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Traeger announced last week that they’d have some new MEATER products coming out in the second half of the year. They didn’t wait long because today they launched the MEATER Pro XL, which builds on their innovative 2 Plus temperature probe that they released previously.
Name Change
If you’re confused about what the MEATER Pro is, it’s because they changed the name of the product. When they released their latest temperature probe they called it the 2 Plus.
It has since been renamed the Pro, but it’s the exact same product. They carried the Pro name forward with this release, the Pro XL.
Features and Specs
When the Pro was released, it was a big jump forward from other wireless probes on the market with more sensors, higher maximum temperatures, and better range. For a full feature breakdown, check out that article from its release.
The Pro XL is a block that contains four Pro probes. It also adds some features that work with the probes to make them even better. The MEATER Pro XL retails for $349.95 (check price).
WiFi
The block has WiFi built into it, so it can take the data from the probes and put it into the cloud. This means if the block is in range of your home WiFi, you can use the phone app to monitor your cook from anywhere.
USB-C Charging
Another advantage of the Pro XL over the Pro is USB-C charging. The block plugs in and can quickly charge the probes with a 30-minute charge giving 24 hours of cook time. The non-XL Pro model used an AAA battery for charging.
No App Needed
Another benefit of the XL model is that it also has an OLED display with touch controls. You can use this if you don’t want a connected grilling experience through your phone. You can set temperatures and monitor them right from the block.
Do I Need Four Probes?
The main question that you’ll probably ask yourself when choosing between the Pro and the Pro XL is “the added features are nice, but do I need four probes?”. The answer depends on what kind of cooking you’re doing.
I have an embarrassing number of probes from various manufacturers and products. For barbecue like brisket or pulled pork, I’m usually just cooking one big piece of meat. If you cook for enough people that you need multiple, then you’ll want more probes.
Grilling on the other hand is where I put many probes to use. I like to reverse sear steaks, so I use a probe for each steak because they all are different shapes, sizes, and positions in the grill.
Wireless Probe Competition
The wireless probe market is much more crowded than it once was. Over the past month we’ve seen new wireless probes from ThermoWorks and FireBoard.
Even though MEATER is owned by Traeger, you don’t need a Traeger to use their products. They’re made to work with any grill, oven, or other cooking methods, just like the probes from other companies.
ThermoWorks and FireBoard were inching ahead on the technology front with their latest wireless probes. The MEATER Pro XL helps close that gap though with the added range from WiFi and an onboard screen for more versatile grilling.