This inexpensive unit has a limited temperature range and voice alerts to warn of food readiness. One can select a beeper instead of the not-so-sexy voice. There is a foot on the rear to allow it to stand upright. The probe cable is encased in a flexible covering instead of the usual stainless steel braid.
This model has several interesting features. Out of the box, the usual FDA standard temperatures are programmed in for beef, pork, veal and poultry. However, you can re-program these using the AmazingRibs meat temperature guide card, and they will persist until you deliberately press the reset button hidden under the battery cover, next to the F/C switch. There is also a PGM choice that allows you to set your own temperature without messing with Uncle Sam’s recommendations.
When the target temperature has been selected, and the food passes the 90ºF mark, the unit will calculate the expected time to cook, and display an elapsed time and a remaining time to cook. We did not test the accuracy of this predictive algorithm. There is also a bar graph that indicates the state of the cook as a percentage of the calculated cook time.
In the beeper mode, it will announce at 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute and done with distinctive beep sequences. In the voice mode, these milestones are announced with a spoken message. If you were hoping for a breathy intonation, fuggedaboudit, she’s all business.
The manufacturer’s contact info, including address, website and telephone, is found in the owner’s manual. The kit is covered by a 90-day limited warranty.
The combination of a low price and interesting feature set make for an attractive product. It’s a basic unit without a lot of bells and whistles, but gets a Silver medal for utility and value.
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