Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Product Review: Maverick Digital Oven Thermometer -- Update



I probably complain about my oven at least once a week (if not more, depending on how often I use it). Appliance experts have examined it and declared it to be of sound mind and body. I beg to differ.

To prove the point, I purchased a Maverick Digital Oven Thermometer, which works via a probe hanging from one of the oven shelves.



What I've discovered is that my oven will not keep a steady temperature of 325 degrees F. That's a huge problem since most baking recipes call for 350 degrees F, which I must cut by 25 degrees F when I use agave nectar. Yesterday, I found myself turning the dial to nearly 200 degrees F in order to achieve a good result when baking a cake. What a pain!

In the meantime, I'm saving my pennies for a new oven.

Do you use an oven thermometer? If so, how accurate is your oven?

Update: It occurred to me that I hadn't actually reviewed the device above. So, here is my review: It is very easy to use right out of the box. The thermometer allows you to use it as a timer and monitor (with a built-in alarm) when the oven temperature is not at your prescribed baking temperature. The only drawback is the overly long cable from the oven probe to the display piece. However, there's a nice, strong magnet on the rear of the thermometer, so you can place it where you wish on your oven or other metal surface. Finally, with all the nice features this device has, along with its low price, I recommend it with 4.5 stars out of 5.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't junk your oven. What you have described is a classic thermostat problem. You can replace the thermostat for less than the cost of a new oven. You can do this yourself for under a $100 (depending on the oven) if you are just a little handy.

Deb Schiff said...

Thanks, Anonymous. We've actually had a professional replace the thermostat in the last two years. But sage advice for others. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

It's been a while since you've reviewed this... Does the product stand the test of time? Have you confirmed that the temperatures that it reads are accurate? Thanks for the help!

Deb Schiff said...

Thanks for asking! As a matter of fact, it did as of Nov. 2008. I haven't used it recently because my new stove has been consistent and has a glass front instead of a magnetized one. However, you make a very solid point and I'll test it again sometime later this summer.