The Thermapen One instant-read thermometer is our Test Kitchen's most trusted tool
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The Thermapen One Is Our Test Kitchen’s Favorite Instant-Read Thermometer
Updated on Apr. 11, 2025
Even the grandmaster grill masters and the handiest home chefs need a little help figuring out when that roast chicken is ready, or when that T-bone is at a precise medium-rare.
If you’ve been a Taste Recipes reader for a while, you’ve likely gotten the hint that our Test Kitchen loves Thermapen products for cooking up *chef’s kiss* perfect cuts of protein. But if we had to choose just one essential kitchen gadget from the line, it’s the Thermapen One, an instant-read thermometer we simply can’t cook without.
What is the Thermapen One?
How “instant” is the Thermapen One instant meat thermometer? Glad you asked. It takes less than one second to get an accurate reading. One second!
Simply hold the handle and fold out the metal thermometer. Insert the needle in the protein you’re preparing, and voila! You have an accurate internal temperature reading. In fact, it takes longer to say, “Who’s ready to eat?” than to find out whether the feast is actually ready to eat.
TASTE OF HOME
Thermapen One
With the ability to detect the temperature of any food (especially meat) in less than one second, this is one of the most valuable tools any griller, BBQer and/or steak lover could ever have.
How We Tested It
Our Test Kitchen has used ThermoWorks products to test and develop reader recipes for over 15 years. It’s one of the tools our cooks can’t live without.
In our individual testing, we used the Thermapen One across several weeks and dozens of meals, utilizing it every time we had the opportunity. We used it to check the internal temperature of multiple beef steaks, burgers, chicken breasts, fish fillets, pork cuts and even roasted carrots. We paid special attention to its overall convenience, speed, accuracy, durability and more.
Pros
- Incredibly fast and accurate
- Easy-to-read display
- Available in 11 different colors
- Five-year warranty automatically included
Cons
- Expensive for a single-function device
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Take it from these very satisfied customers to see why this grilling accessory earns our shopping experts’ and Test Kitchen’s seal of approval.
“Whether I’m grilling, cooking or baking, the Thermapen One is always in my back pocket,” shares Taste Recipes‘s Prep Kitchen Manager, Catherine Ward. “Its speed and accuracy mean I don’t have to rely on the feel of the meat for doneness, which is something professionals and home cooks alike will certainly benefit from. The display is bright and easy to read, even without my cheater glasses.”
“The best! Worth every penny,” adds five-star reviewer, Alison H. “Simple and reliable. No buttons, no beeping, and no Wi-Fi required. We have our own, and we gave one as a gift. Recipients are equally enthusiastic.”
“I should have bought this years ago,” writes Shawn W. “Stop guessing on the temp or using cheaper thermometers like I did for years that took 20-30 seconds for temperature readings.”
Product Comparison
Is Thermapen One Worth Paying $20 More Than the Classic?
Perhaps the best method of comparison is to put it up against a long-time fan-favorite auto thermometer, the original Thermapen. The Thermapen One is a whopping three times faster than the original Thermapen, able to read internal temperatures in under a single second. It’s also 30% more accurate, boasting a variance of just ±0.5°F. This makes it among the fastest and most accurate in the entire industry. While it’s a lot more expensive than other thermometers, its high technology, accuracy and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who likes to cook regularly.
Thermapen One vs. Generic
While Thermapen One looks like many meat thermometers on the market, it excels in numerous areas where cheaper thermometers simply cannot compare. In general, buyers seem to feel really strongly that the Thermapen One seriously outperforms generic-brand meat thermometers, with tons of reviewers saying that they wish they’d just spent the money outright. (Buy once, cry once, am I right?)
As one Redditor put it, it “depends if you want the best or if you want something that works.” We feel that! In our testing, we found it to be one of the best meat thermometers, and certainly one of the best instant-read meat thermometers. Its lightning-fast readings and spot-on accuracy make it worth every dollar over a generic brand option.
Thermapen One vs. Fireboard Spark
The Fireboard Spark is another popular meat thermometer. Like the Thermapen One, it’s an instant-read thermometer with a digital readout. While we haven’t had the chance to try it out in our test kitchen yet, we’ve dug deep into customer reviews to find out how it performs generally. We may update this after we get our hands on it, but our research reveals that the Thermapen One is more universally liked by customers than the Fireboard Spark. Customer reviews indicate that the Spark doesn’t match the Thermapen One’s accuracy and that the readout can be faulty. We’ll be sure to update this with our honest thoughts after we test it ourselves.
Where to Buy the Thermapen One
TASTE OF HOME
Thermapen One
An outstanding, essential tool for all grillers, BBQers and meat-lovers alike, this handheld 0.25-pound device can nearly instantly read the internal temperature of any food. If you like burgers and steaks (or know someone who does), this is a must-have.
The Thermapen One is available on the Thermoworks website for $109 (but it frequently goes on sale for far less). You can also get it on Amazon. Considering how much time (and sanity) this genius little gadget saves, it’s a well-worth-it investment for home cooks and serious pit masters.
FAQ
Is Thermapen One worth it?
If you frequently cook burgers, steaks, chicken, fish or any other meat that has to reach a certain internal temperature before it’s safe to eat, the Thermapen One is absolutely worth it. This device is one of the most accurate, convenient, simple to use and durable tools in your toolkit.
What is the difference between Thermapen and Thermapen One?
The chief difference between these two devices is the internal tech. Specifically, the Thermapen One is three times faster and 30% more accurate than the standard Thermapen—making it worth the upgrade if you can swing the price difference.
Why are Thermapens so expensive?
Thermapens use high-quality materials and advanced technology for fast, accurate readings, which makes them a premium product.
Can a Thermapen one be calibrated?
Yes, the Thermapen One can be recalibrated to ensure long-term accuracy.
Why did my Thermapen stop working?
The most likely reason your Thermapen stopped working is because it needs new batteries, but it’s also possible that there is an issue with the electrical components inside. You may need to send it in for repair, which may or may not be covered by the warranty. If it’s not, ThermoWorks offers repair services for $40. You can learn more in the Thermapen troubleshooting guide.
Why You Should Trust Us
Barbara Bellesi Zito is a shopping writer with nearly two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics focusing on home improvement, lawn and garden trends, DIY and decor, and products that help readers transform their houses (or apartments) into homes. Along with her work at Taste Recipes, her byline has appeared in trusted publications, including Yahoo, Forbes, MSN, USA Today, Bustle, U.S. World and News Report and many more.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste Recipes, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
