You may have already put away your grill, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Basically, a meat thermometer is always in season (unless you’re a vegetarian, and then it might be only when you’re drunk). They’re handy things to have around the kitchen, especially if they’re smart; then they’re handy when you’re not around the kitchen, because you’ll get an alert on your phone when your roast is ready.
There are quite a few on the market, but the Meater’s creators claims it’s the only wireless variety. Designed by Apption Labs, the wireless smart meat thermometer has all its components inside the probe, so you stick it in your meat, then put the whole thing in the oven. Its internal sensor registers up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and the external part of the probe measures the ambient temperature up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit. That means it’s suitable for the smoker, grill, and so on.
How’d they do that? The meat helps insulate the Meater and all its internal electronics, according to its creators. Like many other wired smart thermometers, it uses Bluetooth to connect to your iOS or Android device. However, as anyone who’s wandered inside while a steak is on the grill knows, its 33-foot range might not always cut it. The Meater Block holds four units and connects the probe to your Wi-Fi network, making sure you get notifications about your precious steaks, even if you run down to the basement to find the bocce ball set.
Since your meat’s internal temperature will continue to rise even after you remove it from heat, the Meater will estimate its resting temperature and tell you when you should pull it out of the oven before it overcooks. It’s accurate to within 1 degree Fahrenheit, so the Meater probably won’t be accurate enough for something sous vide. The device should last for 48 hours of continuous cooking before needing a charge, and while it’s water resistant, you can’t put it in the dishwasher.
The company’s Kickstarter has reached its goal many times over, and most of the early bird options are gone. You can still get a probe for $59 or pledge $129 for the Block and two probes and get delivery in January 2016.
