I'm so glad Lisa's back. The infomercial-style reviews were killing me. I'm super happy to see the detailed reviews with: a variety of use cases considered, testing methodology provided, all models addressed (not just the winner). Thank you
I own and love the ThermoWorks Smoke. That said, I have one major criticism. Every time the alarms go off they ring on both the base and the probe. The problem is that I have to physically touch both units to silence both alarms. That means that if I leave the remote sitting on the coffee table or kitchen counter as I am tending to the pit and opening doors, I end up with an undeniably loud alarm blaring continuously throughout the house until I can make my way back inside. Ironically, this usually happens in the middle of the night when the rest of the family is sleeping. It would be so much better is silencing the alarm at the base would silence both alarms and vise versa. Thumbs up if you can relate!
One thing that is failed to mention, I found that A LOT of the probes that rely on a phone have VERY sketchy apps. Why would a temperature probe app need access to my phone contacts?
@@CrossXhunteR Could you share a few details of your endorsement? Cost range? Time to setup/read range? Ease of use? Issues? Things you used it for specifically? How long have you used it? Thanks.
I would disagree about “Bluetooth”. On the MEATER, The remote base should be near the probe for Bluetooth, but if you have WiFi at home that lets you use the base to send temps to the phone, it works great. We have used this for smoking meats and went out to run errands, and were still notified of the internal & ambient temperatures. This allowed us to go out.
@@DadsGetDubs I have the Meater+ and it is a fabulous thermometer. the only time I have had trouble is when I tried to use it in a cast iron Dutch oven. when I closed the lid I lost connection but it returned as soon as I lifted it.
Peter...I’ve had mine for years and it’s constantly given me issues. I love the design of it, but it’s killed more cooks then I can afford. I’ve tried after market probes with similar results.
@@configuremakeinstall Still using my iGrill for longer cooks. I only use the food temp mode and set it for 10-20 degrees below target. Then I grab my Javelin instant read and double check. It’s more work, but I hate tossing out something I paid for.
I use the InkBird BBQ Go bluetooth unit with 4 probes and I absolutely love it. Accuracy is great (validated with my thermaworks pen) and setting custom alarms is so super simple. I have some set for when it's time to wrap my brisket, or pull steaks out of the oven when reverse searing, etc. Who needs 300 yards of range? I can leave the house, come back, and it automatically reconnects.
One thing I like about about the app-enabled thermometers is that you can see a graph of temperature over time. This lets me monitor the temperature swings of my grill so I can adjust accordingly. What I don't like is that the graph resets if you lose bluetooth connection. I have been looking for a wifi solution, but haven't found a device that didn't have it's fair share of issues.
Been looking forward to this review! Would have been great to have a "Durability" criteria where you put the probes through thermal cycle testing. So many probes I've had in the past break or go dead after a dozen or so uses.
Nice review, but an update should discuss additional concerns. First, only the wireless thermometers will work on a rotisserie. Though not essential, a graphing function of the entire cook may be of interest to some users. Third, which models can control a temperature activated fan to maintain a constant temperature of a BBQ grill/smoker?
Y'all always publish your reviews at just the right time. I was planning to buy a remote probe thermometer next weekend and was leaning toward getting two of the Meater+, but now I think I'll get one Meater+ and one ThermoWorks Smoke. If the latter had wireless probes, I'd probably just get that one. Thanks!
@@thewhitematstudio Same, but most of the concerns I've seen either don't apply to my use case or are worse with the few wireless alternatives I've seen. And the fact that it's "recommended with reservations" here makes me more confident in the compromise.
Sign up fir Thermoworks emails and wait for a scratch and dent sale. Bought mine that way - no noticeable issues with devices or packaging. Full warranty. They are awesome to deal with.
@@DrDocDRM Thanks for the tip! I'm all about those scratch and dent savings. I just bought the 8 quart Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus after another ATK recommendation and got it for $85 (currently $140 new) from Amazon Warehouse and I can't find the slightest imperfection, despite being listed as having "interior cosmetic damage." Even the laptop I'm posting from came from the Lenovo Outlet.
I use both a pen-style NSF THDP-450 and the CDN DTTC-W COMBO PROBE THERMOMETER, TIMER AND CLOCK. Bought both from a local kitchen/restaurant supply facility that is open to the public. Both work very well, no BT or WiFi. Just change the batteries when they run down every year or so. Both easy cleanup. I just use the other one until I can get the new batteries on my next shopping/errands trip, etc. Hope this helps someone.
@@borderlineiq In three months it will be 2-years. And, then there is China; clearly, China is going to eat your lunch, if you are not paying attention and keeping up.
I am so happy to to have to go and do a ton of research on my own...I just go to YT put in "American Test Kitchen" with the product i'm interested in and viola! research done. My pots/pans, knives, salad spinner and can opener....all bought in the last year via our friends at ATK
I have a basic Thermoworks DOT and put it in front of my wifi security camera and it is perfect, I can see from anywhere, no matter how far away, as if I were standing next to it, also hear the alarm, it if I am not watching!
I have the Meater+ and Signals. Neither is perfect, but they both work quite well for me in different applications. I found that if I leave a spare tablet or retired smartphone in the house but within reasonable range of either thermometer, it vastly improves connectivity as I wander around. Even then the Meater+ is more stable than the Signals. The Meater+ app is also very intuitive and flexible. My only gripe about the Meater+ is that the signal from the probe does not reach the base through my Weber Smokey Mountain--so I use the Signals for smoking. I haven't tried this with the Meater+ yet, but with the Signals you can go anywhere and keep tabs on your readings as long as your phone has network connection (wifi or mobile).
Seems like ThermoWorks doesn't offer that product anymore (or they've renamed it). The URL above no longer works. The "ChefAlarm" item on their website doesn't have the remote "pager" component, just the monitor connected by wire to the probes. They have similar items, but I don't know which is comparable.
My Grandfather always said to buy more tool than you need. You will never be sorry if you buy a thermometer that is too accurate nor too fast. He was an engineer for GE for 30 years.
i have one called -FireBoard. it's wifi with up to 6 wired probes can be used, and you can even hook up a fan to control temps in wood/charcoal grills and smokers!
I use the Smoke, by ThermoWorks. Especially handy for reverse sear of steaks and roasts. When you spend the big bucks for a prime rib or huge rib eye steak, the last thing you want to do is screw it up. I tried other thermometers before which sounded good but failed miserably. You can’t go wrong with the ThermoWorks line and accessories.
I feel like you missed some pretty good options. Fireboard is Wi-Fi and I feel like that overcomes a lot of the Bluetooth connection challenges you have with a lot of these.
+1 on that. The Excalibur brand are kind of the gold standard if you don't want to wait. They're also easy to find accessories for, like nonstick sheets and replacement trays/mats.
@@madthumbs1564 That's why he keeps making inane jokes... to gain attention and to prosthletize from other famous cooking channels to promote his own channel, like so many other commenters. It's called coat tailing... hanging on to the tail coats of famous people/yt channels, in an effort to get new subs, like you. He's always out there in famous cooking channel comment land, makes a sad joke, and gets new subbers. Pathetic, but true. Case in point? You. You are precisely why he and so many others do it. It's called phishing in internet-speak/lingo... toss out a line, get a few more subs. He is unabashedly doing the same thing that others do on cell phones. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE JUST WON A blah, blah, blah. Stay safe. A word of caution? Next time, don't be pulled in so quickly, ok?
I have used the Meater+ on four cooks so far and it works great. Ambient temperature can't be over 500° or it cuts out. But I think the testers had a negative attitude about the Meater+ and didn't evaluate it on its merits. I also used an iPad as a bridge when I smoked on a cook. Not good to pre-judge a product and not use it properly. There's a video on the Meater and it's proper use and function from the company. America's Test Kitchen should have watched it.
Great timing. Our remote thermometer just died. With the pager style, you guys can go outside to check out what’s going on at the dry dock or look at incoming ships. :-)
Love Thermoworks and have the classic Thermopen. If I had been able to pull the trigger a little sooner, I would have likely gotten the MK4 version for roughly the price of the classic. Oh well. Still a very good investment indeed. Have been eyeing the Chef Alarm to replace my Taylor probe whereby the probe went bad. The big reason for the Chef Alarm is if the probe is bad, I can get another one for less than $20, not an entire new unit like the Taylor unit as it's all or nothing.
@@markcoopersmith2280 Well, my beef with the Taylor is while it worked fine, the probe itself ceased to work and can't just replace that, gotta buy a whole new unit and I hadn't had a chance to use it much and despite that, the probe went bad. Otherwise, agree, it's fine, when it works.
What about the temperature resistance of the cables? I tried one of the cabled models on my charcoal grill, only to have it fail after a few minutes (shorted). Being an engineering sort, I pushed the braid aside to examine the cable. Yup, it was melted, and the reason was stamped on the cable itself. The insulation was rated at a mere 105C. (220 F) While that won't be a problem with the bit that is in the food, the 6 inches or so between food, and the edge of the grill will be sitting at at least double that temperature. (especially if you use lump charcoal) I checked several different brands, and they all seemed to use the same supplier for the probes, when marked, it was the same 105C. I replaced the wire with some that was UL 94V0 rated for 260C (500F) Its held up so far, but should it fail I will order some TGGT wire rated to 450C (840 F) (at $3/ft I don't keep it around)
Of course you choose Thermoworks, but not necessarily because it's the best. I've had my Maverick a couple of years now. It's good to about 500 feet ( I'll never be that far from my smokers but it's nice knowing it will reach through a few walls) And you can use multiple units by simply pairing the units separately giving you ability to monitor multiple cookers and the meats in each of those cookers. I am considering getting one of the Thermoworks though because they can be hooked up to a small fan that connects to most smokers and thereby gives you the ability control the temperature in the cooker. That is something you folks should have mentioned. One thing to monitor temperature. Totally out of this world to monitor AND control cook chamber temperature. But I still love you guys. Here's to BBQ love.🔥🔥🔥🌡
2 channel smoke kit comes with min-max alarms on both channels, a long “L” style probe, and an air “probe” with grate clip. Can’t “control” the grill temp (unless you add the Billows vent fan / other accy’s) but you’ll know when grill temp is rising or falling. Love my 2 channel - looking forward to buying the 4 channel + Billows. (Gas for now, researching a good offset smoker set up)
@@DrDocDRM yup, I was referring to the bellows fan. Nice combination with a Kamado or Webber Smoky Mountain cooker. Set it and walk away for several hours, very nice.
By the way I have a LSG IVS arriving in mid February. Will be using the fireboard two fire controller for this cooker. This is not a " backyard" cooker but for my catering business I have started. But it's the same idea, just bigger.
And I was considering the Billows ( I miss spelled it earlier) for one of my WSM'S , I prefer doing ribs in that. I can smoke 20 pork ribs in one cook in the wsm. Anyway, have a great day.
@@victorbenner539 lots of content in the Q&A section in Billows related to mounting on various types of cookers. Sounds like you’re on point, but if anyone else has questions/problems - they are spot on for helping us modify/ special install adapters/ etc. I’ve been impressed with Thermoworks as a customer for the past several months.
I’ve had a Smoke since soon after it was released, and the Smoke Gateway since the week it was released. I’ve never had a single problem with it or the app, and it’s so nice to not be tied to the grill all through a low & slow cook. I considered a Signals when it came out, but it has a sealed rechargeable battery rated for 16 hours of run time - *when new.* Rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time. Briskets can take every bit of 16 hours - so IMO that unit is under-designed. The review really should have included Fireboard. But overall it’s a good review.
Shhh! They don't read instructions! -Like totally ignoring what Bluetooth version they have too.
4 ปีที่แล้ว +1
While I find you bashed the Meater more than it deserves (and it also monitors the oven temp, which is great), you missed that it can only be used to measure internal temp up to 93°C, which means it can't be used for bread baking.
I have the nutrichef one or at least a knock off of it. Uses the same app as what is shown in the video and it works great. Super easy to set and save presets and even have multiple users with different presets. Only complaint is that the interface for historical temperature and graphs is a little buggy.
Which was the one giving inaccurate readings? Which was the one delayed by 25 seconds? Which was the Bluetooth one that needed to be re-paired* completely whenever you went out of range? It's great that you did these tests but without naming those products how can people avoid them or make informed decisions? You say 300ft (91m) in open air for the winner, but not what that distance is through wooden or concrete walls like you would have in normal household use moving room to room. You said you tested those things, but never used the results of such testing to any real end. While the fact Bluetooth and WiFi are different things should be obvious to essentially everyone, you never actually expanded on that like you promised. If you had it would have become clear that your comparison of WiFi to Bluetooth products based on distance from a cooking surface was unfair, and ultimately nonsensical. A Bluetooth probe works via Bluetooth, which works line of sight between the source and the receiver. (Ad hoc)* A wifi probe joins your WiFi network. Your proximity to the probe is irrelevant because the prove isn't transmitting to the receiver. It's transmitting to your wireless access point, which is then transmitting to your receiver. That means your range for a WiFi probe is limited only* by the range of your own WiFi network, not the probe itself. Testing it's range with a corporate network comprising many enterprise grade WAPs to extend the network over a huge area is not suitable for comparing to household use where most people will be using the dodgy WiFi connection the ISP provided gateway delivers. It isn't clear why you recommended the nurichef as your smartphone based alternative to the pager style one. It was also hard to discern how much of your trouble with the smartphone based ones was genuine product flaws and how much of it was the clear technological illiteracy that exists in Americas Test Kitchen. Overall this round-up seems unreliable and half baked, which is a shame because your round ups are usually the gold standard. As the kitchen increasingly joins the IoT, It might be time for Americas Test Kitchen to hire someone very technologically literate to help with round ups involving those kinds* of devices. Edit: If you do, then the new thing to test on all IoT kitchenware is security. That's a big factor in "smart" appliances because it ultimately doesn't matter how well that WiFi thermometer or "smart" toaster performs if it represents an attack surface for a hacker to enter your network and cause havoc.
Because@@sandrah7512 I'm on a video platform because I want to WATCH content in video form not read it. If I wanted to read articles, I wouldn't be on TH-cam. This video exists, it should cover the content in full, or in enough detail to not require the article to be read by the viewer.
@@sandrah7512 And if they fail to adequately address the points I made they will become increasingly irrelevant as cooking moves into the world of IoT and traditional OTA TV continues to fade away to VoD. The article gives no further information, so your suggestion was just contrarian for the sake of it
The review completely ignored the huge difference in convenience between those products with cabled sensors, versus those with wireless sensors. I use the MEATER+, which has a wireless probe and was trivially easy to pair.
Right. And those shots of the testing showing multiple units with wires were a disservice to those who preferred a wired model. It's going to be ONE wire connecting, not that dumb spaghetti bowl of a mess they showed like someone's stereo setup. You know all those high production values on "What's Eating Dan?" Well, those people don't work on these. Night and day.
I have 2 FireBoards, original and FireBoard 2. I use both all the time, mostly for bbq/smoking but also for the oven. They are the gold standard for me. I have the Thermoworks Smoke and also that red Maverick they showed but those sit on the shelf now. I still love my Thermapen for everyday steaks/chops/burgers and double checking, but for larger cuts the FireBoard has replaced the Smoke for me. Apps work great and I really like the fan controllers for my smokers. Go for it you won’t regret.
My recteq smoker has built in temperature probes that can be calibrated and it uses my WiFi with great results. I have used the redi-check from Maverick with a very confusing set up. Didn’t like it.
The Thermoworks is clearly the star of this show, but honestly, the XR-50 is much better than your review. In two years (ish) of ownership and well over 100 outdoor cooks on all types of weather, I’ve NEVER had to re-pair the remote to it. I do wish it was backlit, but I’ve never had any problems with off angle viewing. I’m disappointed that you failed to mention it’s four probes, and instead chose to song the receiver size, which is required four four temp displays. I do agree that the smoke walks circles around it, and appreciate the review of the Meater.
@@sandrah7512 They've done large toaster ovens, most larger than the average microwave. I'm thinking there's another reason. th-cam.com/video/oeAwD144aV4/w-d-xo.html
I'll admit my Meater isn't perfect, but I'm not going back to any corded style. I had a pager type before, and the thing ate batteries and the cords were a real pain to deal with.
The Thermoworks pager thermometers don't eat batteries. And they use readily available standard batteries, too, not button cells. Can't argue about the cords, though I'm used to them. Thermoworks did just release silicone spools to help manage to cords, and they offer little silicone rings you can use to mark both ends so you can tell which is which. Neither accessory is very expensive.
A network connected probe thermometer is just about the most overengineered thing I can imagine. You didn't even mention the security risk of connecting another random device to your home network. Did you check what kind of network activity it generates? How much do you trust the thermometer manufacturer to push out timely security updates? Plus, you have to install their spyware to your phone.
They need to make one with cellular technology or some other technology that would allow you to know your temperature from anywhere, even when you're not home just like you can change your home temperature or check your cameras. Of course, they could make the wi-fi capabilities connect to more than just the base and you get the same thing.
If you're 400 ft from your steak when the temp probe sends an alert can you get back to your steak before it's overdone? I doubt it. I believe there is a logic failure here.
@@DrDocDRM So? I mentioned as one example because she mentioned it as one example. And for your enlightenment steak isn't the only food that can overcook quickly.
@@05generic did you mention a logic failure? I can set my alarm ( and frequently do) for temps below “ done” so I can finish as I please / reverse sear, slower finish, or if I know I’ll need more time to get to the food, say if I am quite some distance away - like 400 feet. That way I’ll make it there in plenty of time to avoid it being overdone. Logic - it works as well as the 400’ range, if you just know how to use it.
I so totally disagree with you! yes Thermoworks products are spot on(I own and have used the Smoke,thermopen)BUT those cables for OUTDOOR COOKING are a pain!The Meaters(BLOCK) is fantastic.Besides reading spot on internal temps(no difference then Thermoworks products)It also reads ambient temps of your Grill(oven).And the setting up of Wifi was easy,you just need to place the block(acts as a signal booster)at a midway point.So I'm disappointed with ATK's review or are with going to have that OXO and Thermoworks conversation now
@@davemartinez4143 which meater did u have.unless u had the block(like I have) you were probably out of range or very close to it.BTW u have NO IDEA how it keeps temps so?????
@@Stlmgnolia I recently bought it at Amazon. It was not the meater Plus. It came in a little wooden box that was used to charge it. I have used meat thermometers before I just had trouble with this one that's the reason why I'm returning it. I don't have time while I'm cooking to be screwing around with something that is constantly having trouble pairing with my phone. That was my experience
You really were a bit dishonest about the Meater+. It can connect via Wi-Fi if you read the manual. Target temperature is not fixed. And the dual probe means it can not only monitor the meat but the temperature of the oven or smoker giving you an accurate idea of when the food *will be* done and how long to let it rest.
Well, if you think about it, a lot of the disqualifying criteria on the TV show and here on the channel are more than a little bogus. They throw out items from the downselect frequently for some imputed need that is unreasonable. In this instance, the quickly favored a range of 300+ feet from the probe. Really? Unless you were in a dorm or high rise and several floors away from a courtyard, how could you need that kind of distance in a home use item? Most houses are not even 70 feet long. Many times on the TV show, they'll include something like a drop test against concrete for a heavy pan. Honestly, I've cooked for decades and never dropped a heavy pan on an unforgiving surface like that. Let's face it, that's a complete disaster scenario, and what cookware should be built to withstand that kind of abuse?
I'm grilling on my patio, as I cook other things in the kitchen 10 ft away. Why do I care about 300 ft range? Ridiculous test conditions. And I have to pay to read the report! You gotta be kidding!
Another plus for the Thermoworks Smoke: It has 2 channels and comes with 2 probes, so you can monitor oven or grill temperature with one probe while monitoring food with the other at the same time
Great review. Personally I can't stand kitchen equipment that depends on apps. If the app becomes unsupported, or isn't compatible with your next smartphone upgrade, you've essentially purchased an expensive brick.
I still prefer the meater probes. You must not have connected the block to your wifi because I have been able to monitor brisket cooks from another city on my phone while at work. Illcall my girl when the alarm goes off..... BABE ITS TIME TO WRAP!!!!!!
Lisa is great. Her thoroughness and attention to detail are why I trust her so much.
You mean she's great at reading a teleprompter. I agree, she can read.
I'm so glad Lisa's back. The infomercial-style reviews were killing me. I'm super happy to see the detailed reviews with: a variety of use cases considered, testing methodology provided, all models addressed (not just the winner).
Thank you
I own and love the ThermoWorks Smoke. That said, I have one major criticism. Every time the alarms go off they ring on both the base and the probe. The problem is that I have to physically touch both units to silence both alarms. That means that if I leave the remote sitting on the coffee table or kitchen counter as I am tending to the pit and opening doors, I end up with an undeniably loud alarm blaring continuously throughout the house until I can make my way back inside. Ironically, this usually happens in the middle of the night when the rest of the family is sleeping. It would be so much better is silencing the alarm at the base would silence both alarms and vise versa. Thumbs up if you can relate!
Danger, Will Robinson, danger!
ThermoWorks is gold standard with professional bbq gurus.
Plus they have that cool USB fan Bellows.
That's changing,your seeing more and more meaters being used,yes I agree with the Thermopen
Fireboard is better
One thing that is failed to mention, I found that A LOT of the probes that rely on a phone have VERY sketchy apps. Why would a temperature probe app need access to my phone contacts?
Don't want to seem rude, but these reviews where it is just Lisa are the best. Great information!!!
I have a Thermoworks Smoke X4 and I really love it.
Is it hard to set up?
@@texasirishangel1126 Not really. I've also used the Thermoworks Chef Alarm in the past, so I might just be used to how their thermometers work.
@@CrossXhunteR Could you share a few details of your endorsement? Cost range? Time to setup/read range? Ease of use? Issues? Things you used it for specifically? How long have you used it? Thanks.
I would disagree about “Bluetooth”. On the MEATER, The remote base should be near the probe for Bluetooth, but if you have WiFi at home that lets you use the base to send temps to the phone, it works great. We have used this for smoking meats and went out to run errands, and were still notified of the internal & ambient temperatures. This allowed us to go out.
I was very sad the Meater didn't score higher on this list because I definitely wanted some justification on spending $100 on it.
@@DadsGetDubs I have the Meater+ and it is a fabulous thermometer. the only time I have had trouble is when I tried to use it in a cast iron Dutch oven. when I closed the lid I lost connection but it returned as soon as I lifted it.
It works flawless for me.
Glad I found this to confirm some of my suspicions that my Weber Igrill is inaccurate. Nice idea about benchmarking it with an immersion circ.
Peter...I’ve had mine for years and it’s constantly given me issues. I love the design of it, but it’s killed more cooks then I can afford. I’ve tried after market probes with similar results.
@@ToddLuvsGolf thank you for the sanity check, felt like I was going crazy. What are you using now Todd?
@@configuremakeinstall Still using my iGrill for longer cooks. I only use the food temp mode and set it for 10-20 degrees below target. Then I grab my Javelin instant read and double check. It’s more work, but I hate tossing out something I paid for.
I use the InkBird BBQ Go bluetooth unit with 4 probes and I absolutely love it. Accuracy is great (validated with my thermaworks pen) and setting custom alarms is so super simple. I have some set for when it's time to wrap my brisket, or pull steaks out of the oven when reverse searing, etc. Who needs 300 yards of range? I can leave the house, come back, and it automatically reconnects.
One thing I like about about the app-enabled thermometers is that you can see a graph of temperature over time. This lets me monitor the temperature swings of my grill so I can adjust accordingly. What I don't like is that the graph resets if you lose bluetooth connection. I have been looking for a wifi solution, but haven't found a device that didn't have it's fair share of issues.
I have a Thermoworks Signals and it has been great
you say "app enabled", I read "app required".
Been looking forward to this review! Would have been great to have a "Durability" criteria where you put the probes through thermal cycle testing. So many probes I've had in the past break or go dead after a dozen or so uses.
Thanks for the info! I bought the winner and am excited to use it at home. Bread in our miserable oven has been ridiculous to try to bake.
(Portable induction cooktop) we need a review on this product. how well do they work? who's the best?
Yes, agreed!
I second this!
Nice review, but an update should discuss additional concerns. First, only the wireless thermometers will work on a rotisserie. Though not essential, a graphing function of the entire cook may be of interest to some users. Third, which models can control a temperature activated fan to maintain a constant temperature of a BBQ grill/smoker?
The meater plus will do WiFi as well, I use it to check my smoker from the other end of the city!
Y'all always publish your reviews at just the right time. I was planning to buy a remote probe thermometer next weekend and was leaning toward getting two of the Meater+, but now I think I'll get one Meater+ and one ThermoWorks Smoke. If the latter had wireless probes, I'd probably just get that one. Thanks!
I have seen bad reviews on the Meater+
@@thewhitematstudio Same, but most of the concerns I've seen either don't apply to my use case or are worse with the few wireless alternatives I've seen. And the fact that it's "recommended with reservations" here makes me more confident in the compromise.
Sign up fir Thermoworks emails and wait for a scratch and dent sale. Bought mine that way - no noticeable issues with devices or packaging. Full warranty. They are awesome to deal with.
Come to think of it, they might be having one right now. Only limitation will be color availability- these things come in tons of colors.
@@DrDocDRM Thanks for the tip! I'm all about those scratch and dent savings. I just bought the 8 quart Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus after another ATK recommendation and got it for $85 (currently $140 new) from Amazon Warehouse and I can't find the slightest imperfection, despite being listed as having "interior cosmetic damage." Even the laptop I'm posting from came from the Lenovo Outlet.
I use both a pen-style NSF THDP-450 and the CDN DTTC-W COMBO PROBE THERMOMETER, TIMER AND CLOCK.
Bought both from a local kitchen/restaurant supply facility that is open to the public.
Both work very well, no BT or WiFi. Just change the batteries when they run down every year or so. Both easy cleanup.
I just use the other one until I can get the new batteries on my next shopping/errands trip, etc.
Hope this helps someone.
I purchased the smoke Gateway and no problem pairing. Love it!
Wow. That was thorough. And captivating. Who knew?
I have a Thermoworks DOT and it’s awesome.
April 4, 2019 this YT channel did a review of scales. Would you mind doing an updated review of kitchen scales?
Curious here. Why do you believe the evaluation would be significantly different in such a short time? Is there something changing in the technology?
@@borderlineiq In three months it will be 2-years. And, then there is China; clearly, China is going to eat your lunch, if you are not paying attention and keeping up.
I am so happy to to have to go and do a ton of research on my own...I just go to YT put in "American Test Kitchen" with the product i'm interested in and viola! research done. My pots/pans, knives, salad spinner and can opener....all bought in the last year via our friends at ATK
I have a basic Thermoworks DOT and put it in front of my wifi security camera and it is perfect, I can see from anywhere, no matter how far away, as if I were standing next to it, also hear the alarm, it if I am not watching!
great idea
@@m444ss so glad I helped 😊
I have the Meater+ and Signals. Neither is perfect, but they both work quite well for me in different applications. I found that if I leave a spare tablet or retired smartphone in the house but within reasonable range of either thermometer, it vastly improves connectivity as I wander around. Even then the Meater+ is more stable than the Signals. The Meater+ app is also very intuitive and flexible. My only gripe about the Meater+ is that the signal from the probe does not reach the base through my Weber Smokey Mountain--so I use the Signals for smoking. I haven't tried this with the Meater+ yet, but with the Signals you can go anywhere and keep tabs on your readings as long as your phone has network connection (wifi or mobile).
My Meater has a range of about 50' when it's in the smoker
Seems like ThermoWorks doesn't offer that product anymore (or they've renamed it). The URL above no longer works. The "ChefAlarm" item on their website doesn't have the remote "pager" component, just the monitor connected by wire to the probes. They have similar items, but I don't know which is comparable.
This is probably one of my favorite reviews!
do you think this one is better than the wireless thermometer from AKSESROYAL?
I wish you would have included the Fireboard 2. It is a great unit.
Outstanding! As always!
Great review Lisa !
My Grandfather always said to buy more tool than you need. You will never be sorry if you buy a thermometer that is too accurate nor too fast. He was an engineer for GE for 30 years.
So appreciate these reviews! Thank you 🙏
Very helpful review. Thank you.
Should have tested the fire board 2. I have one and it works brilliantly. WiFi enabled and it can also run a bbq fan
I just bought a smoke! Thermapen is the best!
i have one called -FireBoard. it's wifi with up to 6 wired probes can be used, and you can even hook up a fan to control temps in wood/charcoal grills and smokers!
Yes. I have the original and new version and both are fantastic. Better than Smoke by far.
built a Cap'n Brian HeaterMeter years ago that still blows these commercial products away.
Great review
Hi can you update this list for 2022
I use the Smoke, by ThermoWorks. Especially handy for reverse sear of steaks and roasts. When you spend the big bucks for a prime rib or huge rib eye steak, the last thing you want to do is screw it up. I tried other thermometers before which sounded good but failed miserably. You can’t go wrong with the ThermoWorks line and accessories.
I feel like you missed some pretty good options. Fireboard is Wi-Fi and I feel like that overcomes a lot of the Bluetooth connection challenges you have with a lot of these.
Please make a video on dehydrators
+1 on that.
The Excalibur brand are kind of the gold standard if you don't want to wait. They're also easy to find accessories for, like nonstick sheets and replacement trays/mats.
Call me old-fashioned but I just don't know if I'm ready to worry about my grills Bluetooth connection yet! 😂
Just checked your channel, like the fact you have short videos. -Subscribed!
@@madthumbs1564 hey thanks, glad you like the channel!
@@madthumbs1564 That's why he keeps making inane jokes... to gain attention and to prosthletize from other famous cooking channels to promote his own channel, like so many other commenters.
It's called coat tailing... hanging on to the tail coats of famous people/yt channels, in an effort to get new subs, like you.
He's always out there in famous cooking channel comment land, makes a sad joke, and gets new subbers.
Pathetic, but true.
Case in point? You.
You are precisely why he and so many others do it.
It's called phishing in internet-speak/lingo... toss out a line, get a few more subs.
He is unabashedly doing the same thing that others do on cell phones.
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE JUST WON A blah, blah, blah.
Stay safe.
A word of caution?
Next time, don't be pulled in so quickly, ok?
@@BiggMo I know! My *signals* must have gotten crossed 😜
@@majoroldladyakamom6948 You seem like a sad and bitter person. You probably deserve it, too.
Will the Thermoworks thermometer measure grill temp in addition to meat cooking temp?
I have used the Meater+ on four cooks so far and it works great. Ambient temperature can't be over 500° or it cuts out. But I think the testers had a negative attitude about the Meater+ and didn't evaluate it on its merits. I also used an iPad as a bridge when I smoked on a cook.
Not good to pre-judge a product and not use it properly. There's a video on the Meater and it's proper use and function from the company. America's Test Kitchen should have watched it.
Some people just are not tech savvy. I suspect this was the case based on other reviews
Great timing. Our remote thermometer just died.
With the pager style, you guys can go outside to check out what’s going on at the dry dock or look at incoming ships. :-)
Love Thermoworks and have the classic Thermopen. If I had been able to pull the trigger a little sooner, I would have likely gotten the MK4 version for roughly the price of the classic. Oh well. Still a very good investment indeed. Have been eyeing the Chef Alarm to replace my Taylor probe whereby the probe went bad. The big reason for the Chef Alarm is if the probe is bad, I can get another one for less than $20, not an entire new unit like the Taylor unit as it's all or nothing.
I've had the Taylor for years. I think it's fine. I also have the classic Thermapen and bought the MK4 last year. Love them.
@@markcoopersmith2280 Well, my beef with the Taylor is while it worked fine, the probe itself ceased to work and can't just replace that, gotta buy a whole new unit and I hadn't had a chance to use it much and despite that, the probe went bad. Otherwise, agree, it's fine, when it works.
What about the temperature resistance of the cables? I tried one of the cabled models on my charcoal grill, only to have it fail after a few minutes (shorted). Being an engineering sort, I pushed the braid aside to examine the cable. Yup, it was melted, and the reason was stamped on the cable itself. The insulation was rated at a mere 105C. (220 F)
While that won't be a problem with the bit that is in the food, the 6 inches or so between food, and the edge of the grill will be sitting at at least double that temperature. (especially if you use lump charcoal) I checked several different brands, and they all seemed to use the same supplier for the probes, when marked, it was the same 105C. I replaced the wire with some that was UL 94V0 rated for 260C (500F) Its held up so far, but should it fail I will order some TGGT wire rated to 450C (840 F) (at $3/ft I don't keep it around)
Go take a peek at the specs on thermoworks website. Solid details with temp limits.
Of course you choose Thermoworks, but not necessarily because it's the best. I've had my Maverick a couple of years now. It's good to about 500 feet ( I'll never be that far from my smokers but it's nice knowing it will reach through a few walls) And you can use multiple units by simply pairing the units separately giving you ability to monitor multiple cookers and the meats in each of those cookers. I am considering getting one of the Thermoworks though because they can be hooked up to a small fan that connects to most smokers and thereby gives you the ability control the temperature in the cooker. That is something you folks should have mentioned. One thing to monitor temperature. Totally out of this world to monitor AND control cook chamber temperature. But I still love you guys. Here's to BBQ love.🔥🔥🔥🌡
2 channel smoke kit comes with min-max alarms on both channels, a long “L” style probe, and an air “probe” with grate clip. Can’t “control” the grill temp (unless you add the Billows vent fan / other accy’s) but you’ll know when grill temp is rising or falling. Love my 2 channel - looking forward to buying the 4 channel + Billows. (Gas for now, researching a good offset smoker set up)
@@DrDocDRM yup, I was referring to the bellows fan. Nice combination with a Kamado or Webber Smoky Mountain cooker. Set it and walk away for several hours, very nice.
By the way I have a LSG IVS arriving in mid February. Will be using the fireboard two fire controller for this cooker. This is not a " backyard" cooker but for my catering business I have started. But it's the same idea, just bigger.
And I was considering the Billows ( I miss spelled it earlier) for one of my WSM'S , I prefer doing ribs in that. I can smoke 20 pork ribs in one cook in the wsm. Anyway, have a great day.
@@victorbenner539 lots of content in the Q&A section in Billows related to mounting on various types of cookers. Sounds like you’re on point, but if anyone else has questions/problems - they are spot on for helping us modify/ special install adapters/ etc. I’ve been impressed with Thermoworks as a customer for the past several months.
What about the Fireboard 2?
I’ve had a Smoke since soon after it was released, and the Smoke Gateway since the week it was released. I’ve never had a single problem with it or the app, and it’s so nice to not be tied to the grill all through a low & slow cook.
I considered a Signals when it came out, but it has a sealed rechargeable battery rated for 16 hours of run time - *when new.* Rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time. Briskets can take every bit of 16 hours - so IMO that unit is under-designed.
The review really should have included Fireboard. But overall it’s a good review.
Meater does also allow using a third device (old phone, etc.) as a base station to make the probe WiFi enabled with unlimited range.
Shhh! They don't read instructions! -Like totally ignoring what Bluetooth version they have too.
While I find you bashed the Meater more than it deserves (and it also monitors the oven temp, which is great), you missed that it can only be used to measure internal temp up to 93°C, which means it can't be used for bread baking.
Excellent review ty
Definitely one of my favorite YT Channels. However, where is Fireboard? Hands down one of the best remote thermometers on the market.
I have the nutrichef one or at least a knock off of it. Uses the same app as what is shown in the video and it works great. Super easy to set and save presets and even have multiple users with different presets. Only complaint is that the interface for historical temperature and graphs is a little buggy.
Which was the one giving inaccurate readings?
Which was the one delayed by 25 seconds?
Which was the Bluetooth one that needed to be re-paired* completely whenever you went out of range?
It's great that you did these tests but without naming those products how can people avoid them or make informed decisions?
You say 300ft (91m) in open air for the winner, but not what that distance is through wooden or concrete walls like you would have in normal household use moving room to room. You said you tested those things, but never used the results of such testing to any real end.
While the fact Bluetooth and WiFi are different things should be obvious to essentially everyone, you never actually expanded on that like you promised.
If you had it would have become clear that your comparison of WiFi to Bluetooth products based on distance from a cooking surface was unfair, and ultimately nonsensical.
A Bluetooth probe works via Bluetooth, which works line of sight between the source and the receiver. (Ad hoc)*
A wifi probe joins your WiFi network. Your proximity to the probe is irrelevant because the prove isn't transmitting to the receiver. It's transmitting to your wireless access point, which is then transmitting to your receiver.
That means your range for a WiFi probe is limited only* by the range of your own WiFi network, not the probe itself. Testing it's range with a corporate network comprising many enterprise grade WAPs to extend the network over a huge area is not suitable for comparing to household use where most people will be using the dodgy WiFi connection the ISP provided gateway delivers.
It isn't clear why you recommended the nurichef as your smartphone based alternative to the pager style one.
It was also hard to discern how much of your trouble with the smartphone based ones was genuine product flaws and how much of it was the clear technological illiteracy that exists in Americas Test Kitchen.
Overall this round-up seems unreliable and half baked, which is a shame because your round ups are usually the gold standard. As the kitchen increasingly joins the IoT, It might be time for Americas Test Kitchen to hire someone very technologically literate to help with round ups involving those kinds* of devices.
Edit: If you do, then the new thing to test on all IoT kitchenware is security. That's a big factor in "smart" appliances because it ultimately doesn't matter how well that WiFi thermometer or "smart" toaster performs if it represents an attack surface for a hacker to enter your network and cause havoc.
Because@@sandrah7512 I'm on a video platform because I want to WATCH content in video form not read it.
If I wanted to read articles, I wouldn't be on TH-cam. This video exists, it should cover the content in full, or in enough detail to not require the article to be read by the viewer.
Don't bother with reading the article, it is the exact same thing but in written form. Doesn't even list all the models that were tested.
@@sandrah7512 And if they fail to adequately address the points I made they will become increasingly irrelevant as cooking moves into the world of IoT and traditional OTA TV continues to fade away to VoD.
The article gives no further information, so your suggestion was just contrarian for the sake of it
ATK is my trusted reviewers before I buy any cookware.
Only down side on the thermoworks
Is that it has a delay
We own 2 Thermoworks products and they are just excellent.
The review completely ignored the huge difference in convenience between those products with cabled sensors, versus those with wireless sensors. I use the MEATER+, which has a wireless probe and was trivially easy to pair.
Right. And those shots of the testing showing multiple units with wires were a disservice to those who preferred a wired model. It's going to be ONE wire connecting, not that dumb spaghetti bowl of a mess they showed like someone's stereo setup. You know all those high production values on "What's Eating Dan?" Well, those people don't work on these. Night and day.
i really would have loved if you had also tested the fireboard
I have 2 FireBoards, original and FireBoard 2. I use both all the time, mostly for bbq/smoking but also for the oven. They are the gold standard for me. I have the Thermoworks Smoke and also that red Maverick they showed but those sit on the shelf now. I still love my Thermapen for everyday steaks/chops/burgers and double checking, but for larger cuts the FireBoard has replaced the Smoke for me. Apps work great and I really like the fan controllers for my smokers. Go for it you won’t regret.
Link is dead?
i din't think ThermoWorks offers that exact product anymore.
My recteq smoker has built in temperature probes that can be calibrated and it uses my WiFi with great results. I have used the redi-check from Maverick with a very confusing set up. Didn’t like it.
Great Video, Thanks
The Thermoworks is clearly the star of this show, but honestly, the XR-50 is much better than your review. In two years (ish) of ownership and well over 100 outdoor cooks on all types of weather, I’ve NEVER had to re-pair the remote to it. I do wish it was backlit, but I’ve never had any problems with off angle viewing. I’m disappointed that you failed to mention it’s four probes, and instead chose to song the receiver size, which is required four four temp displays. I do agree that the smoke walks circles around it, and appreciate the review of the Meater.
Why didn't you also mention the one that was the worst one in this test, just so we have a reference? . . . .
The Smoke is great! I love all of the Thermoworks products.
I love Lisa! No nonsene lady!
Kitchen timers! Especially durability, we find most dont survive in a busy bakery
Has ATK ever done a review of microwaves? Not that I can find.
@@sandrah7512 They've done large toaster ovens, most larger than the average microwave. I'm thinking there's another reason. th-cam.com/video/oeAwD144aV4/w-d-xo.html
I'll admit my Meater isn't perfect, but I'm not going back to any corded style. I had a pager type before, and the thing ate batteries and the cords were a real pain to deal with.
Does it work in an air fryer? - The only reason I could think to get one.
@@madthumbs1564 I don't have an air fryer so I can't say, my primary use is for long smokes in my kettle.
The Thermoworks pager thermometers don't eat batteries. And they use readily available standard batteries, too, not button cells.
Can't argue about the cords, though I'm used to them. Thermoworks did just release silicone spools to help manage to cords, and they offer little silicone rings you can use to mark both ends so you can tell which is which. Neither accessory is very expensive.
A network connected probe thermometer is just about the most overengineered thing I can imagine. You didn't even mention the security risk of connecting another random device to your home network. Did you check what kind of network activity it generates? How much do you trust the thermometer manufacturer to push out timely security updates? Plus, you have to install their spyware to your phone.
Is Thermoworks a sponsor?
Pager's gonna be making a comeback. Technology's cyclical.
That it is.
They need to make one with cellular technology or some other technology that would allow you to know your temperature from anywhere, even when you're not home just like you can change your home temperature or check your cameras. Of course, they could make the wi-fi capabilities connect to more than just the base and you get the same thing.
i watch you for couple years now and am grateful for your work, but you gotta lose the "football field units" and convert or AT LEAST include metric.
I’m going to have to wait for Lan’s review.
Where’s Dan?
you complained about a pairing problem then immediately cut to phone pairing process which clearly shows how the probe should be located
I saw that. "We can't find the instructions!?!" shows it clearly displayed on the phone.
Should have tested FireBoard, but it is hard to beat ThermoWorks for accuracy and performance.
If you're 400 ft from your steak when the temp probe sends an alert can you get back to your steak before it's overdone? I doubt it. I believe there is a logic failure here.
Some people cook food other than steak . . .
@@DrDocDRM So? I mentioned as one example because she mentioned it as one example. And for your enlightenment steak isn't the only food that can overcook quickly.
@@05generic did you mention a logic failure? I can set my alarm ( and frequently do) for temps below “ done” so I can finish as I please / reverse sear, slower finish, or if I know I’ll need more time to get to the food, say if I am quite some distance away - like 400 feet. That way I’ll make it there in plenty of time to avoid it being overdone. Logic - it works as well as the 400’ range, if you just know how to use it.
REVERSE SEAR!!!
The recommended item is $100. I would like to see value based recommendation too. A best at $50 range recommendation. Thank you.
Someone didn't watch it all the way through. They recommended a $45 one.
I so totally disagree with you! yes Thermoworks products are spot on(I own and have used the Smoke,thermopen)BUT those cables for OUTDOOR COOKING are a pain!The Meaters(BLOCK) is fantastic.Besides reading spot on internal temps(no difference then Thermoworks products)It also reads ambient temps of your Grill(oven).And the setting up of Wifi was easy,you just need to place the block(acts as a signal booster)at a midway point.So I'm disappointed with ATK's review or are with going to have that OXO and Thermoworks conversation now
I was thinking the same. I was hoping she used the equivalent MEATER Block as for a wifi option.
The meaters is a piece of crap had trouble pairing with my phone. And constantly got disconnected and was very difficult to reconnect
@@davemartinez4143 which meater did u have.unless u had the block(like I have) you were probably out of range or very close to it.BTW u have NO IDEA how it keeps temps so?????
@@Stlmgnolia I recently bought it at Amazon. It was not the meater Plus. It came in a little wooden box that was used to charge it. I have used meat thermometers before I just had trouble with this one that's the reason why I'm returning it. I don't have time while I'm cooking to be screwing around with something that is constantly having trouble pairing with my phone. That was my experience
You really were a bit dishonest about the Meater+. It can connect via Wi-Fi if you read the manual. Target temperature is not fixed. And the dual probe means it can not only monitor the meat but the temperature of the oven or smoker giving you an accurate idea of when the food *will be* done and how long to let it rest.
Well, if you think about it, a lot of the disqualifying criteria on the TV show and here on the channel are more than a little bogus. They throw out items from the downselect frequently for some imputed need that is unreasonable. In this instance, the quickly favored a range of 300+ feet from the probe. Really? Unless you were in a dorm or high rise and several floors away from a courtyard, how could you need that kind of distance in a home use item? Most houses are not even 70 feet long. Many times on the TV show, they'll include something like a drop test against concrete for a heavy pan. Honestly, I've cooked for decades and never dropped a heavy pan on an unforgiving surface like that. Let's face it, that's a complete disaster scenario, and what cookware should be built to withstand that kind of abuse?
You can use wifi? O.o
Why 1000 feet? That seems pretty excessive.
Fireboard is great. I can even check the temp using Alexa when I can't check the unit/phone.
if i can't monitor my roast and cheat on my wife with my neighbor, i don't want it.
Thank God, I found this. You finally provided the ONLY reason a probe needs a range of 300 ft.
Could you add into your review ThermoPro models. These are go to for many. TP829 is a latest hit.
Can we please get a review of true wireless thermometers only for those of us that are not half wits and know how to work a smartphone.
I love how sous vide can target a perfect temperature every time.
I'm grilling on my patio, as I cook other things in the kitchen 10 ft away. Why do I care about 300 ft range? Ridiculous test conditions. And I have to pay to read the report! You gotta be kidding!
Another plus for the Thermoworks Smoke:
It has 2 channels and comes with 2 probes, so you can monitor oven or grill temperature with one probe while monitoring food with the other at the same time
Meater monitors both using a single probe.
Don’t forget to by some extra probes/ different styles fir times you don’t need the air temperature probe for grills/bbq control
So basically the apps are all hot garbage
She forget to mention how the wired thermometers cannot be used for rotisserie items, which severely limits your options.
Great review. Personally I can't stand kitchen equipment that depends on apps. If the app becomes unsupported, or isn't compatible with your next smartphone upgrade, you've essentially purchased an expensive brick.
I still prefer the meater probes. You must not have connected the block to your wifi because I have been able to monitor brisket cooks from another city on my phone while at work. Illcall my girl when the alarm goes off..... BABE ITS TIME TO WRAP!!!!!!
Any pitmaster worth their weight owns at least one thermoworks product. They are the gold standard in quick accurate temperature readings.
WHAAAAAT? NO FIREBOARD?????