No longer will you have to pretend to be a confident BBQ master. No longer will you have to go to the forbidden section of the local library and open up some big dusty tome to find the old secrets to grilling.
With modern technology, you can stay calm and relaxed with little-to-no effort on your part, all while being certain that your meat is on the right track, and will be cooked to perfection every time. All you have to do is put the meat on the BBQ, grill, oven or spit, stick one of these wonderful smart thermometers in the thickest part of the cut and then monitor casually from afar.
Sit back, watch the game, chat with friends or read a book while your meat cooks in the kitchen with any one of these useful wireless smart thermometers.
What Features to look for in a Wireless Meat Thermometer
Not everyone needs a wireless thermometer for the same reason. Some want to cook outside, some want to smoke huge slabs of beef for hours, and some just want to sit on the couch doing nothing while the meat cooks.
However, there is one thing that everyone who is looking at purchasing a Wireless BBQ Thermometer has in common. All of you want to be able to perfectly cook your meat every time, without constantly checking it or worrying about it.
So, while everyone might want one specific feature like multiple probes, waterproof durability or a large display – there are a few things that everyone should want when looking for a wireless grill thermometer.
Temperature Tracking
This feature is really all about personal preference. Do you want to know everything about your meat and its cook? Or do you prefer the bare minimum – just cook the damn food and let me eat it.
Well, if you’re the latter, then you should be more than happy with minimal temperature tracking. The internal temperature is all you need. However, for those looking for a more scientific experience, some temperatures can track the ambient temperature of the cooker, and provide in-depth analysis to you either through the display or its companion app.
Temperature Range
Most people won’t have to worry about this, but it’s something that everyone should have a quick think about and double-check for before they buy a cooking thermometer.
If you’re just grilling steaks and cooking chicken, you’re probably going to be in the normal range of temperatures, and therefore be covered by most thermometers. However, for those who like to cook extravagantly outside the regular hot and cold temperatures (cold smoked salmon – yum!), you’ll need to check that your temperature is able to monitor that temperature in its range.
Wireless Range
This is a pretty obvious one, but the wireless range of your meat thermometer is crucial to your ability to use it. If you’re going to be cooking in the kitchen, chances are that you will be okay with a shorter length as you roam around the house.
However, if you plan on lots of BBQ and Grilling, then you’re going to need a longer wireless range so you can go about your activities and keep connection to your BBQ Thermometer.
Connectivity
Everybody knows what connectivity is. In today’s day and age, it’s impossible not to.
There are two things to look for in terms of meat thermometer connectivity. The first is whether you want your thermometer to connect via Bluetooth, WiFi, or both. Your outdoor BBQ might not be covered by a WiFi connection, in which case you’ll need Bluetooth connectivity. If your main cooking location is under the umbrella of your home internet, then you will be fine with WiFi.
The second thing to think about is whether you want a gadget that has a remote device, display and all, that connects to the probe or would rather use a smartphone application. Most thermometers above have both, but it’s an important preference to know before you buy.
Probe Length
You couldn’t be prosecuted for thinking that most probes look the same and do the same thing… they more or less do. They’re usually a metal stick about 3m wide that you shove inside a bit of meat.
However, the size of your probe is something that is crucial to your ability to cook the meat to perfection. If you’re someone who eats chicken fillets seven days a week, it might not be a big problem. However, if you’re a cook who regularly makes roasts with large cuts of meat, a smaller probe won’t be able to fit into the centre of your meat and is, therefore, useless. So make sure your probe is big enough to reach the centre of any meat you plan on cooking.
Battery type
Last but certainly not least is the battery type of your potential wireless thermometer.
Like most other features, this one is also a case of personal preference. Though, depending on your activities and how you cook, I would advise one of the others. There are downsides to both AAA or AA batteries and rechargeable battery packs chargeable through USB or power plug.
With the first, you’re constantly changing batteries when the others die, but you always have some on hand and they’re easily purchased when needed. With the other, it’s easy to recharge but, when you inevitably forget to charge your remote thermometer or leave it on accidentally, you won’t be able to use it at all.
Final Word
While the MEATER Plus probably stands out above the rest in terms of price and capability, all of the wireless thermometers mentioned above would be a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.
Why struggle to cook meat for hours, bring it inside, and show it off to your guests – only to cut it open and have it overcooked? Or undercooked. Meat is fickle, no matter what you choose. Both under and overcooked are bad.
Purchase a remote meat thermometer to help you find the Goldilocks of meat, helping you cook all your meat just how you want it.