The ThermoPro TP-11 is a single-channel, remote food thermometer that also features an up/down timer function. The stainless steel probe is designed to be inserted into food while it is cooking, displaying its temperature on a remote receiver.
The transmitter has a single display that indicates the temperature to 0.1º and can show Fahrenheit or Celsius results independent of the display mode selected on the receiver. It operates on two AAA batteries housed in a sealed compartment, although the manufacturer says that the unit should not be operated in the rain. There is no backlight on the transmitter.
ThermoPro TP-11 Receiver Modes
The receiver has two display modes: food and timer. In the food mode, the meat type and taste (doneness) display in the top half of the display. The temperatures correspond to USDA recommendations. There is also a program selection where the user can select whatever temperature she or he desires instead of the programmed temperatures. In the timer mode, the upper half of the display shows the timer’s counter’s value. One can select either an up or down timer. If you clear the time, it shows zero and will automatically count up when you press the Start/Stop button. If you program in hours (up to 23) and minutes (up to 59), the counter will count down to zero and beep every second thereafter. The backlight does not display when the counter reaches zero.
The lower half of the display shows the food temperature and the target setting chosen by the user. After the temperature has risen by 10º, the backlight will flash blue. When the food is within 15º of the target, the backlight will flash green every second, and when the target is reached, the backlight will flash red and a beeper will also sound.
Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, the receiver does not do an adequate job of alerting the user if it loses communication from the transmitter. After a short period, the temperature display will show three dashes, indicating loss of signal. However, there is no audible alert until 30 minutes have elapsed. So, it is possible to be unaware of the transmission loss and overcook your food. This is a serious deficiency in this unit.
On the plus side, the thermometer system is easy to use and the buttons are intuitive. Accuracy is very good, and the cabling on the temperature probe is robust. You must handle the probes with care as they are subject to damage if submerged while cleaning or exposed to excessively high temperatures. (These are typical limitations that affect nearly all temperature probes.)
Warranty
The user’s instructions are clear enough. You can find the manufacturer’s contact info, including an e-mail address, website, and telephone number in the documentation. The warranty period is for one year.
Our Review
Except for the signal loss issue, there’s a lot to like in this unit. However, the company markets a two-probe unit, the TP-12, that doesn’t suffer from this problem for only $10 more. I’d recommend that over this unit, but I’ll give this one a Bronze Medal anyway.
