Maverick PT-55 Waterproof Instant-Read Thermometer Review

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By: Bill McGrath, AmazingRibs.com Chief Thermometer Reviewer

Maverick PT-55 Waterproof Instant-Read Thermometer Review

The Maverick PT-55 waterproof thermometer is a full-featured, hand-held instant read thermometer. It has a rapid response time that allows one to measure food temps in real time, and permits capture of the current temp as well as minimum and maximum temperatures.

The unit is turned on by pressing a button – merely opening the probe does not fire it up. Fahrenheit or Celsius scales are easily selected with the push of a second button. The maximum and minimum temps are stored until cleared and can be recalled by a button that toggles between the current temp, the minimum temp and the maximum. Yet another button captures the current temperature. Pressing any button turns on the electric blue backlight for a few seconds. The unit will shut itself down if no buttons are pressed for ten minutes.

Temperature response times are very quick – an essential trait for this type of unit. At nearly one-half inch high, the display is easy to read, and the backlight is effective.

The thermometer can be recalibrated by inserting the probe into an ice water bath and holding the F/C switch for five seconds. There is also a reset button, recessed to make inadvertent actuation difficult. It’s not clear from the instructions just exactly what is reset, though. There is a low-battery icon that alerts the user to replace the two CR2032 batteries.

This unit is specified at IP67, dust-tight and submersible up to one meter of depth, so damage from water is pretty much a non-issue. The display is fixed – that is, it doesn’t rotate depending on the unit’s orientation – favoring the right-handed user. USDA food temps are listed in a table on the back of the thermometer, if you’re inclined to overcook your food

Build quality is above average, and it should resist water damage better than most. The warranty is stated as one year on the packaging, but the instruction sheet says it’s 90 days. The manufacturer gives a mailing address for service, a website, and a telephone number in case of problems.

This is a solidly-built instant read thermometer with a full feature set. It’s speed performance is very good. It reads a few degrees high at 225º and 325º, but probably not likely to be an issue for most users. At a list of $45 and a street price of under $40, it’s in the mid-price range for quality equipment. Another good product from Maverick – a Gold Medal.

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Product Information:

Thermometer Function:

Hand Held/Instant Read
Item Price :

39.95
*Price Subject To Change
Where to buy (buying from this supplier supports this website):

Adrenaline Barbecue

Amazon
Probe:

Diameter: 0.138" (3.5mm), tip: 0.0625" (1.6mm), length: 4" (10cm)
Battery Type:

2xCR2032 (included)
Battery Life:

Not specified
Safe Operating Range:

Not specified
Min & Max Temp:

4 to 572ºF (-20 to 300ºC)
Display Precision:

0.1º
Actual Temp at 32 Degrees:

32.0
Actual Temp at 130 Degrees:

131.5
Actual Temp at 225 Degrees:

229.1
Actual Temp at 325 Degrees:

330.8
Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:

2
Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:

3
Numbers Display Size:

0.47" (12mm)
Water Resistance Rating:

IP67 - waterproof to 1m
Weight:

3 oz. (85g)
C/F Switch:

Built in CF switch
Backlight:

Built in Backlight
Adjustable Options:

1
Color Options:

Pale Blue
Thermometer Sensor:

Thermocouple
Included:

Thermometer, batteries, instructions
Alarms:

Audible/Visible

Manufacturer:

How To Buy The Best Instant Read Thermometers

6/23/2024

Published On: 12/11/2017

Bill McGrath, AmazingRibs.com Chief Thermometer Reviewer - Bill McGrath is AmazingRibs.com's Thermometer Maven. He has sophisticated equipment, an electrical engineering degree from Cornell University, and an MBA (almost) from UC Berkeley. Despite being mostly retired, he is still the person responsible for developing and updating all of ExxonMobil's training modules.

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