Javelin

This review is a combined review for the PT12 model and the Pro, I purchases the PT12 back in 2015 because I wanted a accurate instant read thermometer but based on my use case I couldn't bring myself to spend the $100 on a Thermoworks (although I thought long about it...). This seemed like a good substitute for the price point so I went with it. I'm glad I did, as it quickly out performed the CDN device that I was using, as well as other thermometer gadgets around the house. After making sure that it was accurate (boiling water test) I found it to be much faster than those other devices, and more accurate, taking anywhere from 3-5 seconds to come within a degree or two of the food temp, and then another 5 seconds or so to to level out at the final temp. Not really instant, but good enough for my uses. And once the probe/sensor is "warmed up" (meaning its not starting from 60 degrees) subsequent checks go much faster (like when you're moving from burger to burger or steak to steak on the grill). The small size made it perfect for having in a pocket and the built in magnet makes it easy to store on the fridge or side of the grill. Overall I was so happy with this that I purchased a second one (one to keep by the grills, one for the kitchen), and was equally satisfied with that purchase. So much so, that when the original went missing for several months (it eventually turned up) I went to purchase a third one. By this point Lavatools had introduced their Pro model, so I went with that one. Again, happy I did, as this model was a worthwhile upgrade to the PT12's. Much faster return on food temps, providing a temp within 2 seconds and leveling out at 5. Much closer to what I would expect an instant read to perform. The large display, backlight and longer probe are great additions. It's certainly much beefier feeling than its little brother, but not so that its cumbersome or clumsy to use. All in all I'm very pleased by these purchases and would highly recommend them for the products that they are, in this price point. And, of course, the Amazon experience in researching, purchasing and delivery of these was also great

This is THE BEST probe thermometer I have ever owned for the price and I've been through about 6 different probes in the past 4 years. Pros: First off "NSF APPROVED!" for those who work in commercial kitchens. The color selection is a nice touch but as most may not know these thermometers are actually color coded for commercial kitchens so if all colors were purchased you have almost no risk of cross contamination due to the thermometers. The design is compact yet solid without making the unit too heavy (1.8oz) for a uniform/shirt pocket or the display too small to read. I love the clip and magnet as well so you can clip it to a retractable lanyard if you're working in a commercial kitchen or just clean and stick to the side of your fridge when using at home. Last but not least this device has a battery saver that shuts the thermometer off after 60 minutes if the probe is left open and is rated for 4000+ hours of use. Cons: I'm being a bit picky with these but there are a few things I would change for instance the battery. WHY would they use a CR2032 battery as opposed to a AAA is beyond me. I guess you could argue added weight but a AAA battery would have been fine! If anyone at Lavatools reads this and a javelin 2 is in the works PLEASE give us a better battery option so that a rechargable battery can be used! Which leads me to the auto off timer that shuts the unit off after 60 minutes. I feel like this should be 5 minutes or 15 minutes max. This is an instant read probe! You aren't leaving this in food for 60 minutes and if you plan to you should be buying a probe thermometer with a cable that allows you to set timers and temp alarms. Also giving the probe full range of rotation rather than stopping at 180° would be nice but not absolutely necessary so you can accuse me of being picky with this one. Lastly the unit selector switch which is under the battery is such a PITA to get to if you ever need it. Again another design decision that makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. I guess you could make the argument that the device is more durable without any extra moving parts on the exterior but if feel that's a bit of a stretch. Overall I think this is a great thermometer vs its competitors at a good price point for the average consumer and commercial kitchen staff alike. I personally would like to see a javelin pro mini with an updated battery in the works but in the meantime I'm happy with this as I'm sure most of you will be too. TL;DR Pros: NSF Approved Color selection/color coded Small and light weight Clip ring and magnet for storage Auto off timer to save battery 4,000+ hours of battery life Con's: CR2032 battery Battery saver shut off time too long at 60 minutes Limited probe positioning Temp unit selector switch requires removal of battery

Perfect instant read thermometer. I use this mostly for meat and fish but also to test the temperature of milk when making yogurt. It seems to be very accurate (no more over cooked chicken) and is super convenient. Small enough for a kitchen drawer but it’s magnetized so I stock mine on the side of the refrigerator. Great product at a great price.

I have no complaints with this meat thermometer, It is fast and accurate.

I purchased this little thermometer back in 2016 (this review is in 2025) and have been using it ever since. It's been a relatively faithful tool during that time. The size is great, it's small and out of the way and the magnet is really handy. Let's talk about accuracy for a minute. Over the last few years it seemed to start eating batteries more and more frequently, also it seemed like the accuracy was drifting. Nothing bad but not as pinpoint accurate as it once was. My only real complaint about the unit is the lack of a back light. When grilling outside in the winter I needed to have some extra light from a headlamp or flashlight to read the display. My unit started failing this year, started noticing the display staying on when the probe was stowed away, some wonky things on the display, and the temp readout slowly fluctuating up and down. Again though after 9 years, I have no complaints it last a good long time for the value. I would absolutely recommend this little unit for the price point.

I’ve owned this for years and it just works every time. You cannot ask for something better than that, especially for the price.

Love these thermometers. Great size, price vs. performance is awesome. Ran in a professional restaurant setting for years and now I use them at home. Cheap enough to buy a bunch and hand out to line cooks or family.

Fast, solid, and accurate. I don't need a 20 foot probe and neon screen to temp the half inch halibut in my hands. Solid, meaning the probe won't fall out like those flimsy ones your chef buys in bulk. You bums better stop coming to the line to grab my Javelin, this thing cost $20 and is INVALUABLE to me. Get your own.

It's very sensitive to small changes in temperature. Very useful! It's also very compact.

The Thermowand by Lavatools is a very accurate and precise digital thermometer that is simple, easy to use, and all the basic functions that 99.9% of people require out of a thermometer. It is also one of the quickest thermometers for the price (1-2 seconds for an approximate temperature around 1C and 3-5 for more significant digits of 0.1C). The unit is very easily to clean as it is splash-proof and features a magnet for ease of storage on your fridge or stove (stainless steel is mostly non-magnetic). A digital thermometer seems to be an oversight in most kitchens at home and personally I believe it does enhance to some extent food safety, especially during the cooking process and after to ensure that your food is fully cooked. The accuracy and precision of the Thermowand is even more important once you start diving into the world of immersion or sous-vide cooking. The majority of digital thermometers can be quite inaccurate and takes a considerable amount of time to reach the correct temperature. Cheaper digital thermometers ($10-15), take a while to reach a stable temp, and they tend to have simple electronics and cheaper themistors. The extra premium for the Thermowand is for the near instant-read temperature, and in my experience it does not usually take 1-2 seconds to get to an approximate temp, and an additional 3-5 seconds to reach the correct/stable temp. In addition, it uses a thermocouple which are super quick at measuring temperatures, is calibrated, and have enhanced temperature stability built-in. The speed is appreciated as you reduce the amount of the time the food is being checked and exposed to anything but heat. The thermometer is very easy to use and maintain. The probe swings out and turns the unit on and off, and it is very sharp and measures about 1.7cm in deep, you can go further to 7cm to where the plastic molding is on the probe. As some of the reviews out there mention, the Thermowand does have a very short probe. Because of this, it does require you to hold it at the end by the ear which may still not be long enough, depending what you doing or measuring, and may result in the unit falling into the food. The Thermowand does not have a backlight, rotating display, and a fog proof display. The first two, I would not consider a deal breaker, as for the most part the overhead lights on the range hood illuminates the majority of the cooktop and I am also right handed, but, rotating display may be something to consider if you are left handed. A fog proof display would have been a decent addition, as if you are expecting excessive steam it can cause the display to be unreadable due to the fog. Finally, if you are a cook that relies on both C and F temps, there is no easy way to switch between the two without opening the battery compartment and removing the battery to get to the dip switch.

Nice bit of kit for the kitchen. Super fast read thermometer and incredibly accurate. Great for baking and testing meat. The magnetic back is great to stick to the fridge or oven.

I bought this as a cheaper alternative to a Thermapen one. I instantly regretted it because it takes 2 or 3 seconds to register the heat where the much more expensive one has an instant readout but I've just learned to live with the small delay. It is accurate, it's small, it switches itself on and off as you extend/fold back the probe, it's got a magnetic back so i stick it to my fridge/freezer for easy access. I don't know how I lived without it. If I had to pick four kitchen must haves I would say oversized chef tweezers, a half round silicone spatula/scraper, a potato ricer, and a temperature probe.

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