Warnings and WatchoutsUpdated 8 months ago

Never microwave!

First off, you should never microwave metal. It will create arcs and potentially destroy your microwave, voiding the warranty on anything and everyone around.

Secondly, NEVER EVER MICROWAVE THE PREDICTIVE THERMOMETER.

Not only is it largely metal, it’s antenna is specifically tuned to the wavelength of a microwave (Bluetooth is the same length).

As a consequence, it’s even more dangerous than microwaving a spoon (for instance).

One word: plasma.

A microwave (or trivection oven) also has a fine mesh screen that stops the microwaves from cooking things in the vicinity, like butter keepers, faces, parakeets, etc. This screen is a highly effective Bluetooth signal blocker.

Even if you’re not using the microwave function, it will be extremely difficult to get a good signal out of an oven that has microwave capability.

The only exit in that scenario is the oven’s vent holes (typically behind the range) - you may be able to get a signal out if you place a Booster or Display there.

Watch out for non-standard chargers

Combustion tools can be charged using standard (5v) USB ports and most USB hub-type products.

If in doubt, a phone charger is a safe bet.

Do not use a “quick charge” port or any other USB port that uses nonstandard voltage. It’s complex, but essentially these types of chargers rely on the device to tell them how much voltage/amperage to deliver.

The circuitry in “smart chargers” should default to the 5v standard but sometimes they don’t. The industry is a bit unregulated, at least in the US.

Although most quick-charge ports and “smart” charging stations are safe for the CPT, we cannot guarantee that. In other words, it’s probably fine (and I’ve done it myself) but it’s at your own risk.

A special note: Thermoworks has a VERY nonstandard charger for one of its products that delivers 12v of power. Do not use that to charger any of our tools, or anything else – other than the thing it comes with. It will destroy anything else you plug into it, with a vengeance.

Do not quench!

One non-obvious thing to watch out for is quenching. Don’t do it!

Although the CPT (including the handle) is very durable, it’s not quite indestructible.

Quenching is putting a hot thermometer directly into cold water. The shock of the temperature change can cause the handle to crack or shatter.

The same thing will happen with a Pyrex dish or ceramic bakeware. Don’t quench those things either.

Since you asked, a metal pan can also become disfigured or warped by quenching (it’ll show up as a hump in the middle; not good!).

In general, there’s no kitchen item that enjoys quenching, although some items are tolerant.

It’s fine to soak the thermometer to remove stuck-on food, but always wait until it has cooled (ideally to room temp) before doing so.

Putting it in the fridge directly after cooking is not risky. The temp transfer is magnitudes slower.

Display flashing red + screeching?

Overheated! Remove from heat immediately!

Lower sensors (below the min line) must be kept below 220ºF (105C). Upper sensors must be kept below 600ºF (315ºC).

Using the thermometer above these temps may damage your thermometer and may void the warranty.

There’s a bit more detail about that (and what to do if it happens) in the basic troubleshooting guide.