Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo Review

The Javelin Pro is an interesting product.

Most instant-read meat thermometers you see today are either budget buys ($15-30) or high end like the Thermapen ONE.

The Javelin Pro sits right in the middle, and offers you high end accuracy and features at mid-range price.

We decided to do an in-depth Lavatools Javelin Pro review to see how well it performs.

Lavatools Javelin Pro Overview and First Impressions

Taking a look at the Javelin right out of the box you’ll see it looks like many instant-read thermometers with a fold-away probe.

The Javelin feels solid, but slightly lighter-weight plastic when compared to my ThermoWorks Thermapen.

There’s also a single circular touch sensor that let’s you access some more info like your max and min temperatures.

I found this simple control a nice way to integrate beyond the basic feature of just quickly reading a temperature.

One interesting feature of the Javelin is what they call “ambidextrous” features. Basically the display orients based on how you’re holding it.

When you turn the thermometer upside down, the display reorients to put the temperature right-side up.

While initially an intriguing feature, it is limited in its utility by the fact the probe doesn’t extend past 180° so it doesn’t really allow you to use the thermometer in your left hand, for example.

I guess it would help if you were measuring the temperature of something from underneath, but that is not a situation I’ve ever run into.

For basic function, the Javelin display reads temperatures to 0.1° F and in use seems to stabilize on a temperature in about 2 seconds.

What we liked:

• Reads temperature quickly (2 sec).
• Backlit display
• Simple control for 4 key functions.
• Price

What we didn’t like:

• Plastic construction could be heavier-weight plastic.
• Unclear from the packaging or instructions if the Javelin is water resistant or waterproof (it’s water resistant).

Overall, I found the Lavatools Javelin Pro an excellent instant read thermometer, and for the price it’s quite good value.

You get almost all the features you would get with the Thermapen ONE but at a significantly lower price.

Get the latest price on Amazon.

What’s in the box & manufacturer specifications

The Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo comes in relatively standard packaging.

It’s ready to go out of the box with battery included. There’s a short instructions pamphlet included in the box along with the thermometer, though the key operating points are conveniently printed in small text on the back of the unit.

The Javelin takes a standard CR23032 3V battery. The packaging states “assembled in China”.

Manufacturer specifications:

Temperature Range	-40~482°F (-40~250°C)
Accuracy	±0.9°F @ -4~302°F (±0.5°C @ -20~150°C)
Response Time	2-3 Second Readings
Probe	4.5″ Length
Display	2″ Auto-Rotating Ambidextrous Backlit Display
Water Resistance	IP65 Splash Resistant Construction
Battery Life	4,000+ hours
Warranty	Limited 3-year

The warranty length is decent, just keep in mind it doesn’t cover any damage from “normal wear and tear, water entry, abuse, misuse, accidental breakage, negligence, defects caused by modifications, repair and servicing not made or authorized by Lavatools” or damage from handling, operating or storing product outside the intended uses.

So if you can prove there was a technical fault you should be covered, but the conditions are pretty strict.

Using the Javelin Pro Duo Thermometer

The Javelin Pro is simple to use and ready to go out of the box.

One interesting feature is the touch sensor, which is used to control a few different functions.

With one touch of the touch sensor, the screen is backlit. I found this to be a very nice feature in an instant read thermometer.

When grilling in the evenings or reaching into an oven to check food temperatures, the backlit display makes reading the thermometer much easier.

Touching and holding the sensor activates a stabilization feature where after a second or so of reading, the thermometer gives and holds at a reading.

This is good to have as there’s nothing worse than craning your head read the temperature over a hot grill because it changes the second you pull it out of the meat.

With a double tap of the sensor, it displays the max temp since the thermometer was turned on. With another double tap, it displays the min temperature.

Javelin vs Javelin Pro Duo

If price is a concern for you, Lavatools produce a standard Javelin instant read thermometer for a significantly lower price.

But what do you give up to save that money?

Here are the main differences between the two thermometers:

• Smaller screen (1.4″ instead of 2″)
• Slower read time (3-4 seconds instead of 2-3)
• None of the features controlled by the touch sensor so you can’t set the temperature after you take it out, or view min and max temps.
• No backlit

Construction is similar, with the same solid but plastic feel. If you just need a cheap tool to measure temps when you grill the standard Javelin is still a fine thermometer.

But if you’re like me and take your grilling seriously, I’m happy to spend a little extra and get the Pro.

Wrapping it up

For the price I can definitely recommend the Javelin Pro. All the specs are good, it feels sturdy and wellbuilt. The Splashproof design is also nice.

To see how the Javelin Pro compares with other thermometers check out our guide to the best instant-read thermometers.