Probe thermometer problems


 
Travis D

Travis D

TVWBB Member
I bought a few cheap ($20) PC brand probe thermometers a while back to use for bbqing. I've noticed the temps are sometimes way off. If the probe isn't fully inserted into the meat they seem to be picking up the temp of the cooker. I did a small pork shoulder yesterday and the probe thermometer was reading 208f. When I checked the temps with my instaread the meat was only in the 170's. Is this a common problem or is it my cheap probes?

This also explains why my pork shoulders have been stringy and tough even though the probe reads up to 220f internal temp. The big lesson learned, go by feel not by temperature.
 
Yeah a lot of the cheap thermometers have issues like that from what I have read from this board and other reviews.
 
This is typical. I had both of my mavricks go south at the same time. I've had them for years and they've seen too much abuse.

In a pinch I got a couple of cheapo probes...about $18 each. The problem of it grabbing the temp of the cooker seems to be the same issue I have with the one I got.

The Mav's are on the way, but this is one of the cases where you get what you pay for.
 
Go to bed bath and beyond and get a nice polder digital thermometer. Or online, but that brand works well for me.
 
I'll second the vote for Polders. I've got a Polder that I've been using at home for years. It has stood up to all of my mistakes and is still going strong.

When I bought thermos for competition, Thermoworks was running a BOGO deal so I went that way. It's been about a year now and they are still doing well.

Biggest comment I can make is DO NOT immerse the probes in water when you are cleaning. That is the fastest way I know to ruin them.

Russ
 
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