Taylor TruTemp Instant Read Digital Thermometer

Good value for the money:
The response time of this thermometer is pretty decent in its price range: it goes from freezing to boiling (or back) in about 15 seconds. The measurement range is OK -- at a maximum of 302 F you won't be able to use it for deep frying or melting sugar, but it's more than sufficient for measuring meat/pastry doneness. All in all it's a decent choice if you just want a basic unit for everyday tasks. If you need auto-off or a Celsius mode, look at similar Taylor models for a little bit more. The next significant step-up is the Thermoworks really-instant Thermapen at a whopping $80 (sold under the name "Digital thermometer" on Amazon - see B0001VWRCC).

Short Life Span:
While the thermometer seemed to give out accurate readings, it only lasted us a few months. I was always careful to only wash the probe and not get the screen area get wet and after drying, put it back in it's sleeve. So, I do not believe it was user error in this case but it could possibly have been defective. I'm not wasting my money to find out!