We’re putting the new Thermoworks Sizzle instant-read thermometer to the test. In this article, we compare it side-by-side with the ThermoPop 2 and Thermapen ONE to see how it compares in speed, usability, and price. If you’re in the market for a reliable meat thermometer for grilling, smoking, or just your daily cooking routine in the kitchen, this is where you’ll see how the Sizzle thermometer stacks up.
The Thermoworks brand seems to be the industry standard when it comes to thermometers. I know we’ve been using the Thermapen One, Thermoworks Signals, and RFX Meat wireless thermometers in our outdoor cooking for years now. Thermoworks products have always been reliable, accurate, and they provide excellent customer service whenever we’ve run into an issue.
I know for some people, Thermoworks thermometers have felt out of reach from a budget standpoint. When there are so many other instant read thermometers available at a fraction of the price, budget sometimes outranks performance when it’s time to make a purchase of kitchen gear.
Thermoworks heard that pain point and decided to meet the need with this new mid-level offering.
Falling somewhere in between the Thermapen One and Thermopop 2 in price and features, let’s put the Thermoworks Sizzle to the test.
How does the Sizzle instant-read thermometer compare?
Folding Probe
The Sizzle has a 270-degree rotating probe while the Thermapen One only rotates 180-degrees. The Thermopop 2 has a fixed probe with a cover. Whether you’re a righty or a lefty, taking temperature readings at odd angles is no problem with the Thermoworks Sizzle folding probe.
Auto-rotating display
The Thermoworks Sizzle thermometer display rotates 2 directions, while the Thermapen One and Thermopop 2 both rotate 4 directions for easy reading no matter how the thermometer is being held.
Temperature readings
The Thermopop 2 offers full temperature readings in 2-3 seconds, while the Sizzle gives readings in “less than 2 seconds.” The Thermapen One boasts 1 second readings.
In our testing of the 3 thermometers in ice water, the difference of reading time between the Sizzle and Thermopop 2 seemed much greater than the difference between the Sizzle and the Thermapen One. Watch the video below to see for yourself.
Temperature Accuracy
The Sizzle thermometer has an accuracy of ±0.9 °F (From -4 to 248 °F), while the Thermopop 2 is just behind with an accuracy of Accuracy ±1 °F. The Thermapen One is accurate to ±0.5°F.
Backlit screen
While all 3 instant read thermometers offer backlit screens, the Thermoworks Sizzle display is the brightest. The illuminated screen shuts off automatically after 60 seconds to preserve the battery.
Magnetic Back
The Thermoworks Sizzle is the only Thermoworks instant read thermometer that includes a magnet so you can keep it easily accessible on the side of your fridge or grill.
Waterproof
All three Thermoworks instant read thermometers have an IP67 waterproof rating.
Warranty
The Thermoworks Sizzle and the Thermopop 2 both come with a 2-year warranty, while the Thermapen One has a 5 year warranty.
Price
The Thermpop 2 is the least expensive in this lineup, with a regular price of $39. The Sizzle is offered at $59, while the Thermpapen One costs $115.
Our take on the Thermoworks Sizzle
ThermoWorks really hit the mark with SIZZLE instant read thermometer. Delivering essential performance at this price makes this model accessible to anyone who’s looking to buy a reliable instant read thermometer on a strict budget.
Like I said in the beginning, we’ve been faithfully using the Thermapen One for many years now. And as much as we love that instant read thermometer, there are a couple of new features we get from the Sizzle that we’ve been missing in the Thermapen One.
I appreciate the full extension of the rotating probe. I love that it’s finally magnetic without having to purchase an accessory sleeve. And the brightness of the display is really nice in comparison.
So the question is, what do we lose by saving $56 and choosing the Sizzle thermometer over the Thermapen One?
First, you’ll lose up to .5° of accuracy. Does half a degree make that big of a difference in home cooking? That’s for you to decide.
Second, it might take up to 1 second longer to get a reading of temperature. One second goes by pretty quickly, but if you’re holding your hand over a really hot grill while temping steaks, 1 second can make a difference in what your hand feels.
Third, the display only rotates 2 ways instead of 4 ways. That hardly even seems worth mentioning when you’re talking about saving over $50.
Finally, the warranty on the Thermapen One is 3 years longer than what comes with the Sizzle thermometer.
We have a drawer full of instant read thermometers and if my eyes are open when I reach for one, I’m going to choose the Thermapen One every time because I trust it to give me the fast and accurate readings I want. However, for anyone looking for the near-performance of a Thermapen One at about half the price, the Sizzle is definitely the way to go.
