Is Thermoworks Feeling the Heat?

[Bruce]

Yep, I don't think Thermopro is the only economy competitor in this market. In fact, Thermopro might have their own competitors to worry about.

 

[JKalchik]

In fact, Thermopro might have their own competitors to worry about.

That's capitalism. No, IMO, that's not a bad thing.

I think both have their place in the market. I may have to to pick up a ThermoPro as a traveling device, if I lose it or damage it, I'll be much less unhappy than if I lost my ThermaPen. Kind of the difference between shop tools and trail tools. I wouldn't take Snap-On tools out offroading, that's for Harbor Freight tools.

 

[Brian B Atlanta]

Yep, I don't think Thermopro is the only economy competitor in this market. In fact, Thermopro might have their own competitors to worry about.

Amazing how many competitors there are in that economy market but you have to read carefully the descriptions among them since even going from 17 bucks to 25 might get you some things that you want. Here is one I bought not used it yet its 30 bucks but same deal they have now got 6 bucks off so roughly 25 with tax.

Amazon.com

So the difference in the one J posted is the Smartro has a rotating display like the Mk4 so if you are left handed that I assume has value to you. The Alpha has no certifications the Smartro is NSF certified for accuracy and the MK4 is as well. The Alpha says its waterproof but there are 2 or 3 reviews about problems that say that is not true one person left it in the rain and the display was shot. The Smartro has a picture where they drop it in a fishbowl which not sure I would do that but whatever.

I am just using the Alpha as an example of that 17-18 range which seems to be quite a few now on Amazon. If J is happy the price is good but there are some differences when you move up another 8-9 bucks. The Mk4 of course is a different beast money wise.

 

[Bruce]

Just like a lot of these chinese products. They are likely all made by one or two factories with essentially the same materials but just with different branding and maybe small changes in appearance.

 

[DanHoo]

My wife bought me a Thermapen 6 years ago. It has been rock solid up until about 3 months ago. It started flashing on/off upon opening. I put a new Panasonic battery in it...no change. I read about this one from a guy who had tested many of these Amazon available quick read devices. I bought 2. One for our beach home, one for primary. They are excellent and gave a lifetime warranty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S93EQUK/?tag=tvwb-20

@Jay D in Jersey I had similar issues and was able to clean it and get it working again. I wish I had seen this web page before I took it apart as I would have then known what I was doing.

Thermapen Rotating Hinge Contact Renewal

Over time, the grease within the rotating hinge of the Thermapen may dry out or become dirty, causing intermittent operation. This guide shows how...

www.ifixit.com

good luck.

 

[Jon Tofte]

What Do You Think of THIS ONE?

OK, so I caved and went for the new Thermopro TP620 thermometer. It was kind of the same "I wonder" thing that led me to buy way too many stainless grates so I could do the comparison study a couple years ago . Still, it was regularly $49.99 but currently $10.00 off. Throw in some Discover points, and I only paid $10 to satisfy my curiosity. This new thermometer is clearly in the same family as the TP19H that I already had and like very much. With this new model, they addressed a few minor issues while bringing together the superior thermocouple sensor of one of their other designs, with the strong positives of the TP19H.

First, the packaging was very nice, becoming of a more expensive unit. They even threw in a small screwdriver to open the battery door which, like the TP19H, is lined with a rubber seal. This unit is advertised as totally washable in running water. I think the AAA battery is a great choice compared to those round batteries. I recommend using Lithium batteries to protect your investment.





The display is a bright LED readout. Whether you like it better than the yellow backlit version on the TP19H probably depends on your taste. In my view, the switch to red and black is a lot more stylish. The Thermoworks MK4 seems a little bland to me, but I do really like that they offer a whole array of colors. On this ThermoPro, it is a take it or leave it proposition.



This new model has a slightly longer needle; the "no slip" grip on top is a nice touch. The opening to hang up the thermometer is improved and now larger on this new design, but both of these units have built in magnets which can be very convenient.

Here are both the TP620 and TP19H in comparison:




I hope to put this new unit to the real test soon.

ANYBODY COMING TO THE UPPER MIDWEST MEET HAVE AN MK4?
If so, please bring so we can all compare. I will bring both of my ThermoPro units.

A FINAL NOTE:

I am also the owner of a Thermoworks Smoke and their Thermopop. Both are extremely fine units. I absolutely LOVE my Smoke! Thermoworks is one very fine company and a supporter of TVWBB. But, as Chris mentioned, that doesn't mean we can't compare other products and make the best decision for our individual situation. I like experimenting and evaluating as objectively as possible. I appreciate that ThermoPro seems to be trying to be more than just an importer of "off brand" junk but rather to be a friend of serious BBQers like us. Their most recent products seem to be very competitive, and it could be argued in some ways are raising the bar in style and construction.

Amazon.com

 

[Jon Tofte]

FIGHTING BACK

I received another email ad from Thermoworks. This one is even more direct in its counterattack on the many "knockoff" competitors that I suspect have to be cutting into Thermoworks' market share. Check this one out (note the ThermoPro TP 19H (orange-bottom center) prominently included, with logo showing, in the pile of "knockoffs"):

 

[Bob Correll]

I received another email ad from Thermoworks.

In that same email, this sounds like a new model might be coming out??
"We’ve got some big news coming... but first we’re closing out our Thermapen Mk4, the #1-rated cooking thermometer on the market. Get yours today for its lowest price of $69."

Chris will probably post a TVWBB link to the sale soon.

 

[Bruce]

It will be interesting to see what they have as "Big News". If they are indeed updating, redesigning or replacing the MK4, my guess is that it won't be anything less expensive as a way to compete with the "knockoff market". I think putting out an updated and seemingly superior product and pricing it lower than the MK4 would disappoint a lot of MK4 owners.

I am interested to see what their "Big News" actually is.

 

[A Lee]

My wife bought me a Thermapen 6 years ago. It has been rock solid up until about 3 months ago. It started flashing on/off upon opening. I put a new Panasonic battery in it...no change. I read about this one from a guy who had tested many of these Amazon available quick read devices. I bought 2. One for our beach home, one for primary. They are excellent and gave a lifetime warranty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S93EQUK/?tag=tvwb-20

I bought one that looks just like that but was branded Smak. It was cheap and measures fine but the build quality felt really sub-par. I regret wasting money on this.

On the other hand, I have a couple Javelin Pro Duo's that cost me double the price of the cheap ones, but the build quality feels light years better. I think they're the happy medium between the cheapo ones and a thermapen. Some of the thermopro ones also look decent but the better models don't seem to be available where I am.

 

[Jon Tofte]

If I were making the decisions at Thermoworks, I wouldn't try to compete on price, other than maybe what they are doing with some sales now and then. Instead, I would come out with a flashier looking instant read, but still top drawer quality like their current offerings. One thing l like about the new TP620 that I posted above is that it LOOKS professional and high tech. I understand that in the end, that isn't the top consideration. But, if you are spending $40 or even $90, your device ought to have some style!

 

[Bruce]

Exactly Jon. I think this is a lot like the Weber vs Chinesium grills. Rather than Weber dumbing down their products to compete in the lower price market, I think they are better off staying with what got them to the prominence they currently hold and holding on to their reputation. This is something they are struggling with however after making the decision to move a lot of their manufacturing to China.

Thermoworks would be wise to maintain their quality and provide what many consider to be top line products at corresponding prices, rather than dive down and try to compete with the pile of "knock offs". There are just too many of them and the profit margin has to be fairly slim. They need to look for the buyers who want the best and are willing to pay for it.

 

[THyde]

I still like the Meater a lot. I hope it gets its time at your Midwest Meet Up! Best weather, and may all of your propane tanks and charcoal bags be full!

 

[Chad-Burnt to a T]

My wife bought me a Thermapen 6 years ago. It has been rock solid up until about 3 months ago. It started flashing on/off upon opening. I put a new Panasonic battery in it...no change. I read about this one from a guy who had tested many of these Amazon available quick read devices. I bought 2. One for our beach home, one for primary. They are excellent and gave a lifetime warranty: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S93EQUK/?tag=tvwb-20

It should be registered. Call em up and see what they will do before you buy something else.

 

[Chad-Burnt to a T]

If I can get something from other than China I'll do it all day long. Don't care how much I can save. In the end it's worth it to me.

 

[Rich Dahl]

I'm kinda done with Thermoworks. I've bought four of the big and loud timers and they do what I need but just don't last. The first one died between two and three years once the alarm goes off you can't get it to shut off. Now the second one is doing the same thing and it's not like they get used every day. Hell I've got timers I've had for twenty years I spent less than ten bucks for that still work. I also bought a MK4 last time they were on sale and was very disappointed to find out it didn't have a light for night use. Even my Thermopops have lights at half the price and they are just about as fast as the MK4.
I like my smoke but it's not that much better than my 8 year old Maverick and both read the same temps +-1 or 2 degrees.

 

[Bob Correll]

I also bought a MK4 last time they were on sale and was very disappointed to find out it didn't have a light for night use.

My MK4 has an auto light feature, there's a sensor on the display side.
The Classic doesn't have a light.

 

[Lynn Dollar]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1404546715823312897

 

[Chad-Burnt to a T]

I'm kinda done with Thermoworks. I've bought four of the big and loud timers and they do what I need but just don't last. The first one died between two and three years once the alarm goes off you can't get it to shut off. Now the second one is doing the same thing and it's not like they get used every day. Hell I've got timers I've had for twenty years I spent less than ten bucks for that still work. I also bought a MK4 last time they were on sale and was very disappointed to find out it didn't have a light for night use. Even my Thermopops have lights at half the price and they are just about as fast as the MK4.
I like my smoke but it's not that much better than my 8 year old Maverick and both read the same temps +-1 or 2 degrees.

All my mk4 are back lit. You must have gotten a classic.

 

[Rich Dahl]

My MK4 has an auto light feature, there's a sensor on the display side.
The Classic doesn't have a light.

Your right I had MK4 on my mind from reading it, mine is a classic.