Tested: MEATER Plus Thermometer — Long-Term Test

The MEATER Plus Thermometer revolutionizes home cooking and professional grilling by offering a truly wireless and smart way to monitor meat temperatures. This innovative device ensures your steaks, roasts, and poultry are cooked to absolute perfection, eliminating guesswork and delivering consistent, delicious results every time. It connects seamlessly to your smartphone, providing real-time data and guided cooks.

MEATER Plus Thermometer Overview

The MEATER Plus Thermometer represents a significant leap forward in cooking technology, moving beyond traditional wired probes to offer unparalleled freedom and precision. This smart thermometer is designed for anyone who loves to cook, from casual backyard grillers to serious culinary enthusiasts. Its innovative design integrates advanced sensors with smart connectivity.

At its core, the MEATER Plus is a completely wireless meat probe that communicates with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Unlike its predecessor, the original MEATER, the Plus version includes a built-in Bluetooth repeater in its wooden charging block, significantly extending its wireless range. This enhanced range allows you to monitor your cook from up to 165 feet away, depending on environmental factors.

The device features two sensors within a single probe: one measures the internal temperature of your meat, and the other monitors the ambient temperature of your oven, grill, or smoker. This dual-sensor capability provides crucial data for the MEATER app’s sophisticated algorithms, which predict cooking times and guide you to perfect doneness. The app itself is intuitive, offering a Guided Cook System that walks you through each step.

Imagine setting your roast in the oven, inserting the MEATER Plus, and then being able to relax in another room while still keeping an eye on its progress. The app will notify you when it’s time to remove the meat, when it’s resting, and when it’s ready to serve. This hands-free approach transforms the cooking experience, making it less stressful and more enjoyable.

The MEATER Plus excels in versatility, suitable for a wide array of cooking methods. Whether you’re using a barbecue, a traditional oven, a smoker, an air fryer, or even a rotisserie, this thermometer adapts seamlessly. Its robust construction can withstand high temperatures, ensuring durability and reliability across various culinary adventures.

The design is sleek and minimalist, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen or grilling setup. The magnetic charging dock conveniently attaches to metal surfaces, keeping the probe safe and fully charged when not in use. This attention to detail reflects MEATER’s commitment to both functionality and user experience, making the MEATER Plus Thermometer a truly premium kitchen gadget.

Understanding the internal temperature of meat is paramount for both safety and taste. The MEATER Plus removes all guesswork, ensuring that your food reaches the ideal temperature for optimal flavor and texture. Overcooked or undercooked meat can be a thing of the past with this precise monitoring tool.

The accompanying MEATER app is a treasure trove of features, including a vast library of recipes, custom cook options, and the ability to track previous cooks. This data-driven approach allows you to refine your techniques and consistently achieve restaurant-quality results at home. The app is regularly updated, bringing new features and improvements to enhance its functionality.

The MEATER Plus Thermometer is more than just a gadget; it’s an investment in better cooking. It empowers users to confidently tackle challenging cuts of meat and complex recipes, knowing they have a reliable assistant monitoring every degree. This level of precision and convenience makes it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about culinary excellence. You can learn more about MEATER’s innovative technology and product range on their official website.

The seamless integration of hardware and software is where the MEATER Plus truly shines. The probe itself is a marvel of engineering, compact yet powerful. Its ability to communicate through thick oven doors or smoker walls, thanks to the repeater, sets it apart from many competitors. This extended range means you can entertain guests or tend to other tasks without constantly hovering over your grill.

The ease of use, combined with its advanced capabilities, positions the MEATER Plus as a leading choice in smart cooking tools. It simplifies the often-complex process of cooking meat to perfection, turning what can be a stressful endeavor into a relaxed and rewarding experience. This overview just scratches the surface of what this remarkable device offers.

MEATER Plus Thermometer Key Features & Specs

The MEATER Plus Thermometer boasts a range of innovative features and robust specifications that set it apart in the smart kitchen appliance market. Understanding these elements helps to appreciate its capabilities and how it delivers such precise cooking results. Each component is designed for optimal performance and user convenience.

One of the most significant features is its 100% Wire-Free Design. This means no tangled wires, no need to open the oven door to check temperature, and complete freedom of placement. The absence of wires makes it incredibly versatile for rotisseries, smokers, and any cooking setup where wires would be problematic.

The Extended Bluetooth Range (165ft) is a core differentiator for the MEATER Plus. The charging dock acts as a Bluetooth repeater, boosting the signal from the probe to your smart device. This allows you to monitor your cook from a considerable distance, whether you’re indoors, in the backyard, or even attending to other tasks around the house.

It incorporates Dual Temperature Sensors within a single probe. One sensor precisely measures the internal temperature of the meat, crucial for achieving perfect doneness. The second sensor monitors the ambient temperature of the cooking environment (oven, grill, smoker), providing valuable data for the app’s algorithms. This dual monitoring ensures accurate cooking predictions.

The Guided Cook System within the MEATER app is a standout feature. It walks you through every step of the cooking process, from selecting the meat type and desired doneness to estimated cooking times and resting periods. This system intelligently calculates carry-over cooking, ensuring your meat is perfectly rested and ready to serve.

The probe itself is constructed from stainless steel, making it highly durable and easy to clean. It is also water-resistant, allowing for easy washing under running water. While it shouldn’t be fully submerged for extended periods, it handles splashes and cleaning effectively, maintaining hygiene effortlessly.

The MEATER Plus charges efficiently within its sleek bamboo charging dock. This dock is not just a charger; it contains the Bluetooth repeater and a single AAA battery that powers the repeater for up to six months of regular use. The magnetic backing on the dock allows it to be conveniently mounted on metallic surfaces like refrigerators or grills.

The MEATER App is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, offering a user-friendly interface. It includes advanced estimator algorithms that predict how long to cook and rest your food, minimizing uncertainty. The app also features a vast recipe library, custom cook options, and the ability to save and share your cooking history.

Regarding specifications, the probe itself is approximately 5.2 inches long with a diameter of 0.23 inches. It can withstand internal meat temperatures up to 212°F (100°C) and ambient temperatures up to 527°F (275°C). These ranges are suitable for virtually all common cooking methods and meat types, from slow-smoked briskets to high-heat seared steaks.

The battery in the probe lasts for over 24 hours of continuous cooking on a full charge, making it ideal for long smoking sessions. Recharging is quick and simple by placing it back into its magnetic bamboo dock. The MEATER Plus Thermometer is an impressive piece of technology designed to elevate your culinary skills with its advanced features and robust build.

The device’s robust connectivity ensures that even when cooking in thick ceramic smokers or cast iron ovens, the signal can reliably reach your phone. This is a common pain point with other wireless thermometers, and the MEATER Plus addresses it effectively. The repeater function is genuinely transformative for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the app’s ability to monitor multiple MEATER probes simultaneously (if you own more than one) is a huge advantage for cooking different meats or cuts at the same time. This multi-probe capability turns your smartphone into a comprehensive cooking dashboard, managing an entire meal effortlessly. The MEATER Plus Thermometer truly integrates smart technology into the art of cooking.

Pros & Cons of the MEATER Plus

Understanding the advantages and potential drawbacks of any product is crucial for an informed purchase decision. The MEATER Plus Thermometer, while highly innovative, also has its strengths and weaknesses. Here, we’ll delve into what makes this smart thermometer shine and where it might fall short for certain users.

Key Pros:

• Truly Wire-Free Cooking Experience: This is arguably the biggest advantage. The absence of wires means you can close your oven, grill, or smoker completely without worrying about crimping or damaging cables. This freedom is particularly beneficial for rotisserie cooking or when you need to move food around. It simplifies the entire cooking setup.

• Extended Bluetooth Range: The MEATER Plus significantly improves upon the original MEATER’s range thanks to the repeater built into the charging dock. This 165ft range (line of sight) allows you to monitor your cook from a considerable distance. You can be inside, away from the heat, or socializing while still receiving real-time updates on your phone.

• Dual Sensor Technology: Having both internal meat temperature and ambient cooking temperature sensors in one probe is incredibly powerful. The app uses both readings to provide highly accurate cooking time estimates and to account for carry-over cooking during the resting phase. This precision ensures optimal doneness and juiciness.

• Intuitive Guided Cook System: The MEATER app’s step-by-step guidance is excellent for both novice and experienced cooks. It eliminates guesswork, prompting you on when to remove the meat, when to rest it, and when it’s ready. This feature builds confidence and consistently delivers perfect results, reducing the chances of over or undercooking.

• High-Quality Construction and Durability: The stainless steel probe is robust, designed to withstand high cooking temperatures (up to 527°F ambient). It’s also water-resistant, making cleanup straightforward. The bamboo charging block is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, protecting the probe and acting as a repeater.

• Predictive Algorithms and Resting Period Guidance: The MEATER app’s advanced algorithms are a major asset. They don’t just tell you the current temperature; they predict when your food will be done and, crucially, guide you through the resting process. This ensures the meat reabsorbs its juices, leading to a more tender and flavorful final product.

• Versatility Across Cooking Methods: From grilling and smoking to oven roasting and air frying, the MEATER Plus handles a wide range of cooking environments. Its robust design and wireless nature make it adaptable to almost any culinary scenario where precise temperature monitoring is needed, enhancing its value significantly.

• Magnetic Charging Dock for Convenience: The charging block’s magnetic backing allows it to be easily attached to metal surfaces like your grill, refrigerator, or oven. This keeps the probe handy and ensures it’s always charged and ready for your next cook, preventing it from getting lost in drawers.

Key Cons:

• Bluetooth Range Limitations with Obstructions: While the 165ft range is impressive, it’s often an “ideal” range. Walls, thick oven doors, and other physical obstructions can significantly reduce the effective Bluetooth range. Users might find themselves needing to keep their phone closer than anticipated or using an older spare phone as a dedicated repeater near the grill.

• Initial Setup and App Learning Curve: For some users, setting up the MEATER Plus and navigating the app might require a bit of patience. While the app is generally user-friendly, getting accustomed to all its features, custom cook options, and understanding how to best utilize the data can take a few cooks. It’s not always a completely “plug and play” experience for everyone.

• Price Point: Compared to basic wired thermometers, the MEATER Plus is a premium product with a higher price tag. This can be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers who might not see the value in its advanced features or wireless convenience. However, for those seeking precision and ease, the investment is often justified.

• Single Probe Design (for the Plus model): The standard MEATER Plus comes with a single probe. If you frequently cook multiple items simultaneously that require different internal temperatures, you would need to purchase additional MEATER probes. This adds to the overall cost and might not be ideal for large-scale cooking without further investment.

• Probe Longevity and Battery Replacement: The internal battery of the probe is not user-replaceable, and like all rechargeable batteries, it has a finite lifespan. While designed for durability, long-term heavy use could eventually impact battery performance. The AAA battery in the charger, however, is easily replaceable.

In conclusion, the MEATER Plus Thermometer offers an exceptional cooking experience with its wireless design, smart features, and precision. Its drawbacks are primarily related to potential range limitations in certain environments and its premium cost. For those who prioritize convenience and perfect results, the pros heavily outweigh the cons.

Who Should Buy the MEATER Plus Thermometer?

The MEATER Plus Thermometer is not just for everyone, but it is an exceptional tool for specific types of cooks and culinary enthusiasts. Understanding its target audience helps potential buyers determine if this innovative device aligns with their cooking style and needs. It caters to those who value precision, convenience, and technology in their kitchen.

The Serious Home Chef and Enthusiastic Griller: If you take pride in your cooking and strive for perfection with every meal, the MEATER Plus is an invaluable asset. It eliminates guesswork, ensuring your expensive cuts of meat are never over or undercooked. Achieving consistent, restaurant-quality results at home becomes significantly easier with its guided cook system.

Smoker Enthusiasts: For anyone who loves low-and-slow smoking, the MEATER Plus is a game-changer. The wire-free design means you can keep your smoker lid closed, maintaining consistent temperatures and smoke levels. The extended range allows you to monitor your brisket or pork shoulder from indoors, freeing you from constant vigil over the smoker.

Rotisserie Cooking Aficionados: Traditional wired thermometers are a nightmare for rotisserie setups. The MEATER Plus solves this entirely, as its completely wireless probe rotates seamlessly with the meat. This allows for accurate temperature monitoring throughout the entire rotisserie process, leading to perfectly cooked poultry or roasts.

Busy Individuals Who Love to Cook: If you find yourself juggling multiple tasks while cooking, the MEATER Plus offers unprecedented freedom. You can prepare side dishes, entertain guests, or attend to other chores without having to constantly check the oven or grill. The app will notify you when action is required, making cooking a more relaxed experience.

Tech-Savvy Cooks: For those who embrace smart home devices and enjoy integrating technology into their daily lives, the MEATER Plus will be a welcome addition. Its smartphone app, predictive algorithms, and smart notifications align perfectly with a modern, connected kitchen. It’s a gadget that truly enhances the cooking process.

Anyone Who Struggles with Meat Doneness: If you frequently overcook or undercook your meats, leading to dry chicken or an unappetizing steak, this thermometer is designed to fix that. Its precision and guided instructions remove the uncertainty, helping you achieve perfect medium-rare, well-done, or anything in between, every single time.

Gift Givers Looking for a Premium Present: The MEATER Plus makes an excellent gift for any food lover, grill master, or aspiring chef. Its sleek design, advanced features, and practical benefits make it a thoughtful and impressive present that will be genuinely appreciated and used frequently. It’s a step up from conventional kitchen gadgets.

People Seeking Consistency: Professional chefs and home cooks alike understand the importance of consistency. The MEATER Plus provides the tools to replicate perfect cooks repeatedly. By tracking your past cooks within the app, you can learn from your experiences and refine your techniques, ensuring every meal is as good as the last, or even better.

Those with Outdoor Kitchens or Large Grilling Areas: The extended Bluetooth range of the MEATER Plus is particularly beneficial for those with larger outdoor cooking setups. You don’t have to stay right next to the grill; you can be in a different part of the yard or even inside your home, enjoying the party, while still having full control over your cook.

Health-Conscious Cooks: Ensuring meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature is critical for health. The MEATER Plus takes the guesswork out of food safety, providing accurate readings that help prevent foodborne illnesses. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially when cooking for family and friends. For further guidance on safe cooking temperatures and food safety, resources like the USDA’s safe temperature chart can be incredibly helpful.

In essence, the MEATER Plus Thermometer is best suited for individuals who are willing to invest in a premium tool to elevate their cooking. If you prioritize convenience, precision, and consistent, delicious results, and are comfortable with smartphone-controlled devices, then the MEATER Plus Thermometer is an excellent choice for your kitchen arsenal. It transforms cooking from a chore into an art form.

FAQ about MEATER Plus Thermometer

Here are some frequently asked questions about the MEATER Plus Thermometer to help clarify common queries and provide more detailed insights into its functionality and usage. These answers aim to address practical concerns and enhance your understanding of the device.

Q1: What is the actual effective range of the MEATER Plus Thermometer?
A1: The advertised range of the MEATER Plus is up to 165 feet (50 meters) line of sight. However, this range can be significantly impacted by obstructions like thick oven walls, grill lids, concrete, or metal structures. In real-world scenarios, especially in an oven or smoker, the effective range might be closer to 10-30 feet. For optimal range, keep the charging block (which acts as the repeater) as close to the probe as possible and your phone close to the charging block.

Q2: Can I use the MEATER Plus in a deep fryer or sous vide?
A2: The MEATER Plus is not designed for deep frying. The probe’s internal components and battery are not built to withstand the extreme temperatures of hot oil, which can exceed its maximum ambient temperature rating. For sous vide, it can be used, but ensure the probe is fully submerged in the water bath and that the water temperature does not exceed the probe’s maximum internal temperature rating of 212°F (100°C). The ambient sensor will read water temperature.

Q3: How do I clean and maintain my MEATER Plus Thermometer?
A3: After each use, allow the probe to cool down. Then, clean it with warm, soapy water and a sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the probe’s surface. The probe is water-resistant, so rinsing it under a tap is fine, but do not submerge the probe’s base (the part that goes into the charger) for extended periods. Ensure the probe is completely dry before returning it to the charging dock to prevent corrosion.

Q4: What if my MEATER Plus loses connection during a cook?
A4: If the connection drops, first ensure your phone is within range of the charging block, and the charging block is within range of the probe. Obstructions are often the culprit. The MEATER app will try to reconnect automatically. If it doesn’t, try moving your phone closer or repositioning the charging block. The app will usually save your cook progress, so you won’t lose all your data. Sometimes, restarting the app can also resolve minor connectivity issues.

Q5: Can I use multiple MEATER Plus probes with one app?
A5: Yes, the MEATER app supports connecting to and monitoring multiple MEATER probes simultaneously. This is a fantastic feature for cooking different cuts of meat or various dishes that require distinct internal temperatures. Each probe will appear as a separate cook in the app, allowing you to track them all from a single device. You can purchase additional MEATER Plus probes individually.

Q6: How long does the probe battery last, and can it be replaced?
A6: The MEATER Plus probe’s internal battery is designed to last for over 24 hours of continuous cooking on a single charge. When not in use, storing it in the charging block keeps it topped up. The probe’s battery is not user-replaceable; it’s a sealed unit. The AAA battery in the charging block, which powers the Bluetooth repeater, typically lasts for about six months of regular use and is easily replaceable by the user.

Q7: Is the MEATER Plus safe for all types of cooking, including high heat searing?
A7: The MEATER Plus is designed to withstand high ambient temperatures up to 527°F (275°C). This makes it suitable for most grilling, roasting, and smoking applications. However, for extremely high-heat searing (e.g., directly over very hot coals or in a screaming hot cast iron pan for extended periods), it’s generally recommended to remove the probe before the searing phase to prevent damage to the probe’s internal electronics. Insert it again after searing for monitoring carry-over.

Q8: Does the MEATER Plus support cloud connectivity or Wi-Fi?
A8: The standard MEATER Plus uses Bluetooth for direct communication between the probe, its charging block repeater, and your smartphone. It does not have built-in Wi-Fi or cloud connectivity directly. However, you can extend its range and enable cloud features by using a second smart device (like an old phone or tablet) running the MEATER app as a “MEATER Link” bridge, or by purchasing a dedicated MEATER Block or MEATER WiFi Repeater accessory. These options allow you to monitor your cook from anywhere with an internet connection.

Final Verdict on the MEATER Plus

The MEATER Plus Thermometer stands out as an exceptional piece of cooking technology, truly deserving of its praise and positive reviews. It addresses many of the common frustrations associated with traditional wired meat thermometers, offering a level of convenience and precision that transforms the cooking experience. For those serious about consistently perfect results, this device is a worthwhile investment.

Its completely wire-free design is a revelation, especially for cooking methods like smoking and rotisserie where wires are cumbersome or impossible. The extended Bluetooth range, facilitated by the charging block’s repeater, provides the freedom to step away from the heat while maintaining full control over your cook. This allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable culinary process.

The dual sensors for internal and ambient temperatures, coupled with the intelligent Guided Cook System in the app, ensure unparalleled accuracy. Gone are the days of guesswork; the MEATER Plus predicts cooking times, accounts for carry-over cooking, and guides you through each step to achieve optimal doneness and juiciness every time. This predictive capability is a significant advantage.

While the price point is higher than basic thermometers, the value proposition of the MEATER Plus is clear for its target audience. The durability of its stainless steel construction, the thoughtful design of its magnetic bamboo charging dock, and the continuous improvements to the intuitive MEATER app all contribute to a premium user experience. It’s built to last and to perform.

Potential drawbacks, such as the Bluetooth range being affected by physical obstructions, are manageable with strategic placement of the charging block. The initial learning curve for the app is minimal for most tech-savvy users and quickly overcome with a few cooks. These minor considerations do not detract significantly from the overall excellent performance.

For home chefs, grill masters, and smoking enthusiasts who prioritize precision, convenience, and consistent results, the MEATER Plus Thermometer is an essential tool. It elevates cooking from a chore to an art form, empowering you to create perfectly cooked meals with confidence and ease. It’s more than just a thermometer; it’s a smart cooking assistant.

Considering its impressive feature set, robust performance, and the sheer number of satisfied users (over 48,000 reviews with a 4.4-star average), the MEATER Plus is an outstanding choice. It delivers on its promise of perfect cooks every time, making it an indispensable gadget for anyone passionate about food. We highly recommend adding this to your kitchen arsenal.