With the technology getting involved everywhere to make our life much easier, it was a matter of time until the grill manufactures start to include it on their products to improve and innovate even further.
The WiFi thermometers are one of these products. The traditional meat thermometers are improved and now have advanced wireless technology for you to use and control them anywhere you are, as long as you have an internet connection.
It eliminates the tedious part of constantly checking the grill temperature and making it much smoother by just using your smartphone or PC.
Below, we have reviewed and take a deep look at the top 5 wireless meat thermometers on the market and reveal our winner.
Note: If you are in a hurry, you can use the table below to quickly navigate or click here to jump directly to our editor’s conclusion.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Comparison Table
- 2 Benefits of a Smart WiFi Barbecue Thermometer
- 3 Reviews of the Best Wireless Meat Thermometers for 2020
- 4 Final Thoughts
- 5 What is the Difference between WiFi and Bluetooth Thermometers?
- 6 What to Look for in a Wireless Meat Thermometer
In a Rush? Here's Our Editor's Conclusion:
Quick Comparison Table
Name | Temperature Range | Probes Supported | Price Range | Our Rating | | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-22° - 572°F (-30° - 300°C) | 4 (2 included) | $$ | |||||
32 - 572°F (0 - 300°C) | 4 | $$ | |||||
32 - 572 °F | 4 | $$ | |||||
32 - 572 °F | 4 | $$ | |||||
32 - 572 °F | 4 (2 included) | $$$ |
Benefits of a Smart WiFi Barbecue Thermometer
I know that most of us like to go and check the grill and see that grilling steak sizzle and release that enjoying the aroma. But when smoking a whole turkey or chuck roast, it will take all day - up to 12 hours of smoking, so it is actually more enjoyable to step away from the grill and do something else.
In order to cook a perfectly smoked chuck roast, it is not possible without keeping an eye on the temperature constantly. If you don’t do so, the temperature may become too hot and make the meat dry or actually get cold and leave the meat undercooked.
With a WiFi BBQ thermometer, you eliminate all the worries for the temperature, no matter where you are.
You can set alerts to know when the meat is getting close to done or when the pit temperature is reaching a certain point. Doing so will help you a lot by planning upfront on what you are going to do.
The standard Bluetooth thermometers give you only a range of 100-200 feet away from the grill while the Wi-Fi models have an infinite range, as long as you have an internet connection on your phone or PC.
You have total control over temperatures, alerts, timers, cooking graphs, etc., no matter if you are inside your house or on the other side of the town.
So, having a full wireless meat thermometer will give you freedom and flexibility like no other device on the market.
We decided to review the best models which offer full wireless or partial-wireless connection, on different price points and features.
Below you can find the full review for the top 5 models which we think deserve to be considered as the best wireless meat thermometer.
Reviews of the Best Wireless Meat Thermometers for 2020
#1 - iGrill 2 by Weber - Editor's Pick
Technical Details:
The iGrill 2 model by Weber is probably one of the best wifi meat thermometers for you to view the temperature on your smartphone or tablet.
What’s Included in the Package
This unit comes with two pro-meat probes but has the capacity to support up to 4 probes at the same time. If you want, you can grab the Pro Kit which comes already with 4 included probes in one single package.
The iGrill brand was acquired a few years ago from Weber and they started rebranding their previous thermometers to iGrill 1 and 2 with the Weber Logo on top.
Weber decided to expand the product line by producing the Mini version and the iGrill 3, which is only compatible with some of their Genesis and Spirit models. The iGrill 2 is their most popular model and that’s for a reason.
Cooking Probes & Temperature Range
It supports up to 4 probes at the same time, making it very easy to measure temperature from different foods at once. The probes are 48” in length, which is more than the standard 36” probes most thermometers come.
The meat probes are heat resistant up to 716°F, making this model suitable for high heat cooking, such as grilling or smoking.
The included probes are capable of measuring a temperature range from -22°F to 572°F (-30°C to 300°C), allowing you to use it on different foods. On top of that, it has an accuracy of +(-)1°F, which is pretty good.
Durability and Construction
As for the design, the iGrill features a nice and clean square with rounded corners design. It has the black magnetic back and two contrasting lines; one red and one grey line around the top.
On the top side, the unit has a small LED display to show the detected temperature and 4 indicators, one for each connected probe.
Connectivity and Features
The Bluetooth connectivity gives you a 150 Feet range and the magnetic base allow you to hang/place the unit in different locations near your grill, smoker or oven.
As you may already guess, this unit is controlled via the iGrill app available on the App Store and Google Play.
We think that Weber has really invested in a great app and has really given this model the name of a smart thermometer. Inside the app, you will find tons of customization options, preset temperatures, temperature monitoring for each probe, etc.
One cool feature which we found is the ability to rename the probes using the app so you will know which one is which. This is very useful as you don’t have to remember which probe is in use but see from the app to find out.
Battery Life
The iGrill 2 comes with included batteries in the package, which gives this unit up to 200 hours of running. It also has a proximity sensor to save battery life which automatically shuts off the display of the unit when you walk away and turn it on again when you come back.
Also, if you have any issue, they include 1 Year Warranty for this model and a fully support page for you to troubleshoot problems and get help.
Drawbacks
The Bluetooth connectivity offers you only 150 Feet range, which for some people is a little bit limited, especially if you have several walls between you and your grill.
Also, another drawback we found out is that the connection drops when you put your phone on sleep/lock. You have to wait until it gets reconnected again after you unlock the device.
Overall
Overall, the iGrill 2 is one of the best wireless thermometers you can buy nowadays. If the 150 Feet range is not an issue for you, then the design, features, ease of use and the advanced app will make you totally love this device.
Pros
Cons
#2 - InkBird IBT-4XS - Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometer
Technical Details:
Most of the models we featured in this list come for well-known and established brands. But, the InkBird is new to the market. The release of the IBT-4XS increases their credibility among users even more as they created one of the best budget Bluetooth thermometers.
What’s Included in the Package
The InkBird IBT-4XS package includes the main unit, 4 food probes, 1 USB charging cable, 2 probe clips, and the English Manual.
If you don’t want four probes, you can choose the 2 probes package on the buying page and save a few dollars.
Cooking Probes & Temperature Range
As I said before, the package includes four probes made of stainless steel, which can be used all at the same time or individually.
The probe length is about 4.9 Feet or 150 Cm, which is more than enough to leave the unit on the table or somewhere near the grill, smoker or oven for continuous reading.
As for Temperature range, this model offers you a range of 32°F to 572°F for short time measurement and 32°F to 482°F for continuous monitoring.
The probes are pretty accurate too, with an accuracy of +(-)2°F, which is the same as some of the best models on the market today.
Durability and Construction
The InkBird IBT-4XS has a great design, probably one of the best-looking Bluetooth wireless meat thermometer I have seen.
It features an all black, sleek design, with an orange contrast line on the back side of the unit and red LED screen letters, making it stand out and looking like a high-end gadget. The LED screen measures 2.2x1”, allowing you to clearly read the temperature even when you are 30-50 feet away.
However, if you are wondering if you should put it inside the grill, then the InkBird doesn’t recommend leaving the unit anywhere over 80°C/176°F as the plastic will melt.
Connectivity and Features
Just like the iGrill 2, this model has a connectivity range of up to 150 Feet and a magnetic base on the back to stick it to a metal surface near your grill/oven.
The unit is controlled via the downloadable app for iOS and Android and can be easily paired with your smartphone to read the temperature everywhere.
The app is pretty good and has a simple to use interface. It enhances the unit features and allows you to have more control over the unit.
It has up to 12 types of Meat modes to select when need a quick temperature preset and will show you an individual temperature graph for each probe. If you don’t like the pre-programmed temperature presets, you are free to customize them and place the desired temperatures.
Inside the app, you can choose to set an alarm when the temperature goes below or above a specific point. Also, you can use the timer feature to set a countdown timer and get a notification when it expires.
The unit will notify you when the temperature is reached, the unit is powered off or the connection is lost.
The large LED screen is very user-friendly and can be clearly read from distance. And if for some reasons you cannot read the temperature as you are in an odd position, you can double tap the screen to rotate it in the opposite direction.
Battery Life & Warranty
This model comes with a built-in rechargeable 1000mAh Li-Battery which can last up to 60 hours of working in a full charge. The battery level can be easily monitored using the app.
When it runs out of juice, you can use the 1.64 feet USB charging cable to charge it when you are not using it.
As for warranty, the InkBird includes a 1-year warranty.
Drawbacks
One drawback we found is that this unit is not durable to high temperatures so you cannot leave it inside the oven or grill. It can stay near a hot environment of up to 176°F.
Also, just like the iGrill 2, the 150 Feet range for Bluetooth seems a bit limited, especially if you have several walls in between.
Overall
The InkBird IBT-4XS is definitely a worth considering product. It offers the same high-end features of some of the most well-known thermometer brands on the market, all with a much cheaper price and more stylish design.
Pros
Cons
Technical Details:
Another digital wifi meat thermometer which is fully designed to be connected with your smartphone.
Soraken is a smart wifi bbq thermometer which allows you to monitor the temperature of your food from your mobile phone.
What’s Included in the Package
The Soraken comes with 1 x meat thermometer, 4 x colorful probes with holding racks & 1 x User Manual.
There is also a package with 6 probes, instead of 4, if you really want to go for the full package.
Cooking Probes & Temperature Range
The four included probes will allow you to monitor different foods and read the grill/oven temperature at the same time. If you got the six probe package, then it will allow you to monitor six different temperatures.
The temperature range is from 32°F to 572°F, more than enough for most foods.
The probes are 47.2” in length and very durable, with the wire crafted with metal braiding and upgraded Teflon core, making them withstand temperatures up to 716°F. All the probes come with a silicon wrap/racks to hold them, making the storage much easier.
Durability and Construction
The main thermometer unit has a clean and simple white and black design, with a large screen in the middle and the probe connectors on the left side.
The outside case is made of plastic, so don’t expect to leave near or on top of a hot surface. Any surface below 176°F is okay. You can use the magnetic back to position and stick it near the grill/oven or anywhere you find a metal surface.
Connectivity and Features
The Soraken uses Bluetooth to communicate with your phone. It has a 100 feet indoor range and about 196 feet outdoor range, but this can vary depending on the surroundings.
The smartphone app is very simple to use, with a clean interface and clear functions.
The pairing process is very easy, by just holding the pairing button on the main unit and pressing start inside the downloaded app.
After the first time, the device will automatically get paired the next time it is detected.
Inside the app, you can find the preset temperature for up to 11 types of food, with the ability to customize to your desired levels.
Other cool features of the app are the smart alarm when the food is cooked, a timer function to help you keep track of the session and the temperature history for the current cooking session.
Battery Life & Warranty
This unit is powered by 2 x 1.5V AA Battery which are not included, so don’t forget to purchase them before.
As for warranty, Soraken includes a 12-month warranty from the date of the purchase and if you have any question or problem, you can contact their support directly.
Drawbacks
As for drawbacks, we would like to tell you that this device is not waterproof or water resistant. So, keep it away from any water or liquids, as it may damage the unit.
Another thing which we think is a small drawback is that it only needs 2 x Batteries, much different from the competitors with more battery life. Also, they haven’t included the batteries in the package, so you have to buy them separately.
Overall
The Soraken is another wireless bbq thermometer which offers the ability to monitor up to 6 temperatures at the same time from your phone.
It has 12 months of warranty, simple design, and a very affordable price.
Pros
Cons
#4 - Tappecue WiFi - Best Full Wireless Thermometer
Technical Details:
The Tappecue is an old and established brand when it comes to meat thermometers, especially WiFi thermometers. They have been producing these kinds of devices for a few years before many manufacturers were created.
They have recently released their newest addition to their products, the Tappecue Touch, which is a re-designed model to include a full touchscreen monitor and easier setup.
What’s Included in the Package
In the package, you get the main thermometer, 4 x cooking probes with different color tags and 1 x User manual.
Cooking Probes & Temperature Range
The Tappecue comes with 4 cooking probes. They are all thermistors type, which means that they are not as fast and as accurate as thermocouple type, but still perform very well for general cooking.
They are durable and can withstand temperatures up to 572°F, with accuracy within 1-2°F. All the probes have a 6 feet long cable, allowing you to place the main unit a few feet away from the heat.
Tappecue has promised to be releasing a system update which will allow you to double the number of probes using splitters, for a total of 8 probes. This system is not released yet and you can upgrade to it as soon as they announce it.
Durability and Construction
As for construction, the Tappecue has a weatherproof body, designed to withstand any storm or whatever factor which may impact its body.
The outside is made of thick polycarbonate, which makes it durable to tosses, splashes, smacks on the ground, etc. The jacks are protected by a foam layer and it is completely sealed, resistant to dust, grease, and water.
Touch Screen Display
This bbq wifi thermometer comes with a full-color touchscreen display, making it one of the leaders in the market. The setup and configuration are very easy to do and there is an included stylus for easier navigation. Thanks to the big screen, the reading of the temperatures while cooking is very easy.
As for responsivity, don’t expect the most responsive screen out but still, it is a huge improvement over the other models on the market.
One thing which we should mention is that the screen cannot be turned off while working, which may result in less battery life.
Connectivity and Features
In order for you to connect with the main thermometer unit, you have to connect it with your WiFi network. Then, you can sync any device, smartphone, tablet or PC and monitor the temperatures anywhere with internet access. This is a huge advantage over the limited range offered from the other competitors. If you want to use it in Offline mode, it has a range of 180 feet, still enough for using it inside the house.
The smartphone app is very advanced, with different included features. It has alarms when your meat is done or when your grill is becoming too hot or too cold.
You can also track and see the cooking logs in visual graphs, and even export them in Excel file if you need them.
And, if you want to go even more advanced, the Tappecue developers have released a public API for the Touch; if you know how to code, you can customize and create your own functions.
Battery Life
The Tappecue has a 2400mAh battery, which is recharged via an AC outlet. You can get 12-14 hours of this battery and their latest firmware which is expected to be released can boost it up to 25 hours.
Drawbacks
The most common complaint about this model is that the touchscreen is not as responsive as it should. It is clunky and sometimes difficult to use.
Another drawback is that you cannot put the device screen into sleep mode to save battery life. We think that this feature would improve battery life a lot.
Overall
The Tappecue Touch is one of the few models on the market which gives you the ability to have a full bbq wifi thermometer. You can access the temperature data from anywhere you are, by just opening the mobile app.
Pros
Cons
#5 - Flame Boss 500 - Best Universal Remote WiFi Thermometer
Technical Details:
Flame Boss is also a well-known brand in the bbq community. They have a good reputation among the community as a manufacturer who produces high quality and customer focused products.
Their latest wifi bbq thermometer, the Flame Boss 500 makes no exception. It is their flagship thermometer model, with durable construction and tons of features.
What’s Included in the Package
In the kit, you get the WiFi controller with blower and grill adapters, 1 x meat probe, 1 x high-temperature pit probe, 2 x probe cord organizers and the power supply.
Cooking Probes & Temperature Range
This meat thermometer comes with 2 cooking probes, one for the food and one for the smoker/grill. If you want, you can purchase two additional ones and make a total of 4 probes at once.
The probes are made of industrial duty platinum and are rated for temperatures up to 575°F.
When you opt to use a fan blower with this thermometer, you have a smart and intelligent machine on your hands. The built-in PID controller calculates and learns smoker’s settings to use that data for better accuracy and control. One example is that it senses if the lid is opened via the sudden drop of cooking temperature. It will then adjust the fan to maintain the temperature by increasing the blowing speed or slowing it down.
Durability and Construction
The Flame Boss 500 has a metal body which is very durable and can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures.
As for design, it has a simple black design which is more focused on functionality than providing a stylish look. It has a small LCD screen with 4 lines in total and basic functions which can be controlled by the app or the buttons.
This unit is the perfect thermometer for most smokers, no matter what style it is; Drum, Barrel, Offset or Cabinet.
To attach the unit is easy but needs some DIY. It will need some holes to bolt it on if you want to put it in place. It needs a ¾” pipe fitting which can be found in any hardware store.
Connectivity and Features
Even though the temperatures, blower speed, and target temperatures can be monitored by the LCD screen, the smartphone app is the reason why you pick a wireless barbecue thermometer.
The Flame Boss 500 uses WiFi and cloud connectivity to sync and send you data over your phone so you can access them anywhere you want, in the phone or PC browser.
You can configure alerts and receive text messages when the food is done, set up the blowers to cool down the heat once the food is done, record cooking graphs to track your results, etc.
The unit has the ability to connect to your Amazon Echo, so you can integrate with Alexa and ask questions about the progress.
Drawbacks
One thing which we think is a drawback from other competitors is that you need to drill and do some DIY work to set it up. If you don’t like DIY, then it may be a little bit complicated to set up.
Also, it doesn’t run on batteries. You have to leave it connected with the power outlet all the time.
Overall
The Flame Boss 500 is definitely a model for those who are serious about their smoking and grilling. It has advanced features, smart integrations with Amazon Echo and full cloud connectivity.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
In a Rush? Here's Our Editor's Conclusion:
So, what is the best wireless meat thermometer? Based on our reviews, we think that the best option would be the Tappecue WiFi Thermometer. Even though the touchscreen is not as responsive as it should, it has full WiFi connection, unlimited range, 2400 mAh rechargeable battery and advanced iOS & Android app.
As a runner-up, and a more budget pick, we choose the iGrill 2 by Weber. I know that it not a full wireless model and only gives you 170 feet of wireless range, but it is a decent and good looking product. It has wide temperature range, advanced iOS & Android app and is pretty accurate.
What is the Difference between WiFi and Bluetooth Thermometers?
Meat thermometers have been around for years but only recently they got better and more innovative by integrating technology and offering wireless connectivity. But what is the difference between a thermometer which uses Bluetooth and one which uses Wireless technology to communicate with your phone?
The Bluetooth thermometers give you the remote control ability but the range is limited at around 100-200 feet from the main unit as the Bluetooth technology doesn’t use the internet to communicate. With these type of thermometers, you usually have to carry a receiver with you and only a few models have an application for smartphone.
As for the wireless models, they give you total freedom to check and control your meat thermometer anywhere you go. They use your wireless network at home to sync data and you can access them using your phone or browser, without worrying about the range or location.
Also, the wifi-enabled models have more features and are more advanced in terms of functionality and customization. As you may already guess, they are more expensive than the Bluetooth models.
What to Look for in a Wireless Meat Thermometer
There are several things you should consider before picking which model is the best wireless meat thermometer for you:
Smartphone App and Features
As the smart features and the app are the main reason why you pick a wireless thermometer, you need to take a better look and see what they have to offer.
Almost every model on the market has a minimum and maximum temperature alert. Take a look at what are some more stand-out feature they offer.
You can consider models which offer temperature graphs and cooking logs for example. This data will help you take a better look inside the grill performance and keep track if anything has gone wrong. Most advanced models have this feature and they have also added the ability to export these data, so you can take a deeper look.
Another stand-out feature would be the integration with Smart home systems, such as Amazon Echo. You can check the temperature of your food by just asking Alexa, making the process even easier and more enjoyable.
The Design and Durability
Another thing to consider when picking a meat thermometer is the construction quality and unit design. It is important to have a durable unit, which will resist common elements around the grill or kitchen. A controller made of metal is always preferable even though there are some great plastic models out there.
You may consider the main unit shape and size. Since you are picking a smart meat thermometer, it is always good to pick one with a large screen so you won’t have any difficulties to read the temperature.
Take a look at the interface and how easy it is to use. If it is complicated to use, you will eventually get frustrated when you need to change something.
You may want to consider if the unit has legs, magnetic back or can be hung on the wall. This will allow you to place the thermometer at the right place, near your grill or kitchen.
Also, pay attention to the length of the probes. Some models are not resistant to high heat and having long probe cables will allow you to protect them better. Most models have 4-6 feet long wires, which are more than enough for anyone.
Accuracy
You may want to consider the probe accuracy. In the end, you want an accurate thermometer. It doesn’t matter if it is stylish and good looking, if it is not accurate, it will not be helpful. The target accuracy is around 0.7-2°F, which is what you will find on most decent models.
The Probes
You may want to see how many probes do they come with. While almost all the models allow up to 4 or 6 probes to be connected at the same time, most of them come with one or two probes in the package.
You may want to purchase additional probes to complete all your measuring needs.