Which One is BETTER? Comparing the TempSpike and The MEATER +

[@phatec]

I’m a chef so I have to say. The MEATER wasn’t pushed in as far and you had both of them poked through a thick layer of fat, you actually would want to poke through the flat side of the meatier part away from fat to get a proper read, fat will render down and get very hot which can give you an improper read for thermometers, that’s why you had different reads for all 3 thermometers because of the fat.

[@dylanreedy2649]

Never had an issue aslong as the end of the probe isn’t in fat itself

[@thelog86]

The meater is longer and the probe is in the meat. Went thru the fat

[@localfishinghole]

I ordered the TempSpike when it was released and have had an excellent experience with it. Connectivity is great, I have had no issues with it. It has also worked very reliably, holding consistent temp readings and providing rapid feedback if I have variations occur. Battery life has also been really good for me, I have charged the dock twice since I bought it and I cook out three to five times per week.

[@SmokestackJoes]

That's good to hear. I've been happy with mine and for the price you cant beat it.

[@MadPick]

Great video, thanks. One comment . . . when removing the thermometer, you don't want to twist it first, as you can twist the head off of the probe (at least with the Meater). Rather, push the probe into the meat a bit more to break that "seal," then you can pull it out.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you and yes I agree, this is a good idea to push it in to break the seal

[@AlvenmodFoto]

Meater breaks all the time no matter what you do. Useless POS. 2 probes done in less than a season, even when handled with the utmost care. Expensive and very poor quality, they sell on design, nothing else.

[@radamstruck]

Thanks for taking the time to do a great, educational comparison on the meat probes!! Prime rib roast was beautiful!! Thanks again!!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much for the comment!

[@BionicRasta]

With the Tempspike i like that you can set an alarm for a pre temp before hitting the final temp. This will be useful for a reverse sear / smoke where you only want to partially cook a steak to 115F to finish off with a sear. I don't see that feature in the Meater + which only gives you a pre alarm set by time & not temp. In that case you would have to edit the final cook temp setting under Rare & lower it to 115F.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes, the pre alarm feature is very nice

[@priayief]

I just ordered a MEATER + and I'm expecting delivery within a couple of days. I had never heard of the TempSpike and that one looks like good value. I'd rate the interface slightly better than MEATER. I liked your testing of the temperature accuracy and I see that TempSpike was more accurate. That's not a huge issue for me, as long as there is a consistency in the temperature measurement. If the measurement is consistently 5 or 10 degrees off, I can allow for that. Thanks for posting.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have found they are consistent, just off a little so as long as you know that it’ll be fine. Thanks for the comment!

[@jaynniehoward]

I bought a MeatSpike through Lowe's because it was cheaper and available right away. I love it. I can keep an eye on my smoker for temp and don't have to go outside in the blazing Florida sun to check it every 15 minutes. Plus the temps have been spot on for me. I have a range of about 80 feet with the probe in the closed smoker and the booster inside the house. So I can actually go to my mailbox at the end of my driveway and not lose connectivity. I never tried the Meater because I just thought it was too much to pay, but my MeatSpike has been the bomb and everything comes out perfect. And yes, I use an instant read as well, but it's usually within a few degrees.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats good to hear. The tempspike is a great thermometer for the price point they sell them at

[@bribri2694]

Just got a TempSpike for Christmas. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Its a great product for the price!

[@troyv8302]

I lost all faith in my Meater + after a few months and a few temps that were way off. This was a nice review, if I want another wireless probe, might look into the TempSpike (will watch more videos to see how it holds up). Thanks!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah I never use my Meater anymore. Be sure to check out the reviews I do with The MeatStick. I really like their wireless thermometers

[@JBCool0729]

Same problem here

[@c.moh8842]

The meater sucks. It doesn't work as advertised. Don't buy one

[@1stRowBillsFan]

@@c.moh8842 I have the Meater block. It works great. Buy one.

[@c.moh8842]

@@1stRowBillsFan if I say the meater works, will we split the advertising royalties ?!

[@kenk8072]

I was just starting to look at wireless thermometers. This video has been very helpful.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I'm glad it was helpful. I will be publishing another wireless thermometer review in the next couple weeks too.

[@tylersolt2639]

Meater block, 4 probes, is awesome. Been using it for around three years.

[@first2summit]

Great review (and better than most) - product in use, app in use, comparison against the competition/champion. Thanks.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks a lot I really appreciate it!

[@carlandaimeeworden2814]

Brilliant review! I'll be following more of your content 👍

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you very much

[@driftx2]

I just got the "Chef IQ". It's well built and smaller than these two I think. However, I don't think it's very accurate because I am measuring ice water at 36-37F... I cooked salmon to 125 F an it looked well done.

[@SmokestackJoes]

It probably isn't accurate. Any wireless thermometer can have issues with accuracy. An instant read is the best way to know for sure.

[@defan2105]

First the ThermoPro TP970 TempSpike Plus's base/charge station is a relay so it can be up to 300 feet from the probe while cooking. If you plan to be deep into your home than bring in the base (check it is still connected) then move about your home and I believe you will see an improved range. Mine does not go the full 600 feet but 425 feet is about the average.

[@radamo7]

I returned my TempSpike due to VERY inaccurate temp reporting. Bought a Meater + and it has been very good so far. Confirm temps with my instant read Thermapen.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I'm glad the Meater + is working well for you.

[@adamdavis729]

Hmmm, I don’t understand your setup of the Meater? I just used mine on the same size prime rib 3 days ago, and the Meater will instruct you to take the meat off the heat about 10 degrees shy of the final set temp. Also, the Meater will instruct you to leave the Prime Rib to rest for 30-minutes, and will provide the timmer until complete. Takes all the guess work out of the process, and really good for people just starting out. The Meater temp was far more accurate than the Recteq temp probe that is part of the wood pellet grill. I’ve doubted the Meater several times, but it always gives me perfect results. The range is an issue, so I take an old cell phone connected to my WiFi, and place it next to the temp probe block. That allows me to track from my current cell phone, no matter where I go.

[@SmokestackJoes]

That old cell phone trick is a great idea! and yes it does give you all the instructions you mentioned and I should have gone over that for the people starting out because it is a great feature, Thank you for leaving the comment to let people know!

[@davidcarter6491]

I don’t have a grill because I live in apartment. So I would love to see you test in an oven. I bought a BFOUR BF-40 and had to send it back because it wasn’t great at connecting the probes to my base or the Bluetooth phone app. It only connected about 50% of the time and the second probe worked a little better than the first probe. So now I am figuring witch wireless thermometer I should replace it with!

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have never used mine in the oven but I could see it having connectivity issues since the oven is so insulated. its probably harder for the signal to get through. If I get a chance I will try to give the oven a try.

[@newtires4169]

Nice work. Very helpful video. I've had a meater for some time and didn't realized the email-able link option

[@SmokestackJoes]

Glad it was helpful! That feature is a game changer.

[@whyme3286]

I bought the Chef IQ and just love it!

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have seen the chef IQ and it looks like a great wireless meat thermometer. I have not had a chance to test it out yet.

[@Mik.heckhaus]

The base is the extender. You have to take both bases as far as you can from the probes before they lose connection. Then from there, you test your range.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes that is correct, I’ve found you cant really have the extender very far from the grill though

[@darrellring3408]

Perfect video and thanks for the discount on the probe!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Very glad I could help!

[@wakeywarrior]

The Meater+ ambient temp knackers up after so many cooks, mine is now 30 degrees off, and the end also comes off as it’s held on with glue which melts eventually even on low and slow cooking and not being exposed to hot temps. Shame you didn’t test the ambient (or did I miss that?)

[@SmokestackJoes]

I didn’t really have a good way to test the ambient but I have notice it’s usually off a little.

[@tknave]

16:55 A question about accuracy. TempSpike and Thermopro are the same company, vs the Meater. Is there 18:39 a calibration test with a third party thermometer? The old boiling water technique is tricky since both have a ceiling of 212 degrees. Either way I really like the TempSpike, the meater always drop signal. I will try your hack for having a second device. Thanks for the video!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks for the comment, I am glad you enjoyed the video. The handheld thermometer I was using is a thermapen made by Thermoworks which I always get confused with Thermopro so I may have misspoke in the video. You really cant beat the price of the TempSpike, They always have lightning deals going on where you can get them really cheap. I am sure they will have one for labor day weekend if you are interested.

[@allenblum6257]

One thought on replaceable versus rechargeable batteries - Every rechargeable battery technology I know of will have a useful life of 2-5 years. After that, it won't take a charge. I think that is a big reason why cordless tools, like drills and saws, have a rechargeable battery that is *also* replaceable.

[@SmokestackJoes]

This is a great point that I have never thought about. Thank you for the comment

[@litedesign82]

Nice video. I hope there is a way to recalibrate that meater. Just a note, I like how you edit out the um’s and ah’s in your video, but the info comes off so rapid-fire, that it’s hard to follow. Maybe there is a happy medium somewhere?

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks a lot and I really appreciate the feedback. I understand what you mean, I always try and find the happy medium so the videos aren't dragged out too long, but they aren't so quick you cant follow it. Its a lot harder then I though it would be lol but thanks again for the comment.

[@benjaminchal6177]

Hi, I really appreciate your videos. After watching your and other reviews, I absolutely agree that the meatstick goes over the meater due to distance. But what about the meatstick VS the them spike? I would love to hear your choice comparing them. Bests

[@SmokestackJoes]

I have been thinking of doing a video comparing all the different wireless thermometers, so stay tuned.

[@jeffandkumchakeller5169]

Nice work. Thanks for the info.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you

[@matthewessary9486]

I used the tempspike Sunday. Worked as it should. Internal temp was on point and so was the ambient. I'm happy with it for $50.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thats good to hear, the price point is really great on the tempspike

[@roosterguy4958]

My meater range sucks I can't even walk into my house from the garage without that thing disconnecting I never even use it anymore because I got so frustrated with it .

[@SmokestackJoes]

All the wireless thermometer have the same range issues. I don’t know why they all state they are good for a certain range when it’s usually not even close to what they say.

[@knarfster]

My meater stopped connecting easily. And I lost connection all the time.

[@terrywatts1060]

Oh I might have to grab this

[@waynethebarber1095]

can the Tempspike be used on a gas or charcoal grill. Can it be put into a thick stake or pork chop as it is flipped to get a nice char as you. read the internal temp till you get what you want? Or is just for baking/ smoking? Has anyone used it on a open grill? Maybe it would work best on a flattop grill?

[@SmokestackJoes]

The tempspike is not meant for direct heat so a gas or charcoal grill may not work. the meater 2 is capable of being used on direct heat though

[@waynethebarber1095]

@@SmokestackJoes I have learned, sear first then put in the spike and go indirect till you get the internal temp....

[@JBCool0729]

Yes I have same problem with meater probe. I over cooked my meat because was of by a lot and it is brand new. I never checked with instant thermometer and that was my mistake. So I can say it was waist my money on that probe.

[@SmokestackJoes]

It seems a lot of people have been having issues with the meater. I am not a fan of it.

[@antonweber9078]

I use the meater love the wifi feature

[@SmokestackJoes]

The Wi-Fi feature is very nice

[@jfunk8628]

Great tutorial. Awesome review

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks I am glad it was helpful

[@alanc973]

Did you use the boost feature on the TempSpike to help increase the range. ?

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes the boost feature was activated

[@mohamedsewilam4134]

Is the tempspike still worth it a year later? How is its reliability?

[@SmokestackJoes]

Honestly, I dont use it that often. I have gotten away from using wireless thermometers unless I am doing an overnight cook or I know I will be out while something is cooking. When I do use one I usually use my Typhur because it has the wifi capability. but for the price the tempspikes are good. But to answer your question I have not had any issues with any of them so far

[@tomwilliams6156]

Awesome job! What smoker do you have?

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thanks! My main smoker is reverse flow offset smoker custom made from half of a 320 gallon propane smoker

[@kingmiller1982]

Fuc the temp spike, mine was brand new and the connection doesn't work well at all.

[@danielsalomein8071]

Is it normal that the Ambient display from the tempspike does take time from cold to warm (outside 21°degrees and kamado is 200°) but it takes more then 2 minutes to give the actual time of the kamado inside. It goes slowly up.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes, on my temp spike it does seem to take awhile to register ambient temp when it starts cold.

[@michaelkrusing7670]

How does the TempSpike deal with the smoke staining on the ambient probe? I have a Meater+ and I need to hit it with a wire brush to completely clean it so it charges appropriately. I am guessing the TempSpike has the same issues.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah it is the same. I use the rough side of a sponge to clean the smoke stain off. Takes a little elbow grease but its not to bad.

[@MarcesAurelius]

technically, is Choice grade “prime rib” a Standing Rib Roast? seems that commonly not to bother to differentiate these…

[@SmokestackJoes]

a prime rib is the same as a standing rib roast

[@MarcesAurelius]

@@SmokestackJoes yes, see that often and also see them differentiated by Grade occasionally… because of the huge difference in price for these Grades I think we deserve to know the same way can for steaks with that said, Wholefoods has mostly steaks with no labeled Grade, which I buy when seeing a highly marbled steak, while next to it can be Prime labeled identical steak type at 1.5x the price per lbs

[@airselectricalcontractors842]

can you add more temp spike probes to the app as you go

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes you can

[@michaellamb9596]

You’re calling it a “Prime Rib Roast”, but it’s a Choice Rib Roast. Aside from that, a very good video which convinced me which probe to go with

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you I am glad you enjoyed the video. The "prime" in prime rib roast actually isn't referring to the grade at all, just the cut of meat. So, it is technically a 'choice grade' prime rib roast

[@TC72280808]

Thanks....Good Review

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you

[@D-OveRMinD]

GREAT review.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you

[@sucktdeep]

My tempspike stopped working after the first cook at 250F... very disappointing

[@SmokestackJoes]

That is disappointing.

[@kookykook3953]

Its great how you use the imperial system, at least 3 countries in the world are being catered for.

[@SmokestackJoes]

haha

[@heyhayhay247]

You're right; he should cater to the countries he doesn't live in. They matter more...oh wait.

[@georgewashington3012]

Wow, weird trigger you have.

[@alexisnick92]

That look absolutely amazing

[@SmokestackJoes]

It was phenomenal

[@SystemLost]

The MEATER+ has just the worst BT connection. My InkBird probes just dont lose connection like the MEATER+ does.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah I have had a lot of issues with my MEATER as well

[@treeplumbtree4243]

My Meater+ has been nothing but frustrating and what they call customer service is absolutely a joke. My experience has been just shy of a scam.

[@candyloo8164]

Is the TempSpike still working well?

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yes so far mine is still working well. I just got their new dual TempSpike and will be doing a review on it soon.

[@bansheerider619]

Its $80 right now. That price $60 is great.

[@SmokestackJoes]

They usually have sales, if you wait for one you can probably get it for $60 or less

[@fallios]

There's no way the meater was that far off internal temperature, it has one of the best sensors you can get in a thermometer, had to have been where you placed it inside.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah I am not sure why it was so off. I tried to get the instant read as close as possible but it is tough.

[@jonathanblaak97]

Nah, I've had similar issues, even after cleaning.

[@SomeGuyYouW2F]

Tell Charlie Sheen I said hi.

[@ElJoeRN]

Anyone know what kind of warmer he has?

[@SmokestackJoes]

I use the Cambro UPCH400110

[@Cooleydad68]

Meater block sucks. Disconnects constantly. Want to know what your meat temp is? Sorry, move the device closer to the probe….the device is practically IN the grill. It cannot get any closer. Thing has four probes. Zero chance all four will be connected for the duration of the cook.

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thermopro is coming out with a new twin probe wireless thermometer that is like the block but with 2 probes. I will have a review video on it coming out very soon.

[@caseylaws3154]

I own both. Never use Meater. Too many issues. Range is too limiting. Never been happy with it.

[@SmokestackJoes]

The range on the Meater has always been a huge issue for me

[@mozberg2191]

I wish the meater app would get updated, app sucks

[@artherrightus7399]

I wonder if your smoker is acting like a faraday cage?

[@SmokestackJoes]

I’ve thought the same thing

[@boxingfanazM.O.B]

When I robbed an Amazon van a few months ago, the meater+ was one of the items I stole. I love it! I love it so much that I'd be willing to buy one with my own money. My steaks have never been so perfect. All my friends and family love my steaks now. I give the meater+ 10/10 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@alansweet9216]

Grill marks bud

[@SmokestackJoes]

overrated

[@thelog86]

If u cant use it when your searing a steak its useless

[@SmokestackJoes]

Yeah I agree, with the new MEATER 2 you can

[@zsavage1820]

LOL my price range is no where even close to these ... I'm looking to spend about 40 bucks... NOT 140...NOT 70...NOT 90.00 My instant read was 15.oo and came with a probe and even extra batteries....and I checked how accurate it is with my ole trusty manual gauge temp .. these may look fancy... but price if far out of my reach for what you get... sorry man.. just not for me.. and your video was okay... just a bit too much bla bla bla...

[@qijia4769]

Anyone else worrying about the rubber gloves in the flame?

[@douglascawman3007]

Let's see if this negative review stays posted. I bought this product and it just wouldn't communicate from the probe to the receiver and customer service was horrible. I just threw both probes in the trash.

[@SmokestackJoes]

I dont delete any of the negative review comments, I appreciate everyone's input and I believe people should be able to see what everyone's opinion is on the products. Thank you for the comment

[@Joesmith-fu4ps]

Grandma didn't have all that frivolous technology, and her stuff was always just right.

[@SmokestackJoes]

haha very true

[@billycoxiii4365]

Grandma wasn't grilling either. To each their own. I can cook with and without it.

[@Joesmith-fu4ps]

@@billycoxiii4365 People have been grilling and cooking over an open fire long before all the electronic gadgets came along. I'm 80 years old. I suppose you young fellows and kids growing up today won't be able to survive without the gadgets. I hear tell a lot of, kids today can't operate a rotary phone. Thanks for your comment.

[@billycoxiii4365]

@@Joesmith-fu4ps I am young but I'm one generation, maybe two, removed from you. So I grew up in that old era and what predated this era. I can fish, hunt, and a jack of all trades. I can cook without gadgets. Ever heard of the term "work smarter, not harde?" I'm always told that if there's an apocalypse they're coming with me and that they won't be surprised if I live off of the grid. So again what do more work than I have to.

[@MarkEWallace]

People were getting from Point A to Point B before cars. Let’s all go back to horseback.

[@paulvanier429]

I bet a lot of people watching this video buys a lot of stuff with the word "PATRIOT" in the brand name.

[@norcoauctions]

thanks for the review BTW

[@Equinoxious342]

Wouldn’t buy the Thermopro MeatSpike due to the plastic content. Ridiculous in this day and age.

[@SmokestackJoes]

There is definitely a big issue now a days with the amount of plastic being used in everything

[@michaelgrant6862]

Your resources are good but you need to take a breath between your sentences. Annoying!

[@SmokestackJoes]

Thank you for the feedback I appreciate it. I did end up cutting up this video a lot and made quicker cuts because of how long the video ended up being.

[@kormidoit6709]

This thing is a PO Sh*t. Disconnects EVERY time I try and use it.....First it disconnects from the charger to my phone (standing 3 ft. away....Then IF......IF it connects to my phone it disconnects from the charger to the probe..("move the charger closer to the probe" ) I move the charger within 4 inches to the probe and it connects. GOD forbid I should move father than 6 ft. away from my smoker with my phone and BOOM it disconnects AGAIN.....I have contacted Meater 3 times....to ask for a replacement or refund.....NOTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!