Bought a $15 probe thermometer from Walmart to test my $200 Thermoworks Smoke. Couldn't believe the results.

I've been using a Thermoworks Smoke for like 3 years now. Always thought it was the gold standard after watching those BBQ competition videos. Then my buddy dared me to grab a cheap one from Walmart to compare temps on a pork butt last weekend. Both read within 2 degrees of each other the whole 8 hour cook. Honestly kinda crushing my whole setup vibe but also saving me money.

3 comments

3 Comments

emmawood2h ago

Yep graydavis is right, Ive seen cheap probes drift after a few hours too.

emmag225h ago

Yeah @graydavis, a $15 probe matching temps for 8 hours kind of proves paying more isn't always better.

graydavis7h ago

Probe placement matters way more than the price tag. On a pork butt, you can stick two probes an inch apart and get a 5 degree swing sometimes. The real test is how fast that cheap one responds to temp changes, and if it drifts after a few hours in the heat. I've had a cheapo start reading 10 degrees low after 6 hours on a brisket, so keep doing those side by side checks every now and then.