ThermoPro TP20 (2024 Review) Updated Function and Use

The ThermoPro TP20 is the best selling meat thermometer on the market, according to our research. But is it worth spending your money to get? Or, is this another product that’s been overhyped? My team put it to the test and conducted a thorough ThermoPro TP20 review to help you make the right decision.

What is the ThermoPro TP20?

The ThermoPro TP20 is a wireless meat thermometer that allows you to monitor food temperature wirelessly while you cook. The thermometer's main appeal is the program designed to provide a means to preset meat choices.

These pre-programmed preset options offer a means to set temperatures for the exact meat you are cooking at the doneness levels you desire. The unit has an easy to read LCD display and reliable build quality, making it user friendly and durable for its purpose.

Features & Specifications

Performance & Reliability

This digital thermometer has reliable performance operating at a good temp range and can withstand the harsh conditions that meat cooking thermometers endure. The total operating distance of the Thermopro TP20 wireless remote digital thermometer is 300ft (91.44m) with a simple user experience. The unit performed consistently after multiple different tests. It can be used for cooking in both the kitchen oven and the grill BBQ to check if meat is medium, well-done, or rare.

Quality & Construction

The dual-probe units are made from food-grade stainless steel to ensure they can withstand temperatures of a smoker, grill, or oven. These two probes can withstand temperatures up to 716 degrees Fahrenheit (380 degrees Celsius). The transmitter and receiver units are made from impact-resistant materials with large buttons and clearly labeled ports.

Ease of Use

During our thermometer review, we tested the thermometer using multiple cooking methods. We found the smoker thermometer to be relatively easy to use.

The preset options make it easy to set your optimal temperature range. We liked how it’s easy to select your desired cooking temperature for meats like beef, choosing from rare, medium, to well done (1).

“Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure safety and to determine desired “doneness” of meat, poultry, and egg products.”

- Kitchen Thermometers Food Safety Information Guide, USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service

Warranty Information

The base warranty is for three years. You will need to register your unit on the company’s website for the warranty to be active. There is a lifetime warranty for the 2 probes, with the company promising to replace these two different accessories free of charge if they fail. The company offers a 30-day return policy after purchase, allowing you to return the unit for a refund. For inquiries, you can conveniently contact its customer service.

Additional Accessories

Several different accessories come with the thermometer, including:

• 1 x Receiver
• 1 x Transmitter
• 2 x Probes
• 4 x 3A batteries
• 1 x Manual

Besides these, you get a belt clip that can be used when walking around your living room or other areas and a stand mode for the probes. A few other accessories can be purchased separately, including a storage case.

Temperature Accuracy

When it comes to TP20 vs other instant-read thermometer options, you'll find the thermometer’s ambient temperature reading, in either Fahrenheit or Celsius, to be reasonably accurate. One of the tests was the traditional boiling water test with probe 1 in the water and the second probe on a different cooking surface (2). The final readouts were within the 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit range promised by the company.

Battery Life

The thermometer operates using 4 AAA batteries that can be replaced from the battery compartment on the back of both the transmitter and receiver. Both of these have a decent battery life, but how long each lasts will depend on what types of meats you’re cooking (3). Cooking all night will drain your batteries faster than cooking for an hour in the oven.

Reasonable Pricing

We’ve evaluated dozens of wireless thermometers, and you'll find that this unit comes in at a reasonable price for what you get. There are many other cheaper options, but they lack essential functions, such as an alarm, and require complex syncing. This thermometer comes in at a middle-range price with a wide range of features and quality construction.

Thermometer Transmitter Speed

This is not an instant-read thermometer. But, we found it to have a quick response time. We found that the average lag time for this unit was around 5 seconds. This means that there is about a five-second lag between updates from the temperature probe through the transmitter to the temperature reading you see on the wireless remote.

Alarm & Functions

The meat thermometer has multiple alarms for different functions. The primary alarm for the preprogrammed temperatures lets you know when your meat's internal maximum temperature has been reached.

There is also a lost connection alarm that will alert you when the receiver has become disconnected from the transmitter, allowing you to avoid potentially overcooking your meat.

Remote Range

According to the company, the remote range for the thermometer is up to 300ft (91.44 meters). To ensure that this distance was accurate, we tested the unit at different distances with various obstacles in between, such as walls. Overall, the thermometer lived up to the expectations and performed well up to the stated maximum distance.

Cooking Timer

You can set both a countdown and up count cooking timer. This can be helpful when dealing with long cook meats such as brisket. When the timer is finished, the wireless receiver will alert you via flashing lights and the alarm tone. One other helpful feature is that your timer settings can be saved whenever the unit is powered off.

How Do You Use the TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer?

The TP20 works by using the two probes to measure either the internal temperature of the meat, the grill or the oven temperature, or both. To set the unit up for cooking, follow the below process.

1. Insert the probes into the meat
2. Turn on both the wireless transmitter and receiver
3. Set the specific type of meat you are cooking for each probe
4. Set how done you would like the meat to be
5. When finished, turn off the cooking alarm using the stop button

How Does It Compare to Other Products?

Here's how ThermoPro stacks up against other popular options.

ThermoPro TP20 vs Maverick XR-50

The Maverick XR-50 and ThermoPro TP20 are both wireless meat thermometers, but some key differences set them apart.

The Maverick XR-50 boasts an impressive wireless range of up to 500ft, making it more suitable for those who require a longer range of operation. In our experience, both thermometers exceeded expectations in the "Wireless Range Test," with the Maverick XR-50 offering a maximum range of 500ft and the ThermoPro TP20 covering up to 300ft.

Regarding the accuracy of temperature readings, both the Maverick XR-50 and ThermoPro TP20 displayed commendable precision. The Maverick XR-50 demonstrated accurate temperature readings within a range of 14-574°F (10-301°C), garnering praise for its reliability and customer service. Meanwhile, the ThermoPro TP20 achieved an accuracy of ±1.8°F (±1°C), making it suitable for precise cooking.

ThermoPro TP20 vs Maverick ET-732

When comparing the ThermoPro TP20 and Maverick ET-732, we found some notable differences. The ThermoPro TP20 offers more customization options, which is a nice feature for those who want more control over their cooking process. The Maverick ET-732, on the other hand, is a more economical choice while still providing accurate meat temperature readings.

Both thermometers have two probes in their dual-probe designs for monitoring barbecue and food temperatures and wireless receivers with a range of up to 300 feet.

ThermoPro TP08 vs TP20

The ThermoPro TP08 and TP20 are two models of wireless BBQ thermometers with several differences in design and features. The TP08 is more suitable for temperature monitoring without pre-set meat temperatures and functions better as a pit thermometer. The TP20, on the other hand, includes two temperature probes and cord keepers for convenient winding and secure storage of the probes.

Both thermometers have a wireless range of up to 300 feet, allowing you to monitor your cook from a distance.

How Do You Make the Most Out Of the TP20?

To make the most out of this device, it’s essential to be as accurate as possible when setting up your initial temperatures.

A thermometer is only a tool used for measuring the internal temperature of your meat and grill or oven. As with any other measuring instrument, it is only as good as the input you give it.

So, it would help if you were as accurate as possible when setting up the initial cooking timer for the types of meat you are cooking.

The digital thermometer makes this more manageable with the many presets available to choose from.

Read More:

• ThermoPro TP08 vs TP20 Comparison
• 10 Best Vertical Pellet Smokers
• Best Bluetooth BBQ Thermometers for Smokers

Potential Drawbacks

As per our ThermoPro TP20 review, the TP20 comes with a few minor drawbacks in the design, including how the grill clip is set up. After testing the unit on a few different types of smokers, we found the clip can slide easily and is not very functional. We would also have preferred if the alarm was a bit louder.

FAQs

1. Is the ThermoPro TP20 waterproof?

The wireless dual-probe units of the TP20 wireless meat thermometer are waterproof. However, it is essential to note that the wireless transmitter and receiver are only splash-proof. You can detach the two-probe units to make them easier to clean, but you will need to avoid submerging the electronic components in liquid.

2. How do I sync my ThermoPro TP20?

You can sync your TP20 by turning on both the wireless monitor and the probe unit. Once they are turned on, these two devices will automatically sync without you needing to perform any extra steps. You do not need to sync the thermometer manually.

3. Can I leave my TP20 in the meat while it’s cooking?

You can leave your thermometer in the meat while it's cooking using the two probes. Each probe can be placed into a different type of meat, such as beef, poultry, or pork. Or, one probe can be used in the meat and the other for monitoring the grill temperature.

4. How accurate is ThermoPro TP20?

The ThermoPro wireless thermometer is accurate to within 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus. This is better than the average food thermometer, which has an accuracy range of 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA (4).

5. Is ThermoPro TP20 made in the US?

The ThermoPro wireless thermometer is not made in the US. ThermoPro is a Canadian company that manufactures everything in house rather than shipping out to cheaper manufacturing elsewhere. According to our research, their products are all made in Toronto, Canada.

6. How do I read the ThermoPro TP20?

You read the TP20 wireless thermometer by looking at the wireless receiver screen. The screen displays readings for both probes rather than having you scroll through multiple screens. The timer and everything else are also displayed on this screen.

7. How do I set the temperature on a ThermoPro TP20?

You set the ambient temperature on a TP20 by using any of the preset cooking options or the custom temperature options. The unit has preset options for:

• Ground Beef
• Ground Poultry
• Beef
• Veal
• Chicken
• Pork
• Poultry
• Lamb
• Fish
• Oven

8. What does it mean when my ThermoPro shows LLL?

An LLL or HHH display on the LCD screen means that the unit or probe may be damaged due to heat or moisture. To fix, you can try reinserting the batteries or the probes.

9. How do I reset my ThermoPro?

All ThermoPro thermometers have a reset button on the front of back of the sensor and display stations. To reset, press the button.

10. If the meat thermometer touches the bone, what will happen?

If the thermometer touches the bone, you'll most likely get a higher reading. To get the most accurate reading, avoid the bone, and find the densest meat part.

11. How do you turn off a ThermoPro?

To turn off your device, press the alarm symbol on its back. You'll see this indicated under the "Timer" tab. To check, see the front of the device if the timer is no longer functioning.

12. Is ThermoPro a good meat thermometer brand?

Yes. Based on our TP20 review, ThermoPro is among the top picks for meat thermometers. TP20 comes with several good features that include a lifetime warranty on its two probe sensors and proper notification process.

Is the Thermopro TP20 Worth It?

After an extensive ThermoPro TP20 review, we found it is reliable and economical. Because it’s wireless, it solves the problem of frequently needing to check the temp and potentially overcooking your meat. The ambient temperature accuracy is reliable, and setting the target temperature is easy using the preset temperature settings.

We liked the large LCD screen and intuitive user interface that makes operating the thermometer receiver and transmitter convenient. If you are a BBQ enthusiast, check out the TP20 thermometer.