Our Editor-in-Chief Loves This Game-Changing Meat Thermometer — and It’s 20% Off Just for Kitchn Readers

There’s nothing sadder than slicing into a gorgeous cut of pricey meat only to discover that it’s undercooked or worse: overcooked and bone dry. When it comes to cooking meat to perfection, the only foolproof way to determine the doneness is by using a thermometer. If you’re looking to add one to your arsenal, we have the perfect pick: a Thermapen! Our Editor-in-Chief, Faith, has owned one for years and considers it a “game-changer” for both new cooks as well as experienced ones. Thermapens are admittedly a pricey investment at $99, but right now, Kitchn readers can exclusively score 20 percent off their purchase with the code KITCHN20 valid until May 19.

So what makes a Thermapen such a kitchen must-have? For starters, it completely takes the guesswork out of cooking. Despite its sleek design, the Thermapen is equipped with a thermocouple sensor that’s usually used in professional kitchens, giving you an accurate read instantly! Sure, there are cheaper “instant-read” thermometers on the market, but unlike the Thermapen, they can take up to 20-30 seconds to deliver an accurate temperature reading. “This is eons, in cooking time, when the oven or grill is open, and heat is escaping,” explains Faith. “The Thermapen truly does give an instant read.”

Besides using it to get an accurate read on meats, the Thermapen can be used for just about any cooking task. For instance, Faith uses hers to check the temperature of her oven and even for boiling sugar. Plus, the sturdy gadget is built to last. “I have gone through at least a half dozen thermometers in my adult cooking life,” she says. “They seem to break frequently — candy thermometers in particular. I have been using the Thermapen now for years.”

The Thermapen is incredibly easy to use, Faith notes. “Unfold the probe to turn it on; fold back to turn off. It turns off automatically after a certain amount of time, too.” And unlike other thermometers, the probe is much thinner, so you’ll never have to worry about mauling your perfect cake or sourdough loaf with unsightly holes.

Whether you’re looking to bring more precision to everyday cooking or are just simply tired of buying cheaper thermometers that end up breaking after a couple of uses, here’s your chance to score a deal on a kitchen essential that you’ll use daily!

Buy: Thermapen, $79 (normally $99) with code KITCHN20