| Asin | B07H8WTFHW |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| Weight | 7.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Apption Labs |
Meat
MEATER Plus: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth | Long Range | Measures Internal & Ambient Temp | for BBQ, Oven, Grill, Kitchen, Smoker, Rotisserie
$4.20
David H. –
I’ve had my MEATER Plus for about 9 months now and have used it more than 20 times with an outdoor propane grill. I highly recommend it – as long as you keep these tips in mind:
1. Make sure you understand that there are two different wireless connections going on in normal operation: one between your phone and the base and one between the base and the probe. You can see this arrangement and the current status of each of the connections by going into the upper right menu of the main display of the app and choosing “Connection Details”. Sometimes, the phone will connect direct to the probe skipping the base station and resulting in a weaker connection. You can see if that happens on this screen. If it does, you can try removing and replacing the base’s battery or killing and restarting the phone app.
2. There are two different batteries and battery levels involved. One in the base station (replaceable AAA) and one in the probe itself (non-replaceable rechargeable). Under Connection Details, the battery level reported there is for the probe. To see the battery level for the base station, tap on its icon to go to another screen which will show the base station’s battery level.
3. The probe recharges its own battery when placed in the base station. This is accomplished by the two metal contacts that hold it in place. Over time, you might see a problem with the probe charging or its battery level being unexpectedly low. What was happening in my case is the connection between one of the base clips and the probe was not working well. After repeated cooks, grease had formed a coating on the top of the probe which was interfering with the corresponding electrical contact. You can take steel wool or very high grit sand paper and gently sand the surface until the coating is gone and the metal surface looks clean again.
Once you have that information under your belt and put it to use, it works like a champ!
Dan –
I bought this after a cheap probe proved to be inaccurate on a hundred dollar prime rib. I really like the features in the app and the fact it keeps me updated on my phone but I have alot of connection issues. The box/charger need to stay right next to the oven or grill and it looses connection pretty frequently so maybe wireless isnt the best option. Battery life is good, the ambient temp always seems low but maybe the oven isn’t accurate. Over all I would recommend this product, it takes alot of the guess work out of things but i would still rely on good ole fashion judgment sometimes.
LB –
I really love the idea of wireless. Having dogs, I didn’t want the wire for safety reasons. I also didn’t want a bunch or wires to roll up and store, and the attractiveness of the small size, self storage wooden box, no wires that could be pulled and damaged was very appealing. I read the product reviews and thought this would work as it is being used in our home, in our kitchen which isn’t large at all. After all, I’m not grilling or out on a lake in a boat where I can see connectivity being an issue, and planned on the probe, base and my phone being less than 10-12 feet from one another. Downloading the app and the instructions to get started cooking our turkey were super easy. The best part was seeing how quickly our turkey cooked to avoid dry turkey. The cooking time should have been 3.5 hours and it only took 2.25 hours. I know another 1.15 hours of cooking would have certainly resulted in a dried out bird. There are audible tones that keep you aware of what is going on as long as you maintain connectivity. The turkey was delicious; white meat was super juicy, once off the bird and plated, a knife really wasn’t necessary as a fork would do. Best turkey I’ve ever made! The probe was easy to clean, just wiped clean. Nice looking, compact wooden base to store the probe. Love the magnetic battery compartment, no more lost or broken pieces. Downfall? Connectivity. I needed spin the turkey around to have the probe closest to the cookware drawer where I needed to put the base unit directly next to the oven and keep my phone on the counter next to the stove where I was working with liquids and other items used to prepare the meal so I could keep an eye on the app because the probe, base unit and phone lost connection multiple times. Even in doing that, the probe, base unit and my phone kept disconnecting and were not communicating. I needed to manually troubleshoot and reconnect. We lost connection over 10x, which concerned me because who wants to choke on a dry turkey or one that needs to be drowned in gravy?! Because the probe, base and my phone kept losing connection, I needed to “babysit” the connection on my phone. Isn’t this why anyone would want the MeatR+ to begin with? I attempted to contact their customer service via app email for help and needed the Amazon order number, serial number, fill out the online form. On Thanksgiving, I needed to prepare the meal, not spend 15+ minutes to get the information while the probe continued glitching and not reading the turkey temp which at that point, it was cooking fast and minutes were being shaved off at a quick rate. I was going to not even bother trying to have the probe, base and my phone reconnect as it became disappointing and more of an interruption to have to watch the app very closely while trying to get other things done. Also, using the app will eat your battery life, so start with a decent charge on your phone or have a charger handy if your phone is older. I had high hopes the MeatR+ would not lose connection for me since the turkey, prove, base unit and my phone all were in our small kitchen. Playing around where the probe, unit and my phone were was critical! I ended up needing to place the probe and unit less than 3ft from one another and my phone was on the counter less than 3.5 ft from the base unit and even then we lost connection. I kept opening the oven, opening the lower cabinet and putting my phone close to regain connection. It did every time, but I wasn’t expecting connectivity issues with everything now on aces less than 3.5 fr from one another. Our counters are granite, maybe this was the issue? The turkey was roasted in a dark blue and white speckled roasting pan (thin metal) with a single layer of foil over the top of the turkey with the lid on it. Probe was placed in the breast of the turkey with the probe turned to be closest to the lower cabinet drawer that had the base unit in. It’s a great idea, would love to have it work as intended. Maybe the company has some tips? Maybe our unit was a bum one that got literally was dropped shipped somewhere along the line? (Amazon driver stacked our delivery neatly, so IDK.) While the product is easy to use, the more than expected disconnections from probe to base unit to phone and the constant need to watch my phone and then troubleshoot what went wrong and reconnect. The MeatR+ lost connectivity more times than I would have expected, it wasn’t quick to reconnect each time, or trouble free to use. Because of that, it’s losing 3 stars for “ease of use”. Sad, because my brother in law was interested in it; he does a LOT of outdoor cooking on his grill, smoker and big green egg, and was interested in the multiple probe unit.
G. Gross –
A friend raved about this, but I waited before giving it a try. Don’t be an idiot like me! Buy 1 NOW, like right NOW. This provides you with real time measurements about the internal cooking temp of the meat, the surrounding temperature of the oven/smoker/grill and provides estimated cook times. You are prompted with warnings on when the meat is close to being ready, when you should remove it from grill and how long you need to let it rest. it’s a genius rechargeable unit that is compact in a magnitized bambo holder that discretely can be stored on the side of the fridge, grill or smoker. I loved this so much I bought one for my oldest brother who is a cantakerous foodie. He was skeptical at first and fell in love with the first use. Trust me, buy it for you and a friend.
F. Todd –
The Good:
The design is slick and well thought out. The app for the Meater works well and the accuracy is spot on. A green light flashes on the base if the thermoprobe is within range and connected. It flashes red if not. The app will tell you as well if you are connected. The base station will give you considerable more range than advertised, but see the next section for the caveats. The app also has settings to change the different alerts. You can only choose from their list of sounds which is considerably less than the full array you have on the iPhone, but still, there are four alarms and maybe 12 or so sounds to choose from. No need for too many. The initial settings were just fine for me. They have just updated the app to add all sorts of carnivorous delights you can cook with the probe. From venison to kangaroo. This is a nice addition as I often go in for antelope and other less common meats.
The Bad:
The instructions leave a little to be desired, but it is not hard to figure out unless you are the easily frustrated type. There is a card in the box for support and the website has support as well. The Meater + comes with a bamboo magnetic base for charging and storage and in the back it has a repeater to get to the 165′ range it touts. The base (and I assume the basic Meater) must be within 33′ of the base for ovens and some types of grills. For smokers it is much closer. That number is in the fine print. In the case of the Orion Cooker I have, I can get the base station to recognize the thermoprobe about 12′ away, through the smoker and the window to the breakfast nook. The base station has to stay there so it can connect to the probe. Once connected the app can pick up the base station, and thus the probe) all over my house and considerably farther away than 165′. But if someone moves the base it might disconnect and then you won’t get updates or alarms and you might overcook your meat.
The Ugly
There isn’t much wrong with this unit and I do recommend it to others. That said, it is a bit misleading (or just obtuse writing) which will lead you to believe that you can just plop the probe in some meat and your phone will pick it up all over the house. I read several reviews (and one YouTube video) that slammed the Meater for the short range despite the fact it is in the literature and on their site. It is probably not as prominent as it should be, but think about it, how can a little probe hold a battery, two thermoresitors, and an antennae and get 165′ range? Not with today’s tech I fear. Maybe when the Federation is founded. Either way, if they were a bit clearer about that for the Meater and instructions to first remove the probe before using the app. My guess is those who had issues already had the app open and so the probe paired with the phone and they didn’t get the range they desired.
Some Pointers
If you turn on the app then remove the probe, the probe will connect to the app/phone and your range is now 33′ (10′ for a smoker). What is not said is that you have to fully exit and quit the app (swipe up on Apple), then remove the probe which causes it to pair with the base. Then open the app and your phone will pair with the base. Place the base where it is still flashing green when the probe is in the meat and the lid shut. Now you can use it all over the place. The app will show if it is connected properly and if it is not. I didn’t notice where an alarm would sound if the base and probe stop syncing. If it doesn’t have one that would be a nice addition. A nice loud one that vibrates as well.
Wish list
They make a basic Meater with four probes, which is a great idea if you are smoking different meats at the same time, or maybe just using the smoker, the grill, and the oven at the same time. I wish they had something like that for the Meater +. I assume it will come out at some point. Then again, I rarely would need more than one as I’m not running a restaurant. Also, I wish the magnets on the back were a bit stronger. For some reason my fridge it will slip down a few inches before attracting to some metal large enough for it to grab onto. Other kitchen items like the pot rack and microwave side have the same issues. I just think the weight of the base, battery, and probe are too much for the magnets to support.
Bottom line, great unit, does what it says (even if you didn’t read all it says). Just remember to remove the probe from the base first before opening the app or your range will be that of the basic Meater.
Angie Glenn –
My husband barbecues and smokes meats and has complained for years about the cheap thermometer I use in the kitchen. He got this thermometer as a gift and is loving it. In his words, “This thermometer is the tits.” It is easy to use and allows him to set the meat on the grill/smoker and forget it because it sends notifications to his phone through the app, reducing the need to constantly open the grill and lose heat. This even works in the oven, so I can now toss out my cheap thermometer. In my opinion, it has helped him hone his grilling/smoking skills.
Scott –
I only have the single probe but it’s just me and my wife and we cook mostly for just us. I have done pork shoulders beef brisket, see photos, and lobster tails, see photos. I use a Weber kettle grill with the snake coal setup with wood chunks. The MEATER lets me keep my ambient temperature adjusted easier. I can actually tweak it to where I don’t have to tend to it much at all. With the cloud setup I can monitor the temperature on multiple devices at different location like at the pool or if I needed to make a quick run to the store. I’ve had this a little over a year and have not had to replace the AAA battery yet. We grill regularly so it gets used. I wished the internal battery was replaceable but I can also this would probably not be a good option for the hermetic seal that makes it water tight. Overall I like the product, I would buy again and recommend for anyone wanting to up their game.
Nitemox –
No more forgotten or overcooked meat. The MEATER works and it will help you cook the meat perfectly every time. It’s suited better to indirect grilling methods (which I prefer); that is, you cook on the side of the grill without a lit burner. The MEATER monitors the ambient temperature while also monitoring the interior of the meat. The app then controls your cook. When you set up a cook, the app guides you through the process allowing you to select your cut and preferred doneness. When your MEAT is ready to remove from the grill the MEATER will notify you, but it gives you heads up 5 minutes before the finish cook time. The app then even suggests the proper rest period letting you know when it’s the perfect time to dig in. The Bamboo housing, which also charges the MEATER probe is stylish enough that I don’t mind it clinging magnetically to the side of my fridge when it isn’t in use. The case also re-charges the meater probe (via AA or AAA battery can’t remember which, lasts a year) and acts as a bluetooth intermediary between your phone and the cooking probe. This way your phone connects with bluetooth to the case not the actual probe and the probe connects to the case… allowing you to keep the case near the probe during the cook and you have much further range with your phone from the case. If you had to connect your phone directly to the probe the range would probably be horrible, but with the MEATER case you get a great bluetooth connection and are free to roam your house or back yard while the cook is perfectly monitored. Keep in mind that this probe really needs thick cuts, you have to get the probe buried just over halfway into the cut. Better with thicker Burgers, Steak Cuts or Chops. So cut, em thick boys! (or gals or…whatever. We all gotsta eat!) I like the magnets on the bamboo base because it allows me to stick the MEATER case right to the metal shelve on my grill while I cook. (I keep it at least a foot from the hot grill) The nice thing is, if it’s raining on the deck i just stick the MEATER on the underside of the metal grill shelve and it stays nice and dry aaaaaand so do I!; because i don’t have to go outside at all to check on the grill. I think you might still need a quick read grill thermometer (you know the ones that fold out and you stick in the meat for a quick check) for things like thin cuts or wings, so it isn’t for every scenario. But, if your a novice and you never cooked a roast or bird before, MEATER will take the guess work out and help you get it right the very first time. I love grilling and cooking and I love the MEATER, a fantastic tool! I know absolutely nothing about the folks over at MEATER HQ, but if I can deduce anything from having used the MEATER I can say they love to cook as well and have a passion for perfectly prepared delectable cuts… every time! Get one!
Dan W –
My first cook with the MEATER plus was a success as judged by the positive feedback from my family. I chose a pulled pork recipe from the MEATER app and bought a pork shoulder from the nearby grocery store. It was easy to set up the thermometer for use in the app on iOS and I selected the recipe from the available “cooks”. The MEATER app walked me through everything step by step, including ingredients and short videos. I had watched it before to make sure I had the ingredients. I fired up the smoker to preheat it, put on the rub with spices at the directed time (though I used a Traeger rub instead of making my own) and then put the MEATER plus into the pork shoulder as instructed. The app started measuring the temperature inside the meat as well as the ambient temperature and reporting it to me. Once it got some data it started estimating the time to cook completion and the visual milestones were really helpful showing target temperature and current temperature. The Bluetooth connection worked well and I also set up the MEATER cloud link by having a second device with the MEATER app running with my login. This enabled me to leave the house and run errands while still monitoring the cook and this feature worked great. It was all done around eight hours after I started and using MEATER took a lot of the guesswork out of it for me. As someone new to smoking meats I really found this product to be useful. My Traeger doesn’t have the WiFi built in and by adding this MEATER plus thermometer into my arsenal it kind of put me on par with the pricier Traeger models with WiFi except I have to manually adjust the temp. Time will tell as to how durable the thermometer is but at this point I’d give it a thumbs up. It did read differently from the Traeger wired probe in the meat with the MEATER measuring about 10 degrees less. But the pulled pork still turned out great so that’s something I’ll have to figure out in terms of accuracy.
Judy L. –
My husband bought me the original Meater for Christmas a few years ago, and I returned it since the range was poor and it didn’t work inside most of my appliance. I have since bought the Meater Plus and I love it. Although some of my appliance have built in probes, some of them don’t.
Although I do have an Instant Read probe that I still use to verify doneness of proteins, the Meater Plus is so much easier to use and you don’t have to constantly check the food so it doesn’t get over or undercooked. I am an experienced cook, but as you know foods can look done on the outside, but you can’t see how well done they are on the inside. This Meater Plus is the perfect solution for perfectly cooked proteins and other foods.
So what do I love about the Meater Plus?
1 – It works using an app that can be downloaded for either phones or tablets using Android or IOS operating systems.
2 – It easily connects using Bluetooth and the Meater cloud through your router.
3 – In the app settings, you can set your preferences for the various alarms.
4 – When a done temperature preference is set in the app for a cook, the app will let you know when the food is done, and allow for a resting period when the temperature will increase. So, for example, if you want a medium rare steak and set the temperature for 130 degrees, the app will tell you the steak is done at 125 degrees and allow for a 5 minute resting period that the temperature will increase to 130 degrees. This means perfectly done proteins every time.
5 – You can choose a preset in the app, and then modify it to your preference.
6 – This probe works well to monitor food inside any oven and even in cookers like the Ninja Speedi, Ninja grills, and pressure cookers.
7 – Cooking progress can be monitored wherever you can take your phone or tablet in the house. You don’t have to stay in the kitchen.
8- Works with rotisseries where wired probes aren’t practical.
9 – Can be connected to Alexa for notifications.
10 – The base unit is powered by an “A” battery, and pressing a button lets you know if the battery is still good. The probe is charged in the base unit.
11 – The base unit is magnetized so it can be stored on the side of any metal appliance. This means not having to find it in a cabinet or drawer. I have two of these, and keep them on the side of my Anova oven so they are always handy.
I have used this Meater Plus in my ovens, the Ninja Speedi, and in my pressure cookers with great results. I have the app on my phone, and can take my phone in the family room while I watch TV and still monitor the progress of my food cooking. I also like the display of the ambient temperature. This tells you whether your oven is actually getting to the temperature you set it to. In my experience, many ovens never reach the temperature you set, so trying to estimate when your food will be cooked is all guesswork. The Meater Plus takes the guesswork out of cooking. Once you set a done temperature, the app estimates when your food will be fully cooked. This make is so much easier to make sure all of the other components of your meal will be done and hot at the same time. No matter how experienced you are in cooking, there is always a certain amount of guesswork in knowing when foods are cooked to the preferred doneness. The Meater Plus eliminates some of the guesswork. I should also mention that the range of the Meater Plus is greater if you remove the probe from the holder before opening the app. This was mentioned by one other reviewer.
I hope this review was helpful for you. I will update this review if my opinion changes or I find more ways to use it.