I was/am! It's an instant thermometer, it shows the temperature reading in less than a second or two. They're really useful for cooking.

I'm sure there are cheaper brands which are just as good, but Thermapen has brand recognition among home chefs. (Probably mostly due to America's Test Kitchen's endorsement of it.)

I have one, the speed is indeed the selling point. You can slowly insert the thermometer and find the coldest point. It is also so fast and easy you can use it where you would never bother before - such as checking to see if you microwaved your food enough.

I routinely used one and it lasted 10 years. I recently replaced it. Few $/yr seems like a decent deal. Its nice to use, reads quickly and apparently accurately.