Editor’s note: Originally published April 2018. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
The ThermoPro TP08 and TP20 are both wireless, dual-probe thermometers for smokers and grills, with a receiver you can carry up to 300 feet away. The TP08 is the simpler, cheaper option where you set target temperatures yourself. The TP20 costs a little more but adds preset meat temperatures, a larger screen and a splash-resistant protective sleeve.
Quick answer
- Both have a transmitter at the smoker, a handheld receiver with up to 300 feet of range, and timer and temperature alarms.
- Choose the TP20 for preset temperatures for 9 meats and 5 doneness levels, a larger, easier screen, splash and drop protection, plus a belt clip and stand.
- Choose the TP08 if you want a simpler, more affordable thermometer and don’t mind setting temperatures manually.
- Neither is an instant-read thermometer; both are built for long cooks.
ThermoPro TP08 vs TP20 at a glance
| Feature | ThermoPro TP08 | ThermoPro TP20 |
|---|---|---|
| Probes | Dual probe | Two probes (meat and smoker/ambient) |
| Wireless range (listed) | Up to 300 ft | Up to 300 ft |
| Preset meat temperatures | No, set manually | 9 meats, 5 doneness levels |
| Timer and range alarms | Yes | Yes |
| Screen and controls | Good size; layout can be confusing | Larger, more user-friendly |
| Splash protection | Not splash-proof | Rubber sleeve, splash and drop resistant |
| Extras | None | Belt clip and countertop stand |
| Price | Lower | Somewhat higher |
Why a remote thermometer matters for smoking
Smoked meat has a richness and tenderness that’s hard to get any other way, but most smokes take hours. Accurate temperature readings are essential to smoke meat safely and well, and a remote thermometer lets you leave the probes in the smoker while you get on with your day. ThermoPro is a well-known maker of affordable smoker thermometers, and both of these models are built for this job. For a broader look, see how to choose a meat thermometer.
The two models
ThermoPro TP08
The TP08 is a dual-probe thermometer with a transmitter that stays at the smoker and a receiver you carry with you. The transmitter reads the probes and sends the temperature by radio signal to the receiver up to 300 feet away, so you don’t need to stand by the smoker.
It’s ready to use out of the box once you add batteries. Customizable timers and temperature range alerts notify you when your timer is done or the temperature moves outside your set range. There are no preset meat temperatures, so you enter targets yourself.
The receiver feels comfortable in the hand and has a good-size screen, though the button layout and labels can be confusing. The probes are stainless steel. The transmitter and receiver are plastic with a rubber bumper that can loosen over time, and the TP08 is not splash-proof. Readings are relatively slow because it’s designed for long cooks, not as an instant-read thermometer.
Listed specifications
- Dual stainless steel probes
- Wireless transmitter and receiver
- Range up to 300 feet
- Customizable timer and temperature range alerts
- Battery powered
Pros
- Cheaper than the TP20
- Read the receiver up to 300 feet from the smoker
- Ready to use out of the box
- Customizable timer and temperature range alerts
Cons
- No preset meat temperatures
- Button layout and labels can be confusing
- Rubber bumper may loosen over time
- Not splash-proof
- Slow readings; not for instant reads
ThermoPro TP20
The TP20 is the upgrade. Once you’ve invested in a smoker, the extra cost is likely worth it for the added features, though the TP08 remains a good option if you prefer something simpler.
The biggest addition is presets: temperatures for nine types of meat and five doneness levels from rare to well done, so you can pick a meat and doneness instead of entering targets each time. Its two probes let you track the meat and the ambient temperature inside your smoker at the same time.
The TP20 has a larger screen that makes programming and reading easier, and a rubber sleeve protects the receiver from drops and splashes. Like the TP08, the receiver works up to 300 feet from the transmitter and is ready to go out of the box. It also comes with a hands-free belt clip and a countertop stand for the receiver.
Listed specifications
- Two probes: meat and smoker/ambient
- Preset temperatures for 9 meats and 5 doneness levels
- Range up to 300 feet
- Larger screen than the TP08
- Rubber protective sleeve; splash and drop resistant
- Belt clip and countertop stand
Pros
- Preset temperatures for 9 meats and 5 doneness levels
- Monitors meat and smoker temperature at once
- Splash-proof and drop-resistant sleeve
- Larger, more user-friendly screen
- Belt clip and countertop stand
Cons
- Costs more than the TP08
- Slow readings; not a quick-read thermometer
Which should you choose?
- ThermoPro TP20 for most smoker owners. The presets, larger screen and splash protection make long cooks easier for a modest price difference.
- ThermoPro TP08 if you’re on a tighter budget, are comfortable setting your own targets and will keep the receiver away from rain and spills.
Whichever you choose, check that you’re cooking to safe internal temperatures, such as 145°F for whole cuts of pork and beef (with a 3-minute rest) and 165°F for all poultry; see our safe cooking temperatures chart. You can also compare the ThermoPro TP07 vs TP20 or browse our best wireless BBQ thermometers.
Bottom line
Both thermometers cover the basics of remote smoker monitoring with the same 300-foot range. Based on the features listed, the TP20 is the more convenient pick, while the TP08 is a capable, lower-cost alternative.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between the ThermoPro TP08 and TP20?
The TP20 adds preset temperatures for 9 meats and 5 doneness levels, a larger screen, a splash- and drop-resistant sleeve, and a belt clip and stand. The TP08 is simpler and cheaper.
What is the range of the TP08 and TP20?
Both list a wireless range of up to 300 feet between transmitter and receiver.
Can I use them as instant-read thermometers?
No. Both read relatively slowly because they’re designed to stay in the meat during long cooks.
