ThermoPro TP826 Wireless Meat Thermometer Review

The ThermoPro TP826 Wireless Meat Thermometer is a dual-probe meat thermometer that can transmit cooking temperatures up to 500 feet between its transmitter and receiver units.

This strong signal transmission is capable of penetrating many obstacles such as walls, trees, buildings, making it an ideal remote meat thermometer for monitoring your smoker or grill outside.

The ThermoPro TP826 comes with two, extra-long, stainless steel probes that are perfect for larger roasts and turkeys.

If you do a lot of smoking you can also use one of the probes to track the ambient chamber temperature of your smoker while monitoring your meat with the other probe.

It’s also rated IPX4 waterproof, meaning it can handle a little rain and be okay.

The TP826 is basically the two-probe version of ThermoPro TP829 which has four probes.

However, the TP829 has a wireless signal range of 1000 feet, twice the range of the TP826.

Since both thermometers’ wireless signals are robust enough to transmit through most home obstacles you throw at them, the wireless range discrepancy is irrelevant.

Unless you’re a football coach and you’re monitoring your brisket from 3 practice fields away.

In this review of the ThermoPro TP826 wireless meat thermometer, I will examine its features, usability, durability, accuracy, and price to see if it’s a meat thermometer worth your time and money.

ThermoPro TP826 500 FT Wireless Meat Thermometer

The ThermoPro TP826 wireless meat thermometer (also known as the ThermoPro TP826B) is just one of many meat thermometer models that ThermoPro produces.

If you’re unfamiliar with the ThermoPro company, they are a manufacturer of many highly-rated meat thermometers and other temperature measuring devices.

They make quality, accurate meat thermometers and they stand by their products.

I own most of their lineup of meat thermometers and I can attest to their quality.

I’ve only had one issue with one of their thermometers, the TP829 coincidentally. It had a problem where it would shut off after 2 hours of operation, even while in use.

This was a defect that the company rectified as soon as it was discovered. After contacting customer service they sent me a replacement, free of charge.

No questions asked. Great customer service.

ThermoPro has around 13 different wireless remote meat thermometer models, so what sets the TP829 apart from the others? Great question.

Let’s examine what the TP826 remote wireless meat thermometer brings to the table in terms of features and specifications.

Features of the ThermoPro TP826

Here are all of the important components and features of the ThermoPro TP826.

Components

• 1 Receiver
• 1 Transmitter
• 2 Stainless-Steel Probes 
• 2 Probe Winders
• 1 Probe Grate Clip
• 4 AAA Batteries
• 1 Operating Manual

Features 

• Liquid Crystal Display for both the transmitter and receiver.
• IPX4 Waterproof
• Wireless Signal Range of 500 feet.
• Temperature measuring range between 14°F and 572°F
• Accuracy rated to +- 1.8°F.
• Three different mounting options, tabletop stand, magnetic back, and wall hook.

Usability of the TP826

The ThermoPro TP826 is relatively easy to use.

You should be able to use it proficiently after a quick perusal of the operation manual.

Here’s a link to the operation manual for the ThermoPro TP826.

The buttons are laid out logically on both the receiver and transmitter units.

The backlit display for both the receiver and transmitter units is nice and bright, although it will only stay illuminated for 10 seconds when the light button is pressed.

Another hallmark of all of ThermoPro’s wireless thermometers is their extraordinarily-long temperature probes.

Although not ideal for smaller cuts of meat, the length of these probes really comes in handy when cooking large roasts and birds during the holidays.

Wireless Signal Range of the ThermoPro TP826

The ThermoPro TP826 claims to have a wireless signal range of 500-feet between its transmitter and receiver units.

This is a line-of-sight measurement with no obstructions in between such as walls and trees.

I decided to test this signal range by going on a walk in my neighborhood.

I also brought along the four-probe ThermoPro TP829 that has a reported wireless signal range of 1000 feet.

Leaving both models’ transmitters in my kitchen, I walked up the sidewalk until I lost signals for both.

The signal for TP826 cut out and re-engaged around 380 to 400 feet.

Considering the signal had to travel through a few walls of my house and some trees, this is a pretty strong signal.

What about the TP829? It actually cut out at 800 feet and re-engaged around 600 feet.

The wireless signal of both units is incredibly strong with both of them capable of transmitting through multiple obstacles.

My takeaway from this test is that for just $10 more, you can get two extra probes and a stronger wireless signal with the ThermoPro TP829.

Durability

The durability of any product is measured over time. It is too soon to know the durability of the TP826.

There are two aspects of the TP826 that I consider favorably when rating its durability.

It has a waterproof IP rating of IPX4. See here for an explanation of IP ratings.

An IP water rating of 4 means that a device can withstand splashing water with no harmful effects.

Does this mean that you can leave the TP826 outside in a rainstorm? Probably not, but it should be able to handle some rain.

The durability of the TP826 is also backed by ThermoPro’s amazing customer service and warranty.

They have a standard one-year warranty that goes up to three years if you register your thermometer with them.

As I said before, they stand by their products.

Accuracy

How accurate is the TP826?

To test its accuracy, I inserted both of its probes into a glass of hot water alongside the Thermapen ONE and the Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo.

The TP826 measured around the same temperature as the other two thermometers, albeit not as fast.

I would consider the TP826 as accurate.

Price

As of right now, the set price of the TP826 is around $39. The four-probe TP829 has a retail of $49.

For some people, two probes are more than enough. I like the flexibility of the four probes.

Both are solid remote meat thermometers, so what you choose will depend on the number of items you generally grill or smoke at one time.

Final Thoughts

The ThermoPro TP826 Wireless Dual Probe Meat Thermometer is a solid thermometer with a nice signal range.

However, I think that its sibling, the four-probe ThermoPro TP829 makes a more compelling purchase due to its two extra probes and extended wireless range.

You would be happy with both thermometers, but for $10 more, I like the TP829 over the TP826.