Is the temp an instant read or does it take a while to adjust?
911621
It is not an instant read, it takes a few minutes if you move it to a new location.
911622
I did not do any specific testing for this, but my perception is that the temp adjusts and stabilizes fairly quickly. Never felt any kind of dissatisfaction with regards to this. Been using this hygro-thermometer for sausage fermentation and dry curing and am very satisfied with its performance. Based on my observations, when the sensor is in the curing chamber and the fridge starts to cycle (cooling), the temperature on the display starts falling within seconds. So, yes, fairly quick and been very reliable so far.
452104
Yes; it shows the setpoint while you hold an adjustment button, but after you release the +/- button it reverts to showing the actual temperature (of the heater -- the tip temperature lags a little as it does on any station).
482631
Yes , Sort of. It is a little slower than most "instant read" thermometers, but fast enough to do the job at home. A little less convenient also, two pieces cable etc.
558899
It is a thermometer, so it will detect temperature in whatever it is inserted into - water, meat, dough, etc.I have used it only on meat, and it read in about 5-6 seconds as advertised. However, I don't consider this "ultra-fast"! And it appears to be acceptably accurate based on comparison with another thermometer I have.
653949
the temp does not change much, small room will warm up pretty fast. never used it for more than 8 hrs. You can program it to suit your time.
1919076
Instant reading is a vague statement. I would estimate that stable readings are obtained in 3-5 seconds. While this may sound like a long time, it really isn't. The main pluses of this thermometer are rugged construction and the easy ability to calibrate low and high temps with boiling water and an ice water bath. I am not knowledgeable about the Thermapen
352148
Display shows the temperature of the temperature sensor, which is located in the proximity of the heater. It is the actual temperature, but it is not measured at the tip but at the heater, in about an inch from from the tip. Due to close proximity to the heater and sufficient power which the heater has, response to the change of the dial is very quick. If you turn on the unit, you will see how the temperature readings would increase from room temperature to the set temperature within several seconds. The tip temperature will trail behind (it will take some 20-30 seconds to reach the target).
1822029
The ambient temperature on mine appears to be accurate. It does short cycle like others have mentioned.
1436555
It usually heats up under a minute. If you increase the heat and the display doesn't go up, you most likely have a defective unit.
1672958
The temperature adjustment is a dial. However, as you twist the knob, the digital readout will tell you the position (in degrees) where the knob is. So you are not blindly turning the knob. The soldering iron shows you what your target temperature is as you adjust it. Having said that, the unit that I bought was very poorly put together. It felt very cheap and wasn't what I was looking for. If you are even slightly serious about electronics, I would recommend you purchase and try Hakko.
2083286
It's pretty much "instant on" as it starts warming right away. At the most, 1 minute.
249377
My #1 Best Meat Thermometer gives me a reading in less than 10 seconds. I've only used it on chicken @ 165 degrees. It might take longer on higher temps.
1382731
My thermometer stuck on the same temperature but I discovered that changing the battery fixed it. The battery does not last as long as claimed but is adequate. I have not used it to measure air temperature but it does respond slowly and I would think it would even be slower when trying to measure air temperature.
453310
Yes. I am a bit disappointed it takes that long. Also, it only reads in Celcius.
590212
I use mine for brewing. It is not instant - a good reading takes 5 - 10 seconds. I had a different digital thermometer get gummed up by the steam from the wort. This one seems to be unaffected by it. This is a good thermometer if you don't need instant temps.
2231148
Yes, it is a great feature in my opinion. You can always manually change the temperature, then at the time of the next "time period" in the schedule it will automatically return to programmed settings.
1531289
It's definitely NOT an instant read thermometer. I get the coals goin and wait for them to burn down a bit. Then I place the thermometer over the coals, check the temps, and move it to a cool spot on the grill so its easy to slide near the food if I get concerned