I use a Maverick ET733 to remotely monitor meat IT and pit temp, (or two pieces of meat) and I use a thermapen for "instant read" when the mav shows I'm close. Both are very useful. If I could only have one I would stick with the dual probe Maverick.
I appreciate the good information. I've seemed to hit a bad stream of luck with meat thermometers and probes. I had the Igrill2 and I was actually impressed with this device. The Bluetooth was horrible and just made it difficult to use. Then, I went to the Maverick ET-733 and had issues with all three probes. It's possible the Maverick I had was a lemon. I'm reconsidering giving the Maverick another chance. Not real familiar with all the products out there. Some are just overpriced in my opinion.
Any issues with your Thermapen?
Probes on all of these remote thermometers are a subject of consternation. BUT - if you seal the area where the wire enters the hard metal probe itself (best done when they are new - and after you clean them with a Q-tip and alcohol )- using high temperature RTV silicone - AND....never - ever wash them by immersing them in water - you may find they last longer. Granted, I do not know if that has anything to do with your problems with them, I am only sharing what has been my "learning curve" and helped me keep them working longer.
As for brand preference. Compare the features, such as size of screen, battery type and the availability of those, etc.They both are perfectly capable of providing you with fast reads of temperature, and at accuracy levels that are surely close enough to perfect that you will be happy.
If you have not done so - let me suggest that you subscribe to both brands e-mail lists. They both have sales often.