MEATER vs The Meatstick | Which Wireless Thermometer is King?

In this video, I'll be doing a full review and comparison between two completely wireless meat thermometers, The MEATER vs The Meatstick. Both units have their pros and cons and the range test had interesting results.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Unboxing
02:08 - Build Quality Comparison
03:22 - Missed Opportunity - Batteries
04:13 - Setup- The Apps and Pairing
07:59 - Rack Of Lamb-B-Roll
09:50 - Range and Connection Test
11:40 - Final Thoughts
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‪@Themeatstick‬ ‪@MEATER‬

[@tomwadek]

Check out my latest review on the new MeatStick 4X! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfEq3VmmJd6oLM

[@dannykapz]

Great info here Tom, thanks for the video. I definitely need to step up my thermometer game.

[@tomwadek]

Thanks for watching Dan! The evolving technology is amazing.

[@curtisrogers4190]

Tom, I just found your KZbin channel literally last week and I have been taking in as many of your videos as I can. As far as this video goes with meter plus I can speak to that as I've had mine for about 3 years. If you have a tablet at home that is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth you can download the meter app to your laptop or iPad if you're an Apple I personally am a Samsung person. Open up the app and start your cook with your tablet or iPad and then open up your phone and the cook will be there, you can monitor your cook when you leave home by leaving the laptop iPad tablet whatever you're using at home on your home Wi-Fi. That goes for the meter plus or the block. That was the deciding factor for me buying the meter

[@tomwadek]

Yeah, not sure what is happening to mine. I bought mine when they were still doing their kickstarter so maybe something is off. Still a great unit though.

[@chrisbailey5055]

5:22, not buggy...the button is time gated, notice it starts gray, but you can not click through until it is completely orange.

[@mikeg6069]

I have a Meater Block and there are 3 points that should be made. First, you stated near the end of the video that the block needed to be plugged in the entire time. No it doesn't. I don't even know where my USB cable is because I never use it. Second, the range limitation are do to the use of Bluetooth. But the only reason I bought the Block was to use Wi-Fi. The Meatstick Wi-Fi Bridge and the Meater Block give unlimited range. I monitor my cooks while driving around in my car. There's a BT connection between the probe and the Block, but that's it. Therefore, you leave the Block near the cooking device while it communicates with your phone via Wi-Fi. No more range issues. Lastly, I prefer non internal batteries. Over time they lose their ability to hold a charge and can't be replaced. You can use rechargeable AAs if you'd like. They are not expensive and of course are replaceable. IMO, that's a better option.

[@tomwadek]

well that sucks, looks like my meater block is defective because it will not stay on without being plugged in and it looses connection all the time even when the block is a few feet away from the probes...

[@mikeg6069]

@@tomwadek How old is your Block? I bought mine about 1 year ago. There may be differences between original Bocks and what's being sold more recently. All I know is a fresh set of alkalines lasts me about 25-30 hours worth of use. I've done an 18-20 hour brisket cook and a couple of 3 hour cooks from a fresh set.

[@tomwadek]

@@mikeg6069 I bought mine when it was first introduced a few years back (2019?) as a pre order.

[@mikeg6069]

@@tomwadek That very well could be the issue.

[@tomwadek]

@@mikeg6069yeah, I'm thinking I have an outdated one

[@dixter1652]

its pretty important to keep the end of the meater probe clean... I use one of those sanding blocks to clean it super clean... other wise it takes forever to charge the probes..

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

Thanks for the review. Great job.

[@tomwadek]

Thanks for watching!

[@brown2791]

Trying the meatstick soon. Had the Meater and the probes would not stay connected unless the block was sitting on the grill. Carried it into my garage 5 feet away and kept dropping connection.

[@katzsteel]

Love my Meater+. It’s not perfect. My biggest problem is keeping the end tip clean after a smoke. If you don’t have that end very clean it will fail to charge for the next time. I use an old tablet for the bridge and works very well. I’ve gone to stores, etc. when smoking meat and can always monitor it. I did find in their app, a suggestion in cleaning the end. Using a very fine sand paper helps in rubbing off the dried smoke layer. I’m curious about Mavericks new wireless any plans on reviewing it?

[@tomwadek]

I’ve actually never heard of mavericks? I’ll have to look them up

[@tgchism]

I'm really impressed with my Meater Block. If I place the probes correctly, they've never failed me. I used them to cook this year's Thanksgiving turkey. It came out great and impressed everyone! It was great having a tender turkey instead of a dried our bird!

[@tomwadek]

Glad you like them!

[@tomwadek]

Which thermometer would you buy and why?

[@kevinwilson8350]

Fantastic video & content, Thank you. Ps the rack of lamb looked perfect & made me hungry. Great work , cheers.

[@tomwadek]

Thank you!

[@mobteknik]

I only have experience from the meater. Regarding range. It can be connected to the cloud, so infinite range if you'd like to use that functionality.

[@tomwadek]

Yeah, the MEATER can tether to wifi. Great feature.

[@kerplunk38880]

I have my Meater Block for sale. I'm sick of dealing with the connection issues. My Meat Sticks have been flawless.

[@mikelewis809]

Using your phone for this is cool and all but I would like to see the bases at least have a temp display on them.

[@jeffreyyoung702]

For something like that you would have to get the Tappecue Touch and run the Air Probe 2. I have the Tappecue Touch with the Air Probe 2 (x4) and 1 Meater +. Your comment is exactly what drove me to the Tappecue Touch vice the Meater Block. Additionally the Tappecue is not a one trick pony. You can use standard wireless probes or dual probe (1 probe measures both meat and chamber temp), or as mentioned wireless probes. Lastly even though I did not add the Tappecue Cruise Control system to my purchase I could still add it for approx $60. The cruise control option then turns your Touch into a PID controller able to monitor up to 8 standard temp probes with jumpers or 4 wireless Air Probe 2's. - Performance wise both the Meater+ and Air Probe 2's run about the exact same temps side by side in my cooks. The Air Probe is a bit fatter in diameter.

[@stephendrake5763]

Other reviews of the Meater Block talked about being able to check your cook while in town away from the house. Is that not an option you found?

[@jobasti]

Hey thanks for your video and input, i value that much. I had the same battery and range problems, but on the MeatStick with WiFi-Bridge, both are very flacky in actions. I bought them 2021-04. Maybe the hardware and software werent there yet. Still that set with 2 probes and that not battery included piece auf plastic called a Wifi-Bridge costed me then over 250 €.

[@tomwadek]

I’m sorry to hear that. I recently did a review on the new model with the 4 sensors design and it was also very reliable. It may be a “date manufactured” thing and there was revisions. Contact the company. I’m sure they can work something out. I believe they come with a 2-3 year warranty

[@jobasti]

@@tomwadek Do you mean i should try to return the complete hardware package for them to give me a new revision based on warranty? I didnt thought of that to be honest, but sounds like a good idea. My mind just went to thinking about buying the Meater Woodblock-Version with 4 Sticks in it :D

[@tomwadek]

@@jobasti I would reach out. If your under warranty, I’m sure they will take care of you

[@jobasti]

@@tomwadek Thanks man!

[@tomwadek]

@@jobasti np

[@timothycbryant]

Did you connect the block to your Wi-Fi or only use the Bluetooth extension?

[@tomwadek]

To wifi

[@Traumatree]

Nice phone.. where did you get that 'motif' on it? ;) Usually, a cell phone state reflects the care of most devices you use daily like you car, PCs, remote control, etc.

[@tomwadek]

I’ve had the phone for some time. When the battery stopped charging correctly, I removed the protective case and stopped caring. Hoping the 14 pro comes out soon. I only get about 2-3 hrs of battery life currently

[@Traumatree]

@@tomwadek You are really unlucky with your phone. I hope the next one won't be a lemon. I forgot to say thx for the video which was very informative!

[@tomwadek]

@@Traumatree yeah lol. It’s time for a new phone. No problem. Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@Nite-owl]

Personally I'd rather have AA batteries than an onboard battery that will degrade over time. AA's can be replaced easily and even removed when you're not likely to be using the probes for some time. With an onboard battery, the whole device becomes disposable when it eventually dies, which it inevitably will 5 minutes before it's needed, as per "Murphy's law" !

[@tomwadek]

Great point on the barriers. Thank you for commenting 😎

[@darrylrichman]

Unless you're using a rotisserie (which I think is the best reason to get either of these), is there really some reason to spend a lot more money on these instead of buying a wired WiFi or Bluetooth enabled thermometer? I bought an Ink Bird unit with 4 probes for about the same price as the single Meater Plus or Meatstick. It has an internal battery that you charge with a USB cable but is otherwise untethered and has no range issues because it's on my house's WiFi network, so anywhere I get WiFi with my phone I have a connection. The Ink Bird is supposed to be waterproof, and in my 1.5 year experience it will survive a rainstorm, but I wonder how well the wood on the Meater will deal with that. Finally, the probes on most of the wired units are much thinner, so they don't leave a big hole in the middle of your roast.

[@tomwadek]

It’s really preference. I enjoying going wireless because it’s less to deal with but there’s some great semi wired probes out there. Check out this two videos. They outline my prospective. A Comparison Guide To Buying Meat Thermometers kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4G6p2avrJlrjtE Thermo Pro BBQ Meat Thermometers Review | Great BBQ Tools kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqOchqCjo9Ojpqc

[@AlvenmodFoto]

2 Meater probes broken in less than a year, never overheated them and clean them properly between uses. The black end measuring the ambient temp fell off on both probes. Connectivity also a major issue. They look nice but Quality stinks on the Meater. Never tried the meatstick

[@tomwadek]

I’m really sorry to hear that!

[@AlvenmodFoto]

@@tomwadek thanks, it is what it is, just a complete waste of 400 usd sadly. Which thermometer would you recommend? Both wireless and wired options

[@eeedee1298]

I would and did buy a thermometer with 4 wire thermostats.. Big saving! Use the saving to buy a really good Japanese knife!

[@tomwadek]

Lol! Good deal!

[@jackwebb5917]

I only have the MEATER + and although it’s not rechargeable, the single battery lasts a long time. In MANY long cooks, I’ve only replaced the battery once in 5-7 months

[@tomwadek]

The battery does last a long time. Thanks for watching

[@jackwebb5917]

@@tomwadek Mine did. To me 6-8 months from a single AAA is a long time

[@tomwadek]

@@jackwebb5917 haha, oops! I meant to say,” the battery DOES last a really long time”

[@jackwebb5917]

@@tomwadek Oh ok !

[@overlandingjohn1277]

meat stick can use up to 8 probes at once while the meater only 4 but the meatstick bridge package only comes with 1 probe charger this means you will need to either buy a separate charger in order to charge both at once or swap them after each fully charges. Meater comes with 4 chargers, one for each probe with the 4 pack.

[@brenthop8249]

Just a tiny mistake on the video. The meter block doesn’t need to be plugged in to use it and connect to Wi-Fi giving you as much range as you like. I have used it for cooks before installing an outside socket near my bbqs. I do agree thought that the the wireless range of the probes could be a lot better than they currently are

[@tomwadek]

Oh no, in that case, mine may be faulty. It will not turn on unless it’s plugged in. Thanks for letting me know!

[@StanCook1]

That's right but the meter must connect to the Wi-Fi through Bluetooth so if your Wi-Fi router is not Bluetooth capable which I've never heard of one that is, then you have to connect it through a second phone even an old phone I guess that you would keep plugged in while using it or a laptop to connect to your Wi-Fi. That way you could check on your hamburgers from the other side of the world!

[@tomwadek]

@@StanCook1 I think that’s basically what the MeatStick repeater is doing.

[@englishjim6428]

The Meater Block connects to the probe via Bluetooth but connects to Wi-Fi router via - Wi -Fi! That’s kind of the point. It doesn’t need to be plugged in to a power source to work. Mine is generally good but can be a bit fussy about connecting. I have a Meater + and a block but it’s a little frustrating that you can’t run the single + probe through the Block. It will only work via Bluetooth the range of which is pathetic, 50’ on a good day.

[@tomwadek]

@@englishjim6428 seems mine is faulty. It will not stay on unless plug to the wall.

[@xiancabinkitchenwaresmeatt5383]

Great ideal

[@esk8alan]

Ever used an armetator thermometer? How's the effect

[@tomwadek]

I have not. How do you like it

[@esk8alan]

@@tomwadek Only saw it on reddit, didn't work yet hahaha

[@VerboseVindication]

The next button literally turns orange slowly to indicate when you'll be able to use it to advance to the next step. Am I just like a super genius because I'm able to recognize this?

[@tomwadek]

Yes, there was a timer but it also would freeze even after the time was done. I confirmed it was a software thing that had been fixed with an update.

[@mikevondebag]

I would take AAs over rechargeable any day. If that company goes out of business, I'll still be able to use the product. If it had an internal battery, it would go in the trash when the battery no longer holds a charge.

[@tomwadek]

Good point

[@issombeituni]

Can u power the meat stick wifi bridge with a USB power brick?

[@tomwadek]

I have not tested it but I think it would depend on the power source capability

[@Redridge07]

@@tomwadek How did you power the meatstick wifi bridge?

[@tomwadek]

@@Redridge07 I plugged it in to my wall outlet using their usb cord and a usb outlet

[@Redridge07]

@@tomwadek copy, thanks. So I would have to bring iti into the house as well in my case.

[@tomwadek]

@@Redridge07 yeah, that was a big con for me but the range was still outstanding.

[@michaelarnold2294]

I went out and bought the Meater Block and wasn’t able to use it right away. It was a nightmare for me as #1 stick wouldn’t work at all and #4 would not connect to the wifi. I wrote customer service and got the royal runaround. Completely discouraged I called Amazon an as it was purchased a little more than 30 days before there would be a return charge. It turns out it was like $50. I am very disappointed in the Meater and want to let others know it isn’t all that great.

[@tomwadek]

Sorry to hear. Thanks for sharing

[@wadeworkman7142]

Primeday!!! $30 off the Meat stick! Buying it now! Great video.

[@tomwadek]

Nice!

[@davidcarter6491]

This must be an old video because the Meat Stick I just bought has an internal rechargeable battery!

[@Sola_Scriptura_1.618]

And the winner is....Ink Bird!

[@tomwadek]

Haha

[@BC-hr2of]

Happy Father’s Day

[@tomwadek]

Thank you! Happy Father’s Day to your loved ones

[@DaveBuildsIt]

I purchased The Meatstick Pit Boss Bundle and I have not been pleased with it. When it works, it's great, but it has not been reliable. Cook setups often fail, my Wi-Fi bridge fails firmware updates, and support is nothing short of pathetic. At best, they reply once a day and only at 4 AM CST. I can't say that I recommend The Meater because I have not used it, but in hindsight, I definitely would not have purchased The Meatstick.

[@tomwadek]

Sorry to hear that. I’m not affiliated with the company in any way. Otherwise I would offer to help.

[@DaveBuildsIt]

@@tomwadek That was not directed at you. The Meatstick offered a better range and the ability to deep fry, so I made a decision based on the best available information. The times when it worked as expected, my cooks were perfection. Now, I have more information. That's just the way it rolls sometimes. Nothing against you at all.

[@tomwadek]

@@DaveBuildsIt I know. I just feel bad and wish I could help. No offense taken

[@DaveBuildsIt]

@@tomwadek I appreciate that.

[@sheldon3911]

Facts off... Meater+ and meater Block do not need to be plugged in.

[@tomwadek]

Mines are defective, and must be plugged in.

[@emmgeevideo]

I have had the Meater + (I won't capitalize all letters -- what's up with that?) and the Meater Block. I have rarely had it work care-free during a cook. I use a Kamado Joe Big Joe and the Meater struggles with connectivity. I got the Block to resolve that problem because it uses Wi-Fi. No bueno... The app doesn't float my boat either. I have no need for history or notes. I don't need a bridge if Bluetooth works. Your review and others show that connectivity for the MeatStick is super. Thanks for the review. If you don't mind some feedback, your transition music needs to be toned down.

[@michaelscott4893]

Ecspecially

[@mjsabie8517]

Not using the WiFi bridge may seem fair but you are taking away a feature that people pay for. I wouldn’t buy it and not use the WiFi

[@tomwadek]

Only for this comparison. Wanted to show it still had plenty of range compared to the competition

[@yoza717]

You can use a power bank rather than finding an AC plug