I tested EVERY wireless thermometer and found the BEST and WORST ones!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Get Smokin' Pecan Pellets here: bit.ly/3TGyOHs

[@Daeduluus]

These pellets are awesome much longer usage since they burn so much more efficiently!

[@bloodgain]

The thing that interests me most about the Combustion is that the tech is there, and Chris and his team are still continuously testing and improving the algorithm. They release firmware and app updates, which benefits not just future buyers but also existing owners. And Chris makes videos based on a lot of the things he learns in the process, and you don't need his thermometer to benefit from them. The open standard is also nice, because it's fairly future-proof if the company goes under. I haven't jumped in yet, but I'm intrigued. Also, I can't believe Thermoworks doesn't have a competitor in this arena yet!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I'm here for it! If they make the ambient sensor more responsive I'm ready to get on board.

[@AlaskaBrisketCo]

🤣 Steve you need to start doing infomercials!!! You brought me straight back to the late 90’s early 2000’s with your black and white cut scenes. I’ve taken a big step back from watching KZbin but I still watch your vids every time they drop. Great content brother. If I can ever get away from my day job I need to do an event and have you come up for it just to hang out again. 🤘

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

For sure that would be fun! Yea I'm like the slap chop guy

[@mgweir3252]

Thank you for validating my purchase of the Chef IQ probe. I picked up a 2 probe set from Costco online for $99.00 USD. Good deal.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Good stuff!

[@bobhinley5410]

I own a MEATER probe. I have used it now approximately a dozen times. Four main reasons I hate it. 1) the diameter is too thick. You need very thick protein for this to work. 2) WIFI range is horrible. Maybe 12ft. 3) Battery life over a few uses diminishes. May not last during a rib roast cook. 4) The metal end used for charging falls out. Must clean with soft abrasive for conductivity when charging. Conclusion: I tossed it in the garbage. Total junk. Steve, my findings, it is not built like a tank. Maybe I got a lemon.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Sounds like you got a lemon haha! That's too bad. I've done terrible things to my Meaters and never had an issue with the metal cap falling off.

[@LaddPhoto1]

I'm done with Meater products and anyone who recommends them. I have a Meater + and a Meater 2+. I don't care if they are built like a tank and if they are accurate. If they constantly lose connection (which they do) or won't connect at all, they are completely useless as a wireless thermometer. After their last round of marketing of the 2+ where they sent out samples to tons of KZbin creators, there were so many glowing reviews, especially people saying the 2+ solved so many of the connection problems of previous models. Just like Steve mentions here, obstacles crush Meater connections. I can have the probe inside my smoker, the block 3' away and my phone less than 20' away from the block only going through a glass patio door and I still have to fight to stay connected. If these we're $25-$30 products, I would expect this. But these are $80-$130 each. Don't fall for the Meater marketing hype.

[@travellerseko]

@@LaddPhoto1what’s your recommended product?

[@kevinbylina5950]

@@travellersekothermoworks rfx just released. I imagine it’s amazing like most of their products.

[@misterm7086]

Agree. Meater+ too inconsistent all around, especially WIFI/Bluetooth.

[@MyCHEFiQ]

This video is incredible! So much work clearly went into this! Thank you so much for the review!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you!

[@thomascee]

I wanted a Chief IQ; Costco sells your probes, and this was just the final encouragement I needed 😁😁

[@misinformationwithrandy]

Incredible video. Thanks for doing the good, hard, long work on this.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Much appreciated!

[@bobby350z]

Thanks for the review. For now I am using old wired one, Thermoworks Smoke. It has a simple remote which I can keep inside and know what the temps are. No BT, no WiFi, no apps, none of that. A lot less problems IMHO.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Keeping it simple! I like it!

[@donmitchell493]

Great information! I cannot get through a cook without my Meater+ without the BT disconnecting. Less than 75 feet away! Also, my wife and I both love your brisket rub. We use it on almost everything.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you! Alot of the connection issues are probe to charger so I move the charger as close to the probe as possible. And then I use a second device to get wifi.

[@spanny52]

⁠​⁠@@SmokeTrailsBBQI tried this but the charger melted and got all tangled up in the rotisserie inside the smoke chamber. 😂 I’ve never had good luck with Meater and I hate the app. Having said that, I appreciate your review and share your ambient temp wishes. I’m going ESP32 for that. Cheers!

[@MadPick]

WOW! What an incredibly in-depth review! Thank you, sir. I have owned the Meater Block, the TempSpike Plus, and the Typhur Sync. Of those three, the Typhur is far and away the best for a number of reasons but the most prominent being the rock-solid connection. I can leave the base inside the house while I cook on a smoker outdoors, and of course the wifi is a huge benefit.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Same. The connection is amazing

[@vaajchang]

Thank you for the video! I have the typhur sync common annoyance I experienced 50% of the time is the alert of overheating. It will prompt to remove and avoid damaging when actually ambient temp or meat temp is way way around 250-300. Like tf!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Talk to support. They are always releasing updates

[@JoeAnshien]

i have a Meater Block for years and it has stood up to the test of time on many rotisserie cooks. I usually use 2 in each bird. Ambient is slow and I always use an instant thermometer near end of cook to do final pull temps. Also with wifi it has never disconnected.

[@AzizSalem-mi5bm]

I'm only three minutes in and I just would like to thank you for the effort and time spent in doing this. Really impressive!

[@Todd.T]

Thanks for doing a lot of legwork for those that don't have a wireless thermometer yet. I got my Meater 2 Plus the day before you posted. I'm not sure why the makers of these products tell you to put the bluetooth unit by the grill because it cuts down on range capability. I stuck mine in the window closest to my 1/4 steel offset and that allowed signal to reach the extender with good signal and repeat it towards the inside of the house with signal good enough for me to not have to worry about needing WiFi. YMMV depending on objects in the way. When it came to the best part for me, the ambient temp sensor, I just set a threshold that worked with my stoking needs. It didn't need to read the actual ambient temperature. I set the fire and offset to what I wanted using the offset gauge and then noted the ambient temp reading on the Meater and set a threshold. This worked out perfect and as the fire had about another 3 minutes left, I appeared and put on a new stick. I did a perfect prime rib. The unit got the internal temp right and the resting period right and it was good to be able to see the temps climb during resting. Covering with tinfoil retained heat and made it climb a fair amount until I removed the foil. This is going to be great for resting a brisket.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Hey I agree, I use that method of fire management as well. I watch for when the temps start to bottom out or top out as they swing up and down and add a stick near the peak or trough. I like your theory that putting it next to the smoker actually decreases the range. I'll have to explore that more.

[@whalhoward1970]

Great timing on your review. I am eyeing the Chef iQ thermometer. It is at Costco for $99.99 US for 2 probes.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It's a good one, and cheap

[@minigiant8998]

i just got the costco chef IQ on sale for $70.

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

@@minigiant8998I got it as a gift for $0 😎

[@smokinpecan]

You're so good at giving in-depth, analysis! Great video Steve!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you!

[@AlexeyDnepr]

Great comparison! It would be ideal to check the accuracy of the measurement. I checked when boiling water and none of the thermometers showed 212 degrees. Some thermometers stayed at 203 degrees, some at 208-209.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

What's the boiling temp of water where you live? Unless you are right at sea level it will be under 212.

[@CoolJay77]

You did some serious, valuable detailed work here. I use Combustion inc in conjunction with a Fireboard wire thermometer. I've noticed the ambient sensor on the wireless thermometer is too close to the meat, which happens to be in an evaporative medium. I did find the sensors to be responsive to within a few seconds, and the ambient sensor is exposed thru the yellow ceramic tip. I will zip tie a wired sensor by the ambient sensor of the Combustion inc, to compare. You did mention an algorithmic correction with another model. Just like you've mentioned, the surface temperature feature is a great plus, such as when reverse searing steaks. Also its ability to find the core temperature is another great plus. The eight sensors make it better in predicting temperature, which for me is more of a fun feature, than a must. However in a YT video that came out today, Christ mentioned, they are working on a final meat temperature prediction accounting for a carry over temperature feature. And if I am not mistaken, he once mentioned they are working on algorithms for different cuts of meats. Just like you said, it is promising. It is a work in progress.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

That would be amazing if it could accurately predict carryover!

[@Romas65]

OK Steve, you rock, these company's who have the testers, this people should be pit masters that have real life experiences as pitmasters, non of those scientist and lawyer talk to justify a bad product. Thank you for a good and thorough review. One more thing, you know your cooking and your pits, I understand the value of these probes, but, I think by experience and touch, including sight, a good pit master can determine the correct Temps, I've seen your videos to understand that you can cook or smoke anything without these gadgets, I'm getting better at my cooking, only because I watch your videos and through trial and error. Love your videos brother.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thanks man!

[@ramseyania]

Just fantastic review - thank-you! One application you didn't touch on, a place where a wireless probe can go that a wired one cannot, is rotisserie cooking. I'm interested in a probe that can monitor my chicken or turkey cooks on a rotisserie - I think the key factors are likely to be: 1) ability to withstand reasonably high direct heat; 2) probe should be thin to not disturb the bird too much; 3) connectivity through the closed grill (I use a weber kettle for this so I guess it is not likely to be too much of a problem; and 4) ability to respond quickly to and accurately report ambient temperature changes, so I know when to add more coals. Unfortunately it seems that all the probes have problems with this last issue! I'd be interested in your thoughts on this ... seems like the Meater 2+ might be the winner for this application?

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

The tempspike would be good for it because its very responsive, but it might overheat depending on how close to the coals it gets.. Or if you want wifi the meater 2+ because it has awesome high temp capabilities. I think with rotisserie the probe gets a break from the heat every few seconds so the high temps might not be a huge issue.

[@keithatkinson7649]

I have a meater+ which I have also had for about 3 years. Like yours,I use a second device to provide wifi. I use the meater+ for internal temp. I use a wired thermopro for smoker ambient temp.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

They work great for internal temps!

[@keithatkinson7649]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ but recently, independent of your video, ive been considering buying a thermoworks signals

[@SeanKloosterman]

Great video. I just picked up the Chef IQ 2 probe set, on sale at the Costco near Islington and the 401 for only $99! At that price, it's a pretty low risk to try it out and see how it holds up over time. Thanks for the video.

[@Daz555Daz]

The Tempspike you have is the TP970 "plus" model which is actually newer I think than the other one you mentioned which is TP960. The plus model is shorter and thinner than standard.

[@foodonfire3662]

Really one of your most informative non-cooking videos. The value the wireless thermometers is just that, they are WIRELESS. Combining the two sensors in one unit (which you rightly indicate produces poor ambient results) is a bow to marketing over functionality My ideal would be a wireless INTERNAL probe with a kevlar "tail". This would eliminate piping by having the entire unit buried in the food. The ambient sensor should be a SEPARATE device which would allow it to be super accurate and super responsive. . A feature not mentioned in your review is realtime display in a BROWSER long with the base and your phone. FireBoard has all three and the full screen display and it is immensely helpful. I have a Typhur (recent) and a FireBoard (6 years), both are great. Would really like to see you do a deep dive review of the FireBoard. Thanks.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

That's a great point. I wonder if they could make another wireless ambient probe that clips to a grate or something. I always assumed that the only way wireless probe technology can work is if it's inserted into a material (like meat or water or a potato) that can't go over 212 degrees, because there's some kind of essential electronics that can't withstand a higher heat than that. But perhaps I'm incorrect.

[@foodonfire3662]

​@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Yeah, I don't know either but if the probe portion is buried in the meat and requires a short cable to transfer the information to a heat-proof transmitter that would still be better than this jack-all-trades approach that all the manufacturers seem bent on following. I should add that only Combustion Inc. states that they are measuring the temperature close to the meat and NOT the true ambient temperature.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

@foodonfire3662 I didn't know they said that haha. That's interesting

[@ashleybeachy9711]

This is the most thorough review that I've ever watched, period. I ended up ordering the temp spike because the price is right, the temps are accurate and it appears to have decent range. Thanks again!

[@j.a.1785]

I have 3 Chef IQ 3 probe model and it knocked me others out of the water. I love that it's wifi and not solely bluetooth.

[@mixmastakooz]

Can't wait to see your Thermoworks RFX wireless probe. I like that the ambient probe is separate.

[@markbrooks6979]

I like that the RFX probe is separate, but I do not like that it is wired. After all, I want a wireless probe in order to not have wires! If I have to have a wired probe, I might as well keep my Signals.

[@thefrioman]

Awesome review finally someone is really taking a look at the ambient sensor inaccuracies on these wireless probe I went with the chef IQ for the stable ambient temp still off but it was consistently of by 20 degrees in my kamado and few updates has down to 10 to 12 degrees plus’s the base has built in WiFi and I love the voice prompts for the family to tell me go check the food if I don’t have phone nearby great customer service had an issue got on the phone and a few days had a replacement probe the probe got to hot and the ceramic end bent a bit but still works accurately, they still sent me a new one by the way you can add a second probe to the base for about 50 bucks

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Lol, I hate the voice alerts! But I agree, the wifi makes it good value for the price with decent ambient performance compared to other probes.

[@dgoates20]

I did not get anywhere near as scientific as you but I found my twin TempSpike to generally be within 10-15 degrees of accurate ambient. It still had a little lag with the fluctuations but wasn’t bad.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I'll have to test out the twin. It looks like the probe heads are different than mine.

[@dondgc2298]

A shout out to Typhur for customer service. On first use Probe 1 lost battery within a couple of hours. Recharged and tried again. Same issue (no battery life issues with probe 2). Contacted Typhur by email and in less than a week I had a replacement for probe 1. Good people to do business with.

[@peterdobol6662]

Thank you for your exhaustive review. I predominately cook on a a Primo oval and have a Flame boss 500 blower control for long cooks. I'm old and circling the drain so I bought 2 meater 2 probes. i can barely get them to be useful indoors in our oven. I wouldn't rely on them on my Primo .

[@thermomeat1365]

I’ve tested most of these as well except the typhur, I agree with Steve’s assessment. The technology isn’t here yet for any of these to give you an accurate ambient temperature. I love the Signals and use it a bit, but for convenience and not having to deal with WiFi drops I use ThermoWorks Smoke X’s to monitor my cooks at the restaurant. Great in-depth review Steve, that was a lot of work, thank you.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you so much!

[@P3RF3CTD3ATH]

Unless there's a thermometer out there that blows the moist air near the surface of your food away, no thermometer is going to give you an accurate reading. The moisture coming off of the food acts like an insulating barrier which messes with the thermometer's ambient temperature reading. If you want an accurate ambient reading, you need to have your food in either a convection oven, smoker, or grill, or an air fryer. These thermometers are meant to be used for grills which don't have convection.

[@kennymsd]

Ug.. I love my meater.. Got the block as a gift. My OG meater still works but the adhesive between the materials gave up, I don't know what type of adhesive to use to fix it but the block has taken its place.. I use the block to cook steaks to different doneness.. IE My wife like medium and I like mid rare.. I sear mine first then set it on the side while I sear her steak. I transfer the steaks to finish on my smoker and put hers closest to the heat.. Most of the times the steaks finish at the same time. Additional bonus, I put the steaks in a rotisserie basket on the smoker after searing, no restaurant can come close to this flavor. THE END.

[@GrumpyCanadian]

Thank you for putting together this GREAT educational video. While I was looking to do additional research on wireless thermometers, I loved all the explanations you gave about the issues with them and that I was experiencing with the two brands I tried. It would have been nice if the vendors had been upfront about these things. Subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to watching to your other videos. Would be nice if your affiliate links pointed to Canadian sites for us fellow Canadians.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

@@GrumpyCanadian thank you!

[@tRdoc21]

Steve, I don't know about the various revisions of the TempSpike, but I will say the one YOU tested, with the flat-looking shinier head was NOT the original. Matter of fact, the pictures you showed of the more rounded, barrel-shaped head is what I have on my original versions of the TempSpike from when it first came out. I suspect the pictures on the Amazon page you lifted to show that barrel-shape are the OLDER pics, and the TempSpike you have with the flatter, shiny head are probably the new and improved version. Just my take. Now... to get back to finishing this MARATHON video! lol Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos and testing!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

That would be great if it's the newer one

[@SirJimboJangles]

The TempSpike you reviewed is the new model, FYI. The ones with the larger ambient sensor side are older.

[@jamesbrandon8520]

With my MEATER thermometer I can be standing by the back door looking at the grill like this and about 20 foot away and it will cut in and out of Bluetooth and I’m only about ten feet from my WiFi router, and I spent a lot of money on the four piece set, $400 I believe, and half the time some of them don’t work. But I have had several sets of wireless earbuds and they get at least 200 foot range but at least 100 foot with one wall in between

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It could be the probe to booster connection. Try putting the booster closer to the smoker lid/probe. But yea, I get issues like that as well, especially with the meater block.

[@WayOutWestCali]

Great in-depth video. What are your thoughts on the Meater+ Block model? The "Block" base charges the 4 probes, connects to the probes by Bluetooth, and gives you access to probe data via WiFi. Same connectivity issues between the the base and probes but fairly stable.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I cover it in the video. I've used a few of them. Same connection issues and I also get alot of random issues with at least one probe never connecting

[@txfieros]

Two points: unless I totally missed it, with the Combustion probe which I have, if you get the range extending charger and the screen, they daisy chain much like a WiFi mesh network. Extending the range far beyond regular Bluetooth. My home isn’t large but the two meater probes I have could not even get to the front of my house and the repeaters/smoker are just feet from the back wall of the house. With the Combustion probe, I just leave the range extending booster/charger by the smoker and put the display somewhere in the middle of my house. I can roam anywhere in my home and have connectivity to my phone no issue at all. Point two: even on large thick cuts I always find the Meater probes to overestimate the internal temp of the meat…I know the sensor is not right at that tip but a bit up the side, and no matter my placement with two Meaters I have I can never get the same high temp anywhere on my instant read. (Both probes are from different mfg. batches and run the latest and different firmware for their hardware version and the results are the same for both. By contrast my combustion probe inspires a confidence by having never strayed but a degree or two from what I can find with my I stand read. I do still in occasion use my Meaters but I have to take the readings as big over estimations in most cases and double check with instant reads more often.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Yea I think I've experienced that before. The probes reading a bit hotter of an internal temp than an instant read. I think it's because the probes have more thermal mass, they pick up more heat energy in the meat than an instant read. Just a running theory. I tend to see it more when my briskets are up high in temp around 190. The wireless probes tend to give a higher internal reading by a degree or two than my instant read.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

That feature eluded me because I originally just got the charger and display. No booster. Then they sent me a booster and I didn't clue in about how it was supposed to work. I'll mention it in the description.

[@txfieros]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ nice. It works well, and if you were to have two range boosting chargers and the display it could help cover even more dead spots for larger homes.

[@txfieros]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ my Meaters are more like 5-10 more. I can understand on thinner cuts might be an issue but I’ve used them in my thicker cuts and it’s a bit better but not just a degree or two higher. The Combustion probe somehow seems to be consistent regardless of the cut I’ve put it in. Just my 2 cents.

[@gsxdsm]

Great video, thanks for the time and effort! I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of the Combustion.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you! I really like it too!

[@SonicBoomC98]

I might check these out because I mostly care about the meat temp. I have no problem using a wired probe for the cooker temp. My only other issue with them is I would like to have both a phone and a receiver option like on a wired one. I just want one that works well with grilling and helps me monitor meat Temps. Recipes should be in a seperate app. For example if weber had one I wouldn't want them to merge their recipe and thermometer apps. I rarely use pellets, but I might compare these to ones I saw on Mad Scientist

[@blackmedia7075]

Regarding the ambient sensor: I guess the real question is should it measure the sensors battery/electronics temperature and warn of device overheating, or should it try to measure the air temperature surrounding the probe

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It should measure the accurate air temp because that's what all these companies are advertising

[@heftyjo2893]

I have the Combustion Inc. probe and I can attest that the customer service is really nice and easy to work with. However, if you buy that probe you are going to need that customer service email address as the quality and durability of the probe itself is quite bad. I'm on my third probe as they keep dying after about 2 months. I use my probe for grilling steaks. I've never got any overheat warnings. When it works it does produce a really nicely cooked steak to the desired cooking temp. But it seems to have charging issues of some sort. They've even had a firmware update to resolve some issue where the battery in the probe won't charge if the voltage drops too low on the battery. Every time my probe has died its because I've put it on the charger but it never takes a charge. The LED on the charger is supposed to go from color red to green to indicate fully charged, but it just sits on red despite charging for days. And yes, I thoroughly clean the temp probe to insure the probe contacts to the battery charger are making a good connection. I've even tested with a multimeter to verify that I'm getting continuity. I had a Thermopro Tempspike before I bought the Combustion Inc. and it managed to last exactly one year before it died. So, it made it through the whole warranty period before dying. The Combustion Inc, however has been nothing but problems and probes started dying after just two months of purchase and the subsequent warranty replacement probe has also died within two months. I got the 3rd probe replacement under warranty and was just so frustrated that I let it sit on a shelf for two month. But I started using it here again the last few weeks only to now start having problems with the stand alone display. The button on the top to switch to the timer is broken. Which I will say the button never felt right even when it was new. It was very stiff and I had to push it just right with the tip of the finger to switch to the timer display. Now it feels like the button and has just completely broken off and fallen into the body of the display. So, I need a separate timer to time the flips on the steak as I like to get an even sear and diamond cross hatch on my steak.

[@nonapplicable9590]

Wow thank you fir posting I almost went in and bought it bc of the thinness but that’s too expensive to consistently have so many problems I’ll stick to my typhur I guess

[@heftyjo2893]

@@nonapplicable9590 Yea, it is nice and thin which is why I bought it to probe into steaks. But perhaps that thinness may also contribute to it's weakness. Might be the reason why all the other brands have thicker probes because it better protects the electronics and battery.

[@yambor44]

I called customer support and they sent me a new Typhur due to my ambient being off. The new one was the same. I have found now that I have used it many times, the ambient temp is more "off" at the start of the cook when the meat is colder. As the cook goes on, it becomes dead on accurate IME. I had such bad experiences with the Meater and Meater+ that I gave them away. I have SEVERAL wired thermo's including the ones that come with my Lone Star and Camp Chef Pro pellet grills, but I find myself reaching for my Typhur more times than not due to its ease of use and correct internal temps.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Yea that's another point I didn't mention. They do get more accurate as the meat heats up. Less heat piping. But... it's a pretty crazy variable to control for.

[@travellerseko]

Absolutely best review I’ve come across in KZbin. I live in UK. I’d like to get your opinion if possible. I have mini Kamado and usually I cook beef roasting joint (sometimes smoke it as well). My Kamado is 8 meters away from garden bench when I’m outside and 3 meters away from my living room. I wonder if I need to keep on using a wired meat thermometer for better ambient and meat temperature. Do you recommend ThermoPro TP25 (wired/bluetooth) or Twin Tempspike? There will be Amazon prime days soon so I need to decide which one I need to buy and keep watching its price.

[@TownleyChristopher]

Thanks for putting in all this work. Much appreciated.

[@zieglla]

Costco has a 2 pack of the Chef IQ probes for $100. I think your review sold me on getting them.

[@lancedean5987]

I so love your Canadian rating scale!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thanks!

[@michaelnance5236]

Good video! This has probably been brought up already but, the ThermoPro TempSpike 970 is the newer to the ThermoPro sensors.

[@Badmana0]

Thanks for the Excel spreadsheet I know this took a lot of work and I'm appreciate it and I'll use it to get the best probe

[@peterthebowler]

I use a 2nd probe for ambient. So, maybe Typhur with 2 probes is ideal. A bit pricey but not if ambient is critical IMO

[@markbaker1827]

Seems that ChefIQ has a max ambient of 752°F which is I think different than what you were referring to in your video review. It would seem that it would be even better choice for those looking for a wireless thermometer that could be used for when you want to measure temp during searing or Sous Vide as well. That said, I think it would make it an even better choice plus you can get multiple probes packages as well which I use for when grilling things like turkey where you want to monitor the white meat doneness separately from the dark meat temp.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It may be 752 on paper, in a controlled environment, but in real life it depends a lot on the material surrounding the ambient sensor and the specific heat capacity of the probe (it's ability to absorb and disperse energy). In my tests, the ChefIQ came in 6th place in searing, lasting just 34 seconds over a gas burner before overheating. Whereas the Typhur Sync with a lower max ambient temp of 572 lasted much longer at 72 seconds and came in 1st place for searing. It's because there's more material around the sync's ambient sensor, more material in the probe, and it can absorb and disperse high temps more effectively. The trade-off is the ChefIQ is better at ambient temp accuracy/responsiveness because of the thinner material. It has lower thermal inertia, less ability to store heat and delay it's transmission. So the Chef IQ is more temperature responsive (which I prefer), but the tradeoff is it can't handle high temps as well as some other probes. it's a tradeoff, and in my view I wish probe companies would favor temp responsiveness over searing/grilling performance.

[@markbaker1827]

Thanks for the quick response. I’m not sure what to expect here. My natural gas Weber grill hits a max of about 603 degree ambient on my Meater before alerting me and I’m pretty sure the grill doesn’t get much hotter than that at max temp. I’m wondering if the ChefIQ would withstand that max temp for my application? I really like some of the other features you highlighted about the ChefIQ for WiFi and projecting accurate cook times. that seems good.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

@markbaker1827 the chefiq is better than the meater+ for grilling. if that's what you have then it will meet your expectations. But not as good as the meater2+.

[@markbaker1827]

Your right, grilling and searing steaks is one of the main use cases but occasionally I also do things like a turkey where you would like to have 2 probes, one watching white meat temp and one for the dark meat which is where a dual probe system may come into play. What would you suggest in that case? Is there a system with an app that looks at temps of 2 probes cooking a single items that you like?

[@skatRdie0]

This is because Chef IQ has a "V2" version that now goes up to 752 degrees. As far as I can tell this may be the only difference that has been made and they look identical. There is another version of the Chef IQ stating 5xx degrees Edit: just looked at Costco's website and it says 752 in the description but then says 572 in the tech specs so now I have no idea what to believe LOL

[@tonyurquhart7130]

I would like a probe without the ambient temperature knob, and only provide internal temp. All I would need for rotisserie. Might be thinner and less expensive. Great vid. May I ask that you do a review on the Inkbird wireless thermometer. I have the Inkbird instant read (also have a Thermapen One) and the Inkbird is pretty good and way less expensive. Cheers,

[@PJ-mb3ue]

I’m pretty sure the Meater 2+ does not have Wi-Fi connectivity. Can you confirm for sure that it does?

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It does through a second device. You run the app on one device near the smoker and it links to wifi

[@waymor2460]

The Typhur Sync Bluetooth range in real cooking scenarios is nowhere near the 400’ it claims. When inserted in a roast in a covered smoker I had several dropped connections about 40’ away. Typhur support response was “Ensure that the distance between the base and the probe is not too far. If the distance exceeds 10 meters/32 feet, the probe and base may repeatedly attempt to connect, leading to intermittent disconnection issues.” Hardly the distance claimed on the website.

[@larrysmith8426]

Americas test kitchens recommends Thermo works RFX Gateway or other non remote thermometers. RFX has long range. Accuracy is excellent.

[@m9hrdad]

Can't wait for Fireboard to come out with a wireless probe

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

That would be cool!

[@nolanshaw4639]

Steve, appreciate the video. Question: would pushing a wireless probe through a piece of food grade high-heat plastic wrap (or foil if would interfere with signal) large enough to shield the ambient temp sensor on the probe be a quick and easy fix and for obtaining a more accurate ambient temperature.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Not sure! Maybe it would block some of the evaporating moisture. I'd have to test it

[@nolanshaw4639]

If tested in a offset smoker, it might be best to place the probe on the firebox side of the meat (up airflow side) to limit evaporative humidity.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

@@nolanshaw4639 yes it was all tested on the firebox side

[@topperisthedog]

Okay you got a like just for all that work you did. Very impressive

[@masca2154]

Thank you for this review. Just bought my first Kamado and am waiting for it, which one would you recommend for a beginner? I will buy an instant thermometer for grilling and stearing so not interested in that feature. Thank you!

[@joshuaday3994]

Would love to see a video of testing the fireboard drive with the offset 👍 About to break down and try it myself too 💪

[@kylehazachode]

Props for Chef IQ for having the best WiFi base station/speaker. I’m hoping one of these days they’ll make a Matter/Thread version so you can add it to Apple Home. It would be nice to get visual alarms from my smart bulbs when a certain temp is hit, or alerts from HomePod speakers.

[@miravlix]

I'm a tech geek, I can geek out over thermometers all night long, but I'm gotten so old I can actually see flaws in my tech love, we need to take a step back and be a cooking lover for a bit. With an "old school" measure I stick it into the food wait to get a number, pull it out and wipe/wash it clean... As a tech geek we often make the mistake of just covering the get a number part. Same with the wireless ones, you cover the part about the tech data, but ignore how hard is it to insert it in things, how hard it is to touch a hot thermometer, how I have greasy fingers and not wanting to operate my phone while cooking. You are covering a cooking thermometer without using it to cook...

[@casnerjablonski4866]

I have the thermopro with the thicker head. It consistently reads about 25 degrees low.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Sounds like the new thinner head is better then

[@philipgaylord9815]

Seems odd that Typhur (and/ or other vendors) doesn't offer users one probe that measures oven ambient only to eliminate the conduction error you cite AND to simultaneously dedicate one channel monitor for accurate and continuous oven temperature monitoring. Appreciate that you do address this (1:19:41) where you point out that the only accurate products on the market are wired. (Wow, what a disappointment. Back to a hanging "Taylor" thermometer).

[@missiris1234]

I bought a wireless meat probe for twenty bucks on Amazon. It works fine. Of course ambient temperature doesn’t work accurately but I don’t care about ambient temperature

[@nonapplicable9590]

Yeah I’m not sure why he included that … the ambient temp isn’t what defines the done-ness of the meat

[@billbryant1288]

Thank you, Professor Gow! Great presentation!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Cheers Bill!

[@dennishaefner9066]

Thanks for the video! I have a Tempspike and I have connection problems. I am looking to get a wifi enabled thermometer. I'm down to either the Meater 2+ or the Typhur. The Meater 2+ app looks better to me and the hardware seems more solid. The Typhur has the wifi included and 2 probes.

[@koenvermant7563]

Thanks Steve, how do these probes react on an induction heat source?

[@tdtommy196]

Steve, I feel like Tims should rank ahead of Celine Dion. It's the only thing I drink. Also, have you considered adding Swiss Chalet as a ranking? We don't have those anymore and it forces me to take trips to Canada in order to get my fix of Chalet sauce.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I used to drink it like a champ back in the army. I feel like it's worse quality than it used to be and it gives me the shits haha. I like kicking horse or starbucks

[@tdtommy196]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Everything at Tims was definitely better before the Burger King parent company bought them. I still drink the coffee everyday though. I'm convinced there's some sort of narcotic in it that keeps me coming back for my fix. On a side note, I hate the roll up the rim competition ever since Covid. Now instead of ripping off my free coffees off the lip of the cup, its in the app. I only got 2 free coffees this last contest, and I feel like prior to covid I would end up with like 5 or 6 on average. Cheap bastards!

[@jmomoney1]

In your opinion, I use a solar cooker that sits on the roof of my car. The food cooks in an evacuated glass tube surrounded by metal. I usually sit in my car and have to get out periodically to check the food. Which of these are best with signals going through a closed cooking system and a metal roof and the metal cooker? I've had the original meater probe and it never gave me a reading inside my car with the Bluetooth. Would I have a problem with the newer meater probes or should I go for something like the chef Iq? Thanks

[@Amocoru]

The fireboard thermometer is incredible and no one even talks about it. It reads insanely fast, battery life lasts for months at a time. Connect to it via Wifi. You can temp different areas of the food you're cooking while also using the external probe in the meat. It's magnetic so it sticks to anything in and around your smoker/grill. It's also bright orange so I can never lose it. I cannot recommend this thermometer enough.

[@dondgc2298]

Are you talking about the Spark?

[@waynegranzin3824]

great video. glad somebody FINALLY brought up the ambient thing. and good to know im not the only one who finds all that recipe crap just a distraction! QUESTION. one thing you (nor ANYONE else) mention is the capability for low (or downward) alarms on the food part of the probe. all my traditional wired probes (thermoworks, inkbird, govee, even thermopro...) have high and LOW alarms on every probe channel. but to my knowledge, the meater is the ONLY wireless probe (i know from experience that thermopro doesnt. nor does meatstick) that has this built into their app features. i was about to buy a typhur sync during their recent flash sale, but i coudnt find any review that addresses whether or not this feature is present. why does this matter? years ago i realized that all these long, elaborate rests people do (primarily with brisket) are a myth. all you need to do is let it fall naturally to 140º (about 2 hours usually) and the result will be indistinguishable from if you had it swaddled it in a towel in a cooler for several hours. and being able to track the downward temp is crucial for this.

[@jasonwidmer9725]

Couldn’t you just use the probe to tell you the internal temp of the meat? What am I missing lol

[@waynegranzin3824]

@@jasonwidmer9725 re-read the ENTIRE post (after the "read more") and see if you get your answer

[@6242-j1z]

have you tried connecting the thermometer to two phones, leaving one phone next to it, and leave the house with the other phone and check the readings far from home?

[@PointyWombat]

Thanks for all the effort in putting this together Steve. There's ton of information being presented. To me, all these wireless probes look way better on paper than in real life, and having a wired probe isn't the problem that the wireless probe companies would have you believe when reading their marketing wank. I ask myself what problem is a wireless probe solving for that can't be solved for in a simpler, cheaper, and more reliable way. The last thing I want is an expensive but flaky probe stuck into a high-dollar piece of meat. Not to mention the cost down the drain when these probes ultimately fail, vs. just replacing a simple probe wire. I imagine that all these wireless probe companies spend more on marketing than on actually developing a truly great product. Finally, the giant friggin' hole made by these wireless probes are just not appealing to me at all. Cheers!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I don't disagree with you haha. I use my wired probes most of the time. Need a wireless for rotisserie and maybe sous vide but wired does the job in every other situation. The wireless probes are pretty convenient though. I like just plugging one in a brisket and I'm done.

[@PointyWombat]

​@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Yeah, I suppose rotisserie would pose a problem :-) but its not a cooking method I use these days anyhow.. Also, how old is your oldest wireless probe, and will still work in 3-5 years...?? I have a cheap wired probe that's gotta be at least 15 years old and is reliable today as it was the day I got it, other than replacing one of the probe cables 5-6 years ago... Cheers!

[@Keasbeysknight]

I was gifted a meater + and im having a hard time wanting to use it. I have an offset and im always havign to add wood ever 30min regardless. I guess if i was trying to time things perfectly i might want to use something, but ill stick with my instant read one, but i do need a new one as instant is a far cry from fast

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Yea that's pretty standard for any offset, whether it's a cheap backyard one or 1000 gallon. Every 20 or 30 minutes it needs more fuel or at least some kind of adjustment or attention. You are the thermostat.

[@jasonwidmer9725]

I coulda swore in the video somewhere you said this wasn’t sponsored then in your description it says sponsored by Typhur…

[@mattokeefe691]

Hi Steve. Super interesting and helpful. Thanks. I’m in Calgary if you ever want someone to give a test done by a dummy

[@Dranomoly]

This video was worth the wait.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Man it took me forever to make haha

[@phharter]

How is the connection from the probe to the base unit on the Typhur?

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Not bad. Better than the meater

[@mattb9664]

Suggest randomly using one of these wireless probes for each cook video throughout the upcoming cooking season and then show how long it actually lasts before the non-recoverable misreads begin to occur.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Good idea!

[@thomascee]

This was a FANTASTIC review. Wow INCREDIBLE. ChiefIQ for me. THANK YOU sir!

[@djlansing]

Idc too much about wired or wireless.. What's your opinion on best remote-view thermometer? I want to be able to check temps on my phone many miles away from my smoker. Many companies claim bluetooth or wifi connection. Bluetooth doesn't go beyond 50ft. Some wifi networks go as far as 800ft (if you have a good router) I want something my phone can acess via app (as long as I have 5g service)

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Currently I prefer the thermoworks signals.

[@nmjhd1234]

Can the chefIQ be used on an open fire? Like a kamado charcoal grill

[@jc_alpha]

25:59 “[…] it’s not that great at grilling, but I don’t really care about that.” This is such a well-made and comprehensive review, but I am somewhat confused as to how the rating is so heavily focused on slow-cooking. Grilling is such a staple of cooking that calling a probe the best there is even though it fails at grilling is shocking to me.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Just the way I cook. I use an instant read for grilling.

[@jc_alpha]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ Thanks for the reply. Amazing video!

[@jamesbrandon8520]

I’m not sure how the WiFi on the original MEATER works but it is connected to WiFi and I still can’t get very far into the house before it disconnects from the probe

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Never used an original meater. Only meater plus and 2 plus

[@jamesbrandon8520]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ mine are MEATER plus

[@Tint_Guy]

I just got a TempSpike on clearance at Sam's the other day

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

It's surprisingly good!

[@johnhopper2246]

Is the typhur gold worth the upgrade price ?

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Never tried it

[@paulblum4369]

I think Steve is trying to replace and become the new BBQ Jesus! ;) You can 100% see he is at least a disciple! Thanks for all your work sir. You, I would say are even more scientific than MadScientist BBQ! 🤣 People around me are complimenting my small pellet smoker game constantly; and I owe you A TON!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thanks man!

[@tonyurquhart7130]

Harry Soo just announced that Thermoworks is coming out with the RFX Wireless Meat Thermometer.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Nice!

[@vmitchinson]

I watch a lot of utube videos. You review is the most through and indepth report I have seen in a long time. Subcribed. Well done. I purchasd the materials+ probe over the week end and wish I had seen this video. The info that comes with sucks, had to call support to get the app link. The app is not very good. I cooked a roast but have no idea how the cook set up started to work. There should be buttons clearlymvar marked because what is show. Does not start the cook ser up. I use the 4 probe ink bird but purchased the remote prob so I could use the rotisserie.

[@SchoolHardKnocks]

Fantastic review Steve!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Thank you!

[@carymccafferty]

Please review the typhur sync one....

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

I did?

[@commishg]

Many thanks for your extensive research that will hopefully encourage the manufacture of better wireless thermometers in the future. Your testing has exposed the inherent challenges of measuring accurate internal and ambient temperatures in a single wireless probe. Hopefully your research will encourage the probe manufacturers to involve actual pit masters in research and development. Real world cooks need instant and accurate ambient temps. The companies who meet this challenge will be handsomely rewarded, and the ones who don't will win the Canadian Horseshoe Falls Award. They will come crashing down.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Haha! Nice Alberta reference! Yea I agree, we need accurate and instant ambient readings. I think a lot of the manufacturers got the internal sensor to where they wanted it and the ambient was a bit of a second thought or "good enough" scenario. Or perhaps the technological challenges were just too difficult to overcome. It is a pretty complex product and I'm not dismissing how much work went into even bringing these things into existence. It's pretty impressive.

[@commishg]

@@SmokeTrailsBBQ If the technological challenges for a hybrid internal/ambient wireless probe are too difficult to overcome, perhaps the best thing for them to do is have a separate reliable wireless or wired ambient probe that connects to the same booster and hence your smartphone.

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

@commishg that's a good idea! Yea I think a wireless ambient probe would be really cool

[@Jamo12]

Can you check out the new ThermoWorks wireless thermometer when it ships?

[@Goat67]

Just ordered a Typhur Sync for $150.97 delivered

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Nice

[@nvlass]

How? Do you have a discount code?

[@Niagra2011]

Great job. Thank you for the in depth review!

[@PJ-mb3ue]

Thanks for the video, very helpful!!

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vmitchinson]

Which probe has the easiest app to set up and use?

[@teadybear429]

Does anyone have a canadian lead on these pecan pellets . Shipping shows 70 for 20 lbs almost double the cost of the pellets

[@SmokeTrailsBBQ]

They ship them to Canada now but yea, it's pricey because of the shipping.