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Head-to-head · Best Meat Thermometers

ThermoWorks RFX vs ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

ThermoWorks RFX and ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

ThermoWorks RFX
Ranked #3 in Best Meat Thermometers
ThermoWorks RFX
4 sources2 derived$179as of Aug 1

The ThermoWorks RFX Wireless Meat Probe Thermometer improves on Bluetooth competitors like Meater with a stable WiFi connection and longer range. Reviewers praised its accuracy, easy setup, and ability to track temperatures up to 1,000°F. Serious Eats reviewer Grace Kelly found it reliable for smoking and roasting, and Vindulge's Sean Martin highlighted the extensive range and precision. Both flagged the app's navigation issues and slower probe response times than instant-read thermometers. Serious grillers and smokers who need reliable long-range monitoring are the audience; anyone who wants a polished app or ultra-fast reads should keep looking.

Strengths
  • — Impressive signal range with stable WiFi connection that doesn't drop during cooking
  • — Accurate temperature readings confirmed through ice bath and sous vide tests
  • — Easy setup process requiring only WiFi connection and tapping probe to Gateway
Watch-outs
  • — App navigation can be difficult despite being mostly intuitive
  • — Probe registration is slower than instant-read thermometers, taking about 22 seconds to reach 135°F from room temperature
$179 · Buy at thermoworks.comFull review →
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
Ranked #4 in Best Meat Thermometers
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
3 sources2 derived$47as of Aug 1

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 improves on its predecessor with accuracy to within 1 degree Fahrenheit and 2-3 second read times. Reviewers praised the 40% larger backlit display with auto-rotation and the IP67 waterproof rating, calling it excellent value at $35. It is NSF certified and the case profile is thinner than before. Some users found the pocket clip too long and prone to damage. The consensus lands on reliable and budget-friendly for home cooks and grillers.

Strengths
  • — Accurate to within 1 degree Fahrenheit
  • — Reads temperature in 2-3 seconds
  • — 40% larger backlit display with auto-rotation
Watch-outs
  • — Pocket clip is too long and risks damage when placed in pockets
  • — Requires button press to turn on/off rather than probe extension
$47 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

ThermoWorks RFX

The ThermoWorks RFX excels in wireless monitoring with its stable WiFi connection and 500-foot range, surpassing the ThermoPro TP20's radio frequency and MEATER Pro's Bluetooth range. However, it's slower to respond than the instant-read thermometers like the Thermapen One and ThermoPop 2, taking about 22 seconds to reach 135°F. While the MEATER Pro offers better temperature resistance, the RFX provides a more stable connection and easier setup process, making it ideal for long cooking sessions where reliability is key.

ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2

The ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 offers excellent value at $35, but it falls short of the Thermapen One's one-second read time and advanced features like motion-sensing sleep/wake modes. While it matches the Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo in terms of read speed and backlit display, the ThermoPop 2 lacks the intelligent stabilization feature and has a longer pocket clip that risks damage. Compared to the ThermoPro TP20, it provides better accuracy and a larger display, though it's more expensive and requires a button press to turn on.

Specs side-by-side

SpecThermoWorks RFXThermoWorks ThermoPop 2
Temperature RangeUp to 1,000°F-58 to 572°F
Accuracy±0.9°F (±0.5°C) between 14°F and 212°F±1°F
Response Timeabout 22 seconds to climb to 135°F from room temp2-3 seconds
DisplayNo display (view via app)1¼ inch backlit with auto-rotation
WaterproofIP69K, dishwasher-safe and submersibleIP67
Probe Length4.69 inches4.5 inches or 8.5 inches
ConnectivityWiFi—
Battery LifeUp to 60 hours with 20-minute charge—
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