Remote Thermometer Choices

[Cueford T. Justice]

I am on the list for a Shirley Patio model and want to get a remote thermometer. I have read all the threads I can. I’m looking for any help deciding between these models. A grate probe and two meat probes would be plenty for me. My cooking area would be in range of WiFi but I might push the limits of Bluetooth.

Thermoworks Smoke is $99. Many seem happy with this. Uses Bluetooth so range might be limited?

The Smoke X uses RF wireless and claims to have better range. Does it? Haven’t found much on it yet. It is $140 - $160.

The Thermoworks Signals uses WiFi. It is $229. Have they mastered WiFi yet?

Fireboard 2 is $189. Many seem to like this also. Uses WiFi so range would not be an issue for me and I don’t mind using my phone.

Fireboard Pro uses the K thermo couplers and is $299. Are the type K just to allow faster reads at higher temps? I won’t have this super hot. Is this overkill?

I’m leaning towards the Fireboard 2. Am I missing anything or will this probably check all the boxes for me? Thanks in advance and happy weekend to all!

 

[Happy Hapgood]

I've been reviewing the InkBird products. Those are good products you have listed. Here are a couple of reviews for you to check out if you like.


https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286402


https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275400

 

[SmoothBoarBBQ]

Thermoworks Smoke uses RF, and in my experience it has a very solid range. I've never had a problem with that signal going from outside to inside my house. I've had my Smoke for at least 3 years and it's a solid piece of equipment.

I also have the Signals and the wi-fi is OK, but you do have to ensure that you're using a 2.4GHz band (ie 2g rather than 5g). This gives you better range in theory but I have had issues some nights (during the day it always works for some reason) where I don't get updates for long periods of time...sometimes 10-15 minutes.

If you're just looking for "passive monitoring" then I think the Thermoworks Smoke is absolutely the best bang for the buck. Reliable, easy to use, and the probes are some of the best on the market in my experience.

 

[70monte]

I have both the Smoke and Smoke X4 and the Smoke X4 has way better range for my use.

Most of my cookers are under a metal carport with sides that is at the end of the house from the kitchen/dining area where I usually monitor from and the regular smoke loses signal constantly to the point that it's about useless. The only time it works without signal loss is if I use it right outside from where the receiver is.

I've used the Smoke X4 under the carport for 13 hours with no loss of signal at all. I love this thing. Our internet is spotty sometimes so a wifi based thermometer is not the best option for me.

 

[okiej]

I have an Igrill2 (Blue tooth) and an older Maverick RT732 (RF signal) the range on the Maverick (RF) is considerably more. When I get a new one, I will be looking at RF type.

 

[Aggie12]

Not one of the ones you have listed, but I would recommend the ThermoPro TP08S for backyard cooks. It has worked well for me, and it is significantly less expensive than any of the ones you have listed.

 

[Chester]

I love my Fireboard 2 Drive. The pro model you are looking at also has the drive capability, and I doubt it would be something you ever use for the Shirley. The standard model would be fine, unless you have another cooker you could use it with like a Kamado or something else more set and forget.

 

[Conrod]

I’m satisfied with my inkbird I scored for 50$

 

[jkief]

I’ve had the thermoworks before. I went through probes like candy. Love the thermal energy, but the probes on the thermoworks were too unreliable for my liking. Never knew if the probe would work when I plugged it in. I have a Maverick now and not a single issue. If it ever poops out, I’m probably leaning toward the Meater Block.

 

[Cueford T. Justice]

Thank you guys for all the responses. Seems like a mixed bag so I’ll just have to find the one that’s right for my uses. Sometimes I laugh at our hobby and equipment. I’m at my Dad’s house tonight. He is 80 and I just cooked a whole pork loin on his 30 gallon drum grill that some high school kids made in shop class. I remember when he got it in 1985. I was in high school. That thing has turned out more good meat than I can shake a stick at. We have reinforced the bottom where it burnt out and it’s still going strong— drafty as it is. I don’t think I can go wrong on the thermometer choice!

 

[Speeed]

I have a fireboard 1 and very much like it.

 

[DanB]

I have the Fireboard 2 with the fan cable for my WSM 22".

The Fireboard 2 is really good when it works.Nice big screen to to see all the info.
At times for some unknown reason the Fireboard 2 will lose my data and come right back with the data?
That said I would buy it again.
DanB

 

[rexster314]

Fireboard either generation. Fireboard Pro is overkill for most of us. Don't know about the others, but not only can you use the app on your phone, Fireboard also has a feature on their website that lets you monitor and adjust the Fireboard in the same way as the phone app

 

[Speeed]

Fireboard also has a feature on their website that lets you monitor and adjust the Fireboard in the same way as the phone app

^^^ this! ^^^
I didn't mention it but I use this often. When I have something on the grill/smoker and I'm in the house surfing I have a Fireboard tab opened on my browser and I can click over and check the cook at anytime. Its a really nice and helpful feature.

 

[Gore]

Reading the OP, the thing that jumped out was that's a LOT of money. I can buy a back-up pit for the cost of some of those. Over the past dozen years, I've had about a half dozen remote thermometers of varying prices. Most of them weren't worth a chit. They'd lose connection and wouldn't give me a warning (I've got thick walls in my house). I saved many a roast by sheer luck. A friend of mine picked up an Inkbird really cheap and said it was great, no problems. Now I'd spent 5x the cost of the Inkbird and gotten crap, so I was dubious, but I spent a whopping $15 on their cheapest model. I've had it for at least 5 years now. The thing has never lost connectivity and links up without pushing a button, which is great because I'm really stupid and can't remember chit. They no longer produce this cheapest of the cheapest models that I purchase, but I would expect many of the same electronics are in their other models. I would recommend giving them a shot for a Jackson before shelling out a couple Franklins on something that might not be any better.

 

[Cueford T. Justice]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Some of you set me straight on the technology used by some models, etc. I decided to get the Fireboard 2. I liked that it had wifi or bluetooth where wifi isn’t available. Wifi will be good at home and bluetooth for when I cook for the scouts on campouts. Glad to see there are several strong companies and models out there to fit everyone’s needs. Appreciate all the input!