Features:

  • 1-3 second ultra-fast response time with an accuracy better than ±0.9°F.
  • Large 2" auto-rotating ambidextrous backlit display and IP65 splash-proof construction.
  • Intelligent stabilization alert and read-out hold function with integrated magnet for convenient storage.
  • Used by professional chefs, BBQ competitors, cooking show hosts, and award-winning baristas.
  • NSF certified superior build quality like nothing else on the market. Backed by an industry-leading 3-year limited warranty.
Can Lavatools Javelin PRO compete with Thermoworks at half the price?

I review a lot of instant read thermometers. As you likely know, the Thermopen is the gold standard for accuracy and speed. See my photo to see the Javelin Pro up against the Thermopen and two less expensive brands. Do I like the Javelin just as well? The answer is: Almost. Read on for a more detailed comparison. I’m an avid BBQ guy and an admitted barbeque junkie. I’ve done very detailed tests on several brands, including the holy grail--the Thermapen. How well does this “Javelin” compete? Very well indeed. SPEED: The Javelin is not quite as fast, but faster than the other brands pictured. In real world use, the small speed advantage of the Thermapen, including the newest MK4, does not matter. ACCURACY? The Javelin Pro is right on. No wories FEATURES AND RELIABILITY: The battery is readily available, inexpensive and easy to change. This is my second Javelin Pro and I have had zero reliability issues. Both of my Thermapens have run into issues over time requiring service at a fee of $30. Its numbers are nice and big like Thermapen and its backlight is super helpful when needed. WHAT ABOUT CONS? One of the Javelin’s touted features is annoying to me. The ability to rotate sometimes means the numbers rotate direction when I don’t want them to. ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: If money is no object, I prefer the Thermapen by a hair. But for half the price, the Javelin Pro does not disappoint. I highly recommend it, especially in Chipotle or Orange. If you are not sure if you want to pony up nearly $50 for the Javelin Pro, you can find other very nice instant read thermometers as low as about $13. The less expensive ones are not quite as quick, typically have slightly smaller numbers, and shorter warranties, but still do an admirable job.

Equal to Thermapen

My last thermometer was a Thermapen. Within 6 months, a piece of rubber gasket between two red plastic shells started popping out. I couldn't fix it so that thermometer wasn't waterproof anymore. So I tried this one. The speed of the temperature reading is as quick, and maybe quicker than the Thermapen, and the quality seems to be identical, except that I haven't had any gasket issues. If I ever were to buy another instant read thermometer, whether for myself or another person, I would buy this one.

It REALLY DOES Do What it Says it Will

Small, light, easy to use, can be used in either hand. It has a back-light and with a flick of the wrist it will come on. It has a magnet making it easy to stick to the side of an appliance for a quick grab and test. It will display in F or C as you prefer. If you REALLY need the accuracy, you can toggle it to show 1/10th degrees. One thing left to point out; the probe's tip it very sharp. I carefully keep it pointed in any direction except towards me when I have it open and not in the item being checked. So far I haven't stabbed myself.

Best thermometer you can get without breaking the bank

I was a bit skeptical at first, having never used this brand and everyone always touting the Thermapen as the only food thermometer to buy. However, after a few uses (fried chicken, tea steeping), I am extremely happy with this. The readings are fast (3-4 sec, as advertised) and accurate (tested on boiling water close to sea-level). Even the features that I didn't know I wanted have quickly become must haves for me. The rotating display is VERY responsive and useful. And the magnet lets me keep the thermometer handy and then store it right on the side of my fridge. I can't recommend this thermometer more!

Great Kitchen Thermometer

I purchased this thermometer right before Thanksgiving as an upgrade to my old thermometer. I love all the features: long probe, fast read, simple design, big and clear display that rotates so you can always read the number the right way regardless how you hold the thermometer (super useful for lefties). The only flaw (if you are really picky) is the magnetic strip at the back isn't that strong so it doesn't stick to the fridge that well. (Maybe it's just my fridge?) I keep it in the drawer so it's not a problem for me. Overall, this is a really good product and I highly recommend to any cook.

Not cheap, but you get what you pay for

I bought this digital thermometer after trying another digital thermometer for one-quarter the cost. I believe that this LavaTools Javelin Pro is worth the extra money. It is very well made; it responds almost instantly; it has a backlit display that's easy to read; and it's usable in either hand (when a lefty like me uses it, the display automatically flips over). I am very satisfied with it, and believe that the extra bucks were well spent.

Superb Thermometer

I've had my thermometer over a year now, and bought another as a Christmas gift. Very accurate, easy to store and use. Functions I really like are that it's magnetic, that it opens at all sorts of angles, and that it's quite pointy, making it effortless to probe meats. I have used it a handful of times on candy, instead of an actual candy thermometer, and it's worked out just fine. I also use it to test water temperature for bread making and it's never failed me. I even have tested my own temperature with it when not feeling well, and yep, it was accurate! If you've been looking for a reliable kitchen thermometer, look no further.

As someone who subscribes to Meathead's Amazing Ribs website

As someone who subscribes to Meathead's Amazing Ribs website, I've learned the value of accurately measuring the temperature of the meat you're cooking. That website recommends the Thermapen MK4 for quickly measuring temperatures. While I'm sure it's a great piece of equipment, the price was just a little too much for me. After doing some research, I determined this would do the job, and be much more affordable. I am glad I made that decision! This is a solid piece of equipment (I've already dropped it and no issues), and the built in light makes the display easy to read when you're grilling or smoking in the dark. Yes, there are other pen-style thermometers available at even lower prices, but In my mind, this product is priced right for the quality you get. Buy it...you won't be sorry!

I Can't Go Back

I've used this thermometer to cook a couple hundred steaks so far. Every one of them has come out perfectly, and I can't imagine going back to using a knife. My first time using it was for a work dinner, and the GM's eyes lit up when he cut into a perfect medium rare+ steak. The back-lighting works well at night, and it doesn't seem to put a strain on the battery. The magnetic mount keeps it attached to the side of my microwave, and it is always ready to go at a moments notice. It is also handy when cooking roasts and casseroles, and I haven't over/under-cooked one yet.

A must for any kitchen!

I recently purchased this as an Amazon Prime deal and my guess is red isn't a very popular color for this thermometer because that's the only color they had available for the deal. After being an owner and frequent user of the smaller and less equipped lavatools javelin I jumped at the deal because color is trivial and I'm a "form follows function" kind of guy. If you grill frequently and aren't using a different type of probe thermometer just buy this. If you work in a restaurant and can't make up your mind between this or the thermapen, BUY THIS! Being an owner of both the thermapen and the javelin Pro I can say this is the better buy and I wish I wouldn't have wasted the money on the thermapen. The javelin Pro Duo is a must for anyone working in a restaurant environment or frequently grilling in the dark. My favorite feature is the 2 inch antifog, light up display that automatically changes orientation for easy reading no matter how you're inserting the probe. The light on the display can be activated simply by shaking the thermometer which is great if you're wearing oven mitts. The thermometer also has a hold button which allows you to insert the thermometer into hard-to-reach places and take an accurate temperature without sticking your face in a grill or an oven. The auto shut-off with motion sensor wake is great for saving battery when you get in a hurry and throw the thermometer down to pull your food out which I've done more often than I care to admit. Last but definitely not least the thermometer is water sealed which is another feature I've "tested" after my girlfriend knocked it into a sink full of water and it still works as good as the day I bought it. TL;DR this thing is a Workhorse that will last you a lifetime. If you don't need the features of the javelin pro Duo the javelin is great at a cheaper price point but if you want a professional grade thermometer spend the money and get this because you won't be disappointed.

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