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MeatStick came out with a new wireless temperature probe called the MeatStick V. It offers superior range and temperature handling than their previous model. They sent us one to test out.
The main thing I wanted to find out with testing the temp probe is if the signal strength works as well as claimed. What good is a wireless probe if it can’t transmit a signal? I’m happy to say the MeatStick had no issues with signal strength.
To test it out I used it multiple times in a beefy, ¼” thick steel offset. If it can transmit its signal through that, it’ll have no trouble with other grills. The stakes were high too because the first time I used it was to cook prime rib for Christmas dinner.
If it failed that, not only does it make for a negative review, but I look like I don’t know how to smoke a prime rib for hungry guests. Nobody wants that.
The MeatStick transmits two wireless signals to maximize its useability. I can work with Bluetooth if you’ll be near it, and it uses the charging base as a wireless bridge to broadcast a WiFi signal for unlimited range. I used it mainly with WiFi and stuck the magnetic backed bridge to the legs on my grill.
I never had the signal drop, so it worked exactly as claimed and I could monitor my cooks from anywhere. The temperature reading from the prob seemed accurate too, because I checked it against a digital thermometer and other probes at throughout my cooks.
Features and Specs
- Retail price of $129.99 (check price – it goes on sales sometimes)
- Range of 900+ ft with Bluetooth and unlimited with WiFi
- Six total sensors for tons of data and less cooking mistakes
- IPX9K waterproof rating means you can throw it in the dishwasher
- USB-C charging with 50+ hours of battery life
Using the Probe
The MeatStick V was really easy to use with the guided setup on the app. The overall interface on the app looks good and tells you a bunch of data. If you’re newer to grilling, the five sensors on the tip will help you position the probe where it needs to go.
When you click into your cook you can see a temperature graph of how your cooks going. It will also estimate for you when it’ll be done, which can come in handy with hungry people.
This new version of the MeatStick has a much wider temperature range, which means you can use it for high heat grilling. With the probe properly inserted in your food, it can handle temps up to 1,200 degrees F.
The ease of use doesn’t stop at cooking either. I love when things are dishwasher safe, and that’s the case for this temp probe. You can just toss it in the dishwasher when your done. You might just have to gently scrub the ambient temp probe at the end after smoking because the smokey build-up can impact accuracy.
Pros
- Connectivity – The connectivity worked as advertised
- Convenience – Having no wires to mess with makes moving your food or flipping it much easier
- Price – The MeatStick V is cheaper than competitors
Cons
- Software – There were two minor annoyances with the software. The first is it’s a little more guided than I’d like. Beginners will like it, but if you’re more experienced you just want to turn it on and be off and running. I also encountered a few firmware updates that delayed cooking, which could just be a function of having an earlier model.
- Food thickness – With how deep you have to put the probe into your food to cover all the sensors, you need a piece of meat that’s reasonable wide. If you’re cooking a small tenderloin or something like that you can put the probe in all the way which messes with the readings and can damage the sensors.