The world of smart cooking has exploded in recent years, with devices promising to simplify the process of achieving perfectly cooked meals. Among the leading players in this arena are the MEATER and MEATER Plus smart meat thermometers. Both devices offer a cable-free cooking experience, but understanding the key differences between them is crucial for choosing the right tool for your culinary needs. This article delves into the nuances of the MEATER and MEATER Plus, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Core Functionality of MEATER Thermometers
At their heart, both the MEATER and MEATER Plus are designed to monitor the internal temperature of your food during cooking. This eliminates the guesswork often associated with traditional cooking methods, ensuring consistent and delicious results. They achieve this through a dual-sensor system that measures both the internal temperature of the meat and the ambient temperature of the cooking environment.
These thermometers connect wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor the cooking progress from anywhere within range. The accompanying MEATER app provides real-time temperature readings, estimated cooking times, and alerts you when your food is ready. This level of control and convenience is what sets smart meat thermometers apart from conventional options.
The Key Difference: Bluetooth Range
The most significant difference between the MEATER and MEATER Plus lies in their Bluetooth range. This factor directly impacts the freedom and flexibility you have while cooking.
MEATER: The Original Smart Thermometer
The original MEATER thermometer boasts a Bluetooth range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters). This range is generally sufficient for smaller cooking setups, such as grilling on a patio or cooking in a kitchen where you remain relatively close to the oven or grill. However, the range can be significantly reduced by obstructions such as thick walls, metal appliances, or large bodies of water.
For instance, if your oven is located in a basement kitchen and you want to monitor the cooking progress from the living room upstairs, the MEATER’s Bluetooth signal might struggle to maintain a reliable connection.
MEATER Plus: Extending Your Cooking Freedom
The MEATER Plus addresses the range limitations of the original MEATER by incorporating a Bluetooth repeater into the charging block. This repeater extends the Bluetooth range to up to 165 feet (50 meters), providing significantly more freedom and flexibility.
The extended range of the MEATER Plus allows you to monitor your cooking from a greater distance, making it ideal for larger homes, outdoor kitchens, or situations where obstructions might interfere with the Bluetooth signal. For example, you could confidently monitor a smoker in your backyard while relaxing inside your house, or keep an eye on a roast in the oven while running errands around the house.
A Detailed Comparison of Features
Beyond the Bluetooth range, several other factors contribute to the overall user experience and effectiveness of the MEATER and MEATER Plus. Let’s examine these features in detail.
Temperature Sensors: Ensuring Accuracy
Both the MEATER and MEATER Plus are equipped with two temperature sensors: one measures the internal temperature of the meat, while the other monitors the ambient temperature of the cooking environment. The internal temperature sensor can withstand temperatures up to 212°F (100°C), while the ambient temperature sensor can handle temperatures up to 527°F (275°C).
These sensors are crucial for accurately tracking the cooking process and ensuring that your food reaches the desired level of doneness. The MEATER app uses the data from both sensors to calculate estimated cooking times and provide alerts when your food is ready.
The MEATER App: Your Cooking Command Center
The MEATER app is a central component of the MEATER ecosystem, providing a user-friendly interface for monitoring and controlling the cooking process. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a range of features, including:
- Real-time temperature monitoring: Displays the internal and ambient temperatures in real-time.
- Estimated cooking time: Calculates the estimated remaining cooking time based on the current temperatures and target temperature.
- Target temperature settings: Allows you to set target temperatures for different types of meat and desired levels of doneness.
- Alerts and notifications: Sends alerts when your food is approaching the target temperature and when it is ready.
- Guided cooking programs: Provides step-by-step instructions and temperature recommendations for various recipes.
- Cooking history: Stores your past cooking sessions for future reference.
The app is identical for both the MEATER and MEATER Plus, so you won’t miss out on any features regardless of which thermometer you choose.
Design and Durability: Built to Last
Both the MEATER and MEATER Plus share the same sleek and durable design. The thermometer itself is made of stainless steel and is designed to withstand the rigors of cooking. The charging block is made of wood and serves as a stylish and functional storage solution.
The thermometers are also water-resistant, making them easy to clean and maintain. However, it is important to note that they are not dishwasher-safe and should be cleaned by hand.
Power and Battery Life: Reliable Performance
The MEATER and MEATER Plus are powered by a single AAA battery in the charging block, which is used to charge the thermometer. A fully charged thermometer can provide up to 24 hours of continuous cooking time. The charging block itself is powered by a micro-USB cable.
The battery life of the MEATER and MEATER Plus is generally sufficient for most cooking needs. However, it is always a good idea to keep a spare AAA battery on hand, especially for longer cooking sessions.
Choosing the Right MEATER for Your Needs
Ultimately, the decision between the MEATER and MEATER Plus comes down to your individual cooking needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Bluetooth range: If you need to monitor your cooking from a distance or if your cooking environment is prone to Bluetooth interference, the MEATER Plus is the better choice. If you typically cook in a smaller area and don’t need the extended range, the original MEATER may suffice.
- Cooking setup: If you have a large outdoor kitchen or frequently use a smoker in your backyard, the MEATER Plus’s extended range will be invaluable. If you primarily cook indoors and stay close to your oven or grill, the MEATER may be sufficient.
- Budget: The MEATER Plus is typically more expensive than the original MEATER. If you are on a tight budget, the MEATER may be a more affordable option. However, consider the long-term benefits of the extended range and whether it is worth the extra investment.
A Summary of the Key Differences
To recap, here’s a table summarizing the key differences between the MEATER and MEATER Plus:
| Feature | MEATER | MEATER Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Range | 33 feet (10 meters) | 165 feet (50 meters) |
| Bluetooth Repeater | No | Yes (integrated into charging block) |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Both offer:
- Dual temperature sensors
- MEATER App compatibility
- Durable, water-resistant design
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Using Your MEATER
Regardless of whether you choose the MEATER or MEATER Plus, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your smart meat thermometer:
- Proper probe placement: Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone or large pockets of fat.
- Preheating: Ensure your cooking environment is properly preheated before inserting the probe.
- Resting: Allow your meat to rest for the recommended amount of time after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Cleaning: Clean the probe with warm, soapy water after each use. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or placing the probe in the dishwasher.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Cooking Experience
The MEATER and MEATER Plus offer a revolutionary way to cook meat, providing precise temperature monitoring and eliminating the guesswork often associated with traditional cooking methods. While both devices share core functionalities, the extended Bluetooth range of the MEATER Plus makes it a more versatile option for larger cooking setups and environments with potential Bluetooth interference. By carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can choose the MEATER that is best suited to elevate your cooking experience and consistently deliver perfectly cooked meals.
What is the primary difference between the MEATER and MEATER Plus?
The most significant difference between the MEATER and MEATER Plus lies in their Bluetooth range. The original MEATER boasts a Bluetooth range of approximately 33 feet when used outdoors. This distance can be further reduced by walls, ovens, and other obstructions which can significantly hinder connectivity.
The MEATER Plus overcomes this limitation with an extended range, advertised up to 165 feet outdoors. This enhancement is due to a Bluetooth repeater built into the MEATER Plus charging block. The block acts as a relay, boosting the signal from the probe to your smartphone or tablet, making it much more reliable for larger grills, smokers, and indoor cooking scenarios.
Does the MEATER Plus offer any features besides extended range?
Beyond the expanded Bluetooth range, the MEATER Plus doesn’t offer many additional features compared to the original MEATER. Both models provide dual temperature sensors, one measuring the internal temperature of the meat and the other monitoring the ambient temperature of the cooking environment. They both also utilize the MEATER app, which is central to the smart cooking experience.
Essentially, the core functionality of monitoring temperatures, setting target temperatures, receiving alerts, and guiding you through the cooking process remains identical between the two models. The crucial upgrade with the MEATER Plus is primarily focused on providing a more stable and reliable connection, especially when dealing with distance or interference.
Is the MEATER Plus worth the extra cost compared to the MEATER?
Whether the MEATER Plus is worth the extra investment depends largely on your typical cooking setup and environment. If you primarily cook in a small kitchen or on a grill close to your device, the standard MEATER might suffice. If you find yourself struggling with connectivity due to distance, obstructions, or the size of your cooking apparatus, the MEATER Plus is certainly worth considering.
Think about your cooking habits and common problem areas. Do you frequently experience signal loss with Bluetooth devices in your kitchen? Do you have a large smoker that sits far from your back door? Answering these questions will help you determine if the MEATER Plus’s extended range is a necessary feature for a seamless cooking experience or if the standard MEATER will meet your needs effectively.
How accurate are the temperature readings from both MEATER probes?
Both the MEATER and MEATER Plus probes are designed for high accuracy in their temperature readings. They utilize dual sensors, with the internal sensor typically accurate to within ±1°F and the ambient sensor generally accurate to within ±2°F. This level of precision allows for confident monitoring and helps ensure consistently cooked results.
It is important to correctly insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat to obtain the most accurate internal temperature reading. Maintaining a clean probe and avoiding extreme temperature shocks can also help maintain its accuracy over time. While both probes share this accuracy, a reliable Bluetooth connection is paramount to receiving timely and accurate updates from the MEATER app.
What type of battery life can I expect from each probe?
The battery life for both the MEATER and MEATER Plus probes is approximately 24 hours of continuous cooking. This provides ample time for even long cooks such as briskets or pulled pork. The charging process is straightforward: simply insert the probe back into its charging block.
The charging block itself requires a single AAA battery (included) for the standard MEATER, or a micro-USB connection for the MEATER Plus to charge the probe. A fully depleted probe takes approximately 4 hours to fully recharge. While both probes offer the same battery life, a more reliable Bluetooth connection allows for less battery drain associated with retries and reconnection attempts.
What is the MEATER app, and how does it work with the probes?
The MEATER app is the control center for both the MEATER and MEATER Plus probes. It connects to the probe via Bluetooth and provides real-time temperature readings, estimated cooking times, and alerts when your food reaches the desired temperature. The app offers a guided cooking experience, allowing you to select the type of meat, cut, and desired doneness, then calculates the ideal cooking parameters.
The app also features advanced functionalities like rest timers and custom temperature profiles. This allows you to create personalized cooking schedules based on your preferences. The app saves your cooking history for review, and shares recipes and cooking tips. A consistent Bluetooth connection between the probe and the app is key to unlocking the full benefits of the MEATER smart cooking experience.
Can I use the MEATER probes for deep frying or other high-heat cooking methods?
While the MEATER probes are designed to withstand high cooking temperatures, they are not intended for deep frying or other cooking methods where the probe is directly submerged in hot oil or other liquids for prolonged periods. The maximum internal temperature that the probe can safely handle is 212°F (100°C), while the ambient temperature sensor can withstand up to 527°F (275°C).
Exceeding these temperature limits, especially when the probe is submerged, could damage the internal components and compromise its functionality. It’s essential to adhere to the recommended temperature ranges outlined by MEATER to ensure the longevity and accuracy of your probe. For deep frying, specialized thermometers are generally more suitable.