My Thermapen instant read thermometer had started to act up. It would show -1 degrees or cycle through a lot of temperatures, or show 34 or 35 F in the house, which it is not. I had replaced the battery, but that did not work. I jiggled the battery a bit and that occasionally helped, but this week I had to admit defeat. I contacted Thermoworks to see if my 15-yeear-old Thermapen could be saved.

The representative was impressed that it had lasted 15 years. He said that the temperature sensor had gone bad. Usually, they could fix that, but my particular model was discontinued in 2009, so there are no parts for it.

However, Thermoworks is having a sale on the Thermador One, with 30% off. As they accidentally advertised it at too low of a price due to an error, they gave a code in one of their recent emails for an additional 10% off. I have come to depend on my Thermapen for baking but also for cooking, as has my husband for checking meat. I have ordered a new one which should arrive next week. The original was red and made in England, but the new one will be yellow, a color that I chose in the hope that it will stand out when we are looking for it. I think these thermometers are now made in China.