FireBoard 2 Review: The Smarter Way to Cook Meat Right, Every Time

Even though I smoke meats year-round, summer is especially busy in my pits. I have used the FireBoard for a good while and was just given the opportunity to try out the FireBoard 2. Since temps are the key to great smoked meat, the FireBoard 2 brings a smart way to impress your friends at your next BBQ.

Meat probes are super important for my style of cooking. I do not cook by time, but completely by meat temperature. FireBoad Labs took their amazing first product and made some nice improvements making this cloud-connected temperature remote even better and a must-have for any gill master.

There are three versions of the new FireBoard available; the FBX2, which I have for review, is an improved take on the original. The “Drive” version includes a built-in drive port that connects to the optional fan to help regulate pit temperatures. The “Pro” version uses three Type K thermocouples with the drive technology instead of the standard plug-in probes.

The FireBoard 2 is weather-resistant and sports a large 256×128 backlit black and white LCD Display. I love the new size, and the screen is amazing. The 4000AH Li-ion battery will work for any cook you put it through. My brisket on the Fourth smoked for 14 hours with no problem.

The new screen comes with multiple views of single or multiple channels. The buttons on the side change these views as well as toggle between graph options. I tried each view for a while, and in the end, I prefer the view that displays all six probes to avoid the need to toggle through each temperature.

The new FireBoard feels more robust, and the larger screen makes it much more user-friendly. It is weather-resistant, which is a great feature since the weather can change during a 12+ hour cook, or stuff could get spilled on it.

While the FireBoard 2 is one amazing standalone thermometer, what really makes it shine is its smart capabilities. Using the FireBoard app, the device connects to your phone via Bluetooth or WiFi, allowing remote viewing. The app is easy to use, and alarms can be set and probes named, so you know what you are looking at.

Since the brisket I smoked for the review went overnight, I set several temperature alerts. I wrap my meat in peach paper at 165 degrees, then pull the brisket at 203 degrees. With a simple tap in the app, I can set these alerts and not have to stare at temps. I also set the ambient pit temp alarm just in case something happens to the temps, and I can avoid a huge problem that I might sleep through.

I used the original FireBoard for every cook for the past two years. The FireBoard 2 is a giant leap in quality and features, and I can say it will assist me with every cook for a long time. The larger size screen with viewing options is a game-changer; it is easy to see temps from a glance.

While it still sports the six probe options (and yes, I have used all six at once), the weather-resistant case and extended battery life are much appreciated. A magnetic back would still be a feature I would love to see to keep it safely in place.

The app works fantastic as always, and the ability to check temps from virtually everywhere means more time to do other things while smoking meat. The FireBoard 2 is easily one of my most useful and favorite tools in my smoking arsenal.

The Fireboard 2 sells for $189.00; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Improved screen; Multiple viewing options; Weather resistant case; Extended Battery; Six probe ports; WiFi and Bluetooth connection to the app

What Needs Improvement: A magnetic back would be nice to help keep it in place while on the pit