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For the grill master or home cook yearning for perfectly cooked meat every time, the Meater 2 promises a revolution. This wireless smart meat thermometer goes beyond basic temperature readings, offering real-time internal temperature tracking, estimated cook times, and a sleek app that guides you to juicy, delicious results. But does the Meater 2 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this in-depth review to find out.
First Impressions & Design
The Meater 2 itself is a sleek and compact stainless steel probe. It’s small enough to fit in most cuts of meat without affecting cooking, and the build quality feels sturdy. The included carrying case protects the probe during storage and doubles as a charging dock, which is a thoughtful touch. The app, available on iOS and Android, has a clean and user-friendly interface. Setting up the Meater 2 is a breeze – simply download the app, pair the probe via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to cook.
Features & Functionality
The Meater 2 boasts several key features that elevate it from traditional thermometers:
- Dual Temperature Sensors: Unlike basic thermometers, the Meater 2 features two internal sensors. One measures the internal temperature of the meat, while the other measures the ambient temperature near the probe. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the cooking process and provides valuable insights for achieving perfect results.
- Estimated Cook Times: This is a game-changer for those new to grilling or unfamiliar with specific cuts of meat. The app takes into account the selected meat type, thickness, and desired doneness level to provide an estimated cook time. This helps with planning and ensures you don’t end up with overcooked or undercooked meat.
- Cooking Assistant: The app goes beyond just displaying temperatures. It provides real-time guidance throughout the cooking process. It will alert you when the meat reaches specific temperatures (great for searing or achieving a perfect medium-rare), and even estimate how much longer it will take to reach your desired doneness. This eliminates the constant checking and guesswork associated with traditional grilling.
- Ambient Temperature Monitoring: As mentioned earlier, the Meater 2 tracks the ambient temperature near the probe. This can be helpful for adjusting cooking times based on factors like grill temperature fluctuations or outdoor weather conditions.
- Wireless Connectivity: The Meater 2 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor the cooking process remotely. This eliminates the need to constantly hover around the grill, giving you more freedom to socialize or prepare other dishes.
Performance & Accuracy
The Meater 2 delivers on its promise of accurate temperature readings. The dual sensor system provides a reliable picture of the meat’s internal temperature, and the app’s estimated cook times were remarkably close in our testing. We particularly appreciated the ability to monitor the cook remotely, offering peace of mind and avoiding grill-side stress.
However, there are a few points to consider:
- Range: The Meater 2 has a maximum internal temperature range of 572°F (300°C). This might not be suitable for searing applications requiring extremely high temperatures.
- Connection: While Bluetooth connectivity is convenient, it has a limited range. This could be an issue for larger outdoor kitchens or those who want to monitor from a significant distance.
- App Dependence: To get the full benefit of the Meater 2, you’ll need to use the app. While it’s well-designed and user-friendly, it might not be ideal for those who prefer a more traditional approach to grilling.
Usability & Maintenance
Using the Meater 2 is straightforward. The app guides you through the process, and the probe itself is easy to insert into the meat. Cleaning is simple – just hand wash the probe with warm soapy water, but be sure to avoid the charging contacts.
Battery Life:
The Meater 2 boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for most grilling sessions, but heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.
Value for Money
The Meater 2 falls on the higher end of the price spectrum for meat thermometers. While the features and functionality are impressive, the price might be a deterrent for some casual grillers. However, for those who take their grilling seriously and appreciate the convenience and accuracy offered by the Meater 2, the investment might be worthwhile.
Overall Impression
The Meater 2 is a significant advancement in meat thermometers. It offers a wealth of features that take the guesswork out of grilling, resulting in perfectly cooked meat every time. The app’s guidance and real-time monitoring are incredible.