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Thermoworks Thermapen 2013 Giveaway!

by Michael Chu
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Last year, I had the opportunity to give away a Thermapen and a Oven Alarm/Timer provided by Thermoworks. This year, they've offered to give away another Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen! Read on to see how to enter the drawing which will take place on December 11, 2013.


I've written about the Thermapen before during last year's giveaway and when I tested a variety of thermometers back in 2005, and I still believe it is the best thermometer I've ever used. I sheepishly admitted during last year's giveaway that over the years I've collected several Thermapens which I use in various places in the house.


For cooking, I reach for my Thermapen whenever I need to a temperature check, and that's not limited to cooking meats. I use it when I make candy (like my English Toffee which I make several pounds of each Halloween to give away), baking bread, checking the temperature of simmering stocks, or whether or not a stew has chilled enough to go into the refrigerator. The less than 4-second readings is really what makes it so convenient - with typical "instant read" thermometers that take about 10 seconds to stabilize, the extra time (which doesn't seem so long) really does prevent me from using them more often. With a fast and accurate probe, the Thermapen is quick enough that I don't feel held up by my tools.

My newest use of a Thermapen is to get Emma's bathwater to the right temperature. Touching the water sometimes works too, but when my skin temperature is cool, the water can feel hot when it isn't and when my skin warms up from the water, it feels lukewarm to me and super hot to Tina. Using a thermometer is just as fast and is actually accurate. The Thermapen makes it really fast, is easy to read, and I don't worry about it getting splashed with water. I wouldn't buy a Thermapen for this purpose, but since I've got them already, it's a great use. (Since the probe is sharp, I use it to test the water before putting the baby in!)

Emma tests the water resistance of her red Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen
Thermapens come in a variety of colors. If you win, you can pick a red one like the Emma is holding in this picture or any of the other standard colors listed on Thermowork's website. (I am apparently not above using my daughter as a model.)


I thought I'd take a moment to mention a couple of other Thermowork devices that I've been using on a regular basis. To take surface temperature readings instantly (less than a second), I reach for an infrared thermometer. Measuring temperature with an IR thermometer isn't as simple as pointing and shooting (although, usually that's all you have to do) because the emissivity of the material you are aiming at changes the coefficient used by the device to calculate the temperature based on the infrared measurement. So, taking a reading on a shiny stainless steel surface is quite different than reading the surface temperature of a pot of water. Most IR thermometers have a fixed emissivity coefficient of 0.95 which works well for water and organic materials, but the IR thermometers I've tried from Thermoworks have adjustable emissitivy values in case you need to measure the surface temperatures of other materials accurately. I use this IR Thermometer I bought a few years ago, but this IR thermometer is on sale for $45 as of the time of this posting.



Other tool I've been playing with regularly is their new ChefAlarm which has a super fast probe (5 seconds vs 12 seconds for most probe alarm thermometers) and an option for a super thin probe that is suitable for use in sous vide applications.


Lastly, I've found the their splash-proof TimeStick to be handy when I've got something in the oven or is time sensitive. I used to set an alarm in the kitchen (and still do), but when I know I'm stepping away (which is fairly often with work and baby care fighting for my attention), this lightweight but rugged timer has come in handy on more than a few ocassions. I know I can just set a timer on my phone, but somehow it's not as handy to do that while I'm at home. The TimeStick slips into my pocket conveniently (also comes with a lanyard and a magnet on the back) and is easy to set with one hand.



Anyway, hopefully, I've given you some holiday gift ideas so onto the giveaway instructions:
  1. You need to be in North America to qualify for this giveaway.
  2. Join Cooking For Engineers (through the forums) and post a comment to this article with whether or not you'd buy a Thermapen as a gift and who that gift would be for (you can admit that you would buy one for yourself). I need you to join so, if you win, I'll have an email address to contact you with to get your mailing info so Thermoworks can send you the thermometers. I won't have contact information for guest/anonymous posts so I can't include your entry unless you are logged in. (If you are an existing member, be sure to double check your email address on file to make sure it's accurate.)
  3. On December 11, 2013, I'll post a comment signifying the end of the contest. All entries (where I have contact info) above my comment will be eligible to win. (I don't know what time I'll be making the post, so it's best just to enter early.)
  4. I'll number the participants and generate a random number which will determine the winner and post the winner as well as contact them via email. If there is no response within 48 hours of my email, then I'll probably pick another number and winner (and so on).

I'm running the giveaway until December 11, 2013, so the new thermometers should arrive in time for Christmas (for your perfect holiday prime rib). Good luck everyone!

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Written by Michael Chu
Published on December 03, 2013 at 05:46 PM
120 comments on Thermoworks Thermapen 2013 Giveaway!:(Post a comment)

On December 03, 2013 at 07:09 PM, Christ0pher said...
Subject: I'd love to win a Thermapen
I would probably use the pen for myself, but others would definitely benefit from it.
Also, I didn't know there was a forum, so I'll be excited to peruse those.


On December 03, 2013 at 07:17 PM, mph said...
Subject: Myself!
I'd definitely keep it for myself. But I'd feed all my family and friends!


On December 03, 2013 at 07:18 PM, gx1400 said...
If I bought one for a gift, it would be for a buddy who taught me how to homebrew; if I bought one for myself it would be for the same reason.

I've read countless reviews about how great the thermopen is at quickly and accurately measuring mash temps and providing just a little bit of a boost to the brew day.


On December 03, 2013 at 07:20 PM, ENugent said...
I have a ThermaPen that sees heavy use in the kitchen - I would love to have another that I could use elsewhere in the house.

Also, I must have been living under a rock, because I missed any baby announcement. Congratulations! (I assume that you meant to say that you do use it to test the water before putting the baby in, not that you wait for the opportunity to stick her with sharp objects.)


On December 03, 2013 at 07:34 PM, kevininspace said...
Subject: My object of desire for the last few years.
I would unabashedly buy this for myself. I'd probably give it as a present to my wife, but really, who's kidding who here: it'd be for me (uh, us.)


On December 03, 2013 at 07:38 PM, crmb said...
Our son-in-law is a professional chef-- I bet he'd love one!


On December 03, 2013 at 07:45 PM, Michael Chu said...
ENugent wrote:
Also, I must have been living under a rock, because I missed any baby announcement. Congratulations! (I assume that you meant to say that you do use it to test the water before putting the baby in, not that you wait for the opportunity to stick her with sharp objects.)


I think I've been too busy with the newborn and then the server crashes / stability (and full-time work) and forgot to announce that I am a first time father now. Emma Rae Chu was born on July 4, 2013.

And thanks for catching that typo. I think it was one of those sentences that started off one way and then I changed it but forgot to remove a keyword. :) Article fixed.


On December 03, 2013 at 08:16 PM, Shalmanese said...
I would keep it for myself!


On December 03, 2013 at 08:21 PM, christyluv said...
Subject: Need one!
This has been high on my list of gadgets to buy for myself. Pick me!! Not sucking up but btw, your daughter is so cute!! Congrats on the new addition.


On December 03, 2013 at 08:30 PM, hdasio1234 said...
Subject: thermapen
No one I know would appreciate this gift, so I'll be selfish and keep it :) I've been wanting one of these forever!


On December 03, 2013 at 08:42 PM, h2oeco said...
Subject: Thermapen
I've considered buying a Thermapen before, but haven't because of the cost. Ideally, I'd have one for myself, and one for my fiancee...

Ed


On December 03, 2013 at 08:46 PM, ladywild said...
I want a thermapen so badly for my mother. I love mine. Couldn't imagine life without it :0)


On December 03, 2013 at 08:49 PM, peterv said...
Subject: Thermapen
I was literally looking on ThermoWorks website today! I've heard great things about them, so clearly the first one I would ever buy would be for myself. :D


On December 03, 2013 at 08:54 PM, Hickepedia said...
Subject: Thermapen
Yeah, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'd keep this one for myself.


On December 03, 2013 at 09:06 PM, littlepotato said...
Subject: Thermapen
I've lusted after these for years after seeing them and reading about them at Cook's Illustrated. I would get one for my mom, but she was lucky enough to get one from a restaurant (for free!?), so I'd have to say I'd keep this for myself :)


On December 03, 2013 at 09:22 PM, HypnoToad said...
Subject: My sister
That looks pretty cool, so I'd get one for my sister. I'm not much of a cook or baker (yet), but she's excellent. She's even in the process of starting her own bakery catering business to try to make money doing what she loves, so any tools to help her make the perfect brownies, cakes, or anything else will come in very handy.


On December 03, 2013 at 09:40 PM, dsbernhardt said...
Subject: Thermapen!
I would indeed buy a pen for my husband, who loves cooking gadgets more than I do (even though I am the engineer in the family).


On December 03, 2013 at 10:00 PM, Chelsearode said...
Subject: Thermapen
I would definitely get this for my husband and his many grilling and meat experiments. And then I would "borrow" it from him for my salted caramel cupcakes (his fave).


On December 03, 2013 at 10:09 PM, bookwyrm said...
Subject: Thermapen
I'd either buy it for myself, or for my dad. He bakes bread all the time, and I like to make candy and yogurt.


On December 03, 2013 at 10:15 PM, hstanfi said...
I have been wanting one of these for years!! Never even thought to use it for bathwater. It would be perfect for a salted caramel cake that I've been dying to make...maybe for Christmas if I win??!?!


On December 03, 2013 at 10:37 PM, Shboom said...
Subject: Absolutely on my list NOW - for me
This is on my wish list NOW at Amazon.com. I always look for as much precision as i can find when cooking - it gives me courage. I weigh ingredients when I can. I even convert favorite recipes to weight versions. I decided the Thermapen would be awesome for measuring temp of fat for deep frying, liquid when making naan or other yeast bread and to test cakes. Being able to measure the temp that quickly without losing as much heat from the oven would be great.

Thanks for having this give away.


On December 03, 2013 at 10:37 PM, yourstruly42 said...
I'm currently unemployed, so gifts this year will entirely consist of baked goods. That said, I've been lusting after a Thermapen ever since I first saw them, and I could definitely see myself gifting this to some of my cooking-loving family members (or, I admit, to myself).

Cheers,
Julie


On December 03, 2013 at 10:43 PM, mariusm said...
I already own a Thermapen. While I would love a second one to keep for myself, if I were to win one then I would gift it to my friend Greg, who has been wishing he had one ever since he saw mine.


On December 03, 2013 at 10:58 PM, audreygrace17 said...
The Thermapen sounds like a great improvement on my meat thermometer that I currently use. Normally I have to wait for the dial to move and it takes over 20 secs to get an accurate reading. I would buy one for myself!


On December 03, 2013 at 11:46 PM, brendal said...
Subject: probably for myself!
i would probably buy one for myself to try it out first!


On December 03, 2013 at 11:53 PM, iliadawry said...
I'd want to try one out for myself before getting them as gifts. I'm also the only serious cook I know very well, so!


On December 03, 2013 at 11:54 PM, andrew_was_here said...
I would gift the food, and keep the Thermapen.


On December 03, 2013 at 11:54 PM, ChrisA said...
Subject: Thermapens look awesome!
I would love to purchase a Thermapen thermometer as a gift - for myself. I cook for both my immediate family and for my mother, and checking the proper temp of meats and other stuff is something I do frequently. I would love to have a quality tool to do this with!


On December 04, 2013 at 12:40 AM, Kartusch said...
I would love to get the thermapen as gift for my husband. He is a griller and sous vide user who approach them both with a need for precision


On December 04, 2013 at 03:20 AM, alextc78 said...
Subject: yes please
I admit I already own a thermapen, but I would love to get myself a gift of a second one, as well as many of my cooking friends who still don't understand the awesomeness of instant read and precision. Many of them still use your old fashioned meat thermometers, which I find useless now.


On December 04, 2013 at 06:56 AM, bmuir1616 said...
Subject: Great Pen
I use this product, but could use another. Thanks, Bill


On December 04, 2013 at 06:59 AM, monkeybash said...
Subject: Thermapen
I'd love to buy one for my father-in-law, but he knows how much they cost and would kill me if he knew I paid full price for one. I already have one for myself though and know it is totally worth it! :)


On December 04, 2013 at 08:23 AM, drstong said...
Subject: Chance for a thermapen AND I get to say Hi? Yes, please.
I'd buy one for myself, of course. My instant read is slower than me. And I'd buy one for my daughter, who loves to cook well. Thanks for your great posts, and for this opportunity!


On December 04, 2013 at 08:30 AM, mcmoto said...
I would totally buy one for a lot of different members of my family as we all love to cook. One for me would be great too, my wife can be a little paranoid about the doneness of things.


On December 04, 2013 at 09:14 AM, jmathews said...
Subject: Me
I'd buy one for myself, I'm selfish :).


On December 04, 2013 at 09:43 AM, TheCleric said...
I would definitely buy one for myself. Every time I see one used it seems to read in an instant, while my current thermometer seems to take 50 years.


On December 04, 2013 at 10:06 AM, 512foodie said...
It's not that I'm selfish, but I would use the pen for myself and at work. I have other thermometers currently but have secretly lusted after the quickness of the ThermoPen. I'd definitely use it for breads and proteins, as it would decrease the time I'd need an over door open.


On December 04, 2013 at 10:22 AM, KingZora said...
I have been wanting to buy one as a gift for myself for a long time, but they are a bit out of my price range... My old cheap thermometer broke recently so here's to hoping I can replace it soon!


On December 04, 2013 at 10:41 AM, rmcfadin said...
Subject: Count me in
I would love a chance at this. I know people who use then and they love them.


On December 04, 2013 at 10:54 AM, Jim Cooley said...
I wouldn't join any contest that would have me as a member.

Besides which my Taylor timer/temp probe works fine, and when that fails I have a mechanical Taylor to back me up.

And a watch.


On December 04, 2013 at 11:04 AM, jodeleeuw said...
I would love to get one for myself since all the other kitchen thermometers I've owned over the years have failed so quickly.


On December 04, 2013 at 11:40 AM, rcdziedzic said...
I would buy two pens--one for myself, and one for my dad. My constantly tiff over the best way to cook different meats. Having an easy-to-use thermometer around would eliminate the debate about when to remove the meat from the grill or the oven. As engineers, anything so clear-cut at a temperature would make everyone's lives around the holidays a much smoother experience. Also, I'd obviously like one for myself, so that I could accompany the main dish with some homemade caramels for dessert.


On December 04, 2013 at 11:51 AM, carryurcandle said...
I would love to buy one of these pens for my guy. He loves gadgets, and loves to cook. Perfect!


On December 04, 2013 at 12:20 PM, Auggie said...
Subject: Thermapen is an obsession of mine
it's just outside my impulse buy range, sadly. Winning one would be awesome.. I could finally toss my tired old dial "instant read" therms.


On December 04, 2013 at 12:20 PM, njmotmot said...
Subject: thermapen
I would like a thermapen to give to my boss who is a reluctant cook but likes gadgets. I think it would really help him cooking meat and other. (I have had one for years and use it all the time).


On December 04, 2013 at 12:23 PM, jfowlie said...
Subject: I'd get one for me, first!
I just served a raw 16.5lb turkey to my family, as my existing thermometer apparently started misreading the actual temperature.

I thought it had cooked awfully quickly, but had trusted my thermometer so absolutely, it had to be correct.

Not even close. Carving the turkey was more like surgery than supper.

I'd buy a second one for my father after that -- he's the next most likely to cook items requiring a good thermometer, and he appreciates fine, reliable equipment.


On December 04, 2013 at 12:32 PM, toebone said...
I'd keep it for myself! I'm sick of cheap thermometers falling apart or dying after a few months, and I hear thermapens are amazing for brewing beer!


On December 04, 2013 at 12:43 PM, redtuna29 said...
I definitely keep the thermopen for myself. I am the main cook in a large household and regularly cook large feasts. I have a Thermoworks oven thermometer that is awesome, but a quick pen would be the most useful. Thanks!


On December 04, 2013 at 01:02 PM, LOL_Cool_J said...
This one is definitely a keeper. It's been on my wish list for quite some time.


On December 04, 2013 at 01:14 PM, Trey Jackson (guest) said...
Subject: It'd be for me
Who am I kidding? I'm the tech geek in the family, so I'd be using this the most. But my wife would appreciate having a quick way to test temperatures of roasts and bread.


On December 04, 2013 at 01:40 PM, kerz said...
Subject: Winner!
I'd get one for my Dad, so he can experiment with roasts the same way I've been doing.


On December 04, 2013 at 01:56 PM, Emummy said...
Subject: thermopen
I would LOVE the thermopen for myself! If I had a lot of extra cash, I
would also like to give one as a gift to the friend who agreed to take an online course on Food and Science with me :)


On December 04, 2013 at 02:03 PM, billman said...
Subject: Thermapen
I've always felt complete joy when I find a tool that has surpassed my expectations for quality and ergonomics - it enhances the task at hand and makes an otherwise difficult job enjoyable. I have no doubts that the Thermapen will fit into this lofty and rare category of tools. I would love one for myself of course, and, as an added bonus for someone who agonizes endlessly trying to find the perfect gift match, will find it easy to do Christmas shopping for a couple of special people.


On December 04, 2013 at 02:13 PM, tcw1138 said...
Subject: Thermapen gift
I would give one to my wife so that she can experience the same joy in her baking as I experience in my cooking.


On December 04, 2013 at 02:19 PM, cosborne said...
Subject: Upgrade
I would use this to upgrade my current (it's a Taylor, I think). It has been giving me great results but doesn't read quite as quickly as the Thermopen is famed to do.

My mother is getting more into cooking and I would pass her the current, I believe.


On December 04, 2013 at 02:49 PM, BobDiscord said...
Subject: Thermapen
I would absolutely buy a thermapen as a gift for myself or any of my cheffy friends. That probe thermometer looks pretty enticing too...


On December 04, 2013 at 03:07 PM, petesopete said...
I'd definitely buy one (or two) from myself!


On December 04, 2013 at 03:36 PM, nlbarber said...
I'd buy one for myself and maybe even one for my sister-in-law...she's an engineer.


On December 04, 2013 at 03:46 PM, bense said...
I just purchased one, and it is in route to me as I type this. I would give a second one to my mother in law who cooks for us all the time.


On December 04, 2013 at 03:46 PM, Scott said...
I'd buy one for myself, if I could afford it.


On December 04, 2013 at 04:30 PM, daephin said...
I've been eying these for years. If I were to finally get one, it would definitely be for myself.


On December 04, 2013 at 04:51 PM, Savannagal said...
Subject: Thermapen
I've wanted to buy one of these for my husband for a long time. Every time I think about it they are out of stock. This is a wonderful giveaway. Thanks, and good luck to everyone.


On December 04, 2013 at 05:04 PM, rogerrever said...
Subject: Thermoworks Thermapen 2013 Giveaway!
Yes, I would definitely give as gift -- to myself that is


On December 04, 2013 at 05:05 PM, oricon said...
Subject: Thermapen giveaway
Definitely - I might get it for my father-in-law.


On December 04, 2013 at 06:07 PM, Rishu73 said...
Subject: ThermaPen giveaway...
I I won the ThermaPen, I'd give it to my wife, a professional personal chef. She's just about worn out her old one!


On December 04, 2013 at 08:38 PM, sarahliz said...
I keep eying the thermapen for myself but honestly I'm unlikely to buy one since I'm not sure I'd use it enough to justify the price.

I have a different brand of probe thermometer that I'm reasonably happy with for meat (which is really all I use one for). If the probe on it dies I may switch up to the thermoworks version as a replacement since it appears to be easier and cheaper to replace the probe for it than for some other brands.


On December 04, 2013 at 08:48 PM, Siff said...
Subject: Thermapen
I'll buy one Thermapen as a gift for a friend who always overcooks his steaks! I'll also get one lighted for myself! :)


On December 04, 2013 at 09:39 PM, Annette said...
I've been wanting to buy one of these for myself for a long time now, especially as I start getting into ever more complicated baked goods.


On December 04, 2013 at 09:55 PM, FrankLy said...
Subject: Comment for the Thermopen giveaway
I really want one for myself. I typically buy at least one thermometer a year as they seem to go bad. I check them periodically with ice water and boiling water. I usually buy a new one to do the Thanksgiving turkey. Many of the bargain brand ones either are too inaccurate or simply don't last very long. I am not sure why.

Thanks,
Frank


On December 04, 2013 at 10:58 PM, krisk said...
I would totally buy one as a gift for myself.


On December 05, 2013 at 07:20 AM, trb said...
Subject: A Gift For Me
I'd like to say I'd give this to my girlfriend, but really I'd be giving it to myself. I've had my eye on one of these for a while, but never pulled the trigger on a purchase.


On December 05, 2013 at 04:02 PM, ChefB said...
Subject: Meat & Beer
Me, me, me, me...but the end product would be shared. Just in time for cooking a standing rib roast and brewing a holiday ale.


On December 05, 2013 at 05:54 PM, anson said...
Subject: I am selfish
I would get the Thermapen for myself. I am so ashamed.


On December 05, 2013 at 06:36 PM, yoursjulie said...
I'd unashamedly gift it to myself -- but primarily because I'm awful at judging the doneness of meat. It's a service to others, really...


On December 05, 2013 at 08:36 PM, Gazoo432 said...
Subject: Probably myself
I would have to have a serious discussion with the voices in my head because the nice thing to do would be to give it to my mother in law that reminded me of my love of cooking but I want to keep it for myself.


On December 06, 2013 at 06:47 AM, dps5031 said...
Subject: Giveaway
I'd keep it for myself.


On December 06, 2013 at 10:48 AM, bpbaril said...
Subject: Definitely for myself.
Myself with no shame!


On December 06, 2013 at 11:38 AM, dcolella said...
Subject: Thermapen Giveaway - Me Me!
Absolutely myself as I make a ton of candy every year for Christmas, giving most of it away to friends/family, and the left overs to the local food shelter for Christmas presents. I like to make the best, and having an accurate thermometer takes me to that realm.


On December 06, 2013 at 12:02 PM, jpeter31 said...
Subject: Thermoworks Thermapen 2013 Giveaway!
I would gift it to myself. Always wanted one for homebrewing and cooking!


On December 06, 2013 at 04:57 PM, jandros said...
Subject: Yeah, I'd give one as a gift
I'd probably keep one first, but my friend Susann would like one as well!


On December 06, 2013 at 09:22 PM, shaunpark said...
I would definitely gift one to myself if funds allowed :)


On December 07, 2013 at 01:03 AM, ronwilliams said...
Subject: thermapen
I'd love a thermapen and would put it in our own kitchen utensil drawer.


On December 07, 2013 at 09:35 AM, azizack said...
Subject: thermapen!
I have been wanting to get my dad one for Christmas but they are incredibly expensive. I'd love one for myself too but tis the season of giving!


On December 07, 2013 at 10:50 AM, LethePG said...
Subject: Thermapen
I've wanted a Thermapen for a very long time, and would definitely gift one to me! :) I've been trying my hand at candy making, and this would be a huge help!


On December 07, 2013 at 11:24 AM, Judy said...
Subject: Thermapen
I would buy one for my son. They look terrific.


On December 07, 2013 at 03:11 PM, mpat said...
I would definitely buy it for myself, though others would benefit most from the confectionery.


On December 07, 2013 at 10:41 PM, sciatica said...
MINE!!


On December 08, 2013 at 12:32 AM, ajmercer302 said...
Subject: Thermometer
I would LOVE to have this handy gadget in my kitchen, especially for grilling chicken!


On December 08, 2013 at 12:42 AM, Greengem said...
Subject: Thermapen
For my husband as he is the grill master in our home.


On December 08, 2013 at 11:15 AM, BRNW said...
Subject: Thermapen Gift
Would definitely buy as a gift for my partner, who really wants one. I'd consider it a joint gift, since I'd certainly benefit, too. Would make a great gift for my Mom, as well.


On December 08, 2013 at 12:30 PM, jlhiowa said...
The Thermapen would be great for us because we're learning to cook and bake. However, my mom is a great cook/baker, so if she didn't have one I'd give it to her :)


On December 08, 2013 at 05:07 PM, paulcz said...
I'd buy one as a gift for myself! but if I won one then I'd probably buy one as a gift for my good buddy from Canadia.


On December 08, 2013 at 10:43 PM, amteague said...
Subject: Thermapen giveaway
This would be for my husband...he's been wanting one for over a year now!


On December 08, 2013 at 11:36 PM, akyle said...
Subject: Myself!
I would keep the Thermopen for myself since I cook the big family holiday dinners ....and it will be my birthday present to myself. :)


On December 09, 2013 at 07:59 AM, AltamontSam said...
Subject: We would have bought a pen and stick if we could afford them
I would LOVE to obtain a Thermapen or one of their Timesticks.

I can imagine a multitude of uses for each. My wife, a laid-off Special Ed teacher, and I do a lot of tasks where a timer such as this would come in handy. For me, mostly in the kitchen or @ the wood-fired oven I built with my own hands a few years ago.

Love the articles contained here! Keep up the great work!

Sam


On December 09, 2013 at 05:16 PM, supergrandma said...
Subject: Thermoworks Thermopen
Have had Cooking for Engineers on MyYahoo page for years but never joined the forum. Will enjoy studying it out. I work as a cook in a nursing home and well aware of how important temperatures are and how difficult they can be to regulate. Would love to own such an efficient tool. Thanks for all of your good ideas.


On December 09, 2013 at 08:10 PM, TimM said...
Subject: Thermapen
A few years ago I gifted a Thermapen to my nephew who was in cooking school (CIA), and since then I've envied him his Thermapen.

BTW I've enjoyed C4E for years now.

Thank you!

TimM


On December 09, 2013 at 08:29 PM, glowpixie said...
Subject: Entry!
I'd totally buy a thermapen for my best friend and my brother; both love to cook. (I also need one for me as well. Definitely. Super foodie tool.)


On December 09, 2013 at 09:48 PM, agill236 said...
Subject: Thermopen please
I would buy a thermopen for my wife, who would then regift it back to me. Thanks!


On December 09, 2013 at 10:10 PM, nathanw said...
I would buy a Thermapen as a gift for myself, if it didn't show up under the Christmas tree. I would also buy one for my brother-in-law, who probably has one where he works but not at home.


On December 09, 2013 at 10:10 PM, malmaguer92 said...
Subject: Thermapen
I would definitely buy a Thermapen as a gift for myself!


On December 10, 2013 at 11:23 AM, BShaggy said...
I would definitely buy a Thermapen as a gift(and have)! I'll probably give it to my daughter.


On December 10, 2013 at 01:01 PM, combs said...
this would be a spiffy gift for my parents!


On December 10, 2013 at 02:09 PM, aridpaul said...
Subject: Thermapen
I have been wanting a Thermapen for ages. So this would definitely be a gift for myself!
Thanks!


On December 10, 2013 at 09:11 PM, pauliwang said...
Subject: Thermapen
I'd get it for myself to replace my trusty yet slow analog thermometer.


On December 10, 2013 at 09:32 PM, xmacross said...
I would get a Thermapen as a gift, and use it myself or my wife would use it. Thanks!


On December 10, 2013 at 09:37 PM, christyr1q said...
Subject: Perhaps a gift for my husband
If we won we'd keep it at our house. We've broken multiple probes before, so need a good sturdy one.


On December 10, 2013 at 10:44 PM, hutubug said...
Subject: yes
I would buy this and definitely at the price point of $19 each. I think the idea is good but it would be more convincing if the product has more testimonials or reviews. Also, perhaps if it mentions more about its non-toxic properties and durability, I would be more inclined to purchase it.


On December 10, 2013 at 10:46 PM, hutubug said...
Subject: lol
Probing the bath water with a thermopen is a ingenious idea! Can this double as a fever indicator?


On December 10, 2013 at 11:50 PM, rkrentzwee said...
I would buy one for myself and possibly one for my boyfriend as well. I know that my parents and best friend already have them.


On December 11, 2013 at 06:51 AM, Kartusch said...
Subject: Gift for my wife
I would give one to my wife, she keeps begging me for one but already has a gift this year.


On December 11, 2013 at 11:08 AM, talon8 said...
It would definitely be a gift to my wife (*cough* myself). We've been resisting biting the bullet to get "the thermometer" when cheaper ones are available. We know we'd save money/grief in the long run, but alas, cash on hand & finances aren't endless.


On December 11, 2013 at 02:48 PM, hpankow (guest) said...
Subject: Thermapen
I have a kitchen and a new baby, so the Thermapen would get used all over the house!


On December 11, 2013 at 03:28 PM, dwulf said...
Subject: Thermopen
I would love one to use with my new tri-tip grill that I am building.


On December 11, 2013 at 03:41 PM, SpaceLumps13 said...
I would absolutely buy a Thermapen (or two) as gifts! One for myself (loins, and tri-tips, and briskets, oh my!) and one for my Uncle in Brooklyn.


On December 11, 2013 at 04:00 PM, Juliefrance said...
Subject: Thermapen
I would definitely buy a Thermapen. One for me, for grilling especially (although I love the idea of using it for candy making too!), one for my sister in Pittsburgh, and a couple more for my best friends at work. Cool tool!


On December 11, 2013 at 10:16 PM, Michael Chu said...
Thanks everyone for all your comments and entering the contest. All entries above this comment will be counted as submissions. Only the first entry for people who commented multiple times will be counted. I'll post the winner shortly.


On December 11, 2013 at 11:00 PM, Michael Chu said...
Subject: And the winner is...
This year's winner of the Thermapen is: Greengem

I pulled all 112 comments, removed mine, duplicates, and those where I did not have email addresses. The final tally was 109 entrants. I used random.org to generate a random number and it gave me 87 which equated to Greengem (who was the 87th qualifying post [and the 89th comment overall]).

Just for fun, I did a little analysis of the comments (these might not be completely accurately as I went through them pretty fast).

Of the 109 entrants...
    83 said they would get a Thermapen for themselves

    17 said they would get it for their spouse or significant other (with several mentioning that they would use it as well or benefit directly from it)

    14 said they would give it as a gift to someone from the previous generation (6 to fathers, 3 to mothers, 2 each to father-in-laws and mother-in-laws, and one to the parents without specifying which one)

7 said they would give one to a friend or buddy
5 said they would give it to someone from the subsequent generation (2 daughters, 1 son, 1 son-in-law, and 1 nephew)
4 would be given to the same generation (2 siblings, 1 brother-in-law, and 1 sister-in-law)
2 given to family members without specifying who
and 1 gifted to a boss

Additionally, 7 specifically mentioned that they would be gifting the Thermapen to themselves and gifting the food (with several more implying that's what they were going to do).

Merry Christmas everyone and if you aren't Greengem, consider buying a Thermapen. Starting about a year or so ago, Thermoworks is providing a percentage of each sale through any of the links on this page and elsewhere on this site back to Cooking For Engineers. 100% of the proceeds goes directly towards paying for server and bandwidth costs.


On December 12, 2013 at 03:42 PM, Michael Chu said...
Oh, and one person said they didn't want a Thermapen at all. There was a part of me that wanted their random number to come up just for the contradictory outcome. The random number generator did not agree with my inclination however, which is why I use a random number generator. :)


On December 12, 2013 at 06:12 PM, Jim Cooley said...
Michael Chu wrote:
Oh, and one person said they didn't want a Thermapen at all. There was a part of me that wanted their random number to come up just for the contradictory outcome. The random number generator did not agree with my inclination however, which is why I use a random number generator. :)


Appreciate the mention, Michael! :D

It's just that new and fancy crap usually breaks down after a few years no matter how wonderful it might be. I'll take my 30+ yo Taylor thermometers which don't need batteries or Bluetooth to function as required, and work quite well, thankyouverymuch.


It's given me a topic for a new and exciting thread:
http://www.cookingforengineers.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3132

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