MEATER® Smart Meat Thermometer Reviews

by Xxtroenxx

I backed the this app smart thermometer on indiegogo back in 2016 and waited patiently for over a year to receive my product. Promised essentially unlimited range for temperature tracking, I was sold immediately. And no wires to boot! However, the product has been nothing but a disappointment from my first cook. I have a traeger Texas elite 34 pellet smoker and when I use the probe, I can get no more than 10 feet from my grill before losing Bluetooth connection to my this app. I’ve also tried the this app link, which uses Bluetooth to connect to a device near the probe and WiFi to connect that device to a second device. Still a no go. Same problem with this app cloud. When I contacted this app about these issues, they had me complete a range test, making sure the probe is unobstructed by anything. Meaning it’s not in my grill, creating a test that is impractical as it’s not a proper demonstration of the products use. I was told the product is in working order and that my grill is incompatible with the probe as it blocks too much Bluetooth signal. I would absolutely not recommend this product for anyone that does a significant amount of smoking, or grilling with a closed lid.

by Keya Dash

Grilling and searing frequently use temperatures in excess of 500 degrees but, astonishingly, this dumb thermometer doesn't work at such temperatures. Trust me, when the ambient temperature gets over 500 degrees, the stupid app loudly blows the klaxons every few seconds and then blocks the entire screen with a bright red warning message so you can't see anything else. I mean it, you really can't see anything. You can't even see the meat temperature anymore, which was the entire point of all this. The product designers and app programmers must not know anything about grilling, because these are very stupid problems to have.

As for MEATER, its hard to give even one single star for this abomination, a thermometer app that, deliberately by it's design, doesn't show the meat temperature. It's only exacerbated by the fact that the underlying product won't work over 500 degrees, a temperature that most home ovens and even some toaster ovens can achieve.

by CMCJV

I bought the + model thinking I would have ample range in my small backyard. The probe will not stay connected even though all lights are green and the probe is charged. I’ve run all the trouble shooting tips with no joy. It’s the definition of insanity. I try the probe each time I cook a piece of meat and each time I’m disappointed. I’m very confident it’s not me.
Also, prepare to receive more emails than you ever dreamed possible from a meat probe company. I had to designate all the emails spam because I couldn’t stop the inundation otherwise. If I wanted an email from the company everyday (sometimes multiple in one one day) I would have asked for them. And, you are almost forced into the emails.
I was hoping for a simple to use Bluetooth thermometer but that isn’t possible with this app+. It’s waaaayyyy more complicated than it needs to be.

by SPG11

I’ve had this product for about a month now. I think the developers should take some design and functionality cues from the Fireboard app. MEATER looks cartoony and something a child would use, not something you’d expect to get with a $250 thermometer. The thermometer aspect works great, however MEATER is clunky and difficult to use. Prompts are confusing and things you would expect to be able to do (such as rename a cook after you’ve started it) aren’t possible. But if you want to touch a number and have useless colorful ring emanate from it, then this what you’re looking for. If you just want to look at a temperature from your phone, this will work for you. However it doesn’t do much more than that well.

by Architect NYC

The design and concept are just amazing. However, the this app utterly fails if the grill or oven get near 500 degrees which unfortunately is almost every grill ... every time. I’m sure you’ve seen this or will if you have the product but MEATER goes completely crazy and starts alerting you that you will destroy the device which leaves you only with the option of destroying dinner or the device. It then blocks out all other temp readings and obnoxiously screams on your phone. It’s a bit like buying a race car then discovering that the tires can only go up to 70 mph. Seriously ....a grill Thermometer that can’t go much over 400 degrees??? A HUGE flaw. With that said, if they fix this it would be the thing ever.

by Jcoffm2

For the $$$ I expected better connectivity, no matter how it’s setup (BT,Cloud,Block,WiFi) it still disconnects a lot causing cooks to be off, most of the time mine does not even reconnect until I do it manually…for example I mowed my front lawn (50ft) total and the Block was outside with me I ended up overcooking one of the two $25(each) Pizmo Filets. MEATER never alerted me to the disconnect, upon checking the Block the probes in use were just spinning even tho the Block was 2-3ft from the grill…Almost $300 is alot for this product and considering I’ve lost a $25 Filet and $65 Roast…I utilize the WiFi option on my grill again now to avoid issues…I bought this to avoid wired probes but the wired ones and my grill have never failed plus I can truly connect to my grill without disconnects thru the grills app…

Now for MEATER layout itself it’s pretty great…

by Crobin88

Been using this for about a year. If I take the meat off the grill and place on a cutting board to rest immediately upon MEATER telling me.... the meat will cook 10-15 degrees past my target internal temp every single time. I’ve unfortunately had to learn to just remove meat as I see fit, as MEATER ’s predictive analytics are worthless. This is my biggest complaint. Apparently MEATER thinks meat carries over just 3 degrees while resting.

Also frustrating is the lack of range when cooking. If you close the lid on even a standard Weber kettle grill, the phone has to be within 5ft (sometimes less) of the grill to work. Pretty much makes the this app useless for low and slow cooking.

As for cooking hot and fast, well, 500 degrees is the ambient temp limit before potentially damaging the this app, so it’s useless for that as well. It seems this device was designed without grilling in mind.

The range is decent when using with a glass door oven (the phone can be anywhere in the kitchen).

If I’m being picky, I will also say that because the this app is so large, it can be a bit odd looking for presentation purposes when all your slices of steak or pork tenderloin have a pencil sized hole in them unless it’s convenient/possible to stick the probe in against the grain (not always possible depending on your cut).

by EKCJ

Update: After working with their support staff, I was able to update the block and since then, it’s worked much better and has only had an occasional disconnect. I love the idea of these and the consistency of meats I cook has been better than anything I’d ever done before. So if you have the block and it tells you to update the firmware, do it. And if it doesn’t work, contact their support staff and they’ll help you out.

First review, before firmware update to block. The block works but is super frustrating because it constantly and randomly disconnects. The firmware update process always sparks hope, but never updates. Support staff are nice but still have not given me any solutions that make things better. Instead, I spend what seems like hours trying to get it to update and work properly, but so far, I’ve been unsuccessful. As soon as it starts working as advertised, I’ll submit another review or update this one. For now, I’m jus left feeling frustrated.

by WileyN

* I wish the time trend display had internal and ambient temperatures at the top. Target seems unnecessary. * I wish actual clock time was available when I touch the trend line, along with duration into cook. * my iphone doesn’t update the readings or alert unless the display is on, even though background app refresh is on. Might just be my phone *I hate it that MEATER automatically ends my cook as it approaches target. Sometimes I like to let it go a little over target to account for a temp drop that occurs when I unwrap the meat and put it back in the smoker to get a nice bark. This just confuses MEATER so it auto-ends my cook and I lose visibility and history before the actual end of the cook. *I wish I could set up a cook ahead of time with steps, estimated timing and other notes and then add observations throughout the cook and maybe a couple of photos during and after the cook. This is key to learning and improving the quality of my cooks.

by NH Sharkman

MEATER and device are very good. The estimated time is very helpful.

I have 2 simple requests that would make MEATER great: 1)need an iWatch companion app, to monitor temps and provide alerts. This is key so that I don’t need to have iPhone volume maxed out so I can hear it in a noisy room, I always have my iWatch on me but I don’t alway walk around the house carrying my iPhone. 2)need option to add notes to each cook. That way you could go back and see what worked and what didn’t. Also, to add cook details like recipe changes and rate each cook - that way you can go back and remake the best cooks. Simply add a rating field and text journal.

by The Register

My family got me the this app as a gift last Christmas. I was not thrilled when I saw the size of the probes because I knew they would leave an enormous hole in my meat. Truthfully speaking, they do, and I would love to see improvements in that area. That withstanding, once I got past the probe size and started using the device I couldn’t have been more pleased. I appreciate not having to run wires through my smoker. I also appreciate how a single probe serves multiple purposes. A single probe can monitor the internal meat temperature as well as the ambient temperature of my smoker. That’s a big deal! One less probe to deal with, and most importantly, no wires!
My advice....
Make smaller probes and you will make BBQ enthusiasts very happy!

by JimCamel

It might seem funny to rate MEATER based on its integration with MacOs (M1 Apple Silicon on Big Sur) but the fact is that it works well on MacOs. That way I can be in the basement, on the Mac, with the probes running upstairs on the this app Block and I can have the data concurrently on my Mac, iPhone and iPad. That's very convenient. Publishing graph data on the Mac, so I can save it in my Recipes/Cooks folder is convenient too.

I also believe its a great app just for cooking - I 've used it about 200 times since getting it in the Spring of 2020 and the probes have been a game changer for everything - and especially rotesserie.

by B.Merry

This thing is legit! Bought it for a steal on Black Friday 2021 and used it for the first time to cook a Christmas dinner. Perfectly cooked our Christmas Turkey in my mother’s old gas oven, that doesn’t accurately maintain temp. or have a great window to see the bird. Worth the money, especially if you don’t want to have to however around a meal all day. This thing allowed me to go about my day and even notified me when the meal was almost ready. Even gave me an estimated cook time. Best kitchen item I have EVER purchased. I cannot wait to use it when I smoke meats in my propane smoker!

by Boomstickpd79

These probes are awesome. Grilled steak and chicken breasts turn out perfect. The only real gripe I have it the probe has ridiculously short range to your phone or tablet. You HAVE to use two devices and the cloud feature if I want to go in the house. The grill is 15 ft from where I sit in the house and it looses connection. I have to place my iPad in the kitchen window and bounce the signal to my phone. I know they have an extended range version but that’s just ridiculous for the price. **note** they were having a sale on the website so I bought two probes and they sync up perfectly with no issues.

by Jzehler

Would have been 5 stars but it’s really annoying that every time I launch app it bugs me to signup for this app cloud. There were also 2 probe firmware updates last week that were required before I could start a cook. Nothing like putting your meat on the grill and launching your app only to discover you are being forced to do a firmware update that takes 10 minutes! Also after the probe firmware updates it seems meat is now being over cooked. It tells me to remove the move too late and it doesn’t seem that the resting stage ever ends anymore (seems to stay stuck at “almost there”). Please fix these issues and I’ll give you 5 stars!

by Hieyeque

So my first cook was a couple of sirloin steaks that just wouldn’t thaw in the microwave without burning the edges. Yes I know how to properly thaw meat (overnight in the fridge), but this was a last minute meal.
I told my wife, let’s let the this app tell us what we need to know…threw em away from the fire in the smoker with internal starting temp at 35F. Couldn’t believe my eyes, it took 24 minutes at around 300F in my pit. Came out perfect. Can’t believe I waited this long to invest. Doing those steaks trial and error would have been a nightmare. Can’t wait to do my first brisket with it - I’ve done about 30 briskets to date, and it’s always guesswork trying to maintain the fire. Not any more!

by Port348

So far, have cooked pork roast in the oven and chicken breasts on the grill. The chicken was the best I’ve ever done. Really like being able to walk away from the grill especially and still know what’s going on. The temp has been a few degrees lower than my Thermapen, which could be due to different placement in the meat. Looking forward to grilling a nice NY strip.

My experience with the Bluetooth and WiFi has been great. I leave my phone or tablet near the cook and use the other to take with me. Both the cloud and meaterlink have worked great.

I’d love to have different colors on the tips to help tell which is which. But, overall, I think this is a fantastic, creative invention that’s really making my life easier. Thanks!

by ByteBinder

The this app App in conjunction with the this app Thermometer has far exceeded exceeded my expectations. The this app has brought cooking out of the Stone Age as far as I’m concerned. Have had a Solair Infrared Grill for years which I couldn’t master accurate cooking results due to its intense heat. The this app Thermometer along with MEATER has made cooking with it a no-brainer... The first time I used the this app was cooking a Flank Steak on the Solair and it came out to perfection. Kept me informed as to the cooking progress and provided me with ammunition when attempting to justify to my Wife the necessary resting time. She had visual indication regarding all stages of the cooking progress. Used the this app Thermometer the second time last night and again it blew me away to the point I ordered the this app Block with 4 Probes. Will use the first on for our camping adventures.

by WooBah

The this app+ is a friend to a Pit Master. It accurately monitors internal and ambient temperatures of your cook. It is extremely easy to use and customer support has been outstanding to date.

It is wireless so it is perfect for monitoring internal and ambient temperature when using a rotisserie. I use it all the time on my Large Big Green Egg when using The Joetisserie (fits Large Big Green Egg perfectly). The this app+ tracks the temperature of the meat and ambient temperature flawlessly. And, I track it all from my IPhone. I can even track it on the go. For example, I had to run to the store during a two whole chicken rotisserie cook, and I was able to follow the temperatures and progress inside the store.

I also use The this app+ for perfectly cooked steaks and fish (especially salmon). I highly recommend The this app+.

The this app+ is a great tool for a Pit Master's arsenal. I also have a Flame Boss 300 (highly recommend as well) which I use for extra long and slow smokes where I need the long hours control of temperature that is provided by The Flame Boss 300's ability to fan The Big Green Egg's Fire Box. I can literally keep my Large Big Green Egg at the same temperature for 18+ hours if needed. Together these two devices allow for any type of cook.

Big Thumbs up for The this app+

by Widge18

Between the probe when it was first available at the start of it, I am thinking this is the best. I do a lot of smoked things as well,brisket, ribs,shoulders ext. thinking to myself get a couple of probes we’ll that’s when they came up with the blocks and pre order them. It seemed for ever to get it. I think I called once a month probably more. As always said working out the Kinks. Finally arrived and how great it was and the probe as well. 6-8 months down the road something was wrong with the block and would not hold a charge with the batteries. They asked me a couple of questions about the block and then said is this your current address still and just like that a brand new one was sent to me. The best of the best customer service. As well as the product.

by L Bray

Tried to use it for the first time on the grill. Found out that when trying to sear the beef on high heat, the probe overheats. So, you have to either remove the probe or lower the heat.

Also, the “estimated” cook time is very sporadic - goes from 2 hours to 1 hour in 20 minutes. And, when it tells you to 5 minutes to go it will then tell you to “remove from heat to rest” it stays resting for a while and changes the estimated time to “almost finished”, but it NEVER finishes...... leaves you guessing when it’s done. Meanwhile, the rest of the meal that was prepped based on the “time remaining” now sits cold, waiting for it to “finish”.

by Rooster814

Really like the this app. Two things I would like to see. One is a place on the previous cooked sessions you can view would be to have a spot for notes for future cooks. Cook longer, Cook less time etc. brined for so long etc....

One more thing I would like to see is something fireboard does and that would be the option to share the cooking chart/ time live with a link rather than having to sign into the cloud. Whoever is signed into the cloud can make changes remotely but anybody with the link can just view the cook.

by BigDinCA

I love to grill and cook in general. I’m not sure how I grilled and broiled meats in the past without this app. This is the greatest addition you can make to your grilling arsenal of tools.

this app is very easy to use. MEATER is excellent. I get great results now on every piece of meat. It is perfectly cooked. Visiting with guests and forget to check your meat on the grill or in the oven? You’ll never have that problem again with this app. It sends you alerts that you can set up. I love how you set the meat you’re cooking and how well you want it done and it alerts you when to pull it from the heat to let it rest. Perfect every time.

this app even can broadcast across your WiFi from the monitoring phone to others. It would be better if this app could directly connect to WiFi so you don’t have an intermediate phone device, but it’s still very usable as is.

If you love to grill and cook different meats, get a this app. You won’t be disappointed!

by BjoLiz52

First use was 3-2-1 ribs out on barbecue grill. Delicious. Had to leave my cell phone beside the grill and synced it to my iPad in the house - it got a little tricky keeping it synced since it started raining the last hour of cooking. Wish I had known about the this app+! I then loaned it to my daughter to cook the turkey in her oven for Thanksgiving. It cooked much sooner than she was expecting and it was so delicious and juicy, saving us all from a dry turkey had she continued to cook it. Then I cooked chicken thighs in our oven and they were perfect! Love knowing when the meat will be done so I can coordinate the sides for the full meal.

by Spoolman17

I am on my second this app probe. I got it specifically because it’s wireless. Nothing sticking out of the grill costing me BTUs or sacrificing smoke. Also does meat and ambient temps with one probe. This tool makes smoking, grilling, and cooking meat enjoyable for everyone.

Issues or concerns are answered by the company within days. Developers are always improving their app and welcome feedback after every cook.

Only wish there was a better cloud system or an Apple Watch app. This would allow a user to monitor cooks better while away from the grill.

by Cheeze628

This is a fantastic tool to take the guesswork out of your cooks. It works on all kinds of meats & is easy to use. There are no wires to fuss with either. Best of all, it is quite accurate. It tracks both the internal temp as well as the ambient temp all in one probe. It can be used for smoking meat, rotisserie, grilling, etc. MEATER is easy to set up & I use another device to pair it with for this app link or cloud. I've had no problems with signal or connection. I use it on my grill, oven, & Green Egg. I highly recommend this product!

by Bigbunny88

this app has made home-cooking so much easier, taking the guesswork out completely and given me freedom to multitask in the kitchen knowing I’ll be notified when my meat is ready. I’ve been using it for months now and especially love using it on thick steaks, chicken breast, and whole birds. I’d never braved a Thanksgiving turkey before, but cooked my first one solo with the help of this app and it came out perfectly! So simple to use too! MEATER guides you through everything.