The ThermoPro TP-19 is a versatile and accurate folding instant-read food thermometer that is perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs. With its bright rotating display, easy-to-use design, and fast temperature response, this thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the features and performance of the ThermoPro TP-19 and see how it stacks up against other food thermometers on the market.
- The ThermoPro TP-19 and the Thermapen are both great instant-read thermometer options, but the TP-19 has added features to try and compete with the Thermapen
- Point of difference is the price, but the TP-19 also offers 100% waterproofing, a magnetic back for easy storage, and an extra year warranty
- Speed is important for low-and-slow cooking and meat smoking, both the TP-19 and the Thermapen give 2-3 second readings and are both ultra fast
- Both thermometers are highly accurate, but the Thermapen is slightly more precise, measuring ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F and the TP-19 measures ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F
- The TP-19 is completely waterproof and can be rinsed under the tap while the Thermapen is only water-resistant with an IP 66/67 rating
- The TP-19 has a magnetic back which allows you to store it on the side of the grill or any other metal surface and make it less likely to be knocked over.
- The TP-19 has an easy-to-read display that rotates 180 degrees, Thermapen doesn’t have this feature
- Both the ThermoPro TP-19 and the Thermapen are great options but the TP-19’s added features make it a more versatile tool and its price point makes it a more budget-friendly option.
The ThermoPro TP-19 is an excellent tool for any home cook or professional chef. This folding instant-read food thermometer is incredibly easy to use and features a bright rotating display that makes it easy to read the temperature in any lighting situation.
One of the standout features of the ThermoPro TP-19 is its ability to be rinsed under running water, which makes it very easy to clean. However, it’s important to note that it can not be left in food while it’s cooking.
When you pull the probe away from the thermometer’s body, it automatically turns on and stays on for 90 seconds before shutting off. If you pick up the thermometer again with the probe extended, it will turn back on. This is a great feature that saves you battery and the time to keep turning it on. The probe also unfolds up to 180°, which is perfect for most situations, but if you’re a left-handed user, you might find that the probe doesn’t rotate as much as you’d like. But don’t worry, the display can be flipped so you can read it upside down.
| Feature | ThermoPro TP-19 | Thermapen |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | 32 to 572°F (0 to 300°C) | -58 to 572°F (-50 to 300°C) |
| Temperature accuracy | ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F | ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F |
| Probe length | 4.7 inches (12cm) | 4.5 inches (11.4cm) |
| Response time | 2-3 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| Waterproof rating | IPX7 | IP66/IP67 (water-resistant) |
| Battery | 1x AAA (included) | 1x AAA (included) |
| Warranty | 1 year (extendable to 3 years with product registration) | 3 years |
| Additional features | Magnetic back, 180-degree rotating display, lock button | Auto-rotating display, backlit display, min/max temperature memory |
Another great feature is the “Lock” button that allows you to capture the current temperature and display it for 5 seconds. This is especially useful if you’re cooking something that requires a specific temperature. There is also another button on the back that allows you to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit. On the back, there is also a magnet so you can stick it on a cool metallic surface for easy access.
The ThermoPro TP-19 is known for its outstanding temperature accuracy and fast response. If for any reason you think the accuracy might be suspect, you can recalibrate it with an ice bath and follow the instructions provided in the manual.
The thermometer runs on a single AAA battery that is supplied and easy to replace. The thermometer comes with a one-year limited warranty, which can be extended to three years upon product registration. In case you need customer service, the instructions manual has phone number and an e-mail address. The instructions are in English and French.
All in all, the ThermoPro TP-19 is a well-made unit with excellent performance that should stand up well in the cooking environment. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and provides accurate and fast temperature readings. It’s a great addition to any kitchen.
Tp 19 vs. Thermapen
The ThermoPro TP19 instant-read thermometer is the best Thermapen alternative on the market. Thermometer company ThermoPro wanted to make an instant-read that could do everything a Thermapen could do, but for a fraction of the cost. The TP19 matches the Thermapen in every category, plus has some additional features such as 100% waterproofing, a magnetic back and a longer warranty. The market leader Thermapen makes a 90% profit on every thermometer, which explains the hefty price tag. Rival thermometer company ThermoPro set out to make less profit with the TP19, but give users a high performing thermometer to match the Thermapen. I’ll compare the two thermometers and show you how the TP19 matches up to the Thermapen.
Thermapen:
ThermoPro TP-19:
- Temperature range: 32 to 572°F (0 to 300°C)
- Temperature accuracy: ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F
- Probe length: 4.7 inches (12cm)
- Response time: 2-3 seconds
- Waterproof rating: IPX7
- Battery: 1x AAA (included)
- Warranty: 1 year (extendable to 3 years with product registration)
- Additional features: magnetic back, 180-degree rotating display, lock button
Thermapen:
- Temperature range: -58 to 572°F (-50 to 300°C)
- Temperature accuracy: ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F
- Probe length: 4.5 inches (11.4cm)
- Response time: 2-3 seconds
- Waterproof rating: IP66/IP67 (water-resistant, not completely waterproof)
- Battery: 1x AAA (included)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Additional features: auto-rotating display, backlit display, min/max temperature memory
As you can see, both the ThermoPro TP-19 and the Thermapen are highly accurate and have a fast response time of 2-3 seconds. The Thermapen has a wider temperature range, but the TP-19 is completely waterproof, has a magnetic back for easy storage and an additional extra year warranty. The Thermapen has the advantage of an auto-rotating display, backlit display and the ability to save Min/Max temperature. Both of them are great options, it depends on what you’re looking for in a thermometer.
The TP19 thermometer was created to rival the Thermapen as the best instant-read meat thermometer, but for a fraction of the cost. The Thermapen is universally recognized as the king of instant-read meat thermometers, but it’s also the most expensive. The $100 Thermapen price tag is justifiable if you’re a professional chef, but it’s a lot of money for a thermometer if you’re only a weekend barbecuer. In my search to find the best Thermapen alternative, I discovered the TP19, an affordable thermometer to rival the Thermapen made by ThermoPro, a highly reputable thermometer company.
If you’re in the market for an instant-read thermometer, you’ve probably come across the ThermoPro TP-19 and the Thermapen. Both are great options, but the TP-19 has added a few features to try and compete with the Thermapen as the best instant-read thermometer. The biggest point of difference is the price, but the TP-19 also offers 100% waterproofing, a magnetic back for easy storage, and an extra year warranty.
When it comes to speed, both the TP-19 and the Thermapen are incredibly fast. The TP-19 is equipped with a thermocouple sensor that can give 2-3 second readings, just like the Thermapen. This is especially important for low-and-slow cooking and meat smoking, where thermometer speed is vital. Often you need a quick internal meat temperature check, but you need to close the lid of the smoker/grill as fast as possible to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Both thermometers are highly accurate, but the Thermapen is slightly more precise, measuring ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F, while the TP-19 measures ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F. If you want to test the accuracy of a thermometer, the best way to do it is by performing an ice bath test.
When it comes to waterproofing, the TP-19 is completely waterproof and can be rinsed under the tap, while the Thermapen is only water-resistant with an IP 66/67 rating, which means it’s protected from water immersion for 30-minutes up to 1 meter. While both thermometers can handle a rinse under the tap, the TP-19’s waterproofing is an added bonus.
Another handy feature of the TP-19 is its magnetic back, which allows you to store it on the side of the grill or any other metal surface. This is especially useful when things get hectic and thermometers can get knocked around or dropped. You can keep the TP-19 secured to your grill shelf or rack without worrying about it getting knocked off.
The TP-19 also features an easy-to-read display that rotates 180 degrees, so you can read the temperature no matter how you hold the thermometer. While the Thermapen doesn’t have this feature, it’s a nice addition that makes the TP-19 even more user-friendly.
Overall, both the ThermoPro TP-19 and the Thermapen are great options for an instant-read thermometer. The TP-19’s added features make it a more versatile tool and its price point makes it a more budget-friendly option.
Thermopro TP19 Specifications
| Read Speed | 2-3 Seconds |
| Temperature Range | 58°F~572°F (-50°C~300°C) |
| Accuracy | ±0.9°F(±0.5°C) from 14 to 212°F |
| Auto Sleep Mode | After 90 seconds |
| Auto Rotating Display | 180° |
| Waterproof | 100% |
| Backlight | 2″ backlit display |
| Price | Check Latest Price |
What is the TP19?
The ThermoPro TP19 is one of the newest thermometers to compete with the Thermapen, and uses a thermocouple sensor, so it is super fast like the Thermapen. The TP19 has all the features of the Thermapen, but without the hefty price tag.
- Motion Sensor Sleep/Wake Mode
- Waterproof
- Auto Rotating Display
- Fast Thermocouple Sensor (2-3 Second Reads)
- On/Off Retractable Probe
- Magnetic
How Much is The TP19?
The best thing about the TP19 is its affordability, selling for about $30 (see the latest price on Amazon). The TP19 may be $70 cheaper than market leader the Thermapen, but that doesn’t mean the TP19 is not a quality thermometer. According to the company that makes the TP19, rival thermometers like the Thermapen work on a 90% profit margin, which is why the cost is so high. ThermoPro wanted to pass on the savings to users by making a similar thermometer, but take less profit for themselves. ThermoPro is a well-known company that has produced some of the best-selling thermometers on the market. The ThermoPro TP20 is still the number one selling wireless thermometer on Amazon. ThermoWorks has a more affordable version of the Thermapen with the Classic Thermapen, which is an older version. The Classic Thermapen costs about $20 less than the Thermapen MK4, but you will give up a few features. See the latest price of the Classic Thermapen here and the Thermapen MK4 here.
TP19 vs ThermaPen MK4 – A Side-By-Side Comparison
| Specifications | ThermaPen MK4 | ThermoPro TP19 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $30 |
| Speed | 2-3 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| Accuracy | ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F | ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F |
| Temperature Range | -58.0 to 572.0°F | -58°F~572°F |
| Probe Size | 4.3 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Display Size | 1 H x 1.54 W inches | 2 Inches |
| Dimensions | 1.97 H x 6.2 W x 0.75 D inches | information unavailable |
| Weight | 0.26 lbs (120g) | information unavailable |
| Sleep/Wake Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Water Resistance IP 66/67* | 100% Waterproof |
| Auto Rotating Display | 360° | 360° |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Battery | 1.5 volt AAA | 1 x AAA battery |
| Ambidextrous | Yes | Yes |
| Display Temperatures | °C or °F | °C or °F |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
Point of Difference – TP19 vs Thermapen
Apart from the price, the TP19 has tried to add some features to defeat the Thermapen as best instant-read thermometer. The TP19 has included some features the Thermapen doesn’t have, such as 100% waterproofing, a magnetic back for easy storage and an extra year warranty.
Speed
Speed is one of the most important features of an instant-read thermometer and is one of the major reasons the Thermapen is universally praised. TP19 competes with the MK4’s ultra fast reads because both thermometers are equipped with a thermocouple sensor that can give 2-3 second readings.
Those familiar with low-and-slow cooking and meat smoking will tell you thermometer speed is vital. Often we need a quick internal meat temperature check, but we need to close the lid of the smoker/grill as fast as possible. We know how important it is to close the lid of your cooker as fast as possible because the longer you have the lid open, the more oxygen you’ll be letting in causing temperature fluctuations.
Precision
The TP19 is a highly accurate thermometer with the specs have the TP19 measuring ±0.9°F from 32 to 212°F which is slightly less accurate that the ThermoWorks Thermapen which is has an accuracy of ±0.7°F from -58 to 392°F. If a thermometer is inaccurate, then what’s the point? We are putting our trust in these devices, which is why we should do our research before purchasing a thermometer. There are dozens of cheap thermometers on the market and many are inaccurate. The best way to test a thermometer’s accuracy is by performing an ice bath test.
Waterproof
The TP19 is 100% waterproof and can withstand splashes, spills and can be rinsed under the tap. Thermometers can get very dirty with grease, ash, meat juices, etc, so having the ability to rinse your thermometer in the sink is useful.
The TP19 is 100% waterproof and can withstand splashes, spills and can be rinsed under the tap. Thermometers can get very dirty with grease, ash, meat juices, etc, so having the ability to rinse your thermometer in the sink is useful. The Thermapen is only water resistant with an IP 66/67 rating, which means it’s protected from water immersion for 30-minutes up to 1 meter. The difference between the two thermometers with water contact isn’t significant, since both thermometers should be able to handle a rinse under the tap when dirty.
Magnetic
The TP19 has some minor advantages over the Thermapen, but one of the more useful differences is the TP19 has a magnetic back for easy storage. The magnet allows users to store the thermometer on the side of the grill or any other metal surface. This is a handy feature because any pitmaster will tell you that things can get pretty hectic when you’re smoking meat and thermometers can get knocked about and dropped. Usually, thermometers end up in your pocket or sitting on the side table of a grill, which isn’t the safest place. The TP19 thermometer can be secured to your grill shelf or rack without getting knocked off.
Easy Read Display
The TP19 has a display that allows easy-to-read temperatures from all angles and in all lighting conditions. Thermometers can be hard to read in direct sunlight or at night, but the TP19 has an illuminated back-lit display so the temperatures are always readable. The wide screen also auto-rotates with a 180 degree viewing angle, so you don’t need to twist your neck trying to read a temperature.
3 Year Warranty
Another important advantage the TP19 has over the Thermapen is the length of warranty. The TP19 has a 2 year warranty while the Thermapen has a 3 year warranty.
Left Handed Users
Left-handed users will find the TP19 easy to use, ThermoPro has made the thermometer ambidextrous by placing the buttons where left-handed users can feel as comfortable as right-handed people.
Final Thoughts – TP19 vs Thermapen
By choosing the TP19 over the Thermapen, you can save yourself about $70, get an extra year warranty, have 100% waterproofing rather than water resistance, and get a magnetic back for easy storage. Plus, you get all the features of a high-end thermometer like the Thermapen. The only compromise you will have to make is ±0.2°F in accuracy. We all know the Thermapen is an outstanding device, but $100 is a lot of money for an instant-read thermometer.
Where to Buy the TP19 and Thermapen
You can purchase the TP19 on the ThermoPro website or over on Amazon here. The Thermapen is best purchased from the ThermoWorks website here to ensure you’re getting the genuine product and the 2 year warranty.
My Favorite Meat Smoking Tools
Thanks for checking out this article. I hope you learned a few things. Here are some of my favorite tools I use when smoking brisket that may be useful to you. These are affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase any of these products, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the tools I recommend to my family and friends who are just starting out.
Meat Thermometer: There are dozens of fancy thermometers on the market, but I still use my trusty TP20. For around $50, I have a high-quality meat thermometer with two probes, and can track the temperature of my smoker with one probe, and my meat with the other probe. The ThermoPro TP20 is an Amazon Best Seller because it’s the easiest thermometer to operate, is durable, highly accurate, and comes with pre-programmed meat settings.
Instant Read Thermometer: Arguably, the second most important tool you need is a fast and accurate instant-read thermometer. These tools play an important role in the latter stages of the cook when the meat needs regular checking in multiple areas. I use the ThermoPro TP19 because it can do everything a ThermaPen can do, but for a fraction of the cost. You can check out the TP19 on Amazon here.
Wireless Thermometer: The latest thermometers on the market have no wires and can be controlled by wi-fi via your phone. Airprobe 3 is the best of this technology.
Butcher Paper: Wrapping brisket in butcher paper has become a huge trend in barbeque thanks to Aaron Franklin. Wrapping your brisket in paper will give you a nice brisket bark. However, you can’t just use any old paper, it has to be unwaxed, food grade paper. You can find it on Amazon here.
Advanced Thermometer and Automatic Temperature Controller: Once you’re ready to take things seriously, the FireBoard 2 Drive is a six-channel Bluetooth/Wi-Fi thermometer that can monitor up to 6 pieces of meat, control and graph your cook sessions on your smartphone, and attaches to an an automatic blower that will convert your charcoal smoker to a set-and-forget. This is one of the most advanced meat thermometers on the market. You can check it out on the FireBoard website here.
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