I find the "negative reviews" overwhelmingly suspect......The handful I have read are just - well not being truthful, by my experience un owning and using one all of the time.
After all - Thermapen has occupied the cat-bird seat for so long...some folks just can't imagine the horror of another company producing a product that is within all practical measurement - just a s fast. From a company that already makes the standard of measurement none the less - the 732!!!! This Pro Temp a BIG backlit screen, gasketed battery door - and uses batteries that everyone has in their home. Their customer service is great. The price is competitive. ( I don't know if it is cheaper - not my point...)
My point is that I find it humorously frustrating that - the BBQ universe is ALWAYS willing to jump on a new grill. Guys take pride in "being the first" or being early adopters - though they know the risks, and when those ( much more expensive items - like pellet grills) do not prove to be perfect - which is often more true than not with any complex device - then - they will find work arounds, or deny the problems!!!
This is a simple frickin' thermometer. With more practical design that the Thermoworks. It is a viable option. But, the "fan-boy" loyalty ( which is a denegrating term - I know, my apology...I just the the the reaction to Thermapen as funny/interesting...o.k. a little crazy...
and treated as if they are the only game in town! )
What would you think if instead of Themapen - we exchanged the "exuberance" shown for Thermapen with any other name brand of any category of product out there, of your choosing? I would bet that you would marvel at the public reaction - and say to yourself..." Gee - do you think they understand that they have options, and choices? Some that are as good - maybe better? At comparable prices?
Where would we be if there were still only ONE pellet grill? Answer: There would not be a pellet grill industry. Having options and choices grows interest.
So, maybe this ramble explains my amazement that we have
2 site sponsors/companies that have reviewed the products int he marketplace - and THEY have chosen to sell the Maverick Pro Temp 100. Now, these are both companies that we know, and have a level of trust/confidence in.....
Wouldn't you think that alone says...Hey! - there are other products that may be worth consideration? Yet ALL i continue to see is "Themapen"....it is just one of my "isms". Because I think it says alot about how we are swayed into assumptions about a product - often in an un-meritorious fashion, and I know we are all more observant about EVERY other category of product in the outdoor cooking arena.
Hat's off to Thermoworks. Thermapen's branding is better than their product. I say this - because it is the ONLY one that folks think about when they think of this product type. And...you have options. Options from reputable companies, that will support their comparable product - and treat you well.
Off the soap box now......