Lavatools PT12 Javelin Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer (Grape)

This review is a combined review for the PT12 model and the Pro, I purchases the PT12 back in 2015 because I wanted a accurate instant read thermometer but based on my use case I couldn't bring myself to spend the $100 on a Thermoworks (although I thought long about it...). This seemed like a good substitute for the price point so I went with it. I'm glad I did, as it quickly out performed the CDN device that I was using, as well as other thermometer gadgets around the house. After making sure that it was accurate (boiling water test) I found it to be much faster than those other devices, and more accurate, taking anywhere from 3-5 seconds to come within a degree or two of the food temp, and then another 5 seconds or so to to level out at the final temp. Not really instant, but good enough for my uses. And once the probe/sensor is "warmed up" (meaning its not starting from 60 degrees) subsequent checks go much faster (like when you're moving from burger to burger or steak to steak on the grill). The small size made it perfect for having in a pocket and the built in magnet makes it easy to store on the fridge or side of the grill. Overall I was so happy with this that I purchased a second one (one to keep by the grills, one for the kitchen), and was equally satisfied with that purchase. So much so, that when the original went missing for several months (it eventually turned up) I went to purchase a third one. By this point Lavatools had introduced their Pro model, so I went with that one. Again, happy I did, as this model was a worthwhile upgrade to the PT12's. Much faster return on food temps, providing a temp within 2 seconds and leveling out at 5. Much closer to what I would expect an instant read to perform. The large display, backlight and longer probe are great additions. It's certainly much beefier feeling than its little brother, but not so that its cumbersome or clumsy to use. All in all I'm very pleased by these purchases and would highly recommend them for the products that they are, in this price point. And, of course, the Amazon experience in researching, purchasing and delivery of these was also great

It's very sensitive to small changes in temperature. Very useful! It's also very compact.

The Thermowand by Lavatools is a very accurate and precise digital thermometer that is simple, easy to use, and all the basic functions that 99.9% of people require out of a thermometer. It is also one of the quickest thermometers for the price (1-2 seconds for an approximate temperature around 1C and 3-5 for more significant digits of 0.1C). The unit is very easily to clean as it is splash-proof and features a magnet for ease of storage on your fridge or stove (stainless steel is mostly non-magnetic). A digital thermometer seems to be an oversight in most kitchens at home and personally I believe it does enhance to some extent food safety, especially during the cooking process and after to ensure that your food is fully cooked. The accuracy and precision of the Thermowand is even more important once you start diving into the world of immersion or sous-vide cooking. The majority of digital thermometers can be quite inaccurate and takes a considerable amount of time to reach the correct temperature. Cheaper digital thermometers ($10-15), take a while to reach a stable temp, and they tend to have simple electronics and cheaper themistors. The extra premium for the Thermowand is for the near instant-read temperature, and in my experience it does not usually take 1-2 seconds to get to an approximate temp, and an additional 3-5 seconds to reach the correct/stable temp. In addition, it uses a thermocouple which are super quick at measuring temperatures, is calibrated, and have enhanced temperature stability built-in. The speed is appreciated as you reduce the amount of the time the food is being checked and exposed to anything but heat. The thermometer is very easy to use and maintain. The probe swings out and turns the unit on and off, and it is very sharp and measures about 1.7cm in deep, you can go further to 7cm to where the plastic molding is on the probe. As some of the reviews out there mention, the Thermowand does have a very short probe. Because of this, it does require you to hold it at the end by the ear which may still not be long enough, depending what you doing or measuring, and may result in the unit falling into the food. The Thermowand does not have a backlight, rotating display, and a fog proof display. The first two, I would not consider a deal breaker, as for the most part the overhead lights on the range hood illuminates the majority of the cooktop and I am also right handed, but, rotating display may be something to consider if you are left handed. A fog proof display would have been a decent addition, as if you are expecting excessive steam it can cause the display to be unreadable due to the fog. Finally, if you are a cook that relies on both C and F temps, there is no easy way to switch between the two without opening the battery compartment and removing the battery to get to the dip switch.

Nice bit of kit for the kitchen. Super fast read thermometer and incredibly accurate. Great for baking and testing meat. The magnetic back is great to stick to the fridge or oven.

I bought this as a cheaper alternative to a Thermapen one. I instantly regretted it because it takes 2 or 3 seconds to register the heat where the much more expensive one has an instant readout but I've just learned to live with the small delay. It is accurate, it's small, it switches itself on and off as you extend/fold back the probe, it's got a magnetic back so i stick it to my fridge/freezer for easy access. I don't know how I lived without it. If I had to pick four kitchen must haves I would say oversized chef tweezers, a half round silicone spatula/scraper, a potato ricer, and a temperature probe.