Summer barbecue season isn’t over yet. Compared to other expensive thermometers, Meater’s latest meat thermometer set seems tailor-made for the ultimate grill master looking to make the most of late-summer mayhem. new Meter Pro XL Not only can it tell you the cooking temperature of your chicken if you’re within Bluetooth range, but it will also let you know via WiFi or the cloud if the meat is safe to eat.
The Meater Pro XL comes with four 5mm metal probes that can sense meat or poultry temperatures up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit, or an ambient temperature of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from the expanded wooden case with more probe slots, WiFi connectivity is also a big upgrade; previous models required users to monitor temperatures on a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
The $240 Meater Block already includes four different probes, but the product can only monitor ambient temperatures up to 527 degrees F. It can connect via Bluetooth, but that might be a slightly more economical option for home cooks.
But WiFi connectivity may be useful for longer cooking times, such as smoking or braising. It’s also a promising proposition if you and your family cook multiple meals at different times and temperatures all around the house at once. So, while it may seem overkill for most home cooks, it’s an appealing proposition for seasoned home cooks who enjoy delicious, slow-cooked meals.
The $350 device comes with a charging station that connects to power via USB-C. Meater says that even if you’re out of WiFi range, you can use the app to connect to its cloud network and monitor the temperature from anywhere you have cellular service. The Meater app alerts users if their meat goes below or above their set temperature, prompting them to make adjustments. The company says the probe is accurate to within a half degree.
The kitchen is a sacred place, and I get annoyed when someone invades my temple while I’m cooking. Part of the reason is that I often multitask with complex dishes. Aside from the ability to connect anywhere, what’s even more appealing about the Pro XL is the ability to use multiple thermometers at once. I’ve been through the solo chef routine at Thanksgiving, and I know how hectic it can be to manage multiple times and temperatures at the same time.
My editor, a self-proclaimed grill dad, has raved about the Meater Plus smart meat thermometer. Best Gadget Gifts of 2023The four-probe Pro XL is a significantly pricier option at $350 compared to the original $100 Meater Plus and the $140 Meater 2 Plus. It’s available for preorder now, with shipments expected to start in mid-September.
