Temp probe failed mid-service on a $600 prime rib roast last Friday

Was running a 12-top holiday party and my Thermapen gave me a false reading on a 22lb prime rib. Had to finish it by feel and hope I didn't overcook it. Anyone else had a critical tool fail at the worst possible moment?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor3051mo ago

Caught a cheap oven thermometer sticking out of a baked potato once and misread it by a good 15 degrees. Pulled the whole tray of prime ribs way early and had to rush them back in after I realized what happened. That little plastic dial lying to me like that ruined the whole timing of my service. Now I keep two different probes on hand at all times and still double check with the old poke test every now and then. Your mileage may vary but having a backup saved me more than once.

martinez.anna2mo ago

My Thermapen broke mid-chili cookoff and I just started poking it with a toothpick instead.

blake3022mo ago

Oh man, that's the worst feeling isn't it? I had my probe die on me right as I was temping a Thanksgiving turkey one year and basically had to guess if the breasts were done.