The Lowdown
The MeatStick WiFi bridge is a must for cooks who like to go about their day while still monitoring their cooks. If you have used a wired probe before, you know the hassle of keeping them from being tangled and safely storing them; using either MeatStick does away with this. The MeatStick is a high-quality tool, and it’s the perfect addition to any cook’s tool kit. I highly recommend checking them out.
Overall
Pros
- Accurate temperature readings
- Unlimited range with the WiFi Bridge through the MeatStick app
- No need to worry about wires
- MeatStick App is easy to use
- The full-size MeatStick measures meat and ambient temperatures, which is important when smoking and barbecuing
Cons
The most important part of smoking meats and outdoor cooking is temperature. Many people ask how long something takes, and my answer is always, “What temp does that food needs to be?” With that said, a tool that monitors those temps is essential; if you can make that tool completely wireless, then you have something special. The MeatStick Wireless Meat Thermometer is just that, a wireless probe that works flawlessly.
The MeatStick is a smart thermometer probe that is completely wireless. You simply insert the stick into the food you want to monitor and use the app to follow the temperatures; there is no more lifting a pit or pot lid for checking temps while losing heat over and over.
The full-size MeatStick starts at $69.99, and it is perfect for BBQ people like me. The MeatStick Mini starts at $69.99; it is for use inside or in a more enclosed cooking space. There are also two MeatStick Combo Sets available.
From the two MeatStick Combo Sets, you can choose between the $179.99 BBQ and Kitchen Set, which offers a 260′ range, and the WiFi Pro Set that I received, which provides an unlimited wireless range through your WiFi router and the app. Both Combo Sets include an original MeatStick and the MeatStick MiniX; the unlimited wireless range WiFi Pro Set also includes a WiFi Bridge.
The probes on the MeatSticks are heavy-duty and feel well made; they charge via the case, and they store nicely there when they aren’t being used.
Cooking in just about any environment is possible with the MeatStick WiFi Pro Set.
After downloading the MeatStick app and syncing up my phone to the probes, I was on my way. The MeatStick’s Bluetooth range is up to 33′ in an open grill and up to 6′ if enclosed. The WiFi Bridge is a gamechanger since it opens up the range for receiving info from the MeatStick to endless, as long as it is connected to a WiFi network.
To test the MeatStick WiFi Pro Set, I smoked a beef Picanha for the first time. The Picanha cut is from the top of the rump; it’s also known as rump cover, rump cap, sirloin cap, and culotte steak. Picanha was made famous in Brazil, and it’s a favorite at Brazilian Steakhouses. If you’ve not tried cooking one, I highly recommend doing it!
The longer, pointy end of the stainless steel MeatStick probe goes directly into the meat while it’s cooking to detect the meat’s temperature. In contrast, the flat silver cap on the end of the probe stick’s ceramic handle detects the ambient temperature around the meat as it is cooking. With them working in tandem, it is easy to monitor everything going on during a cook without opening the lid!
The MeatStick’s ceramic handle can withstand temperatures up to 572ºF; the stainless steel probe on the full-size MeatStick starts measuring at 32ºF and can withstand up to 212ºF, while the stainless steel probe on the MeatStick Mini starts measuring at 32ºF and can withstand up to 185ºF. The ambient temperatures that the full-size MeatStick can measure range from 32º to 572ºF; the MeatStick Mini doesn’t measure them.
You can use MeatSticks for all of your meat cooking needs, including grilling, smoking, barbecuing in a pit, cooking in the oven, pan-frying, deep-frying, and sous-vide; they are even dishwasher safe.
The MeatStick WiFi bridge connects to your WiFi network and links up to eight MestSticks to their cloud, so you can access real-time temps from anywhere with the MeatStick app. The WiFi Bridge not only allows you to check temps from anywhere it also displays the temperature information, which makes it easy to check when you are near the pit.
As you can see, the cook temperatures and timing were perfect, and the Picanha turned out amazing.
I don’t believe I have ever done a juicier and more flavorful cut of meat. All of this was monitored by the MeatStick without opening the lid and messing with ambient temperatures. I think that the MeatStick WiFi Bridge is a game-changer, as it allows you to monitor temps on the app from anywhere, meaning that you are no longer tied to your grill and can multi-task without ruining the cook.
Whether cooking large cuts of meat outside or steaks in a pan, there is a MeatStick for the job. Both the regular and mini MeatSticks work flawlessly, and my cooked meats have come out perfectly every time I have used them. I really like the wireless design and not having to mess with any wires.
The MeatStick WiFi bridge is a must for cooks who like to go about their day while still monitoring their cooks. If you have used a wired probe before, you know the hassle of keeping them from being tangled and safely storing them; using either MeatStick does away with this. The MeatStick is a high-quality tool, and it’s the perfect addition to any cook’s tool kit. I highly recommend checking them out.
The MeatStick WiFi Pro Combo retails for $239.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon. You can also buy the MeatStick, MeatStick Mini, and the WiFi Bridge separately.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Accurate temperature readings; Unlimited range with the WiFi Bridge through the MeatStick app; No need to worry about wires; The MeatStick app is easy to use; The full-size MeatStick measures meat and ambient temperatures, which is essential when smoking and barbecuing
What Needs Improvement: Nothing yet!
This little gadget differently will lessen your worries. It will allow you prepare the sides or other duties at the same time. You won’t lose your cooking temps with constant checking.
Being able to monitor my meat temp throughout the process would be a life saver
Yeah, I need something like this to take away the worry that the meat isn’t done, whether on the grill or in the oven. Save from overcooking out of caution.
I would love to have this thermometer for perfectly done meat.
This neat gadget sounds like one I would love having for smoking meats and indoor cooking too.