1 stars

As an engineer with significant background in electronics, I can tell you with certainty that touching the probe to metal will not damage it. The metal probe is nothing but a housing that allows you to place the temperature sensor itself, which is inside the probe, into the middle of whatever you're cooking. That temperature sensor has two insulated wires that run inside the probe, through the woven cable sheath, back to the plug. The metal probe housing, and whatever it happens to touch, don't play any part in the circuit.

Now if those wires are poorly insulated inside the probe, and water or other liquid gets in, it can cause either a short circuit or, if things start to corrode, an open circuit. This would normally cause the thermometer to read "Hi" or "Lo", respectively.

Another possibility, which I'm suspecting in my case, is that the probe is just made with cheap parts that fail due to expansion and contraction after a few temperature cycles.

5 stars

I bought this thermometer, and was extremely pleased the first few times we used it. Then, like a lot of you, it either said "Hi" or "Lo" (we went through several).

Finally, I started to clean it off immediately after using it rather than sticking it in the water-filled sink with all the other dishes. This has made all the difference. We have had this one for about 6 months now, with no issues.

We keep two of these (just in case), and there was one time that I forgot not to put it in the water. Of course, it didn't work. I waited a couple of weeks (giving it time to evaporate all the water I couldn't see), and tried again. Success! It started working again, and we haven't had any issues since.

Hope this helps.

5 stars

I LOVE this thermometer/timer so much that a few years ago I gave them to everyone for Christmas. All of my roasts come out perfectly, as do our holiday turkeys! I can relax with my family and guests and don't have to compulsively check the pop-up timer or worry about overcooking.

Sadly, like many others, my thermometer recently started showing the dreaded "HI" when the probe was plugged in. I called Taylor's consumer line [...]. The woman I spoke with told me that I had shorted out the probe. She explained that the probe should never touch metal (pans, racks, oven walls). Fortunately, they will send a replacement probe [...]. I've had mine so long that I don't remember if the instructions had sufficient warning about this, but you can bet I'll be super vigilant my next probe won't touch any metal!

1 stars

We had the same problem as everyone else. Worked fine for the first few times then came up with only the "HI" screen. I assume Taylor is fine with making a piece of junk and then figuring 90% of customers won't pay to return the timer and have it replaced by a lesser model.
I wouldn't buy from them again.

5 stars

We have had ours for over 3 years with no problems, hubby even left it outside on the grill still works great.

1 stars

Recieved as a gift. Seemed like a neat unit. Lasted about two months then only read HI. Not abused. Decided to take advantage of Taylor's "10 Year Guarantee" & sent it in. They sent back their item #3518. This unit has no timer, only the probe w/ temp read out & hi/lo alarm. Guess we'll see how long that lasts.

5 stars

My girlfriend bought me this thermometer for Christmas over a year ago. I use it all the time and love it!! It is so convenient to be able to place the probe in the meat I am cooking, set the temperature timer, and the leave it alone. I love this thermometer!!

1 stars

I don't know why Target carries this junk. The probe is not designed to last for more than a few uses and like other reviews, you will end up with an overpriced timer. Mine is still in my kitchen drawer since I feel guilty about the prospect of throwing this electronic junk into the garbage...

5 stars

i love this thing! we make sausage and you have to keep the oven temp real low for 10 hours or more. evertime you check the temp you loose heat and this saved the day! no heat loss and perfect sausage (and anything else it has touched!!) everytime!!