Best Wireless Meat Thermometers you Can Use with Your Grill or Smoker Per Our Tests

A wireless meat thermometer offers flexibility, accuracy, and temperature information helpful for cooking food to the right doneness level. The best wireless thermometers can monitor the internal temperature of whatever you are cooking accurately and are one of the easiest ways to get consistent results to serve delicious food.

These devices connect to your home’s WiFi or mobile device Bluetooth and send you the meat’s internal temperature and other real-time temperature information wirelessly. You can see all the information right on your phone or a remote monitor while sitting on the couch.

There are several thermometer brands and models. We tested 20 well-known brands, and this article is my summary of the 9 best wireless meat thermometers we found.

What’s Considered A Wireless Meat Thermometer

This is a topic I want to clarify because the term “wireless” is sometimes used poorly to define these gadgets, which can lead to consumer confusion. A wireless digital meat thermometer is a digital device that can send temperature signals via Bluetooth or other protocols such as WiFi to a temperature monitor, an external device, or a mobile app. The term “wireless” is used to describe the method of data transmission, not whether or not the meat probe thermometer has wires.

In recent years, the industry has taken the term “wireless thermometer” to its true meaning, and as you will see below, there are now completely wireless thermometers that not only transfer data wirelessly but also do not use any wire cables in the probe.

Some thermometers do have wires attached to a meat probe to read and transmit temperature to a receiving unit, which then wirelessly transfers temperature readings to, say, a phone app.

Our Top Picks For Best Wireless Meat Thermometers

1. MeatStick X Smart Wireless Grill Thermometer – Best Overall

Why it is our top pick:

The MeatStick is our pick for best wireless meat thermometer thanks to its simple design and no probe wires mean you can use these meat probes with rotisserie devices, smokers, grills, ovens and even deep fryers. The battery can last up to 24 hours, and having no cables means you can monitor the entire cooking process from anywhere and easily move stuff around your smoker grill.

As indicated by our tests and after using this product on various tests, we all agreed that this is the best wireless thermometer for grilling because it is easy to deploy, get ready for the grill, and can withstand higher temperatures than our runner-up, The Meater+ .

Available at:

The smart technology and design of the “MeatStick” wireless meat thermometer allow for use even with a rotisserie, and being waterproof means it can work in a sous vide bag. The MeatStick is a wireless meat probe. All the working components are inside the probe itself. This versatility is not offered by thermometers with cables.

The internal sensor in the probe can withstand up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The ceramic handle houses the ambient temperature sensor and other components, which can withstand temperatures of up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.

The thermometer app is very intuitive and has pre-programmed temperature alerts for different types of meat. What I like most about these “cable-less” Bluetooth thermometers is that there is nothing in the way. There are no wires to deal with if there is a flare-up and you need to rush the meat out of the grill, rearrange the food in your grill.

I own and tested a MeatStick Mini and what we like most about it is its convenience and the app. Getting the MeatStick ready for a cook takes only a few minutes, and the app guides you through every step of the cook. You can get 8 hours of running time on the MeatStick Mini and up to 24 hours on the regular MeatStick. Charging times are 2 and 4 hours, respectively.

This is a smart wireless meat thermometer. The app learns the cooking progress by charting and recording the history of temperature as it rises, eventually accumulating sufficient data to predict when the food will be ready.

With an optional range extender, you can expect a range of up to 260 feet.

Wireless Range: up to 260 Feet
Temperature Range: 212 (probe ) to 572 (ambient sensor ) Fahrenheit

Read our full Review of the Meatstick

Pros

• It is truly wireless, and the app supports multiple probes.
• It can measure the cooking chamber temperature ( internal grill or smoker temperature ), which is great when cooking in smokers and grills.
• It can be used with rotisserie grills and devices.
• It includes a good smartphone app, where you get temperature readings, temperature presets, and alerts.
• Dishwasher safe.
• It can withstand higher temperatures than its competitors.
• It’s also deep-fryer, air-fryer, and sous vide safe.
• It is completely modular, so you can buy just the “stick” and add other parts like the range extender later (Bluetooth repeater).
• It’s smart technology can estimate when food will be ready.

Cons

• A little thicker than an instant read digital probe.
• An extender is needed for maximum range.

2. MEATER Plus Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer – Runner Up

Available at:

Simple is better, and the Meater Plus smart wireless meat thermometer keeps things simple and can monitor internal temperature without needing cables or base stations.

Most thermometers have probe wires that send the temperature signal to a receiver. In the Meater Plus, the receiver is inside the probe, eliminating wires. Meater Plus is a new brand, marketing itself as the first fully wireless smart meat thermometer. There are no wires around this probe.

Here are a couple of other cool things we have found from using this and testing the Meater. The storage base serves as the charging port ( just like the MeatStick ), so while you store the thermometer, it can be charged. Second, the probe has two built-in sensors. One is on the side of the probe that goes into the meat that monitors the internal meat temperature, and the other end of the probe monitors the ambient temperature.

The stainless steel probe has a ceramic grip that houses some of the electronics. This device uses Bluetooth to pair with its base (a wooden base), which connects to your phone.

Why our Runner-Up: The Meater is a great meat thermometer, but the MeatStick can handle higher temperatures, has a longer range, is fully waterproof, and you can buy and combine components until you build the setup you want, so it is modular.

Read our Meater Plus Full Review

Wireless range: 165 feet
Temperature Range: 212 (probe ) to 527 ( ambient sensor ) Fahrenheit

Pros

• Another this truly “no-wires” thermometer, there are no cables to deal with inside the cooking chamber.
• Dual temperature sensors: you can set not only internal food temperature alarms but can also measure ambient temperature. Meaning, that if the grill temperature drops or gets too hot, you will get notified.
• The app is customizable, and different alerts can be configured.
• It works with Alexa.
• No probe cables means you can use this smart device with your rotisserie.
• Dishwasher safe.
• It’s smart app can estimate when food will be ready.

Cons

• The meat probe is a bit thick, so it might be hard to use with thin meat cuts.
• Your mobile device is the receiver. There isn’t another place in this thermometer that displays data. If your phone dies or you don’t have one available, there is no way to monitor temperatures.
• This digital probe can get damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures.

3. ThermoPro Smoke Remote TP 25 Wireless Meat Thermometer – Best for BBQ Smokers

ThermoPro has been in the wireless grill thermometer game for a long time, and their products have been developed with the help of top chefs and pitmasters. This brand has a reputation for building products for heavy-duty and professional use.

The main difference between this thermometer and our top two recommendations is its probe receiver. These are your more “traditional” meat grill thermometers, which feature probes attached to a wire that connects to a temperature receiver. The internal temperatures are displayed on the receiver’s display.

The receiver itself is the “wireless transmitter,” unlike the Meater or MeatStick, where there are no wires, period, and the probe’s head is the transmitter. The receiver in the ThermoWorks can connect to your smartphone using the ThermoPro App to monitor the meat.

This splash-proof meat thermometer uses a Bluetooth connection and offers a 500-foot range to the receiver, which has a rechargeable battery.

This specific model is great for those who like to throw different meat cuts in the smoker, with up to four temperature probes able to monitor different meats simultaneously.

I like this thermometer, the app is easy to use, and you can view all your probes on the wireless display or the app. After trying out this product and for its price, this unit does the job well. Don’t expect the app to be as feature rich as the top two options in this list. To setup the app, you will need to pair the receiver with your phone.

The app is simple and not as intuitive as the MeatStick’s or Meater’s but you get the basics, alerts and even a timer. Unlike with our top two choices, you can only setup one alert per probe and change the ring tone per probe so you can tell which probe has reached the set temperature.

Wireless range: 500 feet
Temperature Range: 14 to 572 Fahrenheit
Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

This is one of the best thermometers on the market, but since the probes are attached to cables, it cannot be used in as many scenarios as the Meater Plus.

Pros

• Accurate temperature readings thanks to ThermoWorks’ professional quality and technology.
• Four color-coded meat steel probes
• USDA Meat Preset temperature alerts and meat settings for pork, poultry, fish, and beef.
• Of course, the mobile app can send you alerts and has a built in timer.

Cons

• Having cables attached to the probes means you cannot use this thermometer with a rotisserie.

4. ThermoPro TP829 Bluetooth Wireless Meat Thermometer – Longest range

The ThermoPro TP8929 is very similar to the TP 25 , but the biggest difference is range. This is a long range wireless meat thermometer. This bad boy can operate at distances of up to 1000 feet. That’s the neighbor’s house!

The second major difference is the monitor. That’s right. Unlike the top two devices on this list, this meat thermometer wireless capability comes from its own remote monitoring device, so you do not need to use your phone.

This means that the probes connect to a receiver, which is a digital thermometer. The receiver sends the information to a remote monitoring device that gives you all the internal food temperature and ambient temperature. Your phone is not the display. In fact, there is no mobile app for this device. This might be a plus for some and a negative for others.

We determined through our tests that this thermometer is very effective and one of the simplest to use. Missing some belts and whistles those have its benefits.

The good news is that you do not need your phone to operate this device; all the alerts and settings are on the ThermoPro wireless monitor. But some might like the idea of using their phone and mobile apps. After all, mobile apps are constantly updated, and new features are often added.

However, this might be a good option for those grilling and cooking outdoors, maybe at a camping site, whenever you want to put your phone away, since you won’t need it with this device.

Wireless Range: 1000 Feet
Temperature Range: 14 to 572 Fahrenheit
Accuracy: Within 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

What we like:

• This thermometer range is 1000 feet.
• Four probes making it a versatile bluetooth BBQ thermometer
• You get temperature readings at the receiver and on the monitor display.
• You can set high and low-temperature warnings on the monitor display.
• It can measure ambient temperature

What we don’t like:

• There is no connectivity for your phone. The connection is only between the meat probe receiver and the display monitor.

5. NutriChef Digital grill Thermometer – Best Budget

Temperature Range: 482 (probe ) to 716 ( wire ) Fahrenheit

The NutriChef Smart Bluetooth meat thermometer is incredibly affordable and performs well. This bundle includes two stainless steel probes and a receiver tapped into using a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The system offers 11 temperature settings that can be custom programmed.

This Bluetooth meat thermometer won’t break any records for features, battery life, or fanciness, but if you are looking for a simple and inexpensive option, the NutriChef can deliver. This thermometer is built to do one thing, monitor temperatures.

After trying out this product we noticed that the app is not as responsive as our top options and and some of the graphics not as clear but again, this is a very affordable thermometer.

What we like:

• It’s an inexpensive option – no bells or whistles. You get two stainless steel probes and a receiver that connects to a simple mobile app.

What we don’t like:

• It is not as tough as the top grill thermometers on this list, but it is a budget pick. It will do the job.

6. Weber iGrill 3 Bluetooth with 4 Probes – Best for Weber Grill

Temperature Range: up to 572 Fahrenheit

On the topic of simple and to-the-point Bluetooth meat probes, let me introduce you to the Grill digital probe thermometer. In recent years, Weber introduced the Grill system as a way to monitor temperatures.

The iGrill thermometers integrate with newer Weber grills and even have a nice magnetic holder on their entry-level 2 burner gas grills with iGrill compatibility.

The iGrill BBQ thermometer is simple. You get four probes, the receiver, and access to Weber’s mobile app. The app gives you access to temperature information on all four probes, with alerts and other features.

What we like:

• This thermometer is simple to use and setup.
• Compatible with Weber Genesis grill models
• Four probes

What we don’t like:

• Although Weber makes great products, other thermometers offer the same for less.

7. Inkbird IBT-4XP Wireless Grill Thermometer – Best For Outdoor Use – Waterproof

If you own a smoker, let’s say a large offset smoker or a drum smoker, those are large smokers, and most likely you will be using them outside in your backyard. Well, there might be a time or two when the rain comes and cooking meat must go on. Especially if you live here in Florida.

This is when a thermometer like the InkBird Bluetooth meat thermometer comes in and is a good fit. You get all the basics. You can watch temperatures, monitor ambient temperature in your grill, and it can resist temperatures up to 500 degrees F.

But here is where this thermometer stands out. First, it is waterproof, meaning this thing can sit outside and get rained on while you cook. Second, it delivers precise temperature readings, including ambient temperature using three probes and one ambient temperature probe.

The Inkbird is rechargeable, and the battery lasts 40 hours before being plugged back in using a USB charger.

Accurate temperature is another area where this unit shines. Rated at a + / – 2 degrees accuracy. The mobile app allows you to keep an “eye” on temperatures and set alerts. Once the target temperature is reached, you will receive an alert on your phone.

We determined through our tests that that the Inkbird has a clear advatage and is that its LCD screen is one of the easiest to read. Also charging the battery does take some time but it last a few days, plenty of time for a long cook.

Wireless Range: 150 feet
Temperature Range: 32 to 482 Fahrenheit
Accuracy: Within 2 degrees Fahrenheit

Certifications: RoHS , FCC , CE

Pros

• Three probes and one probe to monitor the ambient temperature inside your grill.
• Wide temperature range: Can read temperatures from 32 degrees F to 500 degrees F
• One Ambient Probe is included and can be set in any area of the grill.
• Long battery life of 40 hours.
• Easy to read display
• Mobile App.

Cons

• Well, this is not necessarily a bad thing, but the battery is a lithium battery. If it dies or you forget to charge, well, bad luck amigo.

8. Bfour Digital Bluetooth Smart Thermometer – Good for Green Egg

The Bfour Bluetooth meat thermometer is elegant and supports up to six probes, and works with an iPhone or Android phone.

The Bfour bluetooth meat thermometer is not just sleek — it won the Red Dot Design Award in 2019 — and with support for up to six stainless steel probes ( two included ), it is also perfect for monitoring large quantities of meat at any temperature range. It features multiple preset temperatures for monitoring different types of proteins and is powered by three aaa batteries.

Accuracy: ±1.8℉
Temperature Range: 32 to 572 Fahrenheit

What we like

• Supports up 6 probes, two probes are included.
• Large and easy to read backlit display.
• The Bfour Bluetooth meat thermometer App is easy to use.
• Using Bluetooth 5 technology , this bluetooth thermometer offers a 200-foot range.

What we don’t like:

• Some users have reported compatibility issues using this thermometer with Android devices.

9. ThermoPro TP20 Bluetooth Thermometer

The ThermoPro T20 wireless is widely used as a grill thermometer. It is an incredibly sturdy thermometer. It is a dual-purpose device that lets you monitor the temperature of the cooking chamber, as well as the temperature inside the meat. You just have to pick what you want to cook, choose the level of doneness, and get alerts when the cook finishes.

The ThermoPro TP20 wireless dual probe thermometer offers several pre-programmed USDA meat temperature options and is accurate to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wireless range is 300 – 400 feet
Temperature Range: 572 (probe ) to 716 ( wire ) Fahrenheit
Accuracy: +/- 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit

What we like:

• The Thermopro TP20 has good range
• Simple to use, I can focus more on the cook.
• Large Backlit LCD screen
• ThermoPro Quality
• It is powered by AAA batteries, so it is easy to keep going if the batteries die. There is no need to recharge.
• The thermometer can read from 32 to 572 degrees F max.

What we don’t like:

• Two Probes

Things to Consider When Buying a Wireless Thermometer

When shopping for a probe thermometers, there are a few things you should take into consideration. The primary function of a meat thermometer is to read meat’s internal temperature and, in the case of wireless grill thermometers, to offer temperature readings wirelessly one way or another.

Wireless Remote range ( Bluetooth, WIFI, or RF )

Wireless thermometers combine a base station with a digital display located close to an oven/grill and display useful temp info. They can also use portable receivers for acquiring RF frequencies, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and connect to mobile apps to monitor food.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a key characteristic of the best wireless meat grill thermometer for grilling. Investing in reliable devices prevents undercooking and overcooking foods, plus hitting the desired temperature every time.

Digital thermometers are faster and more accurate than the standard “mounted inside the lid” thermometer. The probes go into the meat and are clipped ( grill clip ) to the grate ( pit probe ) to measure the ambient temperature of the grill.

We look for product certifications that ensure the product has been properly designed, calibrated, and tested. Not only do you want to hit the ideal temperature, but you also want to ensure you are cooking the meat to the right doneness levels. [1]

Number of Meat probes

Wireless meat thermometers usually come with two to six probes, depending on the model. The probes can be either dual or multi-function, measuring the temperature of the meat but also your grill. The best digital wireless meat thermometers for grilling offer connectivity for multiple probes, letting you monitor different foods at different degrees of doneness.

No, if you do not need too many probes,  this is one area where you can save some bucks. But remember, if you want to monitor more than one meat simultaneously, yes, you need more than one probe.

Thermometers Temperature range ( that they can monitor meat to and withstand )

When comparing meat thermometers and other wireless meat thermometers, you typically see the range at which the device can operate. It can see the temperature ranges, and it can read them.

However, it is also important to understand the heat the meat thermometer can withstand. Some thermometers cannot withstand high temperatures for long, and you can end up with a melted probe end inside your steak. Most thermometers can withstand heat of about 500 to 600 degrees.

Probe Cable length

We have discussed base stations; this is where the probes connect into. These station connections are made through cable.  Ideally, you want a cable length that fits your BBQ setup.

Wireless Receiver or monitoring Mobile App

Many wireless meat thermometers offer mobile apps, but not all apps are built well or offer the same features. Besides monitoring the meat temperature and sending temperature updates, a good app will allow you to set custom alerts so you can cook the meat at the doneness level you want.

Some apps have preset temperatures setting, and if you are a beginner, this will be helpful when trying to cook meats to the desired temperature and doneness level.

Look for apps that offer alerts and are compatible with your mobile device. Not all Apps are compatible with Android devices, for example. Most app developers default to “iDevices” or Apple devices first before developing the app for other devices.

Warranty

Wireless meat thermometers usually offer a warranty of at least two years. Some models, such as the ThermoPro TP20 and the ThermoPro TP22, offer a 3-year warranty when purchased and upon registration of the product.

Manufacturers also offer different coverage for components, including probes. ThermoPro offers the possibility to replace faulty sensors free.

Other features

Most of these gadgets offer the same features, but some go the extra mile. Extra features include customizable alerts, backlit backscreen displays, mounting brackets, and magnets.

Some of these thermometers offer up to nine preset temperature settings.

Dimensions and Size

Again, this is another factor that depends on your cooking setup at home. But a good rule of thumb is to look for a light device. Some thermometers are large and bulky and can take up some of the valuable space on your side tables and prep shelves.

Functionality

A wireless probe like Meater+ and the MeatStick have no wires and can monitor both meat and grill temperature. So it is considered a truly wireless probe. A dual probe system. Some thermometers can only do one function.

Battery life

Ok, a thermometer is a cooking tool and it needs to work. The last think you want os to be in the middle of the cook and the device runs out of battery in the middle of the cook, I’ve been there.

What Type of Cooking you be using the thermometer for

A wireless smart thermometer is an excellent tool for achieving consistent results when smoking and grilling meat. Knowing exactly what is happening in your smoker or grill and cooking food to the ideal degree of doneness is the key to making superb barbecue.

When searching for a good wireless digital thermometer, it is essential to consider the thermometer’s primary purpose. Why? Some of these thermometers are designed specifically for your smoker, while others are better suited for use with an oven or grill.

If you are preparing a brisket, it will likely be in the smoker for at least 14 to 16 hours. Therefore, you will need a meat thermometer with a long battery life of at least 24 hours.

Also, if you are smoking meat and your smoker is located in your backyard, you need a meat thermometer that can withstand a little bit of rain and has an incredible range so that you can watch the game and keep an eye on your cook.

There are three main types of Wireless thermometers:

First, you have true wireless meat thermometers like the Meater and MeatStick, which don’t have any wireless at all. The Probe itself houses all the sensors and technology to transmit information directly to a mobile phone app.

Pros

• Truly wireless
• Since there are no cables these probes are versatile and can be used in just about any type of grill.

Cons

• These probes tend to be thick and hard to use in thin cut of meats.
• The rechargeable battery can be an issue.
• You rely on your phone to access all the info, no phone, well it turns into just a fancy pen.

Second, you have wireless or Bluetooth thermometers with a display receiver. These are thermometers that probes connect via cables to a receiver, and the receiver itself has an LCD display. The receiver can have WiFi or Bluetooth to send information to a mobile app. I like to call these remote-controlled meat thermometers because the app is really communicating with the receiver, not the probes.

Pros

• Two ways of reading data. You can say there is a backup in case your phone battery dies.

Cons

• Probe cables

Lastly, you have the receiver/monitor setups. These are thermometers which platform consists of a receiver where all the probes connect to and a remote monitor. So you get two devices instead of one, One is a base station or receiver, and the other is the remote monitor.

With some models, both the receiver and remote control can monitor temperature. In other models, the remote control/ monitor can connect to your phone, and in other models no.

Pros

• The biggest advantage of these types of thermometers is their range.
• Good for monitoring oven temperature.

Cons

• Some models do not work with mobile devices.

How we Test and Benchmark wireless meat thermometers

For this article we tested each thermometer using the boiling water accuracy test, the iced water accuracy test, and long hours of smoking on our in house BBQ smoker.

Conclusion

We chose the MeatStick as our top pick because of its versatility, good accuracy, and easy-to-use mobile app, but mainly because, when compared to the Meater, it can withstand higher temperatures. If you are looking for an all-around good choice, the ThermoPro models are well built, accurate, and reliable.

FAQs

References:
[1] https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/kitchen-thermometers