Maverick ET-683 Combo Digital Fork and Probe Review

This temperature fork reads temperature via a sensor located in the right tine only or via an interchangeable probe. There is no min/max or hold function, but there is a backlight. The display is right-side-up when the handle is up and the tines point down, backwards, in my opinion.

When turned on, this unit displays the current temperature and illuminates the backlight. It will also auto-turn-on when inserted into something above 113ºF (45ºC). Using the meat and taste buttons, choose the type of food, shown with tiny animal icons, and doneness preference. (Note: the type is very small, if your eyesight isn’t very good or correctable, this unit isn’t for you.) The temperatures used for these pre-programmed settings correspond to those given on the AmazingRibs Meat Temperature Guide, and they are NOT adjustable. When the fork/probe is inserted into food at or above the setting, an audible alarm will go off for 10 seconds or until any button is pressed. However, you can set a target temperature which will trigger an audible alarm and a flashing doneness icon. This setting is remembered when the unit shuts off as it will if the temp is below 113ºF (45ºC) and 2 minutes passes. There is a bar graph that displays temperature progress relative to the set temperature.

The fork takes several readings when inserted into a hot material like meat. I simulated this by heating up some water in a bowl, and comparing the temperature read by the fork to the value obtained from a thermometer of known accuracy. The fork read within a couple of degrees of the reference unit. This is acceptable accuracy for a device like this.

The manufacturer’s contact info, including address and website, but no telephone number, is found on the instruction sheet. The unit is covered by a 90-day limited warranty.

I’ll admit to a personal bias: I don’t like these fork thermometers. I think they’re a gimmick. I prefer a fast hand-held with a long, thin probe shaft to the relatively short and fat fork tines. However, this unit performs as advertised, is sufficiently accurate and fast-reading, and may work perfectly well for some users. I will ignore my personal preferences and give this unit a Bronze medal for performing according to specs.