I was really excited to test the Finaltouch X10. It generated quite a bit of buzz on YouTube channels when it was launched, so we were excited to get our hands on one for internal testing. The X10 has a very unique design aesthetic and while it isn’t my favorite (that award goes to the Typhur InstaProbe) it does stand out from the pack from a design standpoint. There are (6) aspects or features on the Finaltouch X10 that I think help it stand out from many other instant read thermometers: speed, probe rotation, magnets, hold button, waterproofing, and cost. All of these features in one instant read thermometer is very unique. Does it pull them all off?
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ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 Instant Read Meat Thermometer
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TL;DR
Pros
- Easy-to-read backlit LCD display
- Super-fast response times
- Waterproof (IP67)
- 270° Probe rotation
- “Hold” feature
Cons
- Magnets were not strong enough to attach to my grill
Use Cases
- Ideal for any type of meat, especially:
- Burgers
- Chicken
- Thanksgiving Turkey
- Fish
- BBQ
Final Verdict
The ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 is a great value. You will be hard-pressed to find such a feature rich instant read thermometer at this price point.
Performance
Accuracy
The Finaltouch X10 responds quickly and has been accurate in all our testing (including ice bath testing and real-world grilling). If your X10 does require a calibration adjustment you can do that using the calibration button in the battery compartment. While I would hope that this never becomes an issue I do think it is a great feature to have and gives me some added peace of mind.
Display
The display on the Finaltouch X10 is a backlit LCD and it is VERY easy to read. The nice, large numbers and the backlight combine to offer an exceptional viewing experience. In my experience, it is easier to read than the Thermapen Classic or ONE displays, but not quite as easy to read or as bright as the Typhur InstaProbe display. The display also rotates 180° and does so very quickly. While it does not rotate every 90° like the Thermapens, the 180° is adequate for the vast majority of situations. That being said, because the Finaltouch X10 probe rotates up to 270° (compared to 180° on Thermapens and the Typhur InstaProbe) it would benefit even more from having a display that rotates every 90°.
Probe
Speaking of probe rotation, this is a huge advantage that the Finaltouch X10 has over every other instant read thermometer we’ve tested, with the exception of the Maverick PT-51. The 270° of probe rotation makes the Finaltouch X10 suitable for both left and right handed users.
The probe tip (which contains the thermocouple used to measure the temperature of your food) is well protected when rotated back to closed. The probe tip fits inside a small, rubberized groove and a finger cut-out allows for easy access when you want to rotate the probe back out to take another temperature reading.
Magnets
The ChefTemp Finaltouch X10 is the first instant read that I’ve tested that has magnets embedded in it. I think this is an ingenious idea, but in my experience it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The X10’s magnets weren’t strong enough to hold the thermometer to my pellet grill. If you’re really interested in an instant read with magnets (and I don’t blame you) the Typhur InstaProbe also has embedded magnets and they are noticeably stronger than the magnet(s) in the Finaltouch X10. The Finaltouch X10 does also have a loop at the end for hanging from a utensil hook on your grill – this is a nice alternative if the magnets don’t work.
Hold Button
Another feature of the Finaltouch X10 that I really love is the hold button. This allows you to capture a temperature reading when the probe is in hard-to-reach or see locations. You simply insert the probe tip into the meat, press the hold button, and remove the probe to read the temperature that is “locked” on the screen. I did a number of cooks on grills like the Recteq RT-2500 BFG when it was filled with multiple briskets, pork butts, and racks of ribs all at the same time. Having a hold feature on my instant read would have made checking on all the meat a breeze without having to move the meat around or try to find some awkward angle to read the display while the probe was inserted in the meat. I think a hold feature ought to be standard on all instant read thermometers.
Price
As I’ve mentioned, I think the Finaltouch X10 is an exceptional value. Its speed and accuracy are on par with the Typhur InstaProbe and Thermapen ONE, but it is priced significantly lower. While the Typhur InstaProbe and Thermapen ONE typically cost $100+, you can buy a Finaltouch X10 for around $70. That is a significant difference. And while I personally prefer the InstaProbe and the Thermapen ONE, I don’t like them $30+ dollars more. For most grill or pitmasters I think the Finaltouch X10 will meet all of your needs for less money.
Durability
The Finaltouch X10 has a nice heft to it and feels sturdy and well-built. Ours took a fall from about 2 feet like a champ (a result of the failed magnet test). Most of the external construction is comprised of lightly textured plastic which helps hide scratches and improve grip. This is great especially if you’ve got greasy hands from working with your BBQ meats! The Finaltouch X10 is also IP67 rated so you can wash it in dishwater and don’t need to worry if it gets left out in a bit of rain.
Who Is It For?
If you are ready to step up from a slower, less accurate instant read thermometer I would give the ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 a serious look. It offers a ton of useful features and performance for a fair price.
Do You Really Need An Instant Read Thermometer?
The short answer is no. With enough patience and practice all you need to cook delicious food for your family and friends are the ingredients and a fire. That being said, assuming you already have a grill, an instant read thermometer is THE MOST CRITICAL piece of grilling kit you can buy. It offers peace of mind, it levels the playing field for beginners, and for cooks like burgers, chicken breast, and fish an instant read thermometer will have a massive impact on the quality of the food you cook. I would go so far as to say that an instant read thermometer will help you consistently cook burgers, chicken, and fish better than any of your friends and family that don’t use an instant read thermometer. It would be very difficult for me to overemphasize the importance and impact that an instant read thermometer can have on the quality of the food that you cook, particularly as a beginner.
Final Thoughts
I like the ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 and think it’s a great value. But if money was no object I would opt for the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE or the Typhur InstaProbe.
Specifications
| Sensing Range | -22 to 572 °F (-30 to 300 °C) |
| Accuracy | Within 0.5 °F (0.3 °C) for temps. between -22 and 392 °F (-30 to 199.9 °C); Otherwise within 1.8 °F (1 °C) |
| Screen Resolution | 0.1 °F |
| Response Time | 1 second |
| Display Type | Backlit LCD |
| Display Dimensions | 0.77″ (H) × 1.86″ (W) (19.5 mm H × 47.3 mm W) |
| Probe Dimensions | 4.0″ (L) |
| Ambient Operating Range | -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C) max. ambient temperature of probe body |
| Sleep Mode | After 60 seconds |
| Water Resistance | IP67* |
| Battery | (2) AAA Batteries (included) |
*IP67 indicates complete protection from dust as well as protection against submersion in water up to 1m deep for short periods of time
