Super-Fast or Standard? Which one is for me?

In the October 2005 issue of Cook’s Illustrated, a reviewer mentioned that the smaller diameter Super-Fast Tip was more prone to be easily bent or broken than the Standard Penetration Tip. Recent changes to the Super-Fast Tip make that far less likely.

The original Super-Fast Tip had a 1" section of the probe shaft that was only 1/16" in diameter. This diameter is fairly common in commercial thermocouple probes but it is more likely to be bent than a 1/8" diameter probe. If you already have one of these, there is nothing wrong with it and it should work great. You will simply want to continue to be careful not to jab a bone or drop the Thermapen on its tip.

Recently we changed the design and manufacturing process for the Super-Fast Thermapen Tip. The new tip has only a 1/2" section of probe shaft at the smaller 1/16" diameter. We also eliminated the microweld between the two sections. The new probe shaft is made of a single stainless steel tube that is “swaged” or pressed down to a smaller diameter at the tip. Extensive testing of the new probe tube proves that the speed of response is still within 4 seconds in stirred ice water.

While still not intended as an ice pick, the new Super-Fast Thermapen Tip is stronger and far less likely to be accidentally bent or broken while still giving you the incredible speed that the Thermapen is known for. The Super-Fast Tip is also better for thin food portions like thin burgers.

The Super-Fast Tip is available in the regular wide range version to 572 F and the High Accuracy, Super-Fast version to 199.9 F.

The 1/8" probe of the Standard Penetration Tip also makes a good thermometer and it is slightly more durable over time. It reads a full temperature in stirred ice water in approximately 8 seconds. However, I would personally choose the Super-Fast version. I’ve had one of the original Super-Fast Thermapens at home for many years and my kids use it almost daily. Most people prefer the Super-Fast Tip (9 in 10).

Randy Owen, President