ThermoPro TP03H Meat Thermometer Review

The ThermoPro TP03H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer is the successor to ThermoPro’s top-selling ThermoPro TP03A model.

With an upgraded body that is not only sleeker but waterproof as well, the ThermoPro TP03H meat thermometer presents tremendous value at its price point. Oh, and you can calibrate it now.

The original TP03A model on top, the newer TP03H model on the bottom.

In fact, it has supplanted the Kizen and Alpha Griller meat thermometers as my top pick for a meat thermometer under $20.

In this review of the ThermoPro TP03H, I will discuss why it’s a great value as well as compare it to the older model as well as its bigger brother, the ThermoPro TP19.

ThermoPro TP03H Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

ThermoPro is one of the leading manufacturers of meat thermometers on the market today. They have a great track record in terms of customer service and they stand behind their products.

Their TP03H is the lastest in their lineup. Like all of their thermometers, they include a warranty card inside the box. All you need to do is fill it out to extend the warranty for 3 years.

There are other thermometers that tout a “lifetime warranty”, but often times it is hard to track down a company website or an email address to send your claim.

Features of the ThermoPro TP03H Meat Thermometer

• IPX6 Waterproof Rating

ThermoPro states that you can rinse this thermometer off under running water to clean it. I find that wiping my thermometers off with Clorox wipes or rubbing alcohol works as well.

I’m sure it is fine to do so, but I’m always hesitant inundating my thermometers in water unless it’s necessary. Still a nice feature and extra safeguard to have.

• Backlit Display

There is a light button that will illuminate the display screen for 15 seconds when pressed.

• Calibration Function

The original version of the TP03 didn’t have the ability to be calibrated. The updated version has a button that allows you to calibrate it. Simply press and hold down the Lock/Calibration button for 5 seconds to enter calibration mode.

You can then calibrate the thermometer in an ice water bath, pressing down the calibration button for 3 seconds after the thermometer hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit to confirm the calibration.

• Lock Function

Press the lock/cal button just once to lock the temperature reading on the thermometer. This is a great function to have in that you don’t have to try and read the temperature while it’s inserted in food in a hot oven.

• Built-In Magnet

It’s got a magnet if you like that sort of thing.

Usability

The newer TP03H is easier to use than the previous model. Although the original had a button you could press to extend the probe, the probe never fully extended anyway, rendering that feature useless.

The probe of the newer model folds out with more resistance but is very sturdy.

Accuracy

To test the accuracy of the TP03H I prepared a sous vide water bath set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. I then compared its temperature readings against a few other thermometers.

It held its own against the other thermometers such as the more advanced ThermoPro TP19. The TP19 model has a faster thermocouple sensor so it was able to read the temperature a little faster than the TP03H.

Testing the accuracy of the TP03H against the ThermoPro TP19 in a 140-degree sous vide water bath.

Durability

The durability of the TP03H is the one area with the biggest upgrade over the previous model. The new body of the TP03H is sturdier with a waterproof body. This is a vast upgrade over the TP03A model, which has a light plastic body.

The ThermoPro TP03H showing off its sleeker, more compact design vs the TP03A.

The ThermoPro TP18 meat thermometer has a similar shell to the original TP03 model and would benefit from a similar design upgrade.

Price

How does the price of the ThermoPro TP03H compare to other comparable meat thermometers on the market? At the time of this review, the TP03H is priced well below meat thermometers with similar or lesser features.

With its durable waterproof body and fast and accurate temperature reading, I am confident in saying it is a better value than the Kizen or Alpha Grillers Instant-Read Meat Thermometers.

The Kizen model is currently a very popular meat thermometer but I think the TP03H is a better thermometer at a far lower price point. The TP03H has a sturdier construction and has all of the same features of the Kizen.

The original body of the TP03A has a larger, hollow plastic body compared to the more compact body of the newer TP03H.

New and Old Version: TP03H vs TP03A

How does the updated TP03H compare with its predecessor, the TPo3A? Well, you notice one thing right away, the body of the newer TP03H is a lot sturdier.

The most glaring weakness of the older TP03A model was its flimsy plastic body. Although I’ve never had any problems while using it, some people have reported the plastic body cracking.

The older TP03 also has a spring-loaded button on the end which you push to extend the probe out. The newer TP03H extends out from a sturdy, circular hinge on the back.

It can’t be overstated enough how much more solid the newer TP03H is than the prior version.

The ThermoPro TP19 and the ThermoPro TP03H meat thermometers.

The ThermoPro Tp03H vs the ThermoPro TP19 Instant Read Meat Thermometer

When shopping for meat thermometers you will come across the ThermoPro Tp19 model and wonder what the differences are between it and the TP03H.

The ThermoPro TP19 has a few more features such as a rotating display screen, antimicrobial coating, and a faster, advanced thermocouple sensor. The display also has larger red digits that you can see easily at night without pressing a light button.

I rate the ThermoPro TP19 a better thermometer than the TP03H. This is understandable considering the additional features, not to mention it’s twice the price.

They are both a great value in my opinion and you would be well served by either choice.

Verdict

The ThermoPro Tp03H brings to the table all of the features of the more expensive Kizen and Alpha Grillers at a much lower price point. The fact that it’s made by ThermoPro and backed by their 3-year warranty makes this a good choice if you’re looking for a meat thermometer that will last for under $20.