The Definitive ThermoPro TP-19 Meat Thermometer Review

The ThermoPro TP19 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer has a lot of the same features as meat thermometers double and triple its price.

The TP19 is a waterproof thermometer with an automatic motion on/off, a 180-degree rotating screen, and a display that’s visible even at night.

I put the TP-19 model to the test and compared its performance side by side with thermometers of all price ranges to see if it’s worth your time and money. I won’t beat around the bush, it is worth it and I continue to be impressed by this thermometer.

So, why is the TP-19 so great? When I review a thermometer I look at four major areas. I look at a thermometer’s features, its usability, its durability, and its price relative to the other thermometers on the market. Let’s just say the TP-19 is a top performer in all of those areas.

See the review of the ThermoPro TP620 Digital Instant-Read Meat Thermometer.

Here’s the review of the ThermoPro TP19H.

The Features of the ThermoPro TP-19 Meat Thermometer

I will first list all of the pertinent features of the TP-19 model and then discuss the most important ones in more detail.

The features of ThermoPro TP-19 Meat Thermometer include:

• A fast and precise thermocouple sensor with ultra fast measurements.
• Waterproof body rated IP 65 that allows you to clean it under running water.
• 180-degree auto-rotating display is great if you’re a left handed user.
• A motion sensor that will turn it on when touched (when the probe is deployed)
• Lock function that locks the current temperature for 5 seconds.
• Calibration function.
• A large luminous display with large digits for easy reading.
• 4.5″ Stainless Steel Probe.
• The magnetic back will attach to a metal surface and a hang hole for easy storage.
• Antimicrobial coated body to inhibit bacteria growth from raw food contamination.
• Fahrenheit/Celsius selector button on the back.
• aaa battery included

The most important feature of any thermometer is how accurately it measures temperatures. The TP-19 is accurate as well as fast at reading temperatures.

I tested it in a sous-vide bath set at 135 degrees Fahrenheit along with a few other thermometers.

The much more expensive Thermoworks classic Thermapen had the fastest response time as expected. I would put the TP-19 behind it in second place, but not by much.

From left to right: ThermoPro TP-19, Thermapen MK4, Inkbird IHT-1S, Classic Super-Fast Thermapen, Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo meat thermometers all reading around 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

It responded faster than the twice-the-price Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo as well as the Kizen Digital Meat Thermometer, which costs a little less.

ThermoPro TP-19 Meat Thermometer showing off its impressive 180 degree display

Waterproof Body

The Thermopro TP-19 also sports a durable, IP65-rated waterproof body. An IP rating of 65 means that it can withstand splashes of water but you wouldn’t want to submerge it in water.

It checked in at 3 oz weight compared to 2.8 oz for the Lavatools Javelin Pro DUO, 2.5 oz for the Kizen thermometer and 3.4 oz for the classic Thermapen.

Now I know the weight of a thermometer isn’t the only factor in rating its durability but when you hold the different thermometers in your hand you will understand. Some are just a little more solidly built than others.

The TP-19 model was the closest to the classic Thermapen in having a durable body able to withstand some drops. I’ve already accidentally dropped the Kizen thermometer off a 3 foot counter and it hasn’t been the same since.

What stands out to me about the TP-19 is the waterproof body. The back battery compartment is screwed down onto a gasket that seals it from water, I like that feature. The body is also very similar to the classic Thermapen when you view them from the side.

The body of the TP-19 model is also sturdier than the ThermoPro TP18 meat thermometer, another thermocouple thermometer by ThermoPro.

Rotating Large Luminous Display

One of the newer developments in digital thermometers is a display that will rotate around when the thermometer itself is rotated. The ThermoPro TP-19 has this ability as does the Lavatools Javelin Pro DUO. This is a good feature if you’re left-handed or are checking the temperature of something at awkward angles.

At first, I was unsure about the alarm clock-type red digital display, but the more I use it, the more I think it’s genius. A lot of other thermometers you have to press a button to illuminate the display and then they only stay lit for a certain amount of time. This is annoying. The ThermoPro TP-19’s display is easy to read in low-light situations. The display will shut itself off after 90 seconds and all you need to do is touch it to turn it back on, the other thermometers tested don’t do this.

Calibration Function

A thermometer’s ability to be calibrated is a valuable feature to have, and the ThermoPro Tp-19 has this capability. Although the TP-19 thermometer was precisely calibrated by ThermoPro, if it ever becomes inaccurate, you can find the calibration button under the battery compartment cover and set it properly. Just perform the ice water calibration test and press and hold the calibration button for 5 seconds to recalibrate it.

The Usability of the ThermoPro TP19 Meat Thermometer

The TP-19 is pretty simple to use. With its large rotating digital readout, it is easy to read even at night outside on the patio. There is no need to press a light button and if the thermometer is sleeping with the probe unfolded, it will turn back on when picked up or moved.

The thermometer also comes with a lock function so you can hold the temperature for 5 seconds.

Another nice feature of the TP-19 that helps with its ease of use is its antimicrobial coating. This just means that when the plastic polymer body was created, a silver-based antimicrobial mixture was added to it. When you are cooking raw meat it is always good to have things that inhibit bacteria growth. Now I’m not saying you can slather your thermometer with raw chicken and be fine, it just makes it an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

And the waterproof body makes cleaning the TP-19 easier than most thermometers in that you don’t have to be ultra-careful around water. According to the instruction manual, it has a waterproof rating of IP 65. This basically means it is protected from low-pressure jets of water directed at it. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the IP rating system.

The body itself has a magnet so it won’t fall off the side shelf of a bbq grill and you can keep it on the side of your refrigerator if that’s your thing.

As mentioned earlier, the TP-19 has a rotating 180-degree digital display, which is helpful if you’re left-handed.

One of the features that I am loving the more I use this thermometer is the illuminated red numbers of the digital display. Most thermometers have a backlit display that turns off after 10 to 15 seconds. This is annoying if you’re grilling outside after work in the low light of late evening. With a spatula and tongs in one hand, you have to put them down to touch the light button on these thermometers. Not needed with the TP-19, its red display is clearly visible at night.

The Durability of ThermoPro TP19

One of the most glaring issues you run into when you compare meat thermometers of varying prices is the quality of the thermometer body itself. Sure, a lot of reasonably priced thermometers in the $10 to $20 range tout their waterproof capabilities, but it is a moot point if the body itself is made of cheap plastic.

You shouldn’t have to replace a thermometer after an accidental 3-foot drop from your counter like I experienced.

The body of the TP-19 is solidly built with a sturdier body than the other meat thermometers in the aforementioned price range. It also has a waterproof body as we’ve discussed.

With the sturdy waterproof body, coupled with ThermoPro’s three-year extended warranty, you are covered for most catastrophic events a meat thermometer would encounter.

Price

The current price of the ThermoPro TP19 is $29.99. This puts it in a price range just above the multitude of $15 to $20 instant-read thermometers on the market.

But what value are you getting for that $20? I think the extra $10 to $15 is well worth it to purchase a meat thermometer of higher quality that will last longer.

ThermoPro TP19 vs ThermoPro TP19H

You might have noticed the ThermoPro TP19H and wondered how is it different from the TP19? That is a good question.

Here are the differences between the ThermoPro TP19 and the ThermoPro TP19H.

ThermoPro TP19 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer on the top and the ThermoPro TP19H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer on the bottom.

There’s a noticeable difference in the digital displays between the two thermometers. The TP19 has a luminous display with red digits that is visible in the daytime and at night while the TP19H has a bright backlit display that will stay illuminated for 17 seconds after deploying the light button.

The ThermoPro TP19 has a price of $29.99 while the TP19H costs around $18.

While the ThermoPro TP19 has a response time of 2 to 3 seconds, the TP19H is a bit slower at a 3 to 4 second response time.

The ThermoPro TP19 has an antimicrobial coating to inhibit bacterial growth while the TP19H has no antimicrobial coating.

The TP19 has a bit longer probe length of 4.5 inches compared to the 4.3-inch probe length of the TP19H.

Those are the main differences between the two, but they also have many similarities.

They both have these features:

• An IP65 Waterproof body
• 180° Auto-Rotating Display
• Motion-Sensing Sleep and Wake Mode
• Lock Function
• Calibration Function
• Magnetic Back
• Kitchen Hook
• Fahrenheit/Celsius Selector
• Auto Shut Off after 90 seconds

As you can see, the TP19 and TP19H have many of the same features with only a few differences, most notably the response time.

However, after using the two thermometers side by side, you really don’t notice the extra second of the response time of the TP19H in reading temperatures.

I consider the ThermoPro TP19H a great buy at its current price. I like the TP19 too, I just think you might get more bang for your buck with the TP19H.

ThermoPro TP19 vs ThermoPro TP18

You might have noticed other ThermoPro instant-read thermometers while shopping and wondered how they are different from each other.

The ThermoPro TP18 Ultra-Fast Thermocouple Meat Thermometer costs $10 less than the ThermoPro TP19.

How does the ThermoPro TP19 compare to the ThermoPro TP18?

ThermoPro TP19 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer on the top and ThermoPro TP18 Instant-Read Meat Thermometer on the bottom.

Although the ThermoPro TP18 is an accurate thermometer, it lacks many of the upgraded features of the TP19 that are well worth the extra money.

The ThermoPro TP19 (foreground) has a more compact, sturdier body than the hollow body of the TP18 (in rear).

Here are the main differences between the ThermoPro TP19 and the ThermoPro TP18.

• The ThermoPro TP19 has a sturdier body with a waterproof rating of IP65, the TP18 is hollow-feeling with no waterproofing.
• The TP19 automatically turns on when its probe is extended and will turn on just by movement thereafter. The TP18’s probe extends after you press a button and will turn on when you press another button.

• A 180° rotating display is featured on the TP19, the TP18 has a display that doesn’t rotate.
• The TP19 has a probe length of 4.5 inches, the TP18 has a probe length of 4 inches.
• The TP19 has an anti-microbial coating that helps inhibit bacterial growth, the TP18 has no coating.

ThermoPro TP19 vs ThermoPro TP620

ThermoPro is constantly tweaking and updating its product line. One of its newer instant-read meat thermometers is the ThermoPro TP620.

The ThermoPro TP620 is on the top and the ThermoPro TP19 is on the bottom.

The TP620 model has a price tag of $49.99. This is $20 more than the ThermoPro TP19.

Is the extra money worth it?

Although I like the ThermoPro TP620, the TP19 has many of the same features at a much lower price.

The one area where the TP620 might be better is in its premium BTN (Bistable Twisted Neumatic) LCD screen that is visible from all angles, even in the dark.

Both thermometers feature the same accuracy rating, rotating display, waterproof rating, motion-sensing sleep and wake mode, 4.5-inch probe, anti-microbial coating.

The TP19 also feels sturdier in your hand with a more compact body.

My opinion is to save your money and buy the TP19.

My Final Verdict

The ThermoPro TP19 has a lot of nice features that are usually found in meat thermometers double and triple the price.

With a sturdy, IP65 waterproof body, 2 to 3 second response time, motion-sensing awake mode, and a 180° rotating display, there’s a lot to like about the TP19.

There’s also a lot to like about its sibling, the ThermoPro TP19H. It has many of the same features with a bit slower reported response time of 3 to 4 seconds and costs $12 less.

However, having used both thermometers I can tell you the response time difference is negligible.

I rate the ThermoPro TP19 a good buy.  I would rate the ThermoPro TP19H a great buy due to its numerous similarities to the TP19, all at a lower price.

Both instant-read meat thermometers are the best you’ll find under $30.

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ThermoPro TP19 Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer for Grilling with Ambidextrous Backlit & Thermocouple Instant Read Thermometer Kitchen Cooking Food Thermometer for Candy Water Oil BBQ Grill Smoker

• Ultra-fast and Highly Accurate: Instant read meat thermometer features a precise thermocouple sensor get speedy readings within 2-3 seconds, accurate to ±0.9 degree Fahrenheit (±0.5 degree Celsius); No more leaning over a hot grill, just seconds make all the difference between perfectly cooked instead of overcooked
• Ambidextrous display: Grilling thermometer features 2.0 inches large Auto-Rotating Display intuitively flips right side up, making this turkey thermometer the perfection solution for those awkward angles and left-hand users
• Motion sensing on/off/sleep/wake: Chef thermometer is always ready on during use, engineered with advanced motion sensing technology; Powers on when the probe thermometer opened, powers off when closed, instantly wakes when picked up and sleeps when set down to save battery power; Up to 3000 hours with included 3A battery
• 100% waterproof and magnet: Cooking Thermometer can be rinsed off under running water with no worries, ensures the water thermometer cleanup ultra-fast; Magnetic back to allow you to easily attach to refrigerator or any metal surface and a hang hole for your kitchen hooks or a lanyard
• Lock and calibration: Food thermometer features Lock Function to lock the temperature on the display, so you don’t need to linger too long near the heat; Calibration function adjusts your grill thermometer probe sensor back to the correct accuracy, making it kitchen thermometer which lasts a lifetime

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