If you’re the kind of person who likes their steak cooked just so (and isn’t afraid to tell the waiter if it’s not), you’ve probably wondered if a “smart” meat thermometer is worth the hassle.
I mean, we’ve been cooking meat for centuries without them, right? Well, as a self-proclaimed kitchen anarchist with a soft spot for perfectly seared ribeye, I decided to dive into the world of high-tech grilling gadgets and put the MEATER Plus to the test.
Here’s what happened.
Update:
BEST PRICE on the MEATER Plus: Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer here:
First Impressions
When the MEATER Plus arrived, I’ll admit I was skeptical. A hundred bucks for a fancy toothpick? But as I unboxed it, the sleek design and bamboo charging dock had me intrigued. It felt substantial, not like some cheap plastic nonsense you’d find at a dollar store barbecue section.
I fired up the app, which was surprisingly intuitive. No need for a computer science degree to figure this thing out. The pairing process was smoother than a well-marbled ribeye, and before I knew it, I was ready to stick this bad boy into some meat.
My first victim? A thick-cut pork chop that’s destroyed many a lesser cook. I jabbed the MEATER Plus into its fleshy center, feeling like some sort of assassin. The app chirped to life, showing me real-time temperature readings for both the meat’s core and the ambient temperature of my grill.
As the pork chop sizzled away, I found myself oddly captivated by the temperature graph on my phone. It was like watching a suspense thriller, but instead of wondering if the protagonist would survive, I was on the edge of my seat wondering if I’d finally nail a perfectly cooked chop.
When the app chimed to tell me it was time to pull the pork, it seemed too soon. But trusting the tech, I removed the chop and let it rest. The result? A juicy, perfectly cooked piece of pork that had me questioning every dry, overcooked chop I’d ever suffered through.
Over the next few weeks, I put the MEATER Plus through its paces on everything from brisket to chicken, and even a temperamental turkey. Each time, it delivered consistent results that had my taste buds doing a happy dance. Very impressive.
Key Features
Dual Sensors: It’s got two sensors – one for the internal meat temperature and another for the ambient temperature. This means you’re not just monitoring your food, but also keeping tabs on your cooking environment.
Wireless: No more tangled wires or playing jump rope with cables as you open and close your grill. This thing is 100% wire-free, giving you the freedom to move around.
Long-Range Bluetooth: With a range of up to 165 feet in a typical home setting, you can wander off to grab a beer (or five) without losing connection. It’s like having a really long invisible leash on your meat.
Smart App Integration: The free app (available for iOS and Android) is where the magic happens. It’s not just a glorified temperature readout – it’s got a Guided Cook System that walks you through the cooking process step by step. I
Predictive Algorithms: The app doesn’t just tell you what’s happening now, it predicts the future. It estimates cooking time and even factors in resting periods. It’s like having a crystal ball, but for meat.
Pros
- Precision: This thing is more accurate than your judgmental aunt at Thanksgiving dinner.
- User-Friendly: The app is so intuitive, even your technophobe uncle could use it. It’s clean, simple, and doesn’t require a PhD to operate.
- Versatility: From BBQ to oven roasting, this gadget handles it all. I’ve used it on everything from delicate fish to massive hunks of beef, and it hasn’t let me down yet.
- Battery Life: The charging dock doubles as storage and keeps the probe juiced up for about 24 hours of continuous use. That’s enough for even the most epic of BBQ sessions.
Cons
- Price Point: Let’s address the elephant in the room – this thing isn’t cheap.
- Limited Multi-Tasking: While the MEATER Plus is great, you only get one probe. For large cookouts or multiple dishes, you might find yourself wishing for more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about your meat (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), the MEATER Plus is worth every penny. It’s the kind of tool that makes you wonder how you ever cooked without it. Just be warned – once you start producing perfectly cooked meats, you might find yourself becoming the designated grill master at every family gathering.
So, should you buy it? If you’ve got the cash and you’re tired of playing meat roulette every time you fire up the grill, absolutely.
It’s not just about the precision – it’s about the confidence it gives you in the kitchen. No more anxiety about whether you’re going to poison your in-laws with undercooked chicken or disappoint your date with an overcooked steak.
Best Price On the MEATER Plus:
I’ve found you the current best deal on the MEATER Plus, so be sure to follow the link below so you don’t get gouged paying full retail:
Leave a Reply