Hello BBQ Friends! Today, I’ll be taking a look at the new ThermoPop 2 from ThermoWorks! The ThermoPop 2 is a new version of the original ThermoPop, boasting many usability improvements over the latter. Is it the best thermometer for folks on a budget? Does it improve enough over the original model to justify an upgrade? Let’s check it out. 

ThermoWorks sent us this equipment for testing and review purposes, however, all opinions are our own.

Please note: Hey Grill Hey is supported by its readers. We may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through a link on this page.

 

ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Features

The ThermoPop 2 features the following:

• Accurate to within 1 degree Fahrenheit
• 2-3 second temperature readings
• Auto-rotating 1 1/4 inch backlit display
• IP67 Waterproof rating
• NSF Certified

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

As stated earlier, the ThermoPop 2 is the latest and greatest version of the ThermoPop from ThermoWorks. It offers a host of usability improvements over the previous model, but my favorite improvement is definitely the larger screen. According to ThermoWorks, the screen on this new unit comes in at a whopping 40% larger than the last model, with larger digits and a better contrast ratio. Another neat feature of the new screen is the auto-rotating display. All of that combined with the backlight make it a readability dream in any lighting condition.

In addition to the new screen, ThermoWorks has also improved on the temperature reading speeds. On the old unit, read speeds were in the 3-4 second range, while the ThermoPop 2 does it in 2-3 seconds! In real life, this thermometer is nearly as fast, if not just as fast as my MK4 instant-read units! Super impressive!

Accuracy has improved over the original as well. The original ThermoPop has an accuracy rating of 2 degrees in either direction, while the latest has an impressive single degree accuracy rating! That’s twice as accurate! Not only that, but the new generation is now NSF certified; a certification the original didn’t receive.

 

 

Other notable improvements include a thinner case profile and IP67 fully waterproof rating. Not only is this guy smaller than the original, but it’ll take a beating better as well. It’ll definitely survive a night or two out in the rain. Ask me how I know.

ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Operation

Turning this unit on is a little bit different than the instant read thermometers on the market. Usually, you rotate the probe out from the body and, voila, temperature magic. 

Not so here. The ThermoPop 2 has an on/off button on the back. Hold it down and that beautiful display springs to life! When you’re ready to shut the unit down, you’ll either need hold down that rear button again, or wait 10 minutes for the unit to shut off on its own. The timeout function can be turned on or off with a button sequence detailed in the instruction manual. 

There’s not much else to it. The ThermoPop 2 is a super easy to use and convenient piece of equipment.

What We Like

Here are some of my favorite things about the ThermoPop 2:

• The Display is amazing. I like it just as much as the screen on my Thermapen One!
• It’s Fast and Accurate Twice as accurate as the last model and as quick as an MK4!
• IP67 Waterproof Rating I need this. I’m forgetful, so my equipment needs to be able to survive a bit of weather.
• The Price $35 is an absolute steal for a device this good!

What Could be Improved

There’s really not much that bothers me about this iteration of the ThermoPop. The only thing that has bothered me so far is that the unit features a pocket clip, but it is much too long to fit cleanly into any of my actual pockets. I’m always afraid of snapping off that probe while sitting down or carrying stuff to and from the grills.

PURCHASE A THERMOPOP 2: Click Here

Great Recipes for the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

Do you have the ThermoPop 2, or are you planning on buying one in the future? If so, I recommend trying these awesome recipes on your grill.

• Smoked Pulled Beef Chuck Roast
• Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Roasted Garlic Resting Butter
• Drunk Brisket with Bacon BBQ Sauce

 

ThermoPop 2 Review: Final Thoughts

The ThermoPop 2 is an absolute ringer for the money. ThermoWorks products are always well-built and will always outlast cheaper options found elsewhere. I’d recommend this to anybody needing a quality thermometer but needing to stick to a budget. For $35 at the time of this review, it just can’t be beat!