pieces of equipment on this site, and this is the first time I will say this: I have nothing negative to say about it.
While the price may be on the higher side, the quality, durability, and five-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment for those who are willing to pay to have the best.
Pros
- Super fast one second read time.
- Incredibly accurate, and supplied with calibration certificate.
- Large backlit screen easy to read in all lighting conditions.
- Rotating display works in 4 orientations, for easy reading at any angle.
- Durable design and water-resistant.
- Nice size and weight, feels good to grip in the hand.
- Motion sensor auto on and off saves battery life.
- Five year warranty.
Cons
- Costs more than most competing products.
- Settings are a bit fiddly to access and change (though you only ever do it once!)
Who is the Thermapen One Best Suited to?
This thermometer is for anybody who cooks, inside the home or outdoors grilling and smoking.
No matter what you’re cooking, you need a reliable and accurate instant-read thermometer to be sure your food is at safe minimum temps, to hit your desired doneness levels, and to make sure you accurately follow temperatures of recipes, not serving food under- or over-cooked.
Yes, there are cheaper models available — many of them can be seen in our guide to the best instant read meat thermometers — but this is the Rolls Royce of instant-read thermometers, the best of the best, and has a price tag to go with it.
With readings taken in a second or less, an accuracy of better than ±0.5 °F, and a host of features making use effortless — leaving you to concentrate fully on the task of cooking — you will struggle to find a better instant read thermometer.
Note: Thermoworks only sell through very limited outlets, and it’s always cheapest at the manufacturers own site.
Our Ratings Explained
Here is where the Thermapen ONE won and lost marks, resulting in the ratings we’ve given it.
Accuracy
The Thermapen One boasts an accuracy of ± 0.5°F. This level of precision sets it apart from many other thermometers on the market, as no other thermometer could match this at the time of writing this review. It also comes with a traceable calibration certificate.
So, the Thermapen One is hard to beat for those who prioritize accuracy above all.
Score: 10/10.
Response Time
With advertised readings of just one second or less, and in my tests proving to be anything from under 1 second to 2 seconds, it’s incredibly impressive. It is the fastest reading thermometer I have ever tested, and I have tested many. This rapid response allows you to quickly check temperatures on the grill without losing heat or having your hands near the heat for too long.
Again, this speed is unmatched at the time of writing, so I have to give it full marks.
Score: 10/10.
Ease of Use
The Thermapen One is designed with ease of use in mind. Features like the 360-degree rotating display and the automatic backlight make it user-friendly at almost any angle or lighting level.
However, I have seen instant-read thermometers now with a probe that folds out 270 degrees, making it even more user-friendly for left-handed users, who, with the Thermapen, will almost always have to use it with the probe straight out at 180 degrees. So, it loses a point here.
Score: 9/10.
Build Quality and Durability
Durability is key for any tool to survive in the harsh environments of the kitchen or outdoor BBQ area, and the Thermapen One doesn’t disappoint. It’s rugged, waterproof to IP67, and backed by a 5-year warranty. Yes, other thermometers are built to a similar standard now, but nothing surpasses it, so I have to give full marks.
Score: 9/10.
Battery Life
The Thermapen One runs on a single AAA battery, boasting a 2,000-hour battery life (without backlight) that ensures you’re not constantly replacing it. This is a convenient feature, especially during long BBQ sessions.
However, heavy use of the backlight can reduce battery life. And some thermometers last 3,000 or even 4,000 hours without a battery change. Also, some users might prefer a rechargeable option to minimize waste and ongoing costs, and not like the environmental impact of disposable batteries.
Score: 8.5/10.
Additional Features
The Thermapen One is packed with additional features. The auto-rotating display, motion-sensing sleep and wake mode to extend battery life, and waterproof design, are all thoughtful touches that make it stand out.
This is about all it has, though. In contrast, some competing models have a hold function, time and temp chart on the rear, and even Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s debatable how useful or necessary these extra features are in an instant-read thermometer, so I’m only deducting a single point here.
Score: 9/10.
General Overview
The Thermapen One from ThermoWorks is a handheld digital instant-read thermometer. It’s the kind you poke into your meat for a quick temperature check rather than a leave-in probe-style digital grill and smoker thermometer.
It’s useful both in the kitchen and at the grill or smoker for reading the temperature of basically anything you can eat. Because it takes a reading quickly, an instant-read thermometer like this gets you the data you need in a flash, and then you can move on to another piece of meat or any of the many chores you’re tending to while you grill.
The One is an upgrade to their previous model, the highly successful MK4. In comparison, they look similar, (as you can see in the photo above) with very little difference in outward design aesthetics, but the ONE has many improvements in speed and accuracy.
The Thermapen One delivers temperature readings in under a second with unparalleled accuracy of better than ±0.5 °F. Its design includes a bright, easy-to-read display that rotates 360 degrees and an IP67 waterproof rating. Running on just a single AAA battery, you’re not tethered to a power source with this type of thermometer, and the readout displays right there on the unit.
The build quality and features ensure durability and versatility in any cooking environment, indoors or out, and is THE tool to ensure you cook your food safely and to your desired doneness with pinpoint accuracy every time.
Manufacturer Specs
- Range: -58.0 to 572.0°F (-49.9 to 299.9°C)
- Accuracy: ±0.5°F (±0.3°C) from -4 to 248°F (-20 to 120°C) otherwise ±1.8°F (±1.0°C)
- Resolution: Factory set to 1° (user reconfigurable to 0.1°)
- Response Time: Full reading in 1 second (0.2 seconds time constant)
- Probe: 4.3 L inches x 0.12″ dia. (reduces to 0.06″ dia.), High Performance Type K Thermocouple
- Display: 1 H x 1.54 W inches (25 H x 39 W mm) LCD, rotates 360°, Intelligent Backlight
- Sleep Mode: 10 to 180 seconds, user selectable (user reconfigurable to disable)
- Water Resistance: IP67
- Operating Range: –4 to 122°F (–20 to 50°C), max ambient limits of Thermapen body
- Battery: 1.5 volt AAA, 2,000 hours typical (without backlight)
- Dimensions: 6.1 W x 1.7 H x 0.74 D inches (156 W x 48 H x 19 D mm)
- Weight: 0.25 lbs (115g)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Certificate: Includes NIST-traceable calibration certificate
*Response time defined as five time constants for 99.3% of actual temperature.
Why Trust Us
Owning the Thermapen One has allowed me to test it extensively, ensuring my review is based on actual usage, not just specs on paper.
And because I have been BBQing since 2005 and writing full time for this site since 2017, currently own about a dozen instant-read thermometers, and have been grilling with the Thermapen One by my side for many months now, I can compare the Thermapen One against numerous other products to evaluate its performance critically against competing products in the market based on years of experience.
Also, my thorough research into this thermometer has included reading other professional critiques, customer feedback, and discussions from owners on social media groups and industry-specific forums to ensure a well-rounded view.
With readings taken in a second or less, an accuracy of better than ±0.5 °F, and a host of features making use effortless — leaving you to concentrate fully on the task of cooking — you will struggle to find a better instant read thermometer.
Note: Thermoworks only sell through very limited outlets, and it’s always cheapest at the manufacturers own site.
Product Review / In-Depth Review and Test Results
To assess the Thermapen One, I integrated it into my daily cooking, both at the grill and in the kitchen. Over several weeks, I used it to measure temperatures for a wide range of meats and other foods, noting its responsiveness and accuracy.
I report from here on every design feature and every function, test its accuracy with iced water and boiling water, and how it fared during real-world use.
Let’s see what I discovered.
What’s in the Box?
Opening the box reveals the Thermapen One thermometer, a small owner’s manual, an information brochure about the thermometer, and a certificate of calibration.
Plus, Thermapen has kindly included a AAA battery, and it’s already installed.
First Impressions
The first thing I noticed is the relative chunkiness of the Thermapen One compared to many other instant-read thermometers on the market. It looks and feels more robust, more like a tool than a toy. And that’s a good thing when you’re banging stuff around in the backyard (or kitchen).
Being so chunky allows for a much larger screen than you typically see on this type of thermometer, and that’s definitely a plus.
It isn’t a flashy unit, with the logo subtly raised from the body of the thermometer and nothing else in terms of ornamentation. Again, it’s a tool, not a toy.
You do have the option to choose from ten colors: grey, white, yellow, green, red, blue, black, orange, pink, and purple, which is fun, and can also help to separate thermometers for different uses in kitchens, such as is done with cutting boards.
All units have a grey stripe running lengthwise through the middle, joining the two halves together.
Design and Build Quality
By and large, all digital instant-read thermometers look pretty much the same. There’s not much to distinguish the Thermapen One from the crowd in terms of appearance. But, it’s notably more robust than the cheaper models, feeling solid in the hand and proven to be more water-resistant than the bulk of the field.
It’s easy to get a grip on, and between the 180-degree motion of the probe and the 360 rotation of the display, that grip can be left- or right-handed.
There are two buttons on the Thermapen One, neatly located inside the battery compartment, so you’ll never accidentally make changes on the fly — which I have done MANY times on other models.
One button is for changing the Mode and one for Settings. Using these, you can change the scale from F to C, adjust the display accuracy to include or exclude 10ths of degrees, toggle between 360- and 180-degree screen rotation or fix the display in one orientation, and adjust the duration of the sleep mode timer from 10 to 180 seconds or turn it off.
You’ll note that, unlike on some instant read thermometers, the probe does not tuck fully into the body of the unit. However, the tip, the most sensitive and vital part of the probe tucks away into a neat little slot at the back, protecting it from damage, or from potentially spiking someone, when it’s not in use or in storage.
Features and Functions
The key to being a great thermometer is to be accurate. Why? Because the difference of just a few degrees can also be the difference between the medium rare you want and the medium you don’t want (or any other doneness levels).
I’ll get into more detail about how accurate the Thermapen One is a bit later, but suffice to say it exceeds most other thermometers of this type.
Of course, the key to being a great instant-read thermometer is to be fast as well as accurate! Getting your temperature in a hurry means less time with your hand over the flames and less time losing heat with the lid open. If you feel the need for speed, this unit is lightning fast!
One noteworthy physical feature of the Thermapen One is the large LCD screen. Not only is it bigger and with taller characters than most competitors’ displays, it also auto-rotates the readout to match the orientation of the unit. That means if it’s standing straight up and down, the display runs the width of the LCD. Some units flip the reading 180 degrees for correct orientation for left or right readings, but I can’t think of another that displays in all four directions.
To help ease the strain on the single AAA battery, ThermoWorks added motion-sensing sleep and wake functionality. After a defined period of inactivity (which you can adjust in the Settings mode), the unit automatically turns off. It will stay off until you move it again, at which point it powers up and is ready to read. Folding away or unfolding the probe also turns the unit off and on.
Additionally, the backlight comes on automatically when the unit senses low-light conditions. This is awesome when you’re cooking at night, since you won’t have to click on your phone flashlight and try to manipulate both devices at the same time. Here’s a tip: if you need the light on but the sensor thinks you don’t, just cover it with your thumb.
And, since this is primarily meant for outdoor use, I’m happy to report the Thermapen One is IP67 waterproof. That means dust and rain are shut out, and it can even withstand being underwater for a spell. You’ll also appreciate this feature if you happen to drop yours in a sink full of water by accident.
Ease of Use
The only way the Thermapen One could be easier to use would be if it worked via mental telepathy.
Seriously, the automatic features are my new best friends; I don’t have to turn it on or off, I don’t have to worry about what angle I stick it in from, and I don’t have to switch the backlight on when it’s dark.
Basically, ThermoWorks has automated everything you normally have to think about to make this as user-friendly as possible.
Putting it to the Test
Sometimes, there’s what the manufacturer claims, and there’s the case in real life. So, I put my Thermapen One to the test to check their supplied stats.
Thermoworks claim an accuracy of ±0.5 °F, an improvement from the already excellent ±0.7 °F of their previous models, and class leading for instant read thermometers.
It’s hard to test this kind of accuracy without proper lab equipment costing many thousands of pounds, but an ice bath and boiling water test is good enough for our needs. I basically hope to see temps within 1 °F, so let’s see how it fares.
Ice Bath Test
Water freezes at 32 °F. The Thermapen One measured our iced water 31.9 °F. Suffice to say, that is incredibly accurate at just 0.1 °F difference.
Boiling Water Test
Water boils at 212 °F at sea level, then at decreasingly lower temperatures depending on your height above sea level. Where I live, I am under 500 feet above sea level, so would expect to see figures very close to or at 212 °F.
The Thermapen One measured my pan of water at a rolling boil to be 212.1 °F. Again, this is incredibly accurate!
Ice water and boiling water bath tests passed with flying colors!
Speed of Reading
Thermoworks claim a 1 second read time. I have many other thermometers that claim read times between 2 and 3 seconds, including a previous model from Thermoworks, the Thermapen MK3.
I cannot verify the read time was just 1 second during my use. Again, it’s hard to measure accurately without scientific equipment costing many thousands of pounds, but going from boiling water to iced water, or iced water to boiling water, took approximately 2 seconds to settle at the correct temperature. Room temperature to iced water, or room temperature to boiling water temperature slightly faster.
Anyhow, what I can certainly say is that this thermometer provided readings far faster than everything else in my collection of instant read thermometers, so I’m willing to say that it’s the fastest I’ve ever seen.
Reviews for the Thermapen One
ThermoWorks.com are the only official online retailer for the Thermapen One. Here, customer feedback scores this thermometer 4.9/5 from 1,203 reviews at the time of writing.
As we’d expect, Grillseeker’s review of the Thermapen ONE is highly positive. They note its significant upgrades from the previous model, the Mk4, and the fact it outperforms all rivals.
Matthew Eads commends its brighter display, five-year warranty, easy battery access, and adjustable settings, enhancing user-friendliness and reliability, particularly in dim light or during lengthy grilling sessions.
The review says despite a higher cost compared to competing products, its accuracy, waterproof build, rotating display, and lengthy warranty offer significant value, making it essential for cooks at all levels. The Thermapen ONE is deemed the top choice for a dependable instant-read thermometer.
The Barbecue Lab’s review praises the Thermapen One as the market’s quickest and most precise instant-read thermometer, delivering accurate readings within 0.5 °F in just a second, outperforming slower, less accurate thermometers. Its unmatched speed and accuracy make it the top choice for professionals and home cooks focused on food safety and precision.
They love features like the auto-rotating display, backlight for dim conditions, easy settings access, and a 2000-hour battery life on a single AAA battery. They also love that it comes with a NIST calibration certificate and a five-year warranty, highlighting its reliability and being a true upgrade to its predecessor, the Thermapen Mk4.
The review strongly recommends the Thermapen One as the best choice for serious cooks.
Warranty and Support
ThermoWorks provides a 5-year warranty on defects, during which time they will replace or repair your unit as they deem necessary. The industry standard (as given by most competitors) is just a 12-month warranty period. So Thermoworks really stands by this product.
To set the ball rolling, you can call ThermoWorks toll-free or send them an email. There’s chat support through the week, too, available at their website.
Also at their website, you’ll find an array of FAQs to help you troubleshoot any problems or download the manual if you’ve misplaced it.
They’ve got all the social media accounts you’d expect, too, if you’re looking for other ways to interact with the company and the community of customers.
Summary of Our Findings
There’s no question this is an exceptional instant-read thermometer. In fact, I won’t hesitate to say it’s likely the BEST of the best. But, does that mean you should buy it?
Well, that really depends on your budget, how important it is to you to own top-of-the-line gear, and also how seriously you take your barbecue.
This is NOT an inexpensive thermometer and there are others that do the same job, though perhaps not quite as well, for a lot less money.
What We Like
I’m certainly a fan of the 360-degree screen rotation; it’s going to save me a lot of neck strain from cocking my head to see the display.
I also like saving my batteries, and the auto-sleep mode will help with that, especially when I forget to fold up the probe. Plus, the intelligent backlight is only on when I need it, as well as being nice and bright and easy to read in all lighting conditions.
Plus, I forget my gear outside occasionally, so knowing it’s IP67 waterproof gives me some peace of mind. It can sit out in the rain, and not be caused any damage.
Of course, mostly what I like about the Thermapen One is the speed and accuracy of the readings: Just 1 second to take a reading, and an accuracy of ±0.5 °F, which at the time of writing is the best in the industry. It even comes with a manufacturers certificate of calibration to prove it’s accuracy!
What Could Be Improved
Honestly, I really cannot find anything I would like to see improved. I own many instant-read thermometers having bought them for review, and this one is the best of the lot.
If being picky, the only problem that comes to mind with the Thermapen One is what to do with it when it’s not in my hand.
There’s no hole or string to hang it on a hook, and no magnet to stick it to a metal shelf or something. It doesn’t impact performance, but these are convenience features I’d expect to see at least one of on a thermometer of this quality and price point.
Naturally, Thermapen sells solutions separately, including a wall-mountable stainless steel bracket, a silicone sleeve with a magnet, and a faux leather holster.
I guess the price point of an MSRP over $100 could be a pain point, but considering the quality, speed, accuracy, and the 5-year warranty, you do get what you pay for.
Value for Money
The combination of features the Thermapen One offers — from the 360-degree LCD to near-total automation to extreme accuracy — sets it above the crowd. You sincerely do get what you pay for in this instance.
Again, though, it really is the Rolls Royce or the Maybach or the Maclaren of thermometers; extreme quality, but with a much higher price tag than almost everything else in this category. So if you don’t need or want this level of quality, your money is maybe better spent on another digital instant-read thermometer.
Is the Thermapen One a Recommended Product?
Yes! If you have the means, and only care to own the very finest equipment, go for it; you’ll love it.
As I said, I own one, and it’s probably going to become the one I rely on daily, with all others relegated to the bottom kitchen drawer, where things go when they’re unused but not yet ready for the trash bin.
With readings taken in a second or less, an accuracy of better than ±0.5 °F, and a host of features making use effortless — leaving you to concentrate fully on the task of cooking — you will struggle to find a better instant read thermometer.
Note: Thermoworks only sell through very limited outlets, and it’s always cheapest at the manufacturers own site.
Alternative Products
If, for some reason, you don’t fancy the Thermapen ONE, here are a couple of viable alternatives.
ChefsTemp X10
The ChefsTemp FinalTouch X10 has a high-quality build, durability, and user-friendly features, making it a top choice for a reliable, accurate, instant-read meat thermometer. It boasts a large, auto-rotating display and a 270° fold-out probe that, to my knowledge, exceeds any rivals, making it the most user-friendly for left-handed users.
IP67 rated, it’s also waterproof, making it suitable for grilling in all weathers and able to survive spills or any potential drops into the sink.
While the Thermapen One is known for speed and accuracy, the FinalTouch X10 comes reasonably close with ±1 °F accuracy and a read time of 1-2 seconds.
Despite the FinalTouch X10’s bulkier size, it is a Red Dot Design Award winner, combining aesthetic appeal with ergonomic functionality, making it a stylish and practical choice.
Both products are premium, but the FinalTouch X10 is considerably cheaper than the Thermapen One, so it’s a wise investment for those valuing functionality, durability, and design at a medium price point.
Click here for our detailed review and test results of the ChefsTemp X10.
Thermopro TP620
The ThermoPro TP620 thermometer is a great, affordable choice for people who want something fast, accurate, and tough at a lower price than the Thermapen One.
The TP620 can give a temperature reading in 1–3 seconds, which is fast enough for any grilling needs, and means you won’t lose much heat when you’re cooking or have your hands in the heat for too long.
The TP620 has an advertised accuracy of ±0.9 °F/0.5 °C, which proved to be correct in my tests. I say anything ±1 °F or better is sufficient for our needs.
The TP620 also has auto turn on and off, is waterproof, has a big and clear screen, and has an auto-rotating screen for left-handed users.
Although the Thermapen One clearly outperforms the TP620, the TP620 costs a good chunk less money. It is easily good enough for most people looking for a highly functional and reliable thermometer for a medium price.
For further details, check out our in depth review and test results of the TP620.
Conclusion
Just to say it one more time, I think the Thermapen One is a superior digital instant-read thermometer. It’s fast, it’s accurate, and loaded with features that make it a pleasure to use.
I totally get that it’s not for everyone. But, if you’re like me and you’re outside grilling and smoking almost daily, you’ll appreciate the cumulative time you save and the many ways it simplifies this vital part of barbecuing.
If you don’t think this is the right choice for you, I invite you to check out our reviews of the best digital instant-read thermometers available right now. I’m positive you’ll find a match for your needs and style.
As ever, you have my gratitude for trusting us with your BBQ needs and I hope to see you on our social channels. And don’t forget to browse the site for the best recipes, tricks, and reviews on the ‘net for everything barbecue.
I love how Thermoworks pays these sites to flood the market with positive ‘canned’ reviews, so they drown out any real user reviews. Hence, making the real reviews hard to find. Bottom line: Thermoworks Thermapen is a joke. It is neither accurate nor precise. If you want to chance food poisoning or undercooked/overcooked meat, then get one. Otherwise, save yourself $100+. I am speaking as a real user who used more than one of these thermometer pens and found all of them lacking. Bottom line is instant read thermometers will not give a consistent or accurate reading.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the Thermapen. Having diverse opinions and real user feedback is important, so I’m happy to open a discussion on it. And I can understand how frustrating it can be if this product hasn’t met your expectations.
Before I start, though, I want to make it clear that I have no connection to Thermapen. They have not paid me to do anything, and I purchased my Thermapen ONE out of my pocket and have given an honest review, written in my own words, after using and testing it extensively myself (the same as I did the Thermapen Mk4 and Mk3 in previous years, going back nearly a decade.)
I acknowledge that no product is perfect for everyone, and individual experiences can vary. However, as someone who owns over 30 different thermometers as I type, including nearly 10 instant-read models, I’ve found the Thermapen to be the most reliable, fastest, and accurate in my entire collection. Its performance is not just a claim; each Thermapen comes with a traceable calibration certificate, providing assurance of its precision right out of the box.
However, real-world use is more important than a bit of paper: Of all the instant reads I own, the Thermapen is the one I use daily and has consistently provided quick and accurate readings that match my expectations for speed and accuracy. It has never let me down in the over two years now that I owned and used it at the time of writing this reply.
I respect that your experience has been different, and it’s unfortunate that the Thermapen didn’t work out as well for you. I’m curious if you’ve reached out to Thermoworks for support or a potential replacement, as they might be able to address any issue you’ve had?