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Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer

*Est. $20

Reviewed

December 2009

by ConsumerSearch

Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer

Budget oven-safe meat thermometer

Pros

Inexpensive
Flexible temperature settings
Includes countdown timer
Audible alarm
Replacement probes available

Cons

No "on/off" switch
No remote monitoring
One-year warranty excludes probes

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
353 Amazon Reviews

This inexpensive thermometer isn't wireless, which accounts for its low price compared to remote thermometers like the Brookstone Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer (*Est. $70). The Polder meat thermometer has two magnets on the back of the readout unit for attaching it to the front of an oven or grill; the oven-safe probe stays in the meat. Reviewers like how the Polder meat thermometer displays a countdown timer and current temperature simultaneously and allows cooks to set the target cooking temperature rather than using preset USDA-recommended temperatures. It registers a temperature range of 32 to 392 degrees F and has an audible alarm when the target temperature is reached. Owners agree this thermometer is easy to use, but they wish it had an "on/off" switch. This thermometer has a one-year limited warranty that excludes the probes.

We found the best professional review at Cook's Illustrated magazine where Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer is compared to 10 other digital leave-in thermometers. We also consult owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and Cooking.com.

Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer

from Amazon.com

New: $58.95

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Polder Digital In-Oven Thermometer/Timer, Graphite

(353 reviews)
Buy new: $25.00 $20.17 15 Used & new from $18.57

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

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Our Sources

1. Cook's Illustrated Magazine

Editors compare the Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer and 10 other digital leave-in thermometers. Editors didn't have a clear favorite, as the more accurate models had shortcomings in functionality or were not user-friendly. As a group, editors found leave-in thermometers are more prone to defects and recommend testing in boiling water before using it with meat. As a result of these shortcomings, four models are "recommended with reservations," and the others are not recommended.

Review: Meat-Probe Thermometers, Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, Jan. 2008

2. Amazon.com

The Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer has three separate listings here and more than 70 owners give it a perfect score of five stars out of approximately 165 reviews. Many owners have been using this thermometer for three years or more and find it easy to use. Owners advise washing the probe carefully because if water gets in at the point where it attaches to the wire, the sensor could become damaged. This could be the reason some owners say their probes stopped working. Replacement probes are available for $10.

Review: Polder Original Cooking All in One Timer, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. Cooking.com

Polder Classic Cooking Thermometer/Timer has the most reviews -- 35 owners give it an average of 4.5 stars out of five. Owners agree it's easy to use and accurate, but wish it had an "off" switch.

Review: Digital Classic Thermometer/Timer by Polder, Contributors to Cooking.com

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