Meater Dethroned? The BEST Smart Wireless Meat Probes Tested

I have 3 tests designed to find the BEST Wireless Meat probe between the Meater / MeatStick / TempSpike / Combustion Inc / Yummly. All these smart wireless thermometers claim to have the upper hand, but how do they perform in the real world?
UPDATE - check out the just launched Meater 2 here • The Meater 2 Plus Is A...
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Chapters
00:00 - Which is the BEST Wireless Smart Meat Probe in 2023?
02:26 - HYPE or Fact? My 3 Stress Tests
05:01 - Best on paper? Specs & pricing summary
13:39 - How accurate is the internal sensor?
17:21 - Pain in the APPS. How are they to use?
25:51 - Range Anxiety. How far do they ACTUALLY work
30:09 - Ranked results
Corrections/updates
MeatStick - MeatStick 4X is actually 70+ hours. As for the accuracy, the internal sensors are 4-point calibrated to ±1°C accuracy. Ambient sensor is rated for temperatures up to 300°C / 572°F, with a 4-point calibration and ±2°C accuracy.
#wireless #meatprobe #thermometer
@MEATER

[@williamwilson2624]

I will say, this has been a very thorough and informative review. I have been thinking about getting a wireless probe and this review has been a huge help. Great video as always.

[@jasonpreston7504]

Thrilled with your results because I just got a Meater Block for an early birthday present. I'm loving it so far. Glad to see that it's still your favorite as well! Thanks for the cool video.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks

[@tgarrett29]

Just got my first Kamado Joe last weekend and last night, used the Meater+ the for the first time on a roast. Admittedly, I didn't read the directions thoroughly first but I found the app was so user friendly that I was able to get it to work and it produced a perfect cook on the roast. Didn't realize the range issue until it disconnected, but got back in range quickly and the results were fantastic. Been binge watching a lot of your videos as of late and tonight, first crack at pork baby back ribs (low and slow!). Appreciate all of your help and motivation, James!

[@bo5476]

I've gotta say, that this is one of the most objective, thorough and balanced reviews I've seen on an array of products.

[@Resyektt]

Check out project farm for tool reviews and other stuff. You’ll probably appreciate his channels and objective/scientific review process

[@TheLastRealJEDI]

I can't thank you enough! This is exactly the comparision I was looking for. Everything was covered. Now I can take a step up and go wireless...

[@lacyelliottoldmarinedad4388]

I always appreciate all of your information. Amazing job as always keep up the good work. I have learned volumes from you. Thank you.

[@unlocated7448]

I have had the MEATER block for a year or so now, it’s great on wifi, like James I use it with my watch, I work in emergency response and had to work last Christmas Eve/Day. I was able to monitor the cook I set up and call/message my dad who had no experience operating my offset and kamado and tell him what he needed to do so that the Christmas food was perfectly cooked. When I finished work and got home for lunch time all I had to do was … nothing but serve, Dad, my wife and the guests had it all sorted for me. Excellent product.

[@johnshanahan3892]

Wow. This may have been the best organize and presented review video U have seen. Thank you very much for posting this.

[@user-cw8wt7fq8h]

Would love to see a re-do with the current probes as of November 2023. My primary use would be Joetisserie use, sticking with Fireboard for non-rotiserrie cooks. Looking at the Meater 2 plus, but curious if other updates would change your mind as to who is King of the Wireless probes. Great video!

[@DeSibyl]

Maybe look into the ChefIQ Smart Thermometer. Seems cheaper than the Meater 2 plus, has WiFi without the need of 3rd party device or their separate block. I currently have the Meater 2 Plus, but the specs on the ChefIQ seem a lot better. 4 Sensors in the probe vs the 2 in Meater. The max tempurature is a lot more than the Meater (700+ F vs Meaters 550 F) Range is better (200+ feet vs Meaters 30 ft bluetooth, with WiFi it's unlimited)... Not sure how the App is vs the Meaters, however, I do like the Meaters app

[@JustGrillingandChilling.]

Another brilliant video James…. I’ve been watching/subscribed to your channel for a few years now, and bought the Meater + over a year ago based upon your opinion of it then…. I am very much a “low-tech” guy (as I said when you reviewed the wired KJ…. I can’t get far enough away from “technology” when I’m grilling…. I just love managing fire/temp/time on my own….)…. So, I am one of the ones you just mentioned that needs apps to be simple…. and the Meater app is a thing of beauty….. so intuitive, easy to work with, incredibly useful….for a low-tech guy like me. Great video James…. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@tim_bbq1008]

I have the Yummly. I found the app a bit clumsy on my first couple cooks, but once I got used to it it's not bad. Figuring out how to bypass the recipe portion of the app made all the difference. At first I was apprehensive about the wireless range of the unit, but quickly discovered it works anywhere in my yard and well into the neighbors yard, so range isn't an issue for me. Overall, I like it alot. Thanks for sharing!

[@NoizieWorks]

Hi James, just got a big joe 3 after watching months of your videos :) now i know what probe to buy! Thanks dude appreciate the work

[@GrantHendrick]

Great video and thank you so much for this information as well as all the other helpful research you’ve done (and likely will do)!

[@Keith80027]

That is a very in depth test and comparison you did for these probes. I think I might want more sensors in my Meater probe but would have to try it to see if it worth it. As an electrical engineer and Ham radio operator, you distance testing was fair because you did the same thing for each probe and it is very real life in backyards. High frequency radio waves are attenuated when passing thru objects vs line of sight. I would like to see a distance test using your pizza oven or house oven since it has the most enclosed metal box. I tried my Meater probe in my house oven and it had a very short transmission distance like in feet. I noticed that you use your probes for short cooks like the New York Strip were I use my Thermapen. Adding notes to cooks is a good idea and therefore I start using the Meater probe for my short cooks too.

[@mduver1]

Something I think you might have overlooked is multi stick integration. One of the reasons I switched from my meater to the meatstick was the fact that 1 extender can be used with up to 4 sticks (currently I'm up to 2+1 mini stick). Also as far as the connection issue I think there is some location or Bluetooth setting that you have to change if you're on an iPhone. I'm an Android user, but when my friend comes over and tries to connect he has some issues.

[@rodf1021]

thank you for the thorough review and the summary at the end

[@robertdowling4123]

Great review. All the work you put into your reviews is greatly appreciated. Just used the Combustion probe on a cook and it worked great. They say on their web site that it will have Wifi capability in the summer of 2023. Let’s see then if they can pull it off in the next 30 days as they say.

[@BrewReview]

"It will have", meaning what - that the probe's software will be updated to include the feature or a new version will release that will enable that functionality?

[@garethbraid937]

@@BrewReview "WiFi Capability" is really a feature of the app, not the probe. None of these devices are actually doing WiFi themselves (if they did the probes battery would unlikely to last 30 minutes), the app is connected via Bluetooth and supplying the to other devices (via WiFi)

[@Niagra2011]

Smart testing. Nice job. Thanks! Getting the Meater 4 Pack.

[@Shazbat5]

FYI, Combustion Inc probe has 8 sensors, not 4. The hardware also supports "mesh" networking with an extra thermometer(s) or the portable charger cases that can function as bluetooth relays to get you all the way to your front driveway. The app is much improved, with all 8 sensors reporting, carryover cooking estimations, etc...

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Yes i added text to fix the error when i said 4.... i was told wifi is coming as well which will be a nice enhancement. glad to see it continues to get updates for even more performance

[@wesleydrew9242]

I think that the next iteration of the Combustion Inc probe (if they get to that) is the one to watch. Seems like if they add wi-fi it could be the real standout. I've got a Chefstemp ProTemp plus on order as a Kickstarter backer which should ship in September if they hold to their published schedule. It looks to compete strongly with the Meater Block on paper and at a lower cost, but the proof will be in what they deliver. I generally don't back many Kickstarter campaigns, but your review of the Chefstemp instant read convinced me the company has the goods to deliver something that is well-made so I hope that translates into this new product category.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

They did a good job matching the industry leading hardware for less money. The wireless stuff will be interesting as the app becomes so important along with the tech

[@chrischasse1469]

Sadly, the biggest question wasn’t answered here, I get that it’s a difficult one, but for me it’s the most important one; longevity! I have a meater block and one probe is dead and another one detached the prob from the stick(it still work, but for how long) Used them maybe 30-40 times over the last 2.5 years They work good but at that price, I wouldn’t recommend them I’m hoping to find a tank of a probe more than a Ferrari. Btw I always hand washed my probes Thx for your work James

[@RaoVenu]

This happened to me as well. I was able to resolve it by ensuring that the probes were properly charged & after doing a factory reset. Hope this helps

[@anthonycarter3942]

I have two combustion probes, one in FL and one in CO. My second one in CO was a pain because it didn’t have a very good range. I gave a bad review when requested from Combustion. I immediately received a please reach out to us email. After some back and forth I now understand that because my rotisserie was closed the range was limited. They suggested to place the reader closer to the grill and then it would connect to my iPhone with a better range. I was impressed that they were so quick to reply and I believe that the suggested fix will work. Looking forward to another summer cook of my best rotisserie chicken! A follow up. I’ve now done another cook using the base unit close to my grill as I did a rotisserie chicken. It works great with no problems sending and receiving all info.

[@TanukiOfficial]

Excellent review! Clear concise and easy to follow your criteria and assessment. I definitely agree with you about the importance of the app because a poorly designed app will drag down a technologically superior product.

[@bdavbdavbdavbdav]

The distance one is a curious one - I really like the ideas of the ones which have blocks that connect to WiFi, as we've blanketed the outside in WiFi, so hopefully avoids any issues at all there.

[@rickybobbyracing9106]

Instant subscribe to this channel! Anyone who gets/buys the products, and actually does a scientific test, i'm all in!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

much appreciated

[@SunePedersen88]

I have had a Meater (not +), Meatstick X and now have a Tempspike. I really like the no whistles approach to the app on the Tempspike. The Meatstick X failed me completely with really bad reception and the Meater died after a year of use. The Tempspike just works flawlessly and there are no issues getting things set up initially or for each bbq session (the Meatstick X is extremely iffy getting to work)

[@nickglover]

I really do not understand the need for anything other than the temperature. Is it done or is it not done? That is all I need to know. I specifically picked the TempSpike so that I don't have to fuss with an app much.

[@test1one16]

Tried the Meatstick mini....then went with 2-probe Chef IQ (even smaller, good for chicken breats, salmon, and steaks under 2inches thick). You guys try the Chef IQ? I had better connectivity with it as compared with the Meatstick app. FYI. If you go with Chef IQ do keep in mind the 1-probe Hub version can expand to 3 probes total, but the 2 other probes are stored in a non charging slot and will drain and die every few days (the probes do not have an auto off/stand mode). I recommend just buying the 2-probe Hub from the start.

[@TOB-uk2xy]

I have a couple MEATER Blocks and they are good but over time, I feel their accuracy diminishes. I usually blame it on the dishwasher or high heat exposure in my egg. I’ll give the Combustion a try and I hope they watch this video and take your App advice. The ease of predictive cooking changes the game!! Great review!

[@mabolzichjjl]

Some probes need to be "dried out" periodically to restore accuracy. For example thermopro suggests placing the probe in a casserole dish covered in the oven at 250 for 35-40 mins. Might be worth looking into!

[@abelardmaldonado1564]

I'd check the accuracy with a water bath against a reference thermometer

[@brettgrey5658]

This was an interesting video for me… I got the Temp Spike a few months ago and it’s been great so far, especially how long the battery lasts. I had to return a similar product because of connections issues, and the app wasn’t great. I am actually pretty content with this app, and found it pretty easy to setup a pre installed cook for a specific meat, or even create a new one. I can go anywhere in my house without losing a connection and don’t really care about how thick it is, becasue I can imagine that adds to the battery life. I use a small thermo pen for steak and smaller pieces of meat because I am tending to the meat as I cook it. I mailnly use this for longer cooks, or a quick smoke before a sear. All in all I am very happpy with it, but now I am intrigued. Thanks fro the comprehensive test.

[@user-ho1yn6ms7y]

I too bought the TempSpike after seeing Tom Horseman use and recommend one. I enjoy mine for the same low-and-slow technique. It’s very close compared to my separate ThermoPro transmitter probes I’ve used for years. My only slight complaint is that its ambient readings are very slow to catch up to actual. Now, having just said I use it for long cooks, it does make me wonder if there’s been a sudden temp change, or has the probe just not caught up yet?

[@acidbran]

I have two now and thr battery seems to never run out, there is a tiny variance between them but both work great. Got lucky and second one was around 40 bucks. SCORE.

[@cliffvictoria3863]

Wireless probes are great for rotisserie cooking. When I'm using my offset smoker, I use a MEATER in conjunction with a wired probe. Never hurts to have more data just in case one of the probes is misbehaving. Plus I like to have ambient from multiple locations. I also use an instant read when I get close to final temps. Belt and suspenders. LOL

[@lowdownone]

Yes except for rotisserie cooking, the wireless probes are a waste of money.

[@edwardrogner6281]

Great video. Probably the best review I've seen on KZbin. I will keep my Meater. Looking forward to more.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SkippyTheBeerCan]

I got the TempSpike and used it for a few cooks now. For me it’s a vary good value $/results. No complaints for now tbh.

[@henrykrinkle5353]

James, I love your impartiality and honesty. Keep the good vids coming! Were you a scientist in a previous incarnation? ;)

[@jamesgalbraith5011]

Good video James. If you do a follow up, would be good to test the accuracy of the cook time prediction. Also the accuracy of the ambient temperature reading.

[@electronsauce]

Thanks for the review! I was going to get the combustion one because I really like what they did with the thermometer itself but they don't ship to my address! I ended up ordering the Meater 2. The app definitely looks awesome

[@CoolJay77]

Great work James, it is pretty extensive review and comparison. One thing about Combustion Inc, its raison d'être is that it is a predictive thermometer. Though your comparison was fair comparing to others, it is like comparing apple and oranges when looking at combustion inc as a predictive thermometer, rather than just a wireless thermometer.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%. It’s some nice hardware… I think that the potential is there to do more with software if they choose

[@ConcernedCitizen627]

I don't know about the others but on the meater+ I was pleased that I could purchase the block with 2 probes and later purchase the other two. The $300 cost for the complete block with all 4 probes was a bit out of my budget. Love the app but the probes are not always the best option for all cooks like you mentioned with Salmon or thinner fish or meats. I have a semi wireless set of 4 probes for those cooks.

[@heftyjo2893]

I had the ThermoPro Tempspike. It died after about 6 months. Worked alright while I had it. Range and connectivity wasn't an issue since the grill was just on the other side of the wall from me. But now it will connect for 5 seconds and then drop and then reconnect for a few seconds and then drop. Also, the ambient temp end of the probe got covered in a veneer of baked on smoke and grease which interfered with it's ability to charge on the base station correctly. The battery connections need bare metal in order to conduct electricity but once things get gummed up you can't get a good electrical connection. Constantly have to clean off the end of the probe with an abrasive cleaner like Barkeeps friend.

[@johnmccaffery5186]

That was a great comprehensive review and video. Thanks for the info.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@2005Pilot]

Awesome comparison!!! Thanks. I’m using the 4-probe wired Inkbird. How about a wired probe comparison? Thanks again 😊👍👍

[@jordanlee2645]

Should have the name of the product you're talking about on the screen when speaking about it. Would be really nice!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks for the feedback

[@randc47]

I just got a Meter+. Had sooo much difficulty with it. No problems with distance to my phone, but the probe to case was having issues. Constantly disconnecting! The only way it would stay connected was having the case literally inches from the Weber kettle lid and having the probe also inches away from the lid. If I put my food in the middle of the grate…disconnected. If I turned the probe away from the case…disconnected. Returned!!

[@allanmurphy7474]

Just place the wooden base on the legs or frame of barbecue, somewhere close that doesn’t get hot. Then you will have the 30 ft range

[@LarsJeppesen]

Great review, I have the MEATER and just ordered the Tempspike, I’m not sure if I’ll still unpack and try. However, one thing is really don’t like is fiddling with my phone while entertaining and cooking, I saw the monitor of the other device, but it was not discussed, at least you have an idea what’s going on without using your phone, of course the MEATER app solves this to some extend if you have an Apple Watch and also display the data on the Lock Screen. Finally… the connect reconnect and charging via USB is also to me important, so.. I might give the TempSpike a try anyway. Thanks for being awesome ❤

[@tRdoc21]

I have the TempSpike, actually 3 TempSpikes - which is the max the app can monitor. I wish you had added information about that - number of probes the app can monitor. I like to have lots of data and often run a Fireboard (6 probes) along with another unit running 4 probes as well for a combination of ambient and internal meat temps. Then I'll have my 3 TempSpikes in some of the meat I'm cooking. Personally, I'd love to be able to get rid of ALL the wires - but obviously, with the low temps limitations of these probes (210-212ºF for the tips) they can't be used for ambient cooker temp monitoring. I've found the ambient external probes on at least the TempSpike to be fairly useless, as the cooler air bubble around one's brisket or other large hunk of meat to throw off the monitoring enough that you can't really keep an eye on your smoker temps reliably. I agree the TempSpike app is lacking - though it is simple, I felt. Just I like more functionality - I want graphs, etc., and I'd like to be able to display multiple graphed probes at once, and I'd really like to be able to monitor more than three probes. My other HUGE gripe about the TempSpike is the difficulty in keeping each probe paired with its respective base unit/booster. These do NOT interchange, they can NOT be reprogrammed to mate up with whichever probe you put in it, etc. I've come to the conclusion I need to put a dab of high temp paint on the external end of each probe and a matching color on the base/booster units. These are a real pain to try to keep straight which probe goes with which booster. Just another complication, and will be worsened if/when they upgrade the app to handle more probes - although their support tells me that as of now, this is not in the works or planned. So I will likely move to another platform over time. Just my personal preference. Their support is great, though, and responsive - I've talked with them over email, facebook AND texting and have been very pleased with ThermoPro's support.

[@antoineletendre4822]

I’ve tried a few of these and so far the combustion inc is my favourite for fast high temp cooking, but the chef iq is the best for low and slow. The wifi integration, the built in speaker and the app just make it by far my favourite for long cooks.

[@ronmcc100]

I'm Surprised he didn't look at Chef iQ...

[@ryanleal1764]

Curious to why your favorite for fast high temp is combustion but not for low and slow

[@antoineletendre4822]

@@ryanleal1764 The combustion inc is very good at predicting times for high temperature cooks but has mediocre range and no wifi. For low slow cooks being able to monitor remotely while out and about makes a big difference which isn’t of high concern for high temperature relatively quick cooks where you generally won’t be far from the food.

[@antoineletendre4822]

@@ronmcc100 me too.

[@AnthonyPerez]

It’s for a chef in all situations besides leaving. I’m not sure how many chefs leave their food. Quick on the readings.

[@davelindey8023]

Outstanding comparison James. After considerable research myself a couple of months ago I decided on the Heater product. This video would have expedited my decision yet its comforting to know that I didn't get seduced by marketing buzz. Thanks for this.

[@MadPick]

Very helpful review, James. Thank you.

[@salavalos]

Great review! Thanks for sharing!

[@mike_adams]

Love my block! App works great .. rarely disconnects from WiFi but I have a mesh network access point near my cook spot so I have strong WiFi for the block. Don’t know if it was a fluke but I was able to couple your discount code from last year with Meaters year end Christmas sale and scored a big discount.

[@peterodriguez2364]

Good review.. but was wondering if being fully charged would make a difference. I have an older inkbird that would drop connection if not fully charged.. then again it uses 4.2 bluetooth. I also have the temp spike and found that placing the base just a bit farther away from the probe in the cook seems to widen the overall range.. I do like it and the app is basic like me.. I guess it's dependent on the user.. tomatoe.. tomaawww-tow. Hehe. Anywhaaay good review. Keep em coming

[@TheTrackCoach]

Would love to get your thoughts on the Ambient temp lack of precision. Mine seams to be 20+/- degreea off on the boil water test.

[@aksaint3734]

I was wondering how to control the fermentation and baking process of the bread. I have considered those thermometers. However, it is crucial for me - can the temperature readings be downloaded to a file, e.g. excell, so that I can plot a graph of time and temperature?

[@1airborne82]

I use the meter block also as an extender. I put the meter block as far away from the cooki as I can in the direction that I am going and extend the Bluetooth direction that way. I have been able to monitor my cook from inside my house with Bluetooth only.

[@whatfreedom7]

I have the TempSpike and like it. My only complaints is there is only one probe and the probe is really fat and has to be inserted to a certain depth so it’s not good for all foods. It seems like it would be hard to use on something like ribs but I haven’t tried that yet. Sometimes just a 4 probe Bluetooth probe would be nice.

[@AnthonyPerez]

I guess connection with types of grills and longevity is the key for these high priced items. Also what you intend to do with it. Idk about everyone else but most use these indoors on their stove as well. So as a jump to this and jump to that perspective might need to be considered. Chefs are usually cooking a lot of foods. Might be something to consider when buying one.

[@Honeysola]

Can you use the meater to monitor temperatures when deep frying? How about the meat stick for frying in oil as well?

[@davidcarter6491]

U needed to include the BFOUR BF-40! I bought it and had connectivity issues! I just ordered the Meat Stick!

[@cindykee3719]

I recently got the Meater Block. I have my grill on the lanai and I set the block on a table next to the grill - like < 4ft away - and during just about every cook I have done so far, there comes a time during the cook when the app says that the probe has lost connection with the block for some reason. It usually lasts just a couple of minutes and then reconnects, but it always concerns me that there is nothing I can do to get it to reconnect - I just have to hope it does on its own. Between the block and the probe, it is using Bluetooth which has a 10m range, so there is no reason this should be happening, right?

[@zulucharlie5244]

Great video, very informative - thank you!

[@MaikWagner1]

Great test. Thanks for that! I'm using the meater+ for turning meat like a chicken or something. Since I use another wired thermometer from Inkbird, I wish you could consider the Inkbird int-11p-b for your next Test. Sadly no Wifi.

[@mr.kelley1841]

Can you use any of those probes in like deep frying a turkey? Are there any of them that don’t do well in cooking grease?

[@bobbyhuckaby8693]

I would love to see an analysis of connection stability. I have two friends who quit using their Meater probes because the disconnects are so frequent that it renders the probe basically useless.

[@travisophila]

That is my experience, it drops all the time. It is annoying, not enough for me to look for a new device, but I probably would not buy a meater again if they do not improve it.

[@Bragon974]

Never had any stability issue with my meater block. The base needs to stay close to the probes so that creates a limitation, I would not be able to use 2 probes in the kitchen oven and the 2 others in the outside grill, but as long as the base is within BT range of the probes and has access to wifi the readings on the app are flawless.

[@Geoflect]

I returned my meter as well because of the connection stability and if it happens to disconnect and you're 4 hours into a cook it resets it and you need to start a new cook it sucks and you're forced to put it take it out of the meat and put it back into the block and then reinsert

[@MindlessWanderings]

I've stumbled on your video as I'm considering wireless thermometres and this has been really helpful information. I am, however, curious about the range test. I was looking at the websites for Meater and Combustion Inc (haven't looked at the others yet) and they advertise range as part of a network.. The Meater+ base is an extender and Combustions holder is the extender/booster (and their Block or Display as additional extenders/wifi connectors). So was the test simply probe to phone and ignoring extenders (for a base range) or was the range achieved using the extenders? and if using the extenders, what distances were achieved between each unit? Also, it seems Combustions 1000ft claim is using several extenders together (in their full pack of 2 probes and display). It feels a bit unfair to comment on exaggerated claims while discussing Combustions probe without using the equipment necessary to test that range. (Their claim for the unit you used is 330ft).

[@BigMooseWV]

Wish you would have tested or shown ambient temperatures during a cook. Tempspike works well except for ambient temperature reading. Usually off between 20-50 degrees. Insert the probe up to the notch and temperature external (ambient) temperature just does not track accurately. Ambient temp seems to climb when internal temp does. Becomes more accurate toward the end of the cook, like internal meat temperature resonates through the probe and skews the ambient. Customer service is great. They sent me a new probe (only the probe) and again the temperature for the ambient sensor is just not dependable.

[@ryanb4481]

I'd love to know the environment and surroundings that these companies test the range. Not just the wireless ones, but all of the temp probe companies. Every one I own is full of it. Very good comparison video though. Really detailed and thorough. I'm going to keep my eye on that Combustion model as it looks like they are trying to address my biggest issue with wireless probes...the enormous width.

[@thermos750]

Same here, mine is the Probe Plus FM 212 and with my house being blocks and thick walls, and with the WIFI modem in the basement and the smoker is on the deck. The instructions did say that some walls or fixtures would interfere with the signal etc.

[@kalvli]

Distracted by how nice your yard is. Pool And amazing lawn

[@pitmasterpatrick]

Great comparison video! My MEATER is old enough that I am wondering when it might fail. So knowing about all the options is very helpful. Thanks!

[@svenllr]

Agreed, who in their right mind would want well-done pieces? :) Great job on the review it was quite helpful. I was considering upgrading my original Meater and now I'm equipped to make the best decision.

[@user-oo1mz9cj4s]

Great video, very helpful. Thank you.

[@bodahemseroxat]

I had a bad experience with the meater which made me avoid all those wireless probes. First of all, I had a preorder on the block, they kept delaying shipping dates and the refund was denied for few months till I started to contact BBQ youtubers and send the emails. Then all of the sudden they found my order in their system and refunded me. Then I bought 2 Meater+ which had poor connection, short battery life ( less than 12h) and stopped recharging all together. After that thermoworks introduced their Signals with a great app and that what I use since then. I don't use rotisserie and don't intend to. The tiny probes that come with thermoworks are way better in accuracy and profile. If you don't obsoletely need wireless probe, go with the thermoworks.

[@lazydog274]

Asking if any have the option of controlling cooking temp with the air/ temp blowers ? Ie would hate to have to run 2 different sensors ( not say I do not do it every smoke with my thermoworks that is wired) asking if there is a ability to have the wireless probe control the cook temp

[@BoddickerOCP]

I had the Meater+ and i got rid of it after one cook because of connectivity issues. It could barely maintain a signal right next to the cooker.

[@highlanderes]

I have had the Meater+ for years. It is great except I often get high temperature warnings using it in my grill when it is not that hot.

[@troyv8302]

I have a Meater+ and when it works, was pretty nice. That said, it loses connection way to much for me and had twice where the temps were off and almost over cooked a roast. I no longer use it but it does hold my little great niece and nephews art work attached to the fridge with the nice magnet.

[@priayief]

I do a lot of spit-roasting on my BBQ and MEATER looks like it would work for me. I don't need excessive amounts of range and I appreciate accurate temperatures. Until I watched this video, my understanding was that most wireless probe thermometers weren't exactly accurate. I also like the idea of not messing with connecting wires. Thanks for your review.

[@mikemorkes5906]

Bought two TempSpikes 4 months ago. First one worked twice, then refused to reconnect to my phone regardless of all troubleshooting, including removing and readding and using the manufacturer's instructions to reset. Returned. Second one was working up until last week, now it won't connect to the phone either. Haven't had time to troubleshoot it, but if it has also failed, I'm moving on to the Meater.

[@tgchism]

Very well done comparison! I'll be looking for the review of the new Meater probe! By the way, how do you like your Inkbird Sous Vide? I'm looking at one for a completely different use. I develop B&W film and need a temp. controlled water-bath for the chemicals. The Inkbird looks like it might fit the purpose.

[@EnviroSus]

Just used mine (meater)for the first time yesterday. The awesome feature is that I could see the temperature on my Iwatch.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

100%

[@thermos750]

Great video, I wish I would have seen this before I got the meat probe off Amazon that I used today. It was the "Probe Plus" FM212 and I was not happy with the connectivity of it while trying to do other things in the house. It wanted WIFI to run, which is fine but my smoker is out on the back deck and the Wi-Fi modem is down in the basement. I found I was resetting the probe dock to the app every time I went out of range. The app did not notify me when I hit 130 deg F and the setting was set for that. I also found the app not user friendly, wanted to do a custom cook and change the name to "venison" but there was no where to change it. The record history of my first time using it did not record either. I really like the stats you did and the "Meater" have the smart watch interface or being able to go anywhere is key, like if you need to run to the beer or liquor store during a smoke, you are still in connection. The only question I have for you, with the MEATER, if the Wi-Fi signal is weak will it still connect and feed the info to your phone watch, and does the water interface work with any smart watch or does it have to be an Android or Apple? Thanks from the great white north!

[@MichaelBabcock]

I really wanted this to be more informative that it was for me to compare with devices I don't own. I have the temp spike myself and have no problems with the app, but since you didn't actually get into what you didn't like or what problems you thought it had, there's no way to know what's supposedly "better" about the others.

[@Trblmkr07]

I got a Meat Stick for one reason and one reason only. You can use it while deep frying, which you can't use for the MEATER. Can you do that with any of the other probes, and if so, how does it effect the distances ?

[@wendlo1]

Will the meter work in a pressure canner to check the temperature of canning goods

[@wgreenjr81]

I'm curious if you have done any long duration cooks with any of these other than the Meater. I have had a Meater since I got my smoker in 2019 and i don't disagree with any of what you said, but the one thing about the Meater that drives me insane is how much is relies on carry over when it calculates time to done and the finished cooking alarms. when I am doing a brisket or a pork butt, it typically will be upwards of 10 degrees lower than set to end when it will start yelling at me to pull the food. When I set a thermometer to go off at a temp, I want to be notified at that temp, not when an algorithm THINKS I can pull the food and limp across the temp eventually

[@HarleyandSmoke]

Thank you!!! Your review, and insight is very very helpful.

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks for watching!

[@Patrickkkkkkk356]

I have seen all your video's now , thanks for all advice. But 1 thing i dont understand, your double indirect method have been changed. The first time you use smokewear drip pan and the last time a tin foil. Why is that? Have the drip pan to much weight that the ceramic heat deflector will crack? Very curious to your opinion

[@thomasluehr7225]

James as a Meatr plus owner 2x, it would be nice if they added Wi-Fi to these probes and not have to buy the block. An added test would of been good to test range through different materials from grills such as Kamado, offset, Weber Kamado. That range would of been interesting to know and potential interference.

[@benshaw2341]

You can kind of add wifi if you use another phone or a tablet. Instructions on the meater site. I haven't tried it yet.

[@StanCook1]

I've been using a m + Inside by Electric stainless steel grill which is double wall stainless steel on all sides top and bottom and I do have to keep the Block near the grill but other than that I can walk all over the place so it does a very good job.

[@TheModeRed]

Quick question, do any more traditional wired probe solutions also have wifi connection and compare well to the Meater?

[@etherealshade]

Great video and information. This is why I have no desire to switch to any of the wireless probes options. My fireboard does WiFi, has a great app and has much thinner probes than even the smallest option here and has short and long probe options

[@CoolJay77]

I am comfortable using my Fireboard for the same reasons that you've stated. However I jumped on getting Combustion Inc because it predicts cook time. It is a cool feature, a cool toy. It is great when cooking in pan.

[@etherealshade]

@@CoolJay77 you can do predictive temp on your fireboard too . I’ve used it quite a few times

[@CoolJay77]

@@etherealshade Indeed you can, but it is less accurate, cause it bases on a single point of temperature reading. It also will not work well cooking steaks of beef or fish hot and fast. Combustion inc has 8 sensors, it finds the center of the meat, being the coolest. Then by measuring the temperature at every other point, and one on the surface, it calculates the cooking progression. I don't find it as much necessary, but it is an enjoyable cool gadget. For instance, I am in the restaurant trade, I feel it could probably be a distraction on a busy cook line. Our cooks do fine cooking steaks without one.

[@etherealshade]

@@CoolJay77 I have never tried to do it on something fast, but I do usually have multiple sensors in my briskets, pork shoulder, ribs, etc and i can see how long each is predicted to take too get to ‘Y’ temp

[@dummerdum4714]

Other than the Meater+, which app supports multi probe (and hopefully can see them all in the same screen)?

[@tz7498]

Another test needed is battery life. I have had the MEATER since 2020 and it looses its connection with in 7’ after a half hour of use. I believe the battery does not hold its charge similar to an old cell phone as it ages. Any suggestions on how to correct or test this?

[@FatMeatsFireBBQ]

I didn’t even know there were other wireless thermometers other than Meater! Good video 👍🏼

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks! 👍

[@invisiblekid99]

Wow really??!

[@LittleFullLotaSap]

I would think that the Combustion Inc app is comparatively lacking because it has a stand alone, dedicated display unit so the app is less necessary than the other probes that can't function without the app. Personally, I'd prefer the freedom-from-app experience of the Combustion. I tried the Meater a couple of years ago on our TDay turkey and had a miserable experience. According to the Meater, our turkey was done about 2hrs before it was actually done. Probably user inexperience/error but it still left me feeling very uncomfortable with the thermometer so it was returned the next day. I'm looking forward to trying the Combustion thermometer

[@patrickmullane1046]

Excellent comparison of the leading brands. Have you had any reliability issues with your meater probes? My 3 year-old Meater Plus+ just died out of the blue. Never had an issue but just will not connect anymore (changed the battery to be sure). And my Thermoworks Signals died the week before because it refused to upload the latest firmware (an ongoing battle that it finally lost). So, I'm in the market and this video is very helpful. If I don't go with the Meater Block, I'm tempted by the Combustion Inc. The website says "cloud connectivity" is coming in 2023, allowing you to connect to it from anywhere via the app. No idea if they'll actually hit the mark or the timeline, though. Thanks again for a great video!

[@windage]

on year #2 with my Meater block, once I learned where to place the block, I can monitor my pad at my desk.

[@katzsteel]

I have 2 Meater+ ‘s. When they work it’s awesome. When they lose connection during a cook for no reason it’s frustrating as hell! Definitely a love, hate relationship.

[@rmagala]

I quit using my Meater, it was just too frustrating connecting or keeping connected

[@shilohmccraw4850]

@@rmagalasame here. Got a thermoworks smoke x to replace it.

[@southwest7977]

I sent my MEATER back. Way too inconsistent. I went back to my wired thermometer.

[@sean_mac]

Have a Meter + and have cooked over 100 cooks on it with not a single connection issue. The block sits near the Offset about 2m away. Make sure batteries are not low.

[@katzsteel]

@@sean_mac Maybe the block internals are better than stand alone Meaters? With the trouble I’ve had and the bad reviews now on the internet, it’s really hard to believe you’ve had 0 connection issues! Batteries are always fine.

[@johanwedin4669]

Really good and helpful, thanks!

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ClaudioAguileraMunoz]

Meater is absolutely amazing. Totally recommended for anyone who wants to star learning about meat preparation

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Cheers

[@valdezpenilla7916]

Hello, great video man!!! I missed the ambient temperature test, is there any??

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Showed the data for each in the oven in the app section

[@mr.t361]

Good one. Like the explanation of the apps

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Glad you liked it

[@BionicRasta]

I compared the Tempspike with the Meater Plus probe but found the M+ kept disconnecting from Bluetooth even when the base is next to the probe. Whereas the Tempspike kept a stable connection throughout the house. Although i didn't do an actual cook i mock tested it by placing it in a cup of hot water upto the marker point alongside the ThermoPro Tempspike then compared both readings with an instant read thermometer. Both were within a degree of each other & accurate to the instant read. Another difference is that the Tempspike would read the ambient temperature at room temperature when the Meater+ would not as too low. This might suggest the Tempspike has a better sensor. One minor drawback to the app, unlike with the Tempspike, is that it does not allow you to set a pre-alert by a lower temperature before it reaches the target temperature. With the Tempspike at half the price of the Meater Plus its hard to justify buying it.

[@JoaquinChea]

Very nice review, Smoking Dad, 🙏 thanks

[@SmokingDadBBQ]

Thanks