So you’re shopping for the best thermometer for your needs and budget? When it comes to kitchen thermometers, there’s no debate that Thermoworks makes the best of the best. You’ll find their products in professional restaurants, test kitchens, and at the top of almost every review article.
Both the Thermapen ONE and ThermoPop 2 are among the best probe thermometers available. There’s no wrong choice between the two, so my goal is to help you decide which one is better for your specific needs and budget.
When it comes to cooking perfectly done meats and achieving consistent results in the kitchen, temperature accuracy is a high priority. After years of using both the Thermapen ONE and ThermoPop 2, I’m sharing my comparison to help you make the right choice for your cooking needs.
TLDR Summary
The Thermapen ONE ($109) is the premium choice with 1-second readings and ±0.5°F accuracy – ideal for serious cooks, grill masters, and those who want the absolute best. The ThermoPop 2 ($35) is the budget-friendly choice that’s still incredibly accurate (±1.0°F) with 2-3 second readings – perfect for most home cooks.
Both are waterproof and feature easy-to-read rotating displays. If budget isn’t a concern, get the Thermapen ONE. For everyone else, the ThermoPop 2 is an exceptional value that will serve you well.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Feature | Thermapen ONE | ThermoPop 2 |
---|---|---|
Reading Speed | 1 second | 2-3 seconds |
Accuracy | ±0.5°F | ±1.0°F |
Display | Auto-rotating, backlit | Auto-rotating, button-activated backlight |
Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof |
Special Features | Auto-sensing backlight | Integrated clip |
Price (MSRP) | $109.00 | $35 |
Key Differences in Real-World Use
Let’s look at how the differences actually matter when cooking at home.
Speed
In my side-by-side ice water test, both thermometers performed great. While the Thermapen ONE’s one-second reading speed is technically faster, the difference is barely noticeable in most cooking scenarios. However, there are specific situations where that speed advantage becomes crucial (more about this further down).
Design and Usability
The Thermapen ONE features a fold-out design with smooth operation and no buttons. It automatically turns on when the probe is extended and turns off automatically as well. Its auto-sensing backlight activates in low-light conditions, and while it lacks a clip, it fits comfortably in a pocket.
The ThermoPop 2 features a pen-style design with an integrated clip on the probe holder. Its backlight requires manual activation by pressing the button, but the display is equally clear and features the same auto-rotating digits for easy reading at any angle as the Thermapen ONE.
Why Fast Reading Speed Matters
While a 1-2 second difference might not sound significant, it can make a real difference in several cooking scenarios:
1. Finding the Perfect Doneness in Steaks
When checking steak temperatures, you need to find the coolest part of the meat (usually the center) to ensure proper doneness. This requires slowly pulling the probe through the meat while watching the temperature. With the Thermapen ONE’s instant readings, you can pinpoint that lowest temperature with precision. The ThermoPop 2’s slight delay makes this technique more challenging.
2. Managing Heat Loss at the Grill
Every second your grill’s lid is open, you’re losing valuable heat. When cooking multiple items (like several steaks or chicken pieces), those seconds add up. The Thermapen ONE’s faster readings mean you can check temperatures and close the lid faster, maintaining more consistent cooking temperatures and keeping the smoke in the smoker.
3. High-Volume Cooking
If you’re cooking for a crowd or checking multiple dishes, those extra seconds per reading multiply quickly. Whether you’re grilling 8 burgers or checking a dozen chicken breasts, the Thermapen ONE’s speed advantage becomes more noticeable.
4. Working with Hot Oil
When deep frying or checking oil temperature, faster readings mean less time hovering over hot oil. The Thermapen ONE’s instant reading helps you get your hand in and out of the danger zone more quickly.
Who Should Buy Each Model?
Choose the ThermoPop 2 if:
- You’re working with a tighter budget.
- You need a reliable, accurate thermometer for everyday cooking and reading speed isn’t a priority.
- You prefer a pen-style design with a clip.
Choose the Thermapen ONE if:
- You’re serious about precision cooking.
- You frequently grill or smoke meats.
- You want the highest possible accuracy and speed.
- Budget isn’t a primary concern.
- You appreciate professional-grade kitchen tools and want the best of the best.
The Verdict
The ThermoPop 2 is an exceptional value, offering professional-grade accuracy and reliability at a very affordable price point. For most home cooks, it’s more than adequate for achieving excellent results in the kitchen.
However, if you’re passionate about cooking and can justify the investment, the Thermapen ONE’s faster reading speed, accuracy, and the feel of the form factor make it the ultimate choice.
For cooking enthusiasts who like to have all the tools, having both thermometers isn’t redundant – keep one by the grill and another in the kitchen. They also make thoughtful gifts for anyone serious about improving their cooking skills.
Whether you choose the ThermoPop 2 or invest in the Thermapen ONE, either is going to be a significant upgrade and one of your most-used tools in the kitchen. The ability to cook to precise temperatures will transform your results in the kitchen, making better food and with much less stress at the same time.
Best of the Best!
Thermapen ONE
Fast and accurate 1-second readings with a simple, easy-to-use design.
MSRP: $109.95
Best Value!
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
A must-have budget-friendly probe meat thermometer that is almost as good as a Thermapen.
MSRP: $35.00
Why Trust This Review?
Having used Thermoworks thermometers for over a decade, including the earlier Thermapen Mk4, I can confidently say these are the gold standard in kitchen thermometers. Leading test kitchens and professional review sites consistently rate these thermometers as the best in class for accuracy and reliability.