Maybe I misunderstood, but at around 19:20 you mentioned that none of the competition made their sensor locations clear. I have been using the Combustion Inc. thermometer and love it, because it not only has the sensor locations engraved on the probe with tiny dots, but also shows each sensor's temp readings in its advanced display mode. It completely removes guessing, and allows me to track everything - from the coldest sensor location to the surface temp, to prevent overcooking. I have not tried the Meater yet, but look forward to checking out their latest version.
The combustion doesn't matter because it has 8 if i recall.. i meant more legacy probes like the first gen meater, meat stick, yummly etc. all which started with one internal probe and one external probe. The issue with those was some where at the tip, some where 1" or more up the probe and you never really know what you are probing since there are no markings on those to let you know where the sensor is... just a line on the insert too (not the sensor)
I upgraded from Meater block to Combustion Inc with display, 8 sensors and much thinner. Temperature on Combustion display is great, can work without phone! Don’t need Wi-Fi connection at home when using the Combustion range extender. Meater often disconnects right next to grill and oven. Combustion you can put range extender next to grill/oven and then use the display where you are preparing food. Meater Pro XL higher ambient temp sensor sounds great but not having a useful larger display on the block is a missed opportunity in my opinion. Combustion cost more with multiple sensors, range extenders that charge, and display, which could be better too showing all sensor temps vs having to cycle through them but that said I’m happier with the Combustions for my use.
You dinged Thermoworks for rating their wireless probe at 1000 F max, but including an ambient probe & cable only rated at 700 F (cable to probe transition is only rated at 644 F). The 1000 F rating of the wireless probe probably makes it good for measuring internal meat temperatures for live fire, radiant grills, broilers and pizza ovens. Can you give an example where you would want measure the ambient (air) oven temperature above 700 F with a wired probe? At such high temperatures, radiant heat transfer overwhelms convective heat transfer so an ambient (air probe) is less useful and IR guns are used to measure the surface temperature of a pizza stone, steel or oven walls. Thermoworks advertises the ambient probe to control charcoal fired smoking with their Billows temperature control fan. Low and slow, hot smoking is done at ambient temperatures of around 225 F in my experience so the Thermoworks ambient probe is perfectly adequate for that. Maybe if I were smoking and roasting a turkey on a charcoal grill or pellet smoker I would want to control the ambient temperature to 325 F to 450 F so the Thermoworks ambient probe is still good.
Well all this to say I don't have it in hand to test and i suspect some paperwork will be updated by the time it officially launches. My questions going into more testing is (1) if the probe is rated for a max 1000f but does not have an ambient sensor and needs the external sensor to get that information how does a person know that they might be damaging the probe? Combustion Inc, Meater and others can be left in steaks when searing for example where temps directly over hot coals can be very hot (2) is it water proof for outdoor use (3) the temp accuracy, is it actually downgraded to 0.9f vs. the Thermapen One at 0.5f which is the same as Meater and others
Love it! Super excited for you to do your next gen comparisons! I’ve been resisting the temptation of pre-ordering because I’d love to see how it compares to the others! Thanks James!
I'm very excited about the Thermoworks option. I love that they have an option to run a grate temp probe since the ambient temp sensors on these wireless probes can be less than accurate. Also it appears their range is going to unstoppable. I'd love to see you do a breakdown in your thoughts for which one is better depending on use case (maybe Thermoworks is best for large offsets, for instance?). Thanks for the review of the updated Meater! I agree they do have a great app.
If you are using their ambient probe, the range of the thermoworks probe/gateway is the length of the ambient probe wire (~4 ft). Your wifi will dictate the rest of the range. And if using 1 wired probe, why not not just use two? I'm pretty disappointed in Thermoworks for how they have went about marketing aspects of this new product.
@@ryanb4481 a while back they sent an email to their subscription list people that mentioned a future option for a wired wireless ambient probe. That's not a typo. It said that one of the issues of a totally wireless standalone ambient probe is that the battery would be exposed to extreme temperatures since it would not be inside a cut of meat. Their solution is to have an adapter that any of their pro line probes can plug into. So it's wired from the inside to the outside where the adapter would be which would then transmit wirelessly. This would allow you to place the gateway anywhere within the RFX range. I'm trying to find my email. If I can dig it up I will share the exact wording. This is the feature I'm waiting for because my smoker is far away from my house. I won't buy until something like this is available.
@KirkSpencer No need to find it. They announced it in YT Short just a day or two ago. You should be able to find it under the Thermoworks channel. Tbh, I just don't understand this concept though. If I already have to run one wire, why not just run another for the meat? My setup is similar to yours and I just use the SmokeX. The RFX doesn't really do anything that the Smoke X doesn't. I'm also wondering about cost. This is going to be a separate device with a separate cost and if it comes in cheaper than the two probe SmokeX, why wouldn't people just get it for a cheap wired solution?
@@ryanb4481 That's a great point. Once you run one cord, what's another? The only advantage will be the app and the features there. But that hardly justifies spending money when the old school Thermoworks already gives you pretty much perfect data.
I have the Meater Block and I love it when it works well. The issues I have had are: - Occasional dropping of the connection between the probes and the block. I have the block on a table right next to my Weber Summit Kamado and the probes are in the Kamado, so we're talking 3-4 ft range. It will drop for a minute or 2 and then reconnect. I have heard from other WSK owners that the double-walled metal seems to cause them issues occasionally, too. - I live in Florida where our new house is built with concrete block (often called cinder blocks even though they are concrete now.) We have the grill and Meater Block on the lanai outside the large, sliding glass doors (3 panels). I can't have the Block inside the house because those doors (double-pane storm glass) interfere with the Bluetooth connection. Open the doors and it will work. - I put the Block on the lanai right next to the grill because of the previously mentioned Bluetooth issues. We have had issues getting the Block to connect to the Wi-Fi inside the house. I have found just the right position that will work most of the time, with occasional drops/reconnects. We have an eero Mesh Wi-Fi system (the latest-greatest) and have 2 of the routers in the family room which is just inside those sliding glass doors less that 20 feet away. But we have issues with almost all Wi-Fi devices on the lanai, not just the Block. The drop in signal strength and Network Speed is huge. It is frustrating, for sure. Eventually, we will wire the lanai with hardwire Ethernet (and additional power outlets) and we will be able to put an eero Router on the lanai itself.
Like you, I fell for the Meater ambiguity about true wireless connectivity and bought their Meater probe, Meater II, and finally the Block to get the experience I was after. For that reason, I gave my Meater Block and probes to a friend and now cook using the Fireboard family of instruments in my KJ Big Joe and LSG cabinet offset.
I’m done with MEATER. Can never get them to connect consistently to the network. Constantly disconnects. Temps jump all over the place on the probe. My latest one I had for just a couple months and the wood box holder completely molded over while inside an outdoor kitchen drawer. Threw it out
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
I tried every work around I could find. Constant issues with it dropping or not connecting. Spending 30-60min a time trying to get it to connect to my WiFi. During cooks I’d have issues with it disconnecting. My original block also had issues with the temps jumping back and forth 10-20 degrees. I sent it in for analysis and they just sent me a new one and it was more of the same. Tossed it out and got the latest pro version hoping it’d be better and same issues with connecting to it. No longer had the temps jumping. Unfortunately this one molded over just sitting in my outdoor kitchen draw with just humidity…. Was so gross I threw it out. I’m back to just using a thermapen. I have lots of other smart devices in my house and no issues with any of them connecting to the network.
The problem with the Meater proves is the Bluetooth connection and complete lack of support. I have set my 2 Meater 2+ probes within 1 foot of the grill because otherwise they won't connect at all. Then there's the fact that the app crashes at about 1.5 hours in. I've had to pull out my 8 year old Thermoworks wired Smoke (solid unit, doesn't come with Wi-Fi unless you buy the bridge). I went with the Meater after some reviews after being unimpressed by the Thermoworks Signal unit with its barely adequate battery in the middle of a different cook and realized that it's superior too. I wanted to like it, but Meater refuses to listen to the criticisms. Meater is a masterpiece of marketing, but in no way ready for primetime. Notice that Meater doesn't show you negative reviews on is website. Probes are tools. They work well, or they don't. The Meater is very unreliable and a bad tool. Save your money.
I think the new products have been removed from discounts / the code isn't stackable any more with black friday or other sales but it still supports the channel if you use the link
I have meter block, it has never worked properly for me. Constant disconnection or no connection at all. I was very disappointed by so am very gun shy about a new version.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
@@SmokingDadBBQ For me (at least in the Weber summit) I can't get the connection to be stable even if it's connected to my phone and the phone is on top of the grill risking being melted. I bought a wired thermometer and have never had an issue. Very disappointed with meater
@ I am not sure this will help or not but I saved this message from support that has fixed a few people’s issues. Pasting now it sounds like your probes may be paired directly to your phone rather than your Block. May I ask you to try the following steps to reset your MEATER Block? We recommend unpairing the Block from the app before trying these steps, but it's not required Turn off Bluetooth on our smart device. Make sure all 4 of the probes are docked in the Block. Start the Block in Standalone Mode. Hold down the Settings button (the gear icon) for 10-15 seconds until the "Erase All Settings?" notification appears, and select "Yes." Start your Block in Standalone Mode again, and wait for the check mark to appear next to all 4 probes. Enable Bluetooth on your smart device, then start the Block in WiFi Mode to connect to the app.
@@SmokingDadBBQ I think the summit being all metal just doesn't work with wireless (at least in the WiFi band). If I put my cell phone or Bluetooth headphones in there they immediately lose connection too. I bet a lower frequency would make it through, but it would have to be down in the radio waves probably. I've given up and just use wired probes, no fuss and 100% reliable.
Hello !! I Love your Videos, congrats on that, first time I saw a Video of yours in which I did not see almost nothing about a real Review of the Product. Could you please do a Video with the comparison on how the Meater Block Improved now that is called Pro XL ? , for Example, I hate my Meater Block because of the Battery use, it has a microusb that is useless, and i would like to see some close ups on the new Pro XL and how it improved and some action !! Hahahaha, Thanks in advance, Again Txs !!!
I am back in the stone age with my Thermoworks Smoke X4. I have been very happy with it, but, it would sure be nice to get rid of all those wired probes. I'm looking forward to your upcoming review!
Lot of great information about wireless signals that I can verify that you are correct on being an electrical engineer for years, but you gave the world how I get max performance out my routers. I will take a 6 speed manual transmission in my diesel truck any day when pulling my 5th wheel. So how well did this new device work compared to the old. What do you think about the block's new rechargeable battery over the replaceable batteries in the old?
I have two of the first generation MEATER however never liked due to high heat restrictions so I upgraded to the newest version. Love the fact I don’t worry about the high heat however can’t see myself upgrading to new pro block. Also I have never had connection issues with either. I will look at the Fireboard unit as I do have a Fireboard controller. Time will tell in these and can’t wait to see new innovations on these probes as new players are entering. Great video James!
I have several wireless thermometer brands, so I have a bit of real world experience in using these. There are 3 things that I hate about the Meater Block. First, it does not have an internal rechargeable battery. You either have to plug it in to a separate portable battery pack, plug in to a wall charger or install 4 AA batteries which don't last long at all. Having to buy four brand new AA batteries every time I cook something isn't an option and lugging around a separate external battery pack is also a hassle if your cooker is not next to an outlet. The Second issue, when you do have it plugged in to an external battery or wall charger It will not charge any of the thermometers when the Block is "ON", which just seems ridiculous. You literally have to turn the block "OFF" in order for the thermometers to charge. The Third issue, when the Block is turned off, there is absolutely no way to see whether your thermometers are being charged or not. There is no red light or green light or any other type of indication as to whether you're thermometers are being charged. You literally have to cross your fingers and hope that they are being charged. The only way to tell is to turn the Block back on to see If the charge levels are increasing for the 4 thermometers. Do you know if they have taken care of any of these shortcomings in the new Pro XL Block?
Hi James. Great videos! I loved my Meater until I purchased my Typhur Quad. I am loving it and features way more than the Meater. Also, the price is not bad. I hope you include this product when doing your comparison test with other thermometers. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for all your videos and advice it made me a way better smoker on my offset and kamado.
Just got the Meater Pro XL - Unless I'm missing something, there isn't really a manual anywhere for these and the FAQs dont' have a lot of detail specific to models. Mine is flashing red, but I don't know why. The block appears to work, wifi fine, cloud connected, can see probe status but its just flashing red. Even when the block is off (plugged in to USB power) its flashing red...
James...I have a question. Lifelong big green egg guy here. Love your videos...and in the winter Lowes had a Kamado Joe Classic Series 1 1:08 on sale (display model). I bought it. I definitely like grilling on it more than the large BGE. However, I don't like the low and slow smoking as much as on the BGE. I did some investigations...and i think it may be because the grate sits about an inch higher on the large BGE over the plate setter than the KJ Classic 1 grates sit over the kj heat deflectors. I think this may keep the meat further from the fire on the BGE than the KJ Classic 1. Thoughts? Also I know with the kj series 2 and 3 isn't an issue sits they are larger.
That's a quite comprehensive review. Looking forward to what you'll think about the Fireboard Pulse. It seems to be a single sensor probe, but seems to be a good option for those of us who already own Fireboard 2.
Do you know (or maybe you can try in your comparison) if using a wifi extender will work with the block xl, or does it get confused with being on the same connection with your phone? Looking forward to the review as i held off from getting the "pro" knowing a better wifi block would eventually come, but now there might be a better competitor!?!
Follow up here: i just got the Thermoworks RFX gateway and wireless probe kit. Once I got everything connected, it worked flawlessly the 1st cook. Interestingly, each piece is a device for the Thermoworks app. But it has zero trouble communicating through the thick aluminum shell of the PK grill, the gateway can be in the house, 15 get away and still have a solid signal, and zero drop outs. Wi-Fi connectivity is great. I will still give Meater credit for a slick app, but on the hardware front in my experience, there's no competition at all. I've got 2 Meater 2 probes that are now sitting. They're adequate for cooking inside in an oven, but I simply can't rely on them for anything like grilling or barbecue.
@@SmokingDadBBQ My quick test was on steaks. There is a setting to change how often the probe communicates. The default is 1 minute. This can be adjusted. More frequent reporting uses more battery. I don't know the exact adjustment levels off the top of my head. I used it on steaks and it worked fine for me. The meater probes for me have been opaque on their reporting frequency when they worked at all. I am wondering if the person who reported that was using bluetooth or Wi-Fi. I can see where if you haven't gotten Wi-Fi set up, that the reporting might not be as consistant. Honestly, that's speculation on my part.
Regarding the 700 degree max for the wired ambient sensor vs the 1000 degree max for the RFX wireless probe, I see no problem because using the ambient probe isn't mandatory. Nor is it necessary for many people. Also, when grilling, you don't use or need the ambient probe. So these differences aren't necessarily a problem.
I bought a single "Pro" probe on a recent sale to have in addition to the previous model probe I already had. I realized an android music player I had could function as a bridge to wifi, which works great! I wonder if using the BT repeater you get when you buy a single probe next to your grill and a WIFI device inside your house might be a stronger connection than you get with the block.
Hi James - question: I have the original MEATER block. Can I buy just the PRO probe and still use it with my original MEATER block? I really only care about the new probe’s higher heat rating, and would be happy to have that in just one of the four probes.
RFX seems interesting but there’s no technical data regarding weather usage or water resistance. Looking forward to your honest feedback i think a lot of users are going to be surprised with the results.
Good point about the outdoor weather rating... the signals and billows only has a splash proof rating in my test last year unlike fire board which was water resistant rated
Very meandering review also talking about other upcoming reviews of new products. Long story short - it’s a good product if you need four probes, already like the MEATER app, and want WiFi.
Was waiting for this one, might snatch one myself. One thing I would like them to add is LOCAL API support. which would allow you to log/monitor tem[-data trough home-assistant, as well instead of having to rely on the Meater-app every time
@@darknessblades I appreciate Combustion Inc's documentation on their Bluetooth API, including example Android and iOS apps. Someone has already used it to write an integration for home-assistant. They also have plans to document their API for their cloud.
Do you really need an ambient sensor when you’re shooting for temps over 700°? I assume that’s best for monitoring your manual managed fires on smokers (non-pellet grills)
i don't think you need it unless you are using a probe that cannot exceed a certain temp in which case we've kinda artificially created a need to know the ambient temps when searing as to not cause damage to the product inside of the grill. More to come when i actually get my hands on one and understand whats actually the deal with ratings and how its intended to work as a package
I’ve been using and researching wireless probes for years. I’ve been using the Typhur Sync for a few months now. It checks all the boxes (including WiFi) that others seem to be missing. You should include that in your comparisons.
Nothing but problems with my original Meater on KJ dropping connection. Only wireless device I have issues with at home. Will be tough to get me to spend again with this company
I want to support but I’ve had the worst experience with meater. Mine never worked. My support ticket was escalated to corporate and I’ve not heard back for over a month. I would love to use it for my thanksgiving cook but think I’m going to have to return it and get something that works. I had high hopes and gave them ample time to rectify.
@@SmokingDadBBQ they finally contacted me today and is sending me a replacement. They said they had a system issue, and my ticket was systematically closed. I'll give it another shot and if this one doesn't work, I'm done.
@@fransvandewiel4842 can’t wait. First looks see fun but reviews is where it’s at. I still haven’t received the others yet to start so soon as I get them I can get to work
Recently cooked some ribeyes on the KJ classic 2 with the Meater 2 probe, I used the reverse method. First indirect at 120 C, pulled the meat from the heat at 42 C, opened all the vents and grilled the steak, the estimated cooking time was all over the place and in the end the meat was overcooked, looks like these probere are not at there best when switching cooking method..After this i tend to go back to cooking with a timer and the Thermapen Mk4
Yeah meater cannot work out total cook time when you are in reality doing two different cooks on the same piece of meat. 1) a low and slow then 2) a hot grill Reverse sear set cook for your desired internal temp and when that's complete, remove probe and super super hot grill just for the browning/crust you want, which should not directly correlate to the internal meat temperature. This all requires a really thick steak and a very hot grill, perfectly reverse searing a thinner steak with weaker grill heat is more art (or luck) rather than science.
I am seriously looking at thermoworks as it has a blower as an option as part of the Rfx ecosystem. I think you should add that aspect to your attributes to be considered
I mentioned that. Same with the FireBoard pulse which will be able to do the same. There’s just so many misprints with the specs of those at the moment I will wait until it’s locked and loaded before doing any head to head reviews. I am not sure the RFX will really only have its ambient sensor limited to 700f despite a probe that can go to 1000 with no way to know that or do we know if it’s actually downgraded in accuracy from 0.5f like my One to 0.9f and is actually double the range of the pulse, combustion inc and Meater products. Will figure out what’s what when the final details are confirmed for each manufacturer
Hi James, love your channel and your objective perspectives on just about everything and I certainly don’t mean to nit pick but I wish that you wouldn’t confuse routers with modems and vise versa. they are not the same and certainly not interchangeable and mostly serve different functions in the network. Also might be helpful in your context to discuss WiFi 6 when discussing numbers of connected devices. Can’t wait to see your side-by-side comparisons. Keep up the great work and thank you.
HI James. I have the previous generation of the MEATER Block and really like the software. I also commented on your original review of that device. I use the MEATER Block when I want to do a rotisserie cook but use the FireBoard 2 Pro for everything else. I choose the setup because I found the MEATER Block to be very unreliable when connecting over 2.4GHz WIFI. I have the Block in-line-of-view of my Kamado Joe and I still have connection issues. Although MEATER did include some much-needed upgrades to the BLOCK, it’s not enough to get me to change because of the connection issues.
Thanks for this video. I am on the fence about the Pro XL. I understand why they would include 2.4 legacy WiFi, but including 5.8 and WiFi 6 should be implemented in all devices in this day and age. I’ll most likely buy the Pro XL but I think the WiFi limitation is a missed opportunity.
2.4 GHz WiFi isn't legacy, just a different option. It has more range but less bandwidth. It's the best choice here. The version numbers, like WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, WiFi 7, are separate. You can have 2.4GHz WiFi 7.
I get the feeling others are expressing but the “newest” isn’t always the best or required. MEATER doesn’t need either the bandwidth nor speed of the newer standards. The amount of data transmitted by MEATER is tiny compared to the standards which are intended to transmit HD-level video. You’d see exactly zero difference with the other frequencies over 2.4GHz except possibly a loss of range and stability so why demand it? It’s like paying for Premium gas for your little 1.5hp lawnmower.
I bought the meater + first. But the issue with the BlueTooth connection and trying to solve it with a spare phone was the reason to by the meater block. The new features are looking nice and I am tempted to upgrade but to be honest I don't need 4 probes but I want the standard WIFI option. I prefer a 2 probe device with WIFI and I don't understand why Meater is not selling this. Or upgrade the Pro with a WIFI option. For your information, I am almost every time cooking for myself.
Can I get the block without the probes? I always have the probes.
3 หลายเดือนก่อน +7
I can't believe for the price of the latest Block that it does not support Wi-Fi 6.0. Why would you stop short of making all the technology advancements you could on a new product. The 2.4 band as you clearly outlined is a trash can of interferences and minimum overlapping co-channels. Alowing Wi-Fi 6.0 would allow users to move the Wi-Fi connection to a less populated spectrum in most areas.
I would guess that since high data speeds are not required and would not change performance, WiFi 6 would have no benefit. WiFi 6e would be even more superfluous for remote connections given limited range of 6ghz. It makes no sense to use a 6 Gbps connection to transmit data received from a Bluetooth connection which at most would be 24Mbps. Your device will still receive the data even if it is connected to your network via WiFi 6 and the block is connected via WiFi 5.
I would like to see an ambient sensor comparison when you do your side-by-side video later. Thermoworks makes the claim (probably correctly) that the ambient sensors attached to the probe are inaccurate due to their proximity to the colder temperature of the meat inside the grill. I've noticed that on my Chefstemp wireless setup. Having all 3 of the new probes near each other in the same hunk of meat along with a separate wired ambient temp set further away from the food, would provide some interesting data.
Thermoworks was being disingenuous, unfortunately. Assuming the probes are accurate, the ambient temp is no less accurate between any of these. When food cooks, water evaporates. This creates a cooling effect around the food. So the ambient temp that the probes measure is that cooler air around the probe. This isn't "inaccurate" at all. In fact this is the actual temperature that the surface of the food experiences. If your oven is 500° but the temp around the food is only 200°, then your food is only experiencing 200°. The separate probe is neat, but only really for adjusting the BBQ temperature. My oven can manage it's own temperature just fine.
@@MattM-24worth looking at Fireboard’s data for Pulse. Temp is off quite significantly at start (100f) and equalises after about 2h in their test. Whilst might not matter for the food, it may be an issue for fan controller which will get the fire roaring to compensate.
It's an interesting conversation... what is accurate? I can get 100f temp difference using wired probes on my divide an conquer rack at the bottom vs. the top... so if two probes have different information by 100F is that inaccurate? If the air near the food is cooler because of the evaporative cooling than my grid or my dome does that make inaccurate if thats the temp of the air circulating what i am cooking?
@@SmokingDadBBQ this might matter more if you're using the ambient temp to run your fan with something like the Fireboard or the Bellows. I'm also wondering how the added convection of the fan would affect the ambient temperature being read.
Absolutely agree with your comments about the app. I have both the FireBoard and ThermoWorks apps and the MEATER app beats them hands down. With the MEATER everything is intuitive and I never have to stop and ask myself how to change a setting or check a reading, it’s all perfectly obvious. The other apps are, comparatively speaking, clunky messes. In particular I use the FireBoard 2 for fan control and it’s always a “hunt and peck” process to setup or change, really irritating.
Thanks, sometimes people forget the only way to use many of these products is via your device and all apps are not created equal so i really do believe it should be part of peoples decision making
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
3 หลายเดือนก่อน
Best use for all of the wireless probes on the market in my opinion is Rotisserie use. No cables allow the protein to spin not incombered by wires. You can monitor the cook without constantly lifting the lid. Do you really need to walk away for hours while your chicken spins and monitor it remotely??? I don't need a $300+ probe to monitor a Chicken on a $200 Weber Kettle.
I haven’t received it along with the documentation yet nor have I for the pulse. The first look videos for other products will feel the same not sure what to tell you. But if you’re more comfortable watching two people that were flown out to the brands office to record “independent” reviews posted by the manufacturer be my guest
@@Anteater23 I got that wrong. Thanks for pointing out. I am still waiting for paper work to explain how the 1000f temp will be managed based on what I see is an ambient sensor rated below that. Again they are pre release. Specs and documents are likely to get updated so I will get into all that when we have final details and can do some real world testing
I’ll never buy another Meater product after owning a meater block. Non stop signal drops. Turned into a $300 paper weight. The signal can’t make it through my pellet smoker let alone my 3/8 offset with the block right next to the grill. I pre ordered the RFX and I’m not looking back.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
@@SmokingDadBBQyeah I mean I dove deep into trying to fix it. It worked great on my Traeger ironwood 885 which was a pretty thin metal door but when I upgraded to the ironwood xl which is fully isolated it could not keep a signal between the block and the probes. When I got my offset which is 3/8 steel I built a table right next to the smoker for the block and I couldn’t keep connection. To test I took a probe out that I left outside of the grill and another probe that I put in a steak inside the grill. The probe left outside of the grill retained connection the entire time. The one I did the grill would drop the signal almost as soon as the lid closed. The issue I had was the probes losing connection with the block. The block would stay connected to my WiFi and probes left outside the grill would keep the connection. The RFX promises to solve this by using a lower frequency signal (the jury is still out) but I pray they have an answer so I don’t have to run wires all over the grill. The one thing I didn’t like about the RFX was the ambient temp probe being wired. I get why they didn’t build it into the probe, those are not accurate but I would have loved a wireless ambient probe.
The negative comments below are why I recently bought a similar, cheaper brand. Until all the quirks are worked out of the more expensive brands, I will use my cheaper (99$), wifi enabled, dual probe, and use a separate wired probe for accurate ambient temps. Although I came really close to buying the thermaworks rfx (price is just to high atm).
Damn, had a tracking number for almost a week and still hasn’t been fulfilled yet. 😅 MEATER better ship these things out soon! I gave my MEATER + to my dad because I had expected to get these by now. Now I have no probes!
Maybe you missed the title called first look with a full review coming. I assume you’ve skipped the parts where I call out the lack of Bluetooth 5.2 on iOS as a non feature or confusion with the lineup that got me originally ordering multiple models trying to get wifi functionality along with …. Never mind it’s all in the first look video for those who are watching
I have been losing faith in ThermoWorks quality. My Thermapen One had a manufacturing defect; it was replaced under warranty but its replacement broke down within a few weeks.
Yikes. That’s rare for them. I have 3 or 4 and have never had a failure yet (knock on wood) That being said I hope it’s a miss print about the 0.9f accuracy vs 0.5
Purchased MEATER Block about six months ago which turned out to be a waste of money, constantly losing connection. Ended up just throwing it away and will never use another one of their products.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
I visited this review, hoping to decide whether to buy a Meater Pro vs. a Meater XL vs. a Meater Pro XL, and this review doesn't really help with that. Review only briefly discusses differences between Meater products and vs. competitors. Spends way too much time discussing wi-fi range issues and how to improve it.
its a first look … and everything you need to know on that is in the video. the review is following when i can put things through their full paces outside of the excitement surrounding any new product launches.
Hey James, looking to dive into a Komodo and get a BigJoe. The XL pro probes look amazing and I imagine would be a great pairing. But per your other video on the Fireboard drive th-cam.com/video/_g9CldqD-UQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YQ-6R4FmQKFaSHj1 a controller with fan l also adds value that the XL Pro alone doesn’t have. If you could only get one, what would you get and why? Also keen to see your review on the Fireboard Pulse probe when you get them, as that could make it a simple decision.
It is disappointing that you are showcasing this product when they have yet to fix their connectivity issues, and their customer service is horrendous. You might be swaying people with a limited budget to spend upwards of $300 for a device that won’t work. There’s no customer support, and the refund policy is nonexistent. I say that there’s no customer support or refund policy because they keep giving you the runaround, give you 6+ months of technical support, which never fixes your device, and then even if you’re within the return policy window, they make it such a challenge, just to be able to return your product.
I think you've overcomplicated the Wi-Fi discussion. If the connectivity requirement is for video viewing or snappy webpage rendering, then I think the complexities that you cover are relevant. A wireless measuring device sends and receives data in small amounts. The data speed required for "Internet of Things" devices is pretty irrelevant. For the average user (who couldn't change the Wi-Fi channel on their router if their life depended on it), distance to their router and obstructions in the way are the most relevant considerations. Also, reading some of the comments which bemoan the Meater connectivity, my guess is most of those issues are purely Bluetooth issues and not Wi-Fi issues. I've been in the networking industry for years, including most recently with a company that sells Wi-Fi and Fixed Wireless Broadband devices. I've managed tech support for these products. I've heard "your Wi-Fi sucks" more times than I care to remember. Usually the reason for bad wireless connectivity is the end-user device. I gave up on Meater because (IMHO), the Bluetooth sucked.
I have been using the Typhur Quad for several months now. It has similar specs to what you're saying about the Pro XL - 5 sensors, 0.5°F, dishwasher safe probes, fast charging, long distance BT 5.3, Wifi, narrower probe, high ambient temp (750°F). The base unit is also water resistant (can sit outside in the rain, if need be), and you don't need an app to use it (although not all features are available). It retails for $280, or about $70 cheaper than the Pro XL, and it often goes on sale ($229 during Labor Day weekend).
@@SmokingDadBBQThermoworks put Jeremy in a bad spot. They should have never asked him to do that video. He's not going to say No. It's not who he is. But he's openly admitted in the past that he doesn't use leave-in probes (wired or wireless). Before the RFX conference, he probably couldn't name three wireless proves on the market.
I'm not convinced of your impartiality here. You're ignoring the effects of evaporative cooling on temp probes and the RFX smartly removes it from the actual probe because you'll get more consistent temps: the ambient temps you'd get from the Meater would still be inconsistent due to evaporative cooling and that cooling changes from meat to meat. Also the dismissive "700" temp of the Thermoworks ambient probe tone you took really grated me. If you're going +700, you really don't need to know the temp above that for 99.9% of cooks. You're searing: you now it's hot and you really don't need to know the precise temp. And, you spent 7 minutes "fixing connectivity issues" and that begs "Why is the Meater probe wireless tech so flawed?" Can you put your Meater in a cast iron dutch oven and put that in the oven and still stay connected? Thermoworks has a history of being solid while Meater has a history of issues with reliability and accuracy. It just seems somethings amiss in your motivations for endorsing Meater.
I am not going to review products on speculation. Sounds like you’ve made up your mind and a wireless probe that needs wires and can’t regulate itself near its maximum in which case congrats on your RFX purchase
@@SmokingDadBBQ Sure. I'm enthusiastic about RFX, but your enthusiasm for the Meater really shows and you're ignoring some valid points. You ignore the very valid point that an ambient meat temp sensor on a wireless meat probe doesn't give you valid data: a meat's size causes the temperature surrounding it to drop and it varies on how much it drops depending on the size of the cut: a brisket will cool the surrounding air more than a 8oz filet. Also, the rate of evaporation will be different from cut to cut depending on how much moisture it has and how much moisture it releases. What you can control with an independent temp sensor is distance from your meat. I work in science education and potential garbage data should not be overlooked. I will probably get RFX because Thermoworks has a longer track record than any of the other company producing temp probes. And you harping on the .9 temp accuracy can mislead people: what is needed in this case is 1) responsiveness, 2) reasonable accuracy that can be verified. We don't know 1, yet. BUT I just did some searching and Apption Labs certifies Meater's probes: Apption Labs *is* Meater (and Traeger). They offer no third party accreditation information on their website that I could find: that's a conflict of interest. Any scientist or food safety expert should question Meater's claims to temperature accuracy. Thermowork's calibration lab is certified by the A2LA, an non-profit certification lab that certifies hundreds of labs across the country. And you can find Thermoworks certifcation at a2la.org: Meater/Apption does not have an accreditation. I say this not trying to start a flame war but you're overlooking and dismissing some things that really need to be looked into.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
@@SmokingDadBBQ My WIFI is superb. 400+ mb. Eero boosters. Perfect reception/broadcast power everywhere. The problem is with the MEATER. Like so many others, it just will not stay connected. They are currently in a box, about to go out in the alley for whomever wishes to inherit the problems. I will stick with my Thermapen. Had it with wifi/bluetooth junk.
Very meandering review also talking about other upcoming reviews of new products. Long story short - it’s a good product if you need four probes, already like the MEATER app, and want WiFi.
Maybe I misunderstood, but at around 19:20 you mentioned that none of the competition made their sensor locations clear. I have been using the Combustion Inc. thermometer and love it, because it not only has the sensor locations engraved on the probe with tiny dots, but also shows each sensor's temp readings in its advanced display mode. It completely removes guessing, and allows me to track everything - from the coldest sensor location to the surface temp, to prevent overcooking. I have not tried the Meater yet, but look forward to checking out their latest version.
The combustion doesn't matter because it has 8 if i recall.. i meant more legacy probes like the first gen meater, meat stick, yummly etc. all which started with one internal probe and one external probe.
The issue with those was some where at the tip, some where 1" or more up the probe and you never really know what you are probing since there are no markings on those to let you know where the sensor is... just a line on the insert too (not the sensor)
I upgraded from Meater block to Combustion Inc with display, 8 sensors and much thinner. Temperature on Combustion display is great, can work without phone! Don’t need Wi-Fi connection at home when using the Combustion range extender. Meater often disconnects right next to grill and oven. Combustion you can put range extender next to grill/oven and then use the display where you are preparing food. Meater Pro XL higher ambient temp sensor sounds great but not having a useful larger display on the block is a missed opportunity in my opinion. Combustion cost more with multiple sensors, range extenders that charge, and display, which could be better too showing all sensor temps vs having to cycle through them but that said I’m happier with the Combustions for my use.
You dinged Thermoworks for rating their wireless probe at 1000 F max, but including an ambient probe & cable only rated at 700 F (cable to probe transition is only rated at 644 F). The 1000 F rating of the wireless probe probably makes it good for measuring internal meat temperatures for live fire, radiant grills, broilers and pizza ovens. Can you give an example where you would want measure the ambient (air) oven temperature above 700 F with a wired probe? At such high temperatures, radiant heat transfer overwhelms convective heat transfer so an ambient (air probe) is less useful and IR guns are used to measure the surface temperature of a pizza stone, steel or oven walls. Thermoworks advertises the ambient probe to control charcoal fired smoking with their Billows temperature control fan. Low and slow, hot smoking is done at ambient temperatures of around 225 F in my experience so the Thermoworks ambient probe is perfectly adequate for that. Maybe if I were smoking and roasting a turkey on a charcoal grill or pellet smoker I would want to control the ambient temperature to 325 F to 450 F so the Thermoworks ambient probe is still good.
Well all this to say I don't have it in hand to test and i suspect some paperwork will be updated by the time it officially launches.
My questions going into more testing is
(1) if the probe is rated for a max 1000f but does not have an ambient sensor and needs the external sensor to get that information how does a person know that they might be damaging the probe? Combustion Inc, Meater and others can be left in steaks when searing for example where temps directly over hot coals can be very hot
(2) is it water proof for outdoor use
(3) the temp accuracy, is it actually downgraded to 0.9f vs. the Thermapen One at 0.5f which is the same as Meater and others
@@SmokingDadBBQ I bet there'll be a wireless RFX ambient probe.
Excellent reviews! Thank you for your work!!
Love it! Super excited for you to do your next gen comparisons! I’ve been resisting the temptation of pre-ordering because I’d love to see how it compares to the others! Thanks James!
I'm very excited about the Thermoworks option. I love that they have an option to run a grate temp probe since the ambient temp sensors on these wireless probes can be less than accurate. Also it appears their range is going to unstoppable. I'd love to see you do a breakdown in your thoughts for which one is better depending on use case (maybe Thermoworks is best for large offsets, for instance?). Thanks for the review of the updated Meater! I agree they do have a great app.
If you are using their ambient probe, the range of the thermoworks probe/gateway is the length of the ambient probe wire (~4 ft). Your wifi will dictate the rest of the range. And if using 1 wired probe, why not not just use two?
I'm pretty disappointed in Thermoworks for how they have went about marketing aspects of this new product.
@@ryanb4481 a while back they sent an email to their subscription list people that mentioned a future option for a wired wireless ambient probe. That's not a typo. It said that one of the issues of a totally wireless standalone ambient probe is that the battery would be exposed to extreme temperatures since it would not be inside a cut of meat. Their solution is to have an adapter that any of their pro line probes can plug into. So it's wired from the inside to the outside where the adapter would be which would then transmit wirelessly. This would allow you to place the gateway anywhere within the RFX range. I'm trying to find my email. If I can dig it up I will share the exact wording. This is the feature I'm waiting for because my smoker is far away from my house. I won't buy until something like this is available.
@KirkSpencer No need to find it. They announced it in YT Short just a day or two ago. You should be able to find it under the Thermoworks channel.
Tbh, I just don't understand this concept though. If I already have to run one wire, why not just run another for the meat? My setup is similar to yours and I just use the SmokeX. The RFX doesn't really do anything that the Smoke X doesn't.
I'm also wondering about cost. This is going to be a separate device with a separate cost and if it comes in cheaper than the two probe SmokeX, why wouldn't people just get it for a cheap wired solution?
@@ryanb4481 That's a great point. Once you run one cord, what's another? The only advantage will be the app and the features there. But that hardly justifies spending money when the old school Thermoworks already gives you pretty much perfect data.
Tremendous video, very informative and helpful!
I was hoping thus was a review. Love to see this in the near future!
I don’t like to rush a review based on limited experience so just a first look today
Thanks for the informative video!
Glad it was helpful!
I have the Meater Block and I love it when it works well. The issues I have had are:
- Occasional dropping of the connection between the probes and the block. I have the block on a table right next to my Weber Summit Kamado and the probes are in the Kamado, so we're talking 3-4 ft range. It will drop for a minute or 2 and then reconnect. I have heard from other WSK owners that the double-walled metal seems to cause them issues occasionally, too.
- I live in Florida where our new house is built with concrete block (often called cinder blocks even though they are concrete now.) We have the grill and Meater Block on the lanai outside the large, sliding glass doors (3 panels). I can't have the Block inside the house because those doors (double-pane storm glass) interfere with the Bluetooth connection. Open the doors and it will work.
- I put the Block on the lanai right next to the grill because of the previously mentioned Bluetooth issues. We have had issues getting the Block to connect to the Wi-Fi inside the house. I have found just the right position that will work most of the time, with occasional drops/reconnects. We have an eero Mesh Wi-Fi system (the latest-greatest) and have 2 of the routers in the family room which is just inside those sliding glass doors less that 20 feet away. But we have issues with almost all Wi-Fi devices on the lanai, not just the Block. The drop in signal strength and Network Speed is huge. It is frustrating, for sure.
Eventually, we will wire the lanai with hardwire Ethernet (and additional power outlets) and we will be able to put an eero Router on the lanai itself.
Install a wireless repeater in the lanai.
Like you, I fell for the Meater ambiguity about true wireless connectivity and bought their Meater probe, Meater II, and finally the Block to get the experience I was after. For that reason, I gave my Meater Block and probes to a friend and now cook using the Fireboard family of instruments in my KJ Big Joe and LSG cabinet offset.
FB is the controller lonestar uses i believe so no doubt that all integrates well being made by the same folks
Extremely helpful video. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I’m done with MEATER. Can never get them to connect consistently to the network. Constantly disconnects. Temps jump all over the place on the probe. My latest one I had for just a couple months and the wood box holder completely molded over while inside an outdoor kitchen drawer. Threw it out
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
I tried every work around I could find. Constant issues with it dropping or not connecting. Spending 30-60min a time trying to get it to connect to my WiFi. During cooks I’d have issues with it disconnecting. My original block also had issues with the temps jumping back and forth 10-20 degrees. I sent it in for analysis and they just sent me a new one and it was more of the same. Tossed it out and got the latest pro version hoping it’d be better and same issues with connecting to it. No longer had the temps jumping. Unfortunately this one molded over just sitting in my outdoor kitchen draw with just humidity…. Was so gross I threw it out. I’m back to just using a thermapen. I have lots of other smart devices in my house and no issues with any of them connecting to the network.
The problem with the Meater proves is the Bluetooth connection and complete lack of support. I have set my 2 Meater 2+ probes within 1 foot of the grill because otherwise they won't connect at all. Then there's the fact that the app crashes at about 1.5 hours in. I've had to pull out my 8 year old Thermoworks wired Smoke (solid unit, doesn't come with Wi-Fi unless you buy the bridge). I went with the Meater after some reviews after being unimpressed by the Thermoworks Signal unit with its barely adequate battery in the middle of a different cook and realized that it's superior too. I wanted to like it, but Meater refuses to listen to the criticisms. Meater is a masterpiece of marketing, but in no way ready for primetime. Notice that Meater doesn't show you negative reviews on is website. Probes are tools. They work well, or they don't. The Meater is very unreliable and a bad tool. Save your money.
Just ran my first overnight brisket with the Pro XL last night - worked like a charm
amazing, didn't know the pre-orders were shipping already
@@SmokingDadBBQ yup got my pre order on the 26tg and already putting it to use!
Clicked the link for 10% off site wide but could not get it to work on the new $349 Meater Pro XL. Love your channel. Thanks for great reviews!
You must be in USA, here in Canada its $489 for proXL w/ free bbq gloves
I think the new products have been removed from discounts / the code isn't stackable any more with black friday or other sales but it still supports the channel if you use the link
@@SmokingDadBBQ Does your link match the present Black Friday sale for Canadians. $489 for Pro XL bundle w/ BBQ gloves?
I have meter block, it has never worked properly for me. Constant disconnection or no connection at all. I was very disappointed by so am very gun shy about a new version.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
I have the meater block as well and it doesn't work for shit, constantly drops out it's just not worth the money
@@SmokingDadBBQ For me (at least in the Weber summit) I can't get the connection to be stable even if it's connected to my phone and the phone is on top of the grill risking being melted. I bought a wired thermometer and have never had an issue. Very disappointed with meater
@ I am not sure this will help or not but I saved this message from support that has fixed a few people’s issues. Pasting now
it sounds like your probes may be paired directly to your phone rather than your Block. May I ask you to try the following steps to reset your MEATER Block?
We recommend unpairing the Block from the app before trying these steps, but it's not required
Turn off Bluetooth on our smart device.
Make sure all 4 of the probes are docked in the
Block.
Start the Block in Standalone Mode.
Hold down the Settings button (the gear icon) for 10-15 seconds until the "Erase All Settings?"
notification appears, and select "Yes."
Start your Block in Standalone Mode again, and
wait for the check mark to appear next to all 4
probes.
Enable Bluetooth on your smart device, then start the Block in WiFi Mode to connect to the app.
@@SmokingDadBBQ I think the summit being all metal just doesn't work with wireless (at least in the WiFi band). If I put my cell phone or Bluetooth headphones in there they immediately lose connection too. I bet a lower frequency would make it through, but it would have to be down in the radio waves probably. I've given up and just use wired probes, no fuss and 100% reliable.
Hello !! I Love your Videos, congrats on that, first time I saw a Video of yours in which I did not see almost nothing about a real Review of the Product.
Could you please do a Video with the comparison on how the Meater Block Improved now that is called Pro XL ? , for Example, I hate my Meater Block because of the Battery use, it has a microusb that is useless, and i would like to see some close ups on the new Pro XL and how it improved and some action !!
Hahahaha, Thanks in advance, Again Txs !!!
I am back in the stone age with my Thermoworks Smoke X4. I have been very happy with it, but, it would sure be nice to get rid of all those wired probes. I'm looking forward to your upcoming review!
Thanks
11:54 but 2.4GHz is still super fast… the throughput drop is usually because of throttling by the hotel/cafe.
Nice Review! I am interested in purchasing a wireless temperature monitoring system and look forward to your comparison video.
Lot of great information about wireless signals that I can verify that you are correct on being an electrical engineer for years, but you gave the world how I get max performance out my routers. I will take a 6 speed manual transmission in my diesel truck any day when pulling my 5th wheel. So how well did this new device work compared to the old. What do you think about the block's new rechargeable battery over the replaceable batteries in the old?
I have two of the first generation MEATER however never liked due to high heat restrictions so I upgraded to the newest version. Love the fact I don’t worry about the high heat however can’t see myself upgrading to new pro block. Also I have never had connection issues with either. I will look at the Fireboard unit as I do have a Fireboard controller. Time will tell in these and can’t wait to see new innovations on these probes as new players are entering. Great video James!
I have the original block and my 2 gripes are that it would randomly go to sleep and it would only charge the probes if the block is off.
I have several wireless thermometer brands, so I have a bit of real world experience in using these. There are 3 things that I hate about the Meater Block. First, it does not have an internal rechargeable battery. You either have to plug it in to a separate portable battery pack, plug in to a wall charger or install 4 AA batteries which don't last long at all. Having to buy four brand new AA batteries every time I cook something isn't an option and lugging around a separate external battery pack is also a hassle if your cooker is not next to an outlet. The Second issue, when you do have it plugged in to an external battery or wall charger It will not charge any of the thermometers when the Block is "ON", which just seems ridiculous. You literally have to turn the block "OFF" in order for the thermometers to charge. The Third issue, when the Block is turned off, there is absolutely no way to see whether your thermometers are being charged or not. There is no red light or green light or any other type of indication as to whether you're thermometers are being charged. You literally have to cross your fingers and hope that they are being charged. The only way to tell is to turn the Block back on to see If the charge levels are increasing for the 4 thermometers. Do you know if they have taken care of any of these shortcomings in the new Pro XL Block?
The new block is rechargeable usb c. Will add the other points to check in my full review
Can I leave this thermometer in the meat on a charcoal grill? if so what are the parameters?
Hi James. Great videos! I loved my Meater until I purchased my Typhur Quad. I am loving it and features way more than the Meater. Also, the price is not bad. I hope you include this product when doing your comparison test with other thermometers. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for all your videos and advice it made me a way better smoker on my offset and kamado.
Just got the Meater Pro XL - Unless I'm missing something, there isn't really a manual anywhere for these and the FAQs dont' have a lot of detail specific to models. Mine is flashing red, but I don't know why. The block appears to work, wifi fine, cloud connected, can see probe status but its just flashing red. Even when the block is off (plugged in to USB power) its flashing red...
James...I have a question. Lifelong big green egg guy here. Love your videos...and in the winter Lowes had a Kamado Joe Classic Series 1 1:08 on sale (display model). I bought it. I definitely like grilling on it more than the large BGE. However, I don't like the low and slow smoking as much as on the BGE. I did some investigations...and i think it may be because the grate sits about an inch higher on the large BGE over the plate setter than the KJ Classic 1 grates sit over the kj heat deflectors. I think this may keep the meat further from the fire on the BGE than the KJ Classic 1. Thoughts? Also I know with the kj series 2 and 3 isn't an issue sits they are larger.
That's a quite comprehensive review. Looking forward to what you'll think about the Fireboard Pulse. It seems to be a single sensor probe, but seems to be a good option for those of us who already own Fireboard 2.
I saw them magnetically linking together and becoming a multi probe solution powered by a single cable
Do you know (or maybe you can try in your comparison) if using a wifi extender will work with the block xl, or does it get confused with being on the same connection with your phone? Looking forward to the review as i held off from getting the "pro" knowing a better wifi block would eventually come, but now there might be a better competitor!?!
Follow up here: i just got the Thermoworks RFX gateway and wireless probe kit. Once I got everything connected, it worked flawlessly the 1st cook. Interestingly, each piece is a device for the Thermoworks app. But it has zero trouble communicating through the thick aluminum shell of the PK grill, the gateway can be in the house, 15 get away and still have a solid signal, and zero drop outs. Wi-Fi connectivity is great.
I will still give Meater credit for a slick app, but on the hardware front in my experience, there's no competition at all. I've got 2 Meater 2 probes that are now sitting. They're adequate for cooking inside in an oven, but I simply can't rely on them for anything like grilling or barbecue.
I saw a test where it didn’t respond well on steaks reacting quickly. Have you checked that yet? Mine hasn’t arrived yet
@@SmokingDadBBQ My quick test was on steaks. There is a setting to change how often the probe communicates. The default is 1 minute. This can be adjusted. More frequent reporting uses more battery. I don't know the exact adjustment levels off the top of my head. I used it on steaks and it worked fine for me. The meater probes for me have been opaque on their reporting frequency when they worked at all. I am wondering if the person who reported that was using bluetooth or Wi-Fi. I can see where if you haven't gotten Wi-Fi set up, that the reporting might not be as consistant. Honestly, that's speculation on my part.
The meater pro xl finally got released here in Australia I should be receiving my one tomorrow can't wait
Congrats
Thanks for that future roundup. I'd have happily bought this a year ago but with Fireboard coming out with one I'd rather wait and see
Regarding the 700 degree max for the wired ambient sensor vs the 1000 degree max for the RFX wireless probe, I see no problem because using the ambient probe isn't mandatory. Nor is it necessary for many people. Also, when grilling, you don't use or need the ambient probe. So these differences aren't necessarily a problem.
I bought a single "Pro" probe on a recent sale to have in addition to the previous model probe I already had. I realized an android music player I had could function as a bridge to wifi, which works great! I wonder if using the BT repeater you get when you buy a single probe next to your grill and a WIFI device inside your house might be a stronger connection than you get with the block.
Sounds like allot of connection issues, is it worth it realistically?
Hi James - question: I have the original MEATER block. Can I buy just the PRO probe and still use it with my original MEATER block? I really only care about the new probe’s higher heat rating, and would be happy to have that in just one of the four probes.
no they are not the same shape so they don't work with the gen 1 base stations i tried
RFX seems interesting but there’s no technical data regarding weather usage or water resistance.
Looking forward to your honest feedback i think a lot of users are going to be surprised with the results.
Good point about the outdoor weather rating... the signals and billows only has a splash proof rating in my test last year unlike fire board which was water resistant rated
Using my MEATER block right now. I bought it for rotisserie use. I think today might only be the second time I’ve used it in a stationary cook.
This is what wireless is really for
Very meandering review also talking about other upcoming reviews of new products. Long story short - it’s a good product if you need four probes, already like the MEATER app, and want WiFi.
There are chapters for the short attention spans if there is a segment that doesn’t apply to you than skip it
I have 3 Meater 2 plus/pro do you know if Meater is going to sell the pro xl block separately?
I think I read somewhere that is coming (block with 2 vs 4 probes)
Reread your question. Might suggest emailing them for that since you have 75% of the probes
Was waiting for this one, might snatch one myself.
One thing I would like them to add is LOCAL API support.
which would allow you to log/monitor tem[-data trough home-assistant, as well instead of having to rely on the Meater-app every time
@@darknessblades I appreciate Combustion Inc's documentation on their Bluetooth API, including example Android and iOS apps. Someone has already used it to write an integration for home-assistant. They also have plans to document their API for their cloud.
Can you list the differences btwn the reg block and the pro?
the only thing I'm seeing is the temp rating of 500 degrees vs 1000
Love how thorough you are. But please include the Combustion probe in your upcoming review. Thanks!
It will be back (was in last years )
Do you really need an ambient sensor when you’re shooting for temps over 700°? I assume that’s best for monitoring your manual managed fires on smokers (non-pellet grills)
i don't think you need it unless you are using a probe that cannot exceed a certain temp in which case we've kinda artificially created a need to know the ambient temps when searing as to not cause damage to the product inside of the grill.
More to come when i actually get my hands on one and understand whats actually the deal with ratings and how its intended to work as a package
I’ve been using and researching wireless probes for years. I’ve been using the Typhur Sync for a few months now. It checks all the boxes (including WiFi) that others seem to be missing. You should include that in your comparisons.
I’ve asked for one for the test
Nothing but problems with my original Meater on KJ dropping connection. Only wireless device I have issues with at home. Will be tough to get me to spend again with this company
I want to support but I’ve had the worst experience with meater. Mine never worked. My support ticket was escalated to corporate and I’ve not heard back for over a month. I would love to use it for my thanksgiving cook but think I’m going to have to return it and get something that works. I had high hopes and gave them ample time to rectify.
That’s rough. Thanks for sharing your experience though
@@SmokingDadBBQ they finally contacted me today and is sending me a replacement. They said they had a system issue, and my ticket was systematically closed. I'll give it another shot and if this one doesn't work, I'm done.
Looking forward to the comparison video. Hope i can control myself to buy the pro xl until then 😂
@@fransvandewiel4842 can’t wait. First looks see fun but reviews is where it’s at. I still haven’t received the others yet to start so soon as I get them I can get to work
Bought it. Never could get it to work. Almost impossible to get tech support. Had to send it back
Recently cooked some ribeyes on the KJ classic 2 with the Meater 2 probe, I used the reverse method. First indirect at 120 C, pulled the meat from the heat at 42 C, opened all the vents and grilled the steak, the estimated cooking time was all over the place and in the end the meat was overcooked, looks like these probere are not at there best when switching cooking method..After this i tend to go back to cooking with a timer and the Thermapen Mk4
Yeah meater cannot work out total cook time when you are in reality doing two different cooks on the same piece of meat.
1) a low and slow then
2) a hot grill
Reverse sear set cook for your desired internal temp and when that's complete, remove probe and super super hot grill just for the browning/crust you want, which should not directly correlate to the internal meat temperature. This all requires a really thick steak and a very hot grill, perfectly reverse searing a thinner steak with weaker grill heat is more art (or luck) rather than science.
I am seriously looking at thermoworks as it has a blower as an option as part of the Rfx ecosystem. I think you should add that aspect to your attributes to be considered
I mentioned that. Same with the FireBoard pulse which will be able to do the same.
There’s just so many misprints with the specs of those at the moment I will wait until it’s locked and loaded before doing any head to head reviews.
I am not sure the RFX will really only have its ambient sensor limited to 700f despite a probe that can go to 1000 with no way to know that or do we know if it’s actually downgraded in accuracy from 0.5f like my One to 0.9f and is actually double the range of the pulse, combustion inc and Meater products.
Will figure out what’s what when the final details are confirmed for each manufacturer
Hi James, love your channel and your objective perspectives on just about everything and I certainly don’t mean to nit pick but I wish that you wouldn’t confuse routers with modems and vise versa. they are not the same and certainly not interchangeable and mostly serve different functions in the network. Also might be helpful in your context to discuss WiFi 6 when discussing numbers of connected devices. Can’t wait to see your side-by-side comparisons. Keep up the great work and thank you.
@@ronmarti1 good point. I will keep my naming conventions aligned in my review
HI James. I have the previous generation of the MEATER Block and really like the software. I also commented on your original review of that device. I use the MEATER Block when I want to do a rotisserie cook but use the FireBoard 2 Pro for everything else. I choose the setup because I found the MEATER Block to be very unreliable when connecting over 2.4GHz WIFI. I have the Block in-line-of-view of my Kamado Joe and I still have connection issues. Although MEATER did include some much-needed upgrades to the BLOCK, it’s not enough to get me to change because of the connection issues.
Are you going to compare it to the new Thermoworks RFX?
Thanks for this video. I am on the fence about the Pro XL. I understand why they would include 2.4 legacy WiFi, but including 5.8 and WiFi 6 should be implemented in all devices in this day and age. I’ll most likely buy the Pro XL but I think the WiFi limitation is a missed opportunity.
I am not sure if it would help or not would love to have seen the list of pros and cons for that decision along with the data for each
@@SmokingDadBBQ I would like to see it too
2.4 GHz WiFi isn't legacy, just a different option. It has more range but less bandwidth. It's the best choice here.
The version numbers, like WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, WiFi 7, are separate. You can have 2.4GHz WiFi 7.
@@MattM-24 why not give the consumers a choice? So far MEATER hasn’t identified which WiFi number they are utilizing.
I get the feeling others are expressing but the “newest” isn’t always the best or required. MEATER doesn’t need either the bandwidth nor speed of the newer standards. The amount of data transmitted by MEATER is tiny compared to the standards which are intended to transmit HD-level video. You’d see exactly zero difference with the other frequencies over 2.4GHz except possibly a loss of range and stability so why demand it? It’s like paying for Premium gas for your little 1.5hp lawnmower.
Thermoworks has come up with their own wireless probe. I really like their products. Would love you to review them.
I bought the meater + first. But the issue with the BlueTooth connection and trying to solve it with a spare phone was the reason to by the meater block.
The new features are looking nice and I am tempted to upgrade but to be honest I don't need 4 probes but I want the standard WIFI option.
I prefer a 2 probe device with WIFI and I don't understand why Meater is not selling this. Or upgrade the Pro with a WIFI option.
For your information, I am almost every time cooking for myself.
Can I get the block without the probes? I always have the probes.
I can't believe for the price of the latest Block that it does not support Wi-Fi 6.0. Why would you stop short of making all the technology advancements you could on a new product. The 2.4 band as you clearly outlined is a trash can of interferences and minimum overlapping co-channels. Alowing Wi-Fi 6.0 would allow users to move the Wi-Fi connection to a less populated spectrum in most areas.
I would guess that since high data speeds are not required and would not change performance, WiFi 6 would have no benefit. WiFi 6e would be even more superfluous for remote connections given limited range of 6ghz.
It makes no sense to use a 6 Gbps connection to transmit data received from a Bluetooth connection which at most would be 24Mbps.
Your device will still receive the data even if it is connected to your network via WiFi 6 and the block is connected via WiFi 5.
6ghz doesn't go through quarter inch steel very well
I will be returning my Pro XL. It connects to WiFi but the app will not connect to the probes.
Absolutely gorgeous spot of country there in the smokey mountains.
@@FreyGrimrod it was amazing.
I would like to see an ambient sensor comparison when you do your side-by-side video later. Thermoworks makes the claim (probably correctly) that the ambient sensors attached to the probe are inaccurate due to their proximity to the colder temperature of the meat inside the grill. I've noticed that on my Chefstemp wireless setup. Having all 3 of the new probes near each other in the same hunk of meat along with a separate wired ambient temp set further away from the food, would provide some interesting data.
Thermoworks was being disingenuous, unfortunately. Assuming the probes are accurate, the ambient temp is no less accurate between any of these.
When food cooks, water evaporates. This creates a cooling effect around the food. So the ambient temp that the probes measure is that cooler air around the probe. This isn't "inaccurate" at all. In fact this is the actual temperature that the surface of the food experiences. If your oven is 500° but the temp around the food is only 200°, then your food is only experiencing 200°.
The separate probe is neat, but only really for adjusting the BBQ temperature. My oven can manage it's own temperature just fine.
@@MattM-24worth looking at Fireboard’s data for Pulse. Temp is off quite significantly at start (100f) and equalises after about 2h in their test. Whilst might not matter for the food, it may be an issue for fan controller which will get the fire roaring to compensate.
It's an interesting conversation... what is accurate? I can get 100f temp difference using wired probes on my divide an conquer rack at the bottom vs. the top... so if two probes have different information by 100F is that inaccurate? If the air near the food is cooler because of the evaporative cooling than my grid or my dome does that make inaccurate if thats the temp of the air circulating what i am cooking?
@@SmokingDadBBQ this might matter more if you're using the ambient temp to run your fan with something like the Fireboard or the Bellows. I'm also wondering how the added convection of the fan would affect the ambient temperature being read.
Can drive halfway to work on your WiFi 😂 that’s me!
Haha me too
Absolutely agree with your comments about the app. I have both the FireBoard and ThermoWorks apps and the MEATER app beats them hands down. With the MEATER everything is intuitive and I never have to stop and ask myself how to change a setting or check a reading, it’s all perfectly obvious. The other apps are, comparatively speaking, clunky messes. In particular I use the FireBoard 2 for fan control and it’s always a “hunt and peck” process to setup or change, really irritating.
Thanks, sometimes people forget the only way to use many of these products is via your device and all apps are not created equal so i really do believe it should be part of peoples decision making
Good for you that you have success with Meater, this is not my experience at all.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
Best use for all of the wireless probes on the market in my opinion is Rotisserie use. No cables allow the protein to spin not incombered by wires. You can monitor the cook without constantly lifting the lid. Do you really need to walk away for hours while your chicken spins and monitor it remotely??? I don't need a $300+ probe to monitor a Chicken on a $200 Weber Kettle.
27:40 the RFX can control the billows without signals.
This video comes across like a Meater ad.
I haven’t received it along with the documentation yet nor have I for the pulse.
The first look videos for other products will feel the same not sure what to tell you. But if you’re more comfortable watching two people that were flown out to the brands office to record “independent” reviews posted by the manufacturer be my guest
@@SmokingDadBBQ I know those are paid reviews. I’m just pointing that the RFX and billows is not a $800 package as signals is not needed.
@@Anteater23 I got that wrong. Thanks for pointing out. I am still waiting for paper work to explain how the 1000f temp will be managed based on what I see is an ambient sensor rated below that. Again they are pre release. Specs and documents are likely to get updated so I will get into all that when we have final details and can do some real world testing
@@SmokingDadBBQ no problem. Look forward to the comparison video
I’ll never buy another Meater product after owning a meater block. Non stop signal drops. Turned into a $300 paper weight. The signal can’t make it through my pellet smoker let alone my 3/8 offset with the block right next to the grill.
I pre ordered the RFX and I’m not looking back.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
@@SmokingDadBBQyeah I mean I dove deep into trying to fix it. It worked great on my Traeger ironwood 885 which was a pretty thin metal door but when I upgraded to the ironwood xl which is fully isolated it could not keep a signal between the block and the probes.
When I got my offset which is 3/8 steel I built a table right next to the smoker for the block and I couldn’t keep connection. To test I took a probe out that I left outside of the grill and another probe that I put in a steak inside the grill. The probe left outside of the grill retained connection the entire time. The one I did the grill would drop the signal almost as soon as the lid closed.
The issue I had was the probes losing connection with the block. The block would stay connected to my WiFi and probes left outside the grill would keep the connection.
The RFX promises to solve this by using a lower frequency signal (the jury is still out) but I pray they have an answer so I don’t have to run wires all over the grill.
The one thing I didn’t like about the RFX was the ambient temp probe being wired. I get why they didn’t build it into the probe, those are not accurate but I would have loved a wireless ambient probe.
The negative comments below are why I recently bought a similar, cheaper brand.
Until all the quirks are worked out of the more expensive brands, I will use my cheaper (99$), wifi enabled, dual probe, and use a separate wired probe for accurate ambient temps.
Although I came really close to buying the thermaworks rfx (price is just to high atm).
Damn, had a tracking number for almost a week and still hasn’t been fulfilled yet. 😅 MEATER better ship these things out soon! I gave my MEATER + to my dad because I had expected to get these by now. Now I have no probes!
Ramble Ramble Ramble
The Facebook ads with sponsored influencers are nice and short. Might be more up your alley
I’m considering getting WiFi 7 orbi mess
This should be a commercial for Meater, where is the content ?
Maybe you missed the title called first look with a full review coming. I assume you’ve skipped the parts where I call out the lack of Bluetooth 5.2 on iOS as a non feature or confusion with the lineup that got me originally ordering multiple models trying to get wifi functionality along with …. Never mind it’s all in the first look video for those who are watching
Its good. Meater always been good. There saved you 30 mins😂
I have been losing faith in ThermoWorks quality. My Thermapen One had a manufacturing defect; it was replaced under warranty but its replacement broke down within a few weeks.
Yikes. That’s rare for them. I have 3 or 4 and have never had a failure yet (knock on wood)
That being said I hope it’s a miss print about the 0.9f accuracy vs 0.5
finally the block is chargeable with usb-c wohoo no more batteries welcome in the EU meter pro xl
That’s a big deal
Purchased MEATER Block about six months ago which turned out to be a waste of money, constantly losing connection. Ended up just throwing it away and will never use another one of their products.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
I visited this review, hoping to decide whether to buy a Meater Pro vs. a Meater XL vs. a Meater Pro XL, and this review doesn't really help with that. Review only briefly discusses differences between Meater products and vs. competitors. Spends way too much time discussing wi-fi range issues and how to improve it.
its a first look … and everything you need to know on that is in the video. the review is following when i can put things through their full paces outside of the excitement surrounding any new product launches.
Hey James, looking to dive into a Komodo and get a BigJoe. The XL pro probes look amazing and I imagine would be a great pairing. But per your other video on the Fireboard drive th-cam.com/video/_g9CldqD-UQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YQ-6R4FmQKFaSHj1 a controller with fan l also adds value that the XL Pro alone doesn’t have.
If you could only get one, what would you get and why? Also keen to see your review on the Fireboard Pulse probe when you get them, as that could make it a simple decision.
It is disappointing that you are showcasing this product when they have yet to fix their connectivity issues, and their customer service is horrendous. You might be swaying people with a limited budget to spend upwards of $300 for a device that won’t work. There’s no customer support, and the refund policy is nonexistent. I say that there’s no customer support or refund policy because they keep giving you the runaround, give you 6+ months of technical support, which never fixes your device, and then even if you’re within the return policy window, they make it such a challenge, just to be able to return your product.
I think you've overcomplicated the Wi-Fi discussion. If the connectivity requirement is for video viewing or snappy webpage rendering, then I think the complexities that you cover are relevant. A wireless measuring device sends and receives data in small amounts. The data speed required for "Internet of Things" devices is pretty irrelevant. For the average user (who couldn't change the Wi-Fi channel on their router if their life depended on it), distance to their router and obstructions in the way are the most relevant considerations.
Also, reading some of the comments which bemoan the Meater connectivity, my guess is most of those issues are purely Bluetooth issues and not Wi-Fi issues. I've been in the networking industry for years, including most recently with a company that sells Wi-Fi and Fixed Wireless Broadband devices. I've managed tech support for these products. I've heard "your Wi-Fi sucks" more times than I care to remember. Usually the reason for bad wireless connectivity is the end-user device. I gave up on Meater because (IMHO), the Bluetooth sucked.
I agree that the general public’s understanding of wifi is to blame for many of the “issues” more so over true product gaps
I have been using the Typhur Quad for several months now. It has similar specs to what you're saying about the Pro XL - 5 sensors, 0.5°F, dishwasher safe probes, fast charging, long distance BT 5.3, Wifi, narrower probe, high ambient temp (750°F). The base unit is also water resistant (can sit outside in the rain, if need be), and you don't need an app to use it (although not all features are available). It retails for $280, or about $70 cheaper than the Pro XL, and it often goes on sale ($229 during Labor Day weekend).
😮I guess Mad Scientist won’t be inviting you to his page anytime soon 😂 after bashing his claims.
He didn’t mention a specific probe by name so I am sure there are some that don’t work and he wouldn’t have said that if it wasn’t true
@@SmokingDadBBQThermoworks put Jeremy in a bad spot. They should have never asked him to do that video. He's not going to say No. It's not who he is. But he's openly admitted in the past that he doesn't use leave-in probes (wired or wireless). Before the RFX conference, he probably couldn't name three wireless proves on the market.
meater block is horrible and I wish I didn't waste my money on them
I'm not convinced of your impartiality here. You're ignoring the effects of evaporative cooling on temp probes and the RFX smartly removes it from the actual probe because you'll get more consistent temps: the ambient temps you'd get from the Meater would still be inconsistent due to evaporative cooling and that cooling changes from meat to meat. Also the dismissive "700" temp of the Thermoworks ambient probe tone you took really grated me. If you're going +700, you really don't need to know the temp above that for 99.9% of cooks. You're searing: you now it's hot and you really don't need to know the precise temp. And, you spent 7 minutes "fixing connectivity issues" and that begs "Why is the Meater probe wireless tech so flawed?" Can you put your Meater in a cast iron dutch oven and put that in the oven and still stay connected? Thermoworks has a history of being solid while Meater has a history of issues with reliability and accuracy. It just seems somethings amiss in your motivations for endorsing Meater.
I am not going to review products on speculation. Sounds like you’ve made up your mind and a wireless probe that needs wires and can’t regulate itself near its maximum in which case congrats on your RFX purchase
@@SmokingDadBBQ Sure. I'm enthusiastic about RFX, but your enthusiasm for the Meater really shows and you're ignoring some valid points. You ignore the very valid point that an ambient meat temp sensor on a wireless meat probe doesn't give you valid data: a meat's size causes the temperature surrounding it to drop and it varies on how much it drops depending on the size of the cut: a brisket will cool the surrounding air more than a 8oz filet. Also, the rate of evaporation will be different from cut to cut depending on how much moisture it has and how much moisture it releases.
What you can control with an independent temp sensor is distance from your meat. I work in science education and potential garbage data should not be overlooked.
I will probably get RFX because Thermoworks has a longer track record than any of the other company producing temp probes. And you harping on the .9 temp accuracy can mislead people: what is needed in this case is 1) responsiveness, 2) reasonable accuracy that can be verified. We don't know 1, yet. BUT I just did some searching and Apption Labs certifies Meater's probes: Apption Labs *is* Meater (and Traeger). They offer no third party accreditation information on their website that I could find: that's a conflict of interest. Any scientist or food safety expert should question Meater's claims to temperature accuracy. Thermowork's calibration lab is certified by the A2LA, an non-profit certification lab that certifies hundreds of labs across the country. And you can find Thermoworks certifcation at a2la.org: Meater/Apption does not have an accreditation.
I say this not trying to start a flame war but you're overlooking and dismissing some things that really need to be looked into.
Meater sucks. Connection sucks. Total waste of money. Junkj.
curious for my own learning, have you already done all the ideas in my wireless connection chapter and still had no luck? for me, the same issues that some report with their Meater as the same issues that caused my outdoor pool light timer to not work and once i fixed my wifi it solved not just my probes but other outdoor wireless stuff we use so i am always interested in understanding more from people with the same product as me getting wildly different results
@@SmokingDadBBQ My WIFI is superb. 400+ mb. Eero boosters. Perfect reception/broadcast power everywhere. The problem is with the MEATER. Like so many others, it just will not stay connected. They are currently in a box, about to go out in the alley for whomever wishes to inherit the problems. I will stick with my Thermapen. Had it with wifi/bluetooth junk.
Need a 3 minute summary of your review. Don’t have the time to spend a half hour on this review.
Very meandering review also talking about other upcoming reviews of new products. Long story short - it’s a good product if you need four probes, already like the MEATER app, and want WiFi.
There are chapters on this first look. A review will follow with tests