Best BBQ Bluetooth Thermometers in 2019

“Let’s serve burnt steak for dinner,” said no one ever. But then no one wants to stand there babysitting the meat either!

Technology is making life comfortable everywhere, and kitchens should be no exception. So a long time ago, I went hunting to make those long barbecues a bit easier on myself.

And what did I discover – these wireless thermometers. Voila, magic!

bbq spare ribs

I’d almost compare my life before the thermometer to the Neanderthals. After all, I was actually stoking and babysitting the fire constantly (just like our neanderthal cousins I guess).

Cut to the present – I just sit back and watch the telly like the “modern man”, while my phone informs me of what’s happening on the grill.

Great news is that even with such little effort, I get that perfectly cooked meat E-V-E-R-Y-T-I-M-E.

Sounds like a dream?

Well you can be a part of this dream too with this handy guide on the best BBQ Bluetooth thermometers. But if you still are contemplating whether you should get a thermometer or not, check this post on the importance of a good food thermometer.

At a Glance: Our Recommendations

  1. Weber iGrill2 – The Best Overall
  2. Inkbird IBT 4XS – Another Great Choice
  3. Thermoworks BlueDOT – Great Single Probe Bluetooth Thermometer
  4. GrillEye GE0001 – Connect up to six probes
  5. iChef ET-735 by Maverick – The best overall

Buying Guide

What is a Bluetooth thermometer? And how does it work?

Before we get much further, let’s briefly run through the basics to understand these devices a bit better.

In essence, these wireless thermometers have three components: the probe, the cable, and the transmitter. Short-range wireless communication helps connect these devices with your phone or tablet.

Once you insert the thermometer into the food/pit and connect it to your mobile device, the temperature is relayed directly to your screen at regular intervals.

In fact, depending on the device, you might be able to adjust grill temperatures directly from your phone, without having to turn the knobs physically.

How is that for a lazy Sunday afternoon?

What do I love about these thermometers?

  • No more overcooked or under cooked meats. Everyone gets their piece just the way they like it. And I don’t have to constantly babysit my BBQ to ensure this. Having a food thermometer has undoubtedly made life simpler for me and has enhanced my reputation as a pitmaster.
  • Across America, there has been a reduction in complaints of indigestion and bouts of stomach flu after people have started using food thermometers. Meats are safer and without much effort on part of pitmasters, yay!
  • I can multitask and manage other things stress-free while the food smokes. Being able to keep a watch whether you are indoors or outdoors is a underappreciated boon.
  • The device is simple to use, and most apps are reasonably user-friendly. Even kids can operate most models.
  • Finally, my own model comes with a built-in alarm. I get beeps if the grill exceeds the desired temperature or when the cooking is done – this is a boon for my goldfish memory.

What do I not love about these bluetooth devices?

  • The range. As fantastic as the Bluetooth technology is, it only works over short distances and doesn’t tolerate obstacles or walls very well. So I cannot carry my phone too far, say to the rooms upstairs and expect the app to work perfectly.
  • The fact that temperatures are displayed on one smartphone screen means that you have to be ever present in the home i.e. unless you are comfortable leaving your phone with another person.
  • Even the best of Bluetooth devices occasionally suffer from dropped connections. It could be pretty annoying especially when you have just settled in the couch with your bucket of popcorn and connection goes poof.

Should you get a Wi-Fi or RF thermometer instead?

That is a question which is bound to cross your mind when making this purchase. Let me list out the broad differences so that you can make an informed choice.

The Technology – Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, both use radio signals to transmit data. The difference is that while Bluetooth relies on short-range devices, Wi-Fi uses a high-speed internet connection.

Range – Hands down, Wi-Fi has a far better range. Also, Wi-Fi gives a much more stable and stronger connection compared to our humble Bluetooth.

Convenience – You might think that Wi-Fi is preferable over the Bluetooth because of the increased range, but hey, what about the times when you camp outdoors? Didn’t think of that one, did you? Wi-Fi thermometers need an always on wireless connection which may not be possible outside your home.

Compatibility – Bluetooth tends to be finicky when it comes to connecting with devices and maintaining these connections. With a Wi-Fi, you shouldn’t face such issues.

My Verdict – Honestly, it is a difficult choice, and both technologies have their positives. Go for Bluetooth if you plan to camp, else for go for Wi-Fi. Better go for a hybrid choice i.e. the model has both wifi as well as Bluetooth. I like to call that having my cake and eating it too!

Tips to get the best out of your Bluetooth thermometer

Cons aside, Bluetooth thermometer is a godsend if you know how to use it correctly. Follow these tricks to get the best out of this nifty little device.

  • Remove any obstacles that might hinder the smooth functioning of your device. Brick walls, metal, and glass are potential obstacles to the signal. While you can’t remove an entire wall, try placing the grill in a manner that minimizes interference.
  • The probes must ALWAYS be kept clean. Food stuck on the probe could lead to faulty temperature readings. Besides, like all kitchen tools, the probe is also in direct contact with your food and must be clean to avoid transmission of germs. Follow the cleaning instructions in the thermometer manual and never put your probes in the dishwasher.
  • Insert the probe properly. This means two things. One, you must insert it in the food up to the level marked on the probe. Any more or any less and it likely won’t do the reading correctly. Two, you must pop it into the thickest part of the meat. Check the following video for some tips.
  • Be mindful of the maximum temperature the thermometer is rated for. Using it beyond the prescribed temperatures is a sure shot way to damage your device.
  • If possible, turn-off other Bluetooth devices in the vicinity to reduce interference.
  • While a Bluetooth thermometer is great for an outside BBQ, don’t just leave it there! Wrap it and put it back inside once you are done.
  • Spend some time on understanding your device by reading the manual and always follow the manufacturer instructions. Familiarize yourself with how your thermometer works before you start using it.

Aspects to keep in mind while purchasing a Bluetooth thermometer

A Bluetooth thermometer will make your life easy provided you are clear on your expectations and opt for the right device for your specific situation.

Let’s help you figure out what you need to look for when you are in market for one.

Probes

Most thermometers come with 2-6 probes. How many you need will depend upon how often you cook and the number of people you cook for.

Keep in mind that a big chunk of meat will need two probes pinned at different spots since the distribution of heat is uneven.

Two probes is the bare minimum for me, but I think that anything more than six would be an overkill. Four is close to an ideal number.

Also, ensure that the different probes can independently connect to your thermometer app. If you can only connect one probe at a time, the whole purpose of having multiple probes is lost.

Another thing that might not be a deciding factor for all but matters to me is the color coding of your probes. I like my probes to have different colors because then I can ask anyone to pull out or turn the meat by just stating the color. This is more convenient that you think it will be. This is also safer in long run as you can ascribe different colors to different foods.

Accuracy

This is, without a doubt, the most important element since the whole reason for having a thermometer is to get the precise temperatures. Do not compromise on this aspect.

Be on the lookout for Thermistor probes (made with ceramic) or high-quality RTD probes (metal). Between the two, the former is a better choice as they are known to be very precise.

Amongst the RTD probes, those made with inferior metals are unable to give a good reading. As RTDs have a higher temperature range as compared to Thermistors, they are often used in industrial application devices.

A broad rule of thumb is that a good thermometer shouldn’t be off by more than 1-2 degrees at the most. It’s a good idea to check the accuracy of your thermometer before you start your BBQ.

You can either follow the boiling water method or the cold ice method to check the accuracy of your thermometer. Get more details on these two methods here.

Design, Build quality and the durability

Take into consideration the practical and handling aspects of the thermometer. Below are a few boxes your device should tick:

  • It should be made of FDA approved material so you can be assured of the quality and durability. Remember, the probe is going to work near high temperature zones and must be able to withstand all that heat. Invest more if you must but get a sturdy device.
  • A backlit screen is an absolute must otherwise it gets difficult to read temperatures in little or no light, especially on those camping trips. For me, large digits on the display are an added plus.
  • If your device has wires connecting the probe to it then remember to check on the wire quality because the cable may be exposed to heat during cooking.
  • Check the maximum range of the thermometer and compare it to the food you want to cook. Going beyond the prescribed temperature limit is like writing a death sentence for your thermometer. And no matter what you do, never ever expose the probes to a direct flame.
  • Find out whether the probes are waterproof and whether they can be used for measuring the temperature of liquids or not. Having this flexibility matters in long run.

Bluetooth range

It’s a Bluetooth thermometer and the reason you bought it was so you do not have to stand next to the grill. Do not forget this point.

Buy a thermometer that offers a wide range. Depending on which class the device falls into, Bluetooth range varies from 100 meters in Class 1 devices to 10 meters in class 3 devices.

The thermometers in the market offer you a range between 15 and 100 meters. Remember that you will only get the full range if there are no obstructions in between so if the manual says 50 meters, the actual range will be much lesser. Account for this (a good thumb rule is to divide by 3).

Battery life

Get a device with long battery life. Most devices offer up to 60 hours of battery life which is a pretty decent bargain.

If possible, opt for USB charging since it is more cost-effective than having to replace the AAA batteries. USB charging is also more environment-friendly.

Quality of mobile app

Every bluetooth thermometer comes with an app that links your phone to your device. These apps vary in terms of features they offer.

But the foremost thing to keep in mind is the compatibility of the app with your phone. While most apps are supported for both Apple and Android, it’s a good idea to check for compatibility right in the beginning, especially if you have one of those older phones.

Most of these apps come with preset temperatures for different meats that can be customized. Another interesting feature in some of the apps is a cooking graph that can help you analyze and pinpoint the mistake in case something goes wrong.

Check to see if the alarms and alerts are up to your liking and whether they can be turned off easily. I have a friend who hates that there is no way to turn off the alarm on the app as such and she has to delete it every single time.

And lastly, see if the app offers Celsius-Fahrenheit conversions. This is important for those exotic foreign recipes.

Best Bluetooth Thermometers – Our Recommendations

Now that we are wiser about what Bluetooth thermometers are, how they work and how to choose one, let’s take a look at some of my favorites.

Weber iGrill 2 – The best overall

igrill 2

Weber is probably a familiar name. Their products boast of an excellent build quality and an unmatched customer service. I had high expectations from their Bluetooth thermometer and it didn’t disappoint.

Weber iGrill2 comes in two variants – a master kit and a barebone iGrill2. The following table captures the essence of these two variants.

Number of ProbesTwo meat probes for iGrill2. But it has a capacity of up to 4 probes. Four color-coded meat probes for the masterkit
Battery Life200 hours. Works on two AA batteries (included with masterkit)
Bluetooth Range150 ft subject to obstructions
Temperature RangeProbes can measure between -22 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat resistant up to 716 degrees.
Dimensions2.2″H X 3.2″W X 2.2″D
App CompatibilityiOS 9 or higher. Android 4.4 or higher. Huawei phones, iPhone 4, iPad 1st/2nd generation, may not be compatible with the iGrill app. For more information visit
Waterproof ProbesNo. The probes, as well as the wires must not be immersed in water under any circumstances.
Graph ToolThe app comes with a graph tool to see the progression of temperatures while the cook is on. But it only displays the graph for up to 3 minutes at a time.
DisplayLarge, illuminated LED display with backlight.

As you can see, this device scores well on most criteria. You can choose between the iGrill 2 or the complete master kit (the primary difference is the number of probes).

iGrill2 comes with a magnetic disc stand that has an adhesive base and can be stuck to any cool surface. The iGrill can then be mounted on this stand.

The more than sufficient length of the probe wires (48 inches!) is a big plus for me. Also, the thermometer is not limited to Weber grills, and you can use it on any grill you have.

The probe wraps are also magnetic and can be safely tucked under the iGrill after use. The device is sleek and shiny and looks good on the counter.

Overall95/100starstarstarstarstar
  • Performance - 90/100
  • Features - 90/100
  • Build Quality - 95/100
  • Value for Money - 85/100

The four probes when used together, display the temperatures on different sides of the screen, so you can use them simultaneously. It also has a proximity sensor, so you don’t have to manually connect the device each time, and it shuts off on its own to conserve battery.

Another benefit is that it allows for both preset as well as customized alarms and even a pre-alarm notification if you have to make some last-minute changes.

And if you want some inspiration for your Sunday cook, click on that globe icon and see pictures of delicious food from around the world!

This product has a two-year warranty. For more information, you can visit their website. While the price may be a bit on the higher side, the promptness of Weber’s customer service and the assurance that your product will be replaced in case of a problem, more than makes up for it.

One aspect that I didn’t like about this thermometer is the short Bluetooth range when compared to some other devices in the market. Other thermometers offer double the range at almost the same price.

Also, in my view, one of the probes could’ve been an ambient probe since serious grillers like me use it often. With iGrill2, I will have to purchase it separately which means an additional outgo.

At an overall level, this is a great choice and one I can recommend wholeheartedly. Go for it if you want a no-nonsense Bluetooth thermometer with great customer service.

Pros

  • Wide temperature range
  • Four color-coded probes
  • Preset alarms
  • Auto shut-off
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Limited Bluetooth range
  • No ambient probe
  • Probes are not water-proof
  • Price

Click to Check Price on Amazon

If you are looking for something more specific for your Weber LX and Genesis grills, try out the Weber iGrill 3

Inkbird IBT 4XS – Another Great Pick

inkbird ibt 4xs

At a price range that is almost half of the iGrill 2 thermometer, the Inkbird IBT 4XS makes for an excellent buy.

Number of Probes4 meat probes. There is an option of a cheaper one with 2 probes.
Dimensions3.3×3.3×1.0 inch
Battery Life60 hours. Comes with a 1000mAh rechargeable lithium battery and a USB charging cable.
Bluetooth Range150 ft subject to obstructions.
Temperature RangeProbes can measure between 32 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit.
App CompatibilityiOS 7plus. Android 4.4 or higher. iPad 3 generation and later. iPad touch 5th generation and later.
Waterproof ProbesNo
DisplayLarge LED display of 2.2” x 1”.

This device gives iGrill2 a serious run for its money. It has all the basic features like pre-programmed temperatures, good quality wires etc. and is accurate within ±2℉/±1℃.

The novel features include a rotatable display, which means you can read the temperatures from any angle without moving the device (or tilting your neck). The preset menu has 11 different meats as well as 5 different taste settings from rare to well done.

I like that this model has the rechargeable battery as it saves money otherwise spent on buying batteries every few months, but I am not so impressed with the cheap looking plastic body of the thermometer.

Another positive for me was the fact that you can’t ever insert the probe incorrectly because if you do so, the device will show random temperatures to alert you. So even if I’m in a hurry, the probe is always placed right.

The magnetic strips at the back make it easy to hang on any compatible surface and the two clips are useful for holding the probes in the right place.

Overall92/100starstarstarstarstar
  • Performance - 90/100
  • Features - 95/100
  • Build Quality - 90/100
  • Value for Money - 95/100

At almost 60 inches, the cords are longer than most competitors. I just wish the makers had included a cord wrapping mechanism so the storage would be easy too.

The temperature range isn’t as wide as the iGrill2, and that could be a serious drawback for those who want that ‘really slow cooked’ brisket on the table.

A word of caution for those who aren’t too smartphone friendly, all the controls are on the app and not on the device itself. Which means you will have to be very comfortable with operating the thermometer using your phone.

The thermometer comes with a 12-month warranty. If you don’t care about Weber brand, this is a great choice and probably the best bang for your buck.

Pros

  • Price
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Preset menu
  • Rotatable display
  • Four probes
  • Probe clips included

Cons

  • Short Bluetooth range
  • Temperature range is less
  • No ambient probe
  • No cord wrapping mechanism

Click to Check Price on Amazon

If the four probe model isn’t enough, Inkbird has launched the Inkbird IBT 6X Bluetooth thermometer which boasts of 6 probes! Note that this model is battery powered, unlike the IBT 4XS. Also check our review of IBT 2X if you don’t care about number of probes that much

Weber iGrill Mini – A Cheaper iGrill2 Alternative

weber igrill mini

If you want to stick to Weber, or have a limited use of thermometers and don’t want to shell out big bucks, then the iGrill Mini is the beginner pick for you. Most of its features are similar to the iGrill 2 except following:

  • It comes with a single meat probe.
  • Battery life is 150 hours.
  • No digital display, everything is monitored through the app on your phone.
  • Works on a CR2032 coin cell battery.
  • Measures just 2h x 1.8w x 1.5d inches.

The app features that you get with iGrill2 are available with iGrill mini too. As you can see, this is truly a mini version of the iGrill2.

Overall86/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 80/100
  • Features - 90/100
  • Build Quality - 95/100
  • Value for Money - 85/100

If you don’t have to cook for more than two people and have no trouble juggling between the meats, then this could be a good buy.

Pros

  • Wide temperature range
  • Preset Alarms

Cons

  • Not Water Proof

Click to Check Price on Amazon

Inkbird IBT-2X – A Cheaper IBT 4X Alternative

inkbird ibt 2x

Once again, you can refer to our IBT 4XS review as both devices have mostly similar features. The only differences are:

  • This model uses 2 AA batteries compared to the built-in rechargeable battery of the 4XS.
  • There are two probes instead of four.
  • No clips or batteries included.
  • No color coding on the probes.

Aside from these specs, the two models are same when it comes to app features, temperature range, warranty period, etc.

Go for this model if you don’t do much grilling and want to save some bucks.

Overall87/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 85/100
  • Features - 85/100
  • Build Quality - 90/100
  • Value for Money - 90/100

Click to Check Price on Amazon

Thermoworks BlueDot – Best One Probe Thermometer

thermoworks bluedot

Thermoworks designs thermometers for commercial use, and you can typically expect great accuracy and durability from this brand.

Number of ProbesSingle meat probe.
Dimensions3.125x 3.125x 0.75 inches
Battery Life2 x AAA batteries. 5000 hours
Bluetooth Range95feet.
Temperature RangeProbes can measure between -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
App CompatibilityiOS 10 and above. Android 6.0 and above.
Waterproof ProbesYes

Thermoworks DOT is one of the legendary food thermometers – best known for its accuracy and the price. With BlueDot, the company combines this accuracy with the convenience of Bluetooth technology.

The device comes with a Pro-Series temperature probe (an exclusive series made for commercial kitchens) and a strong magnetic base for mounting. It is quite simple to use with just two buttons and offers a built-in Celsius/Fahrenheit converter.

What sets this thermometer apart is the high-grade probe and excellent durability. For those who couldn’t be bothered about handling their gadgets like a baby, this device is a boon because of its molded-in splash-proof seals.

It can withstand low water pressure and won’t be damaged if you accidentally leave it outside or spill water on it. Keep it away from the dishwasher though!

Overall86/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 92/100
  • Features - 83/100
  • Build Quality - 82/100
  • Value for Money - 85/100

The wires are a generous 48 inches, and you can save the temperature graphs. Overall, I feel the slightly steep price is well compensated when you look at what it offers.

If I were to point out a issue with this model, it would be its single probe – I prefer (and need) at least four. However, if that is not a hassle for you, then this device is certainly a winner.

Another point worth mentioning is the lack of a pre-cook setting option in the app. It seems to be designed for the grilling pros and requires the temperature to be set individually for each cook.

Add to that, the Bluetooth range seems to be shorter when compared to most other brands, which is never a good thing for a Bluetooth thermometer!

Pros

  • Commercial grade quality
  • Waterproof probes
  • Wide temperature range
  • Battery life

Cons

  • Limited Bluetooth Range
  • No Preset Menu

Click Here to Check Price

GrillEye GE0001 – Connect up to six probes with this one

grilleye ge0001

So what does the GrillEye GE0001 offer that sets it apart from the others? Read on.

Number of ProbesTwo probes, extendable up to 6.
Dimensions5 x 1 x 3.75 in
Battery Life2 x AA batteries included. 5000 hours
Bluetooth Range300 feet.
Temperature RangeProbes can measure between -58 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
App CompatibilityiPhone 4s and later, iPad Mini, iPad 3 and later and iPod touch 5th generation and later. Android 4.0 and above.
Waterproof ProbesNo

With its ability to connect up to 6 probes, the GrillEye certainly puts forth a very lucrative proposition at a great price point. I love this model as it finally addresses my ever present crib point by including an ambient probe (along with two ambient clips) – this can be a crowd puller for the serious grillers.

The probes are made of space grade aluminum, approved by the FDA which makes it perfectly safe for your food. The display is coated with an anti-glare screen that makes it easy to read in the sunny outdoors and displays both the current and the target temperatures.

The adjustable, rotating stand that accompanies the device makes for easy reading at any angle. You can set your own alarms for each of the six probes or select from the preset menu.

Overall87/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 85/100
  • Features - 92/100
  • Build Quality - 85/100
  • Value for Money - 90/100

But then no device is perfect, and the GrillEye too has some limitations.

The foremost thing would be the lack of a mounting magnet. The makers have instead provided a stand which needs to be placed on a flat surface. I don’t know about you, but to me, mounting magnet is much more convenient.

Then there are the single colored probes which probably aren’t a deal breaker for many, but I like mine color coded. They are convenient and safer in long run.

Also a curious design choice is the length of the probes, which at 3.63”, is dwarfed by most other brands. This may not be sufficient for those extra thick slabs of meat.

Coming to the screen, despite the presence of an anti-glare coating, reading is a bit tough in direct sunlight because I guess the display consists of red digits on a black screen.

Pros

  • Six probe extendibility
  • Ambient probe included
  • FDA certified
  • Super Bluetooth range

Cons

  • No magnetic base for mounting
  • Shorter probes
  • Difficulty in reading digits in the sun.

Click to Check Price on Amazon

If six probes don’t satiate your need, then go for the GrillEye Pro Plus that comes with a whopping eight probe ports and the ability to connect to the Bluetooth as well as to a Wi-Fi connection. It is also loaded with several other impressive features like a cylindrical design, a rechargeable battery, magnetic stand, and an adaptive screen display system.

iChef ET–735 by Maverick – Also Great

maverick ichef et-735

The iChef ET-735 seems to have the all the standard features found in most Bluetooth thermometers and is a pretty popular choice in my BBQ circle. Have a look if you want something rugged.

Number of ProbesTwo probes, extendable up to 4.
Dimensions4X 2.5 X 0.75 in
Battery Life2 x AA batteries. 6 months
Bluetooth Range160 feet.
Temperature RangeProbes can measure between -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
App CompatibilityiPhone 4s and later, iPad Mini, iPad 3 and later and iPad Air. Android 4.0 and above.
Waterproof ProbesYes

ET-735 comes with two probes but has the option to connect up to four. If you have used Maverick ET-732 and ET-733, the probes are compatible across all these models.

The device has a large enough display so you won’t face difficulty in reading the numbers. It comes with a stand which needs to be placed on a flat surface. The transmitter is weather resistant and perfect for an outdoor BBQ.

A pleasant feature is that for a change, the probes too are water proof! As a user that makes me happy because I don’t have to be extra cautious.

Overall86/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 80/100
  • Features - 95/100
  • Build Quality - 92/100
  • Value for Money - 82/100

The range of temperature they measure is fairly wide too. The buttons are at the back while the probes are inserted on the sides of the device. By the way, before I miss, this model also has a Celsius-Fahrenheit converter.

The grill clips that come with the device can be used to attach the probe to the grill surface. A nice touch is that you can choose your own ringtone for the alerts! The standard preset menu is present and temperatures can be controlled with the app.

Bluetooth has been reported to be slightly unreliable on this model when compared to other brands. Like I said, this somewhat defeats the whole purpose of buying a Bluetooth thermometer. Though to be fair to Maverick, this to a large extent depends upon the exact pattern of usage, the placement of the device and the obstructions in the house.

A somewhat astonishing choice is the minuscule warranty period of a mere 90 days; this when most brands are offering between 12-24 months.

Overall, this thermometer gets my vote for ruggedness and durability, though they can do much better on many other parameters.

Pros

  • Large display
  • Weather-resistant transmitter
  • Grill clip
  • Option to choose ringtone

Cons

  • Reports of Unreliable Bluetooth
  • Short Warranty

Click to Check Price on Amazon

Meater Smart Thermometer – An Interesting Proposition

meater smart thermometer

I won’t say I saved the best for the last, but I definitely saved the most interesting one for the last. Now whether it will fit your use case or not, it is for you to decide.

Number of ProbesOne probe.
Dimensions6.2 x 1.5 x 1.1 in
Battery Life1 AAA battery (included).
Bluetooth Range33 feet but has the option of wi-fi connection as well.
Temperature RangeProbes can measure up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
App CompatibilityiPhone 10.3 and later. Android 5.0 and above.
Waterproof ProbesYes

This model comes with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but what floored me was there being no wires. Yes, this device doesn’t have any wires so you don’t have to worry about them touching the hot grill or breaking after constant use. Instead, there is a simple wireless probe that’s easy to use and convenient to store.

This single probe has two sensors, which means it can measure the temperature of the meat as well as the grill; thus eliminating the need of an additional ambient probe.

Beginners and even amateur grillers will love the preset menu options because not only does it offer the usual temperature settings for different kinds of meat, it also has different settings for the type of meat cut.

For me, this is a big plus because I never really liked the idea of a standardized temperature for different cuts of the same meat. And if you ask any seasoned griller, they will probably agree!

Overall88/100starstarstarstarhalf star
  • Performance - 85/100
  • Features - 98/100
  • Build Quality - 90/100
  • Value for Money - 82/100

The neat little wooden box that the Meater probe comes in also acts as a charger and is fitted with a magnet for easy storage. The thermometer can be used in a smoker, kamodo, oven, rotisserie, kettle grill as well as a gas grill.

The device also has something called Meater Link, which lets you connect multiple phones to the probe, over a Wi-Fi connection.

So is the device invincible? Well, sadly no. It does have its lows, the most prominent one being the temperature range.

With a limit of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, this device fails miserably when pitted against the competitors. The external sensor, however, has a threshold of 572 degrees.

The lower end model has an almost laughable Bluetooth range of 33 feet (the plus model though comes with a range of 165 feet). However, that can be corrected by switching it over to the Wi-Fi. Following video shows how:

There is also the option of the Meater Cloud that provides unlimited access to your device from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection and a Meater Link – this means an almost infinite range.

Coming to the probes, what’s with that thickness? The probes will leave large gaping holes in your meat! This may be of concern to some of us who care about aesthetics and presentation of our food.

Pros

  • No wires
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Rechargeable
  • Pre-set temperatures for meat+ meat cuts
  • Multiple phone connection possible

Cons

  • Temperature Range

Click to Check Price on Amazon

The new upgrade of this device is the Meater Plus, which has a Bluetooth range of 165 ft but similar features and a single probe.

A note on those highly rated Chinese thermometers that all look so similar

In course of your research, you will come across many made for e-commerce brands. If these brands look suspiciously similar, that’s because they are. They will look suspiciously similar to this:

generic bbq thermometer

Almost all of these traders are importing from Aliexpress and are putting their brand on what is essentially a pre-designed product. Some of them are smart enough to do minor cosmetic changes but the core of the thermometer stays same.

Now, I am not saying that these are bad choices. But they certainly are not as good as what online reviews show them to be.

Anyway, our assertion is that almost invariably, you will be better off with one of the recommendations above instead of getting one of these imported models.

Final Thoughts

I’ve tried to compile everything you need to know about Bluetooth thermometers and aspects you need to keep in mind while purchasing one. But in the end, the final choice depends solely on your personal preferences and most importantly your budget.

Hope you find my suggestions and reviews helpful in making an informed purchase. If you have any question, feel free to comment below and we will try and get back.

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Happy grilling!

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