The ThermoWorks Reference Thermapen is a high-accuracy temperature probe designed to be used as a temperature reference instrument more than as a food thermometer. Although, it can be employed that way if you’re really particular about temperatures. (You should seek professional help!) This Thermapen is accurate to 0.07ºF, and I use it to set up all my calibration tests here at AmazingRibs.com. It has mediocre response times, but it’s not designed to be used for quick measurements. As you can see from the data, it would be in the middle of the pack on speed. It has the same configurable settings that the standard Thermapen has: auto-off can be disabled, precision can be set between 0.1º or 0.01º, Fahrenheit or Celsius can be selected, and an offset can be dialed in if you have an even more accurate temperature reference.
Since this is the instrument I use to set up my tests, the accuracy data should be taken with a grain of salt. I set the temperature reference to this thermometer, so of course it will agree completely. The ice water test and the speed measurements are trustworthy.
This unit comes with a faux leather zippered case, instructions, and a five-point calibration certificate.
The manufacturer’s contact info is readily available, and it stands behind its products.
Our Review of the ThermoWorks Reference Thermapen
I’m giving the ThermoWorks Reference Thermapen only a Silver medal because it’s not really a food thermometer, but rather a lab instrument. So, it’s optimized differently from the standard Thermapen, a much better choice for cooking. This unit is also twice the price of the standard unit, so take that into consideration.
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