After reviewing nearly 50 thermometers and investing more than 100 hours in testing, the Pitmasters at SMS feel confident evaluating meat thermometers.
While many of us enjoy advanced gadgets with wireless transmission, multiple probes, and fast read times, simpler in-oven probes still shine for reliability and ease of use. The ThermoPro TP16 and TP17 follow that straightforward philosophy: minimal setup, no smartphone apps, and dependable performance.
Both models combine thoughtful design, intuitive operation, and an attractive price. They are strong choices if you want a reliable in-oven or smoker thermometer without wireless features. Between the two, the TP17 stands out slightly thanks to its backlit display and dual probes.
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Thermopro Meat Thermometers Cage Match: TP17 vs. TP16
ThermoPro TP16 In-Oven Thermometer
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The TP16 is a straightforward in-oven thermometer. It includes a single stainless steel probe with a braided cable, a clear digital readout, and simple controls. If you prefer a no-frills approach, this model fits the bill.
What We Liked:
- High-quality stainless steel temperature probe
- Measures up to 572°F
- Powered by a single AAA battery
What Needs Improvement:
- No storage case for the probe or body
- Programming presets can take time to learn
- Supports only one probe
- Probe quality is slightly behind the TP17’s probes
- No backlight for low-light reading
Look and Feel:
The TP16 shares the same durable, well-made aesthetic as the TP17: a sleek metal case and a high-contrast LCD. The included probe uses a thin stainless steel step-down thermistor and a braided metal cable for durability.
Thermistor probes are slower to respond than thermocouples, but for in-oven monitoring—where probes remain in place for long cooks—response time is not usually a concern. The lack of a backlight makes the TP16 harder to read in dim conditions, however.
Both models include magnetic backplates to attach the thermometer to steel or magnetic surfaces. Be cautious to avoid placing the base on very hot surfaces—extreme heat can damage the housing.
Cooking with the TP16 Digital Thermometer:
We tested the TP16 in real-world barbecue conditions while smoking brisket on a Texas-style barrel smoker. Before the cook, we explored the TP16’s settings and presets.
Setting Preset Temperatures
Programming temperature alarms takes some familiarization, but once you understand the button layout it becomes straightforward. The TP16 includes USDA-recommended presets for common proteins and allows custom alarm temperatures. For our brisket, we set a custom alarm at 206°F and placed the probe in the thickest part of the meat.
Count Up/Count Down Timer
Both TP16 and TP17 offer count-up and count-down timers, but you cannot use the timer simultaneously with the thermometer display, which limits its usefulness during long smokes. The timers can still help track duration when temperature monitoring is not required, but for smoking meats the priority remains the temperature function.
ThermoPro TP17 In-Oven Thermometer
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The TP17 resembles the TP16 but adds a second probe, a backlit LCD, and a grill clip for ambient readings. For a modest price increase over the TP16, you gain meaningful functionality for multi-probe monitoring and pit temperature management.
What We Liked:
- High-temp stainless steel probes
- Includes two probes
- Measures up to 572°F
- Runs on one AAA battery
- Bright backlit LCD
- Includes grill clip for ambient readings
What Needs Improvement:
- No storage case for probes or body
- Setting presets can feel slow compared with app-based units
Look and Feel:
Placed side by side, the TP16 and TP17 look nearly identical. The TP17’s display is busier because it shows two readings, but the overall design and finish remain consistent between models. The TP17’s control panel sits below the backlit screen, and navigation uses simple arrow buttons and a probe toggle button.
The blue backlight on the TP17 is a practical improvement for low-light cooking. The interface requires some practice to program alarms and ranges, but the manual helps, and learning occurs quickly after a few cooks.
Cooking with the TP17 Meat Thermometer:
Testing the TP17 alongside the TP16 during our brisket cook highlighted the advantage of two probes. We placed one probe in the thickest part of the brisket and used the second probe with a grill clip to monitor ambient smoker temperature. The TP17 reported internal temperatures immediately and tracked chamber temperature reliably.
Many built-in smoker gauges are inaccurate. Using a dedicated ambient probe makes it much easier to maintain consistent pit temperature. The TP17 probes withstand high heat, so they are suitable for smoking, roasting, deep frying, and candy making up to 572°F.
Using Presets and Temperature Ranges
Programming alarms on the TP17 is similar to the TP16, but you must toggle between probe 1 and probe 2 when setting each alarm. A notable TP17 advantage is the BBQ Hi/Lo temperature range feature, which lets you set a target range (for example 250–275°F) for the smoker and receive alerts if the chamber moves out of range. That functionality makes maintaining a steady cook much easier than single-threshold alarms alone.
Although programming ranges and alarms is more involved than using modern app-based thermometers, it’s straightforward for in-oven devices and effective once set up. We quickly configured alerts for both the smoker and brisket and let the TP17 manage monitoring while the meat cooked.
Ambient Probe and Grill Clip Use
Measuring both internal food temperature and the ambient temperature of your cooking chamber improves cook consistency. We set the ambient probe to the BBQ setting with a 250–275°F range and attached the probe to the grill grate via the included clip. Positioning the probe slightly above the grate produced reliable chamber readings and allowed the alarm to notify us whenever the temperature left the set range.
Accurate pit-temperature monitoring is often the difference between mediocre and excellent barbecue. The TP17 performed well at keeping our smoker within the desired window and helped deliver a consistent, beautifully smoked brisket.
Which Thermometer is right for you, the TP16 or TP17?
Both thermometers are reliable and well-built. The TP16 is compact and simple, ideal for cooks who need a dependable single-probe in-oven thermometer. The TP17 offers the same core qualities with the added advantages of two probes, a backlit display, and the ability to set temperature ranges for ambient monitoring.
After extensive testing, we consider the TP17 the better overall option. Its dual probes, backlit LCD, and range-based alarms make it more versatile for smoking and multi-product cooks. That said, the TP16 remains a solid, budget-friendly choice if you only need a single probe and simpler operation.
In summary, both ThermoPro TP16 and TP17 deliver smart design, ease of use, and strong value. If you can afford the small price difference, the TP17 offers features that make it the preferred selection for most backyard pitmasters.