I am a huge fan of the Thermapen. It is fast, accurate, durable and an extension of my arm in the kitchen. It is the one kitchen/bbq tool that I could not live without. I honestly don’t know how people can cook without checking temperatures. I have had my Thermapen for almost 5 years and it works as good today as it did the day I purchased it. The other day the great people over at Thermoworks sent me the newest Thermapen to try out. I was a bit skeptical that I would need a new Thermapen. However, The Thermapen Mk4 is not just an incremental update, it is a brand new kick butt thermometer. The new features make this not only a kick butt thermometer, but the best Thermapen ever! Check out my review below.
I love my Thermapen! It is fast, accurate and reliable. The Mk4 is no different. It has the same overall exterior design, same fast readings and built by a reliable company! This review is more a review of the differences between the Classic Thermapen and the new Thermapen Mk4.
At first glance you may not notice any differences. But when you look a bit closer, the first thing that you will notice is that there is a vertical gray line on the right side. This line is a rubber seal that secures the new battery door. This new Thermapen Mk4 uses AAA batteries and not CR 2032 batteries like the prior Thermapens. AAA batteries are easier to find and are more common than 2032 batteries. Therefore, when your Thermapen needs new batteries you won’t have to make a special trip to the store. As a competition barbecuer this is huge. Most people have AAA batteries around the house, so you don’t have to worry about having to further stock 2032 batteries. Plus, you always run out of power in the most remote places. It is a lot easier to find AAA batteries than 2032 batteries. The rubber seal has an added benefit of keeping the Thermapen in place. No more having your Thermapen sliding across the table and onto the floor.
The second thing you will notice is that the screen is a little taller and a little narrower. This is because the screen rotates as you rotate your Thermapen. Yep, no more twisting your neck to see the temp in the back of your smoker. The screen rotates so that you can always keep your head upright. This is an awesome feature. I love it.
The final thing that you will notice is a little black dot to the right of the screen. This is the sensor that automatically turns on the back light. Yep, this Thermapen has a backlit screen. Therefore, in the dark or in the back of your smoker, you can find the exact temperature of your meat. It is awesome! The backlit display reduces the battery life a little, but the new AAA batteries keep it going.
Another great feature that I love, is that the Mk4 goes to sleep. If you set this down, with the probe open, it will go to sleep. No more having the battery die because you forgot to shut the probe. It is a great feature. I love it.
Overall the new Thermapen Mk4 is better in every way, than it’s predecessor. It uses more common batteries, has a rotating display and a backlit display. While the original Thermapen is great, the Mk4 is amazing. You can still pick up the Classic Thermapen for as low as $79 each, but I would totally splurge for the Mk4 at $99. I am going to be getting Thermapen Mk4’s for everyone on my list!
If you would like to get one for yourself or someone on your list, it is not too late to get one by Christmas! Thermoworks has plenty of shipping options available all the way till Christmas Eve!
The other great deal is that Thermoworks is offering bundles! If you bundle two or more devices you get a discount on each. Plus, for a limited time if you purchase over $99 in products you get a keychain fun sized thermometer.
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Rex
Disclaimer: We received the Thermapen Mk4 from Thermoworks for free, but did not get paid for the review. We honestly love the Thermapen! Trust us, you will too!
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Great review, Rex. I have the original Thermapen and a classic (non-backlit model) but haven't decided to get a Mark 4 yet. We bought one of the bundles for my parents - a classic, Chef-Alarm, and TimeStick all in blue.
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Rex!