Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review
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This is a review of the Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer. It is touted as a Super Large LCD Thermocouple Thermometer on its package.
I’ve reviewed the top instant-read meat thermometers to see which ones are the best.
How does the Maverick PT-51 stack up?
Review Summary
Best Feature- Accurate with a fast response time.
Worst Feature- The touch button on the front requires herculean strength to operate. (The unit I tested did, hopefully, it’s an isolated problem.)
Thermomeat’s verdict- Accurate and fast, a bright backlight that stays on for a minute, and fantastic waterproofing make for a great thermometer. Unfortunately, the display can only rotate after holding down the “touch” button on the front for 2 seconds, which is an exercise in frustration. Buy it for its accuracy and bright display. Left-handers should probably stay away from this one.
In this review of the Maverick PT-51 meat thermometer, I’ll examine its features, usability, accuracy, durability, and price to determine its value.
Maverick PT-51 Overview
Maverick Industries was founded in 1981. With over 40 years of accumulated knowledge, they produce many types of thermometers, from remote models including Bluetooth to instant-read models like the PT-51.
The PT-51 is one of thirteen different instant-read thermometers that Maverick produces currently.
I’ve reviewed the PT-100 model already and the Maverick PT-55 as well.
(From top to bottom) The Maverick PT-55, PT-100, and PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometers.
How does the PT-51 measure up to those two models?
All three thermometers utilize premium thermocouple-type temperature sensors. The PT-51 does have the benefit of being released more recently than the other two models.
I’m inclined to rate it higher than those two models as well due to its advanced features.
The PT-100 was originally released over a decade ago and the thermometer landscape has changed dramatically since then.
Time hasn’t been kind to the PT-100 as many of its features are no longer competitive.
The PT-55 model is also older, having been released over five years ago. It has an astounding five buttons on the front, making it more difficult than it needs to be to operate it.
Buttons!
Its display screen only stays illuminated for five seconds and doesn’t rotate at all.
That’s too bad because it is just as fast and accurate as the PT-51 model.
I recommend the PT-51 out of all of the Maverick instant-read models due to its speed and accuracy, better-backlit display screen, and IP67 waterproofing.
I do wish that the display screen would rotate on its own as that is a standard feature of many instant-read thermometers, even the cheaper ones.
Still, the Maverick PT-51 is fast and accurate, making it a good buy at its current price.
Features
Here are the important features and specifications of the Maverick PT-51 instant-read thermometer.
- Temperature range: -4°F to 482°F (-20°C to 250°C)
- Accuracy: +-0.9°F (+-0.5°C)
- Backlight
- Dedicated Celsius/Fahrenheit button
- 180° Rotating Display
- 270° Rotating Probe
- Reported temperature readings in under 3 seconds
- IP67 Waterproof
- 1 CR2032 Battery Included
- There is no calibration function. My PT-51 model is currently accurate. I will let you know if any issues crop up should they appear.
- Large display (.75” digits). Ultra fast temperature readings in under 3 seconds.
- Accuracy: ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) thermocouple. Display rotates 180° for left-hand or right-hand viewing.
- Temperature range: -4°F to 482°F (-20°C to 250°C). Waterproof: IP67 Standard, it can be dropped in 3 ft/91 cm of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Versatile display temperature can be measured in both °F & °C. Hold temperature button locks the temperature display so you can reference your last temperature reading.
- 1 CR2032 battery included. (1.25x1.5x5.5) Inc
Usability
The Maverick PT-51 is pretty easy to use if you’re right-handed. Left-handers? Not so much.
This is interesting because it is one of the few instant-read thermometers with a probe that can rotate 270°, giving left-handed people the same user experience as right-handers.
None of the other thermometers in the picture above have this rotation range, but, all of them do have auto-rotating displays.
The problem with the PT-51 is that you need to use the “hold” button on the front to get the display to rotate.
Maybe I received a bum unit, but the hold button on the front is unresponsive unless you press down on it very hard.
Another issue with this is that there is a Celsius/Fahrenheit selector button on the back where your index finger will be if you’re pressing down on the hold button on the front with your thumb.
This leads you to inadvertently press that button, switching the thermometer to Celsius or Fahrenheit.
This issue with the hold button ruins what could potentially be a great thermometer.
Most of the top instant-read thermometers have auto-rotating displays as well as automatic, motion-sensing sleep/awake modes.
Does this make the PT-51 unworthy of a purchase? Maybe for lefties, but I think it is still a good value for righties.
It is accurate and fast after all, with a large backlit display that stays on for a full minute.
Its accuracy, large bright display, and waterproofing give the PT-51 its value. At its current price tag, it’s a good buy if you have no need for its button on the front.
Accuracy
The accuracy is the standout feature of the Maverick PT-51. It is also very fast in measuring temperatures.
Its reported temperature readings of under three seconds might be underselling its speed a bit. I found it to be very close to some of the top models in terms of response time.
I consider the Maverick PT-51 to be accurate.
Durability
The PT-51 features an IP67 waterproof rating. Maverick is confident about its waterproof capabilities as it states that it can be dropped in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes on the package.
A rubber gasket runs around the outside of the thermometer, which is also a nice bit of waterproofing.
There is also a limited one-year warranty.
Durability is a trait tested over time, the PT-51 has the build to succeed.
Verdict
You buy a meat thermometer because it’s accurate. The Maverick PT-51 is accurate with a few more standout features such as its IP67 waterproofing and generously backlit display.
It lacks a few features that are standard in the best-in-class models such as an auto-rotating display and motion-sensing on/off capabilities.
The addition of these two features would make this thermometer a great thermometer.
However, the PT-51 is still a good value at its current price due to its accuracy, durability, and backlight.
- Large display (.75” digits). Ultra fast temperature readings in under 3 seconds.
- Accuracy: ±0.9°F (±0.5°C) thermocouple. Display rotates 180° for left-hand or right-hand viewing.
- Temperature range: -4°F to 482°F (-20°C to 250°C). Waterproof: IP67 Standard, it can be dropped in 3 ft/91 cm of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Versatile display temperature can be measured in both °F & °C. Hold temperature button locks the temperature display so you can reference your last temperature reading.
- 1 CR2032 battery included. (1.25x1.5x5.5) Inches
