REVIEW – I’m not a good cook, so I have to approach the kitchen like a chemistry experiment- following directions, taking measurements. A thermometer is essential for me, so I got to try out the Typhur Sync wireless meat thermometer with two probes, just in time for holiday cooking.
What is it?
The Typhur Sync is a wireless thermometer with two wireless meat probes. It features bluetooth and wifi connectivity to a smartphone app (optional).
What’s in the box?
- Typhur Sync
- USB charging cable
- Manual
Hardware specs
- Sensors: 6 (5 Internal and 1 Ambient) encased in a zirconia ceramic
- Accuracy: Internal ±0.5°F / 0.3°C from 104°F – 212°F / 40°C-100°C, Ambient ±9°F / 5°C
- Water Resistance: IP67 (probes)
- Probe material: Stainless steel
- Display: 2.4″ TFT LCD
- Connection: Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (device only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi)
- Temperature Range: Internal 32°F – 212°F / 0°C-100°C, Ambient 32°F – 572°F / 0°C-300°C
- Probe dimensions: 5.03″ (L) × 0.24″ dia
- Base dimensions: 5.5 × 2.8 × 0.8 inches
Design and features
The overall design of the base receiver reminds me of the handheld portable TVs of decades past.
The two wireless probes slip into the top of the receiver. Each are labeled “1” and “2”.
The probes are skinnier than a Sharpie pen, and a little shorter.
A handy kickstand in the back allows for a wide range of angle adjustment. Note the USB-C charging port.
A note about the instructions: It could be my eyes, but the print is very, very small and difficult to read. Unfolded, the instructions measured 6″ across.
The main LCD screen is very easy to understand. There are three touch-sensitive areas that serve as controls (the left-right arrows and the circle button).
Setup
Many kitchen gadgets have smartphone apps, and I generally avoid them. However, I found this one to be very useful.
Pairing was quite easy.
The screen shows both probes ready to measure.
Performance
For the first test, I compared the wireless probes against its cousin, the Typhur Instaprobe, in a glass of hot water. They were close!
Since there were two wireless probes, I stuck one in ice water, and the other in hot water.
I got a chance to try the Typhur Sync out on a turkey. I stuck the probes in two locations.
The app lets you choose the kind of food you’re cooking alongside “doneness”. An on-screen graphic reminds you how to insert the probe. The wide end of the probe contains the ambient air temperature, so it must be exposed.
If you don’t want to use the app, the base unit’s screen gives plenty of useful information.
The app on the phone alerted me that cooking was complete, yet the internal temperature (red line) hadn’t reached the target (purple line). Note that the ambient temperature dipped when I took the turkey out of the oven for a short while before sticking it back in.
Why did I get an alert that cooking was complete when the target temperature hadn’t been reached? Because the Typhur Sync uses some predictive math to estimate doneness based on the heat that still cooks the food after the alert sounds. I wish I had known that before to eliminate the confusion!
For a different experiment, I placed a single probe in a Pyrex cup in the oven set to 200°F and once again, set the target temperature to 140°F. This time, I chose a non-food specific program.
Once again, we were off to the races! I could see the temperature slowly climbing upwards on the app, and on the base LCD display.
My phone received this pop-up warning, letting me know that an estimated 5 minutes was remaining.
Eventually, this message appeared showing the target had been reached.
This time, unlike cooking a specific type of meat, I received the “done” warning as the target temperature was reached. (I took the screenshot after the temperature overshot the target by one degree).
If you don’t need (or want) the predictive warnings, I suggest using a non-food specific Custom setting.
What I like
- Use with or without your smartphone
- Two wireless probes
- An app that isn’t horrible
What I’d change
- I wish I had known about predictive temperature function beforehand! It would have saved me that moment of panic. It can be bypassed if you don’t use a preset program (“Custom”).
- A larger, printed manual.
Final thoughts
I love thermometers in the kitchen. I rely on them! The Typhur Sync will be part of my kitchen toolbox from now on.
Price: $229.00
Where to buy: Typhur and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Typhur.
