Are you tired of the endless guessing game when it comes to achieving perfectly cooked meat? Do you find yourself constantly opening the grill or oven door, releasing precious heat and moisture, just to stab your roast with a basic thermometer? If so, it’s time to step into the future of cooking with the Traeger Meater Plus Bluetooth Enabled Meat Thermometer. This ingenious device is a game-changer for home cooks and seasoned pitmasters alike, offering unparalleled freedom, precision, and a guided cooking experience that ensures mouthwatering results every single time.
The Evolution of Meat Thermometers: From Basic to Bluetooth Smart
For generations, meat thermometers have been an indispensable tool in the kitchen, helping us prevent undercooked poultry or overdone roasts. Early models were simple dial thermometers, followed by wired digital versions that offered greater accuracy but still tethered us to our cooking appliance. However, the true revolution began with wireless technology and smart features. This evolution wasn’t just about convenience; it was about consistency, food safety, and granting cooks the confidence to experiment without fear of failure. The Traeger MEATER Plus stands at the forefront of this culinary innovation, transforming the way we approach cooking meat.
Unveiling the Traeger MEATER Plus: Features That Transform Your Cooking
The Traeger MEATER Plus is not just a thermometer; it’s a comprehensive cooking assistant packed with features designed to simplify and perfect your culinary endeavors.
100% Wire-Free Design
Imagine cooking a large brisket on your smoker or a succulent rotisserie chicken without a single wire dangling, getting tangled, or obstructing your view. The MEATER Plus offers complete wire-free freedom, allowing you to insert the probe into your meat and close the lid without any fuss. This sleek design means less clutter and more flexibility, whether you’re grilling outdoors, roasting in the oven, or slow-cooking in a smoker.
Dual Temperature Sensors
Precision is paramount when cooking meat. The MEATER Plus is equipped with two sophisticated temperature sensors within its single probe. One sensor accurately monitors the internal temperature of your meat, ensuring it reaches the ideal doneness. The second sensor measures the ambient temperature of your cooker (grill, oven, or smoker), providing crucial data to the Advanced Estimator Algorithm and helping you maintain optimal cooking conditions. This dual monitoring capability gives you a complete picture of your cook.
Extended Bluetooth Range
One of the standout features of the Traeger MEATER Plus is its impressive extended wireless range of up to 165 feet (50 meters). How does it achieve this? The elegant wooden charging dock isn’t just for storage; it cleverly doubles as a Bluetooth repeater. This means you can insert the probe, close your cooker, and monitor your meat’s progress from across the yard, inside your kitchen, or even from the comfort of your living room. No more hovering over the grill! While the advertised range is generous, keep in mind that dense walls or metal cookers can sometimes impact connectivity, so positioning the charging dock strategically close to your cooker is always a smart move.
Guided Cook System
For many, achieving the perfect steak or roast can feel like an elusive art. The MEATER Plus app takes the guesswork out of cooking with its intuitive Guided Cook System. Simply select your type of meat, the cut, and your desired doneness, and the app will walk you through every step of the cooking process. From preparation to resting, it provides clear instructions and real-time updates, ensuring consistent and impeccable results, even for novice cooks.
Advanced Estimator Algorithm
Time management is key in cooking, especially when entertaining. The MEATER Plus app features an Advanced Estimator Algorithm that intelligently predicts how long your food will take to cook and how long it needs to rest. This smart prediction helps you plan your meals precisely, so you know exactly when to start your sides and when dinner will be ready to serve. It’s like having a personal chef assistant right in your pocket.
Intuitive MEATER App
The brain behind the MEATER Plus is its incredibly user-friendly mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. This sleek interface provides real-time temperature graphs, customizable alerts for “remove from heat” and “ready to eat,” and the ability to save your favorite cooks. The app’s clear visuals and straightforward navigation make monitoring your meal an enjoyable, stress-free experience.
Durable & Easy to Clean
Constructed from high-quality stainless steel and ceramic, the MEATER Plus probe is built to withstand the rigors of high-heat cooking. It’s also water-resistant, making cleanup a breeze. After your meal, simply wash the probe by hand with soap and water, and it’s ready for your next culinary adventure.
Mastering Your Traeger MEATER Plus: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with your Traeger MEATER Plus is straightforward, ensuring you’re cooking with confidence in no time.
- Initial Setup & Charging: Before your first use, remove the protective battery tab from the bottom of the charging dock. The probe typically requires at least 4 hours of initial charging. Keep the probe docked in its charging case to ensure it’s always ready.
- Download the MEATER App: Head to your smartphone’s app store and download the free MEATER app. Create an account, and you’re good to go.
- Pairing with Your Device: With the app open, remove the probe from its charging dock. The app will automatically detect the MEATER Plus via Bluetooth. Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your device, which usually involves a simple tap.
- Proper Probe Insertion: This step is crucial for accurate readings. Insert the probe into the thickest part of your meat, ensuring the safety notch on the probe is fully submerged. Critically, avoid touching any bones or large pockets of fat, as these can skew temperature readings.
- Setting Up Your Cook in the App: Within the MEATER app, select your type of protein (e.g., beef, pork, chicken), the specific cut, and your desired doneness level (e.g., medium-rare, well-done). The app will then display estimated cooking times and target temperatures.
- Monitoring Your Cook: Once your meat is in the cooker, relax! The app will display real-time internal and ambient temperatures, along with the estimated remaining cook time. You’ll receive clear alerts when it’s time to remove your food from the heat and when it’s perfectly rested and ready to serve.
- The Resting Phase: Don’t skip the rest! The MEATER app even guides you through this often-overlooked but vital step. Resting allows the meat’s juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender, flavorful, and moist final product.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Optimal Traeger MEATER Plus Performance
To get the most out of your Traeger MEATER Plus, consider these expert tips:
Maximizing Bluetooth Range
While the MEATER Plus offers a 165ft range, environmental factors can influence it. To ensure the strongest connection, always keep the wooden charging dock (which contains the Bluetooth repeater) as close as safely possible to your grill or oven. For cooks spanning greater distances or through multiple obstacles, consider using MEATER Link (connecting another smartphone/tablet as a bridge) or MEATER Cloud (extending range over Wi-Fi) for virtually unlimited monitoring.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After each use, clean your MEATER Plus probe thoroughly. The probe is water-resistant, making it easy to wash by hand with warm, soapy water. While it’s robust, always handle the ceramic end with care. Always ensure the probe is completely dry before returning it to its charging dock to prevent any issues with charging contacts.
Understanding Temperature Readings
Remember that the MEATER Plus provides both internal meat and ambient cooker temperatures. Pay attention to both. The internal temperature dictates doneness, while the ambient temperature helps you understand if your grill or oven is maintaining a consistent heat, which is vital for slow cooks like briskets or pork shoulders.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you experience range or connectivity issues, first ensure the charging dock is close to the probe. Check that your smartphone’s Bluetooth is enabled and that no other devices are interfering with the signal. Sometimes, simply restarting the app or re-pairing the probe can resolve minor glitches. Also, check the AAA battery in the charging dock, as a low battery can affect repeater performance.
The PerfectCook Advantage: Why the Traeger MEATER Plus is a Must-Have
For anyone serious about cooking, the Traeger MEATER Plus offers a multitude of benefits that elevate your entire culinary experience.
Eliminate Guesswork
Say goodbye to constantly poking, prodding, and second-guessing your meat’s doneness. The MEATER Plus delivers precise, real-time data, ensuring consistent, perfect results every time.
Ensure Food Safety
Undercooked meat can be a health risk. The MEATER Plus guarantees your food reaches safe internal temperatures, giving you peace of mind with every bite.
Enhanced Flavor & Texture
By precisely monitoring temperatures, the MEATER Plus helps you avoid overcooking, which can dry out meat, or undercooking, which can compromise texture. The result is always juicy, tender, and flavorful.
Unmatched Convenience & Freedom
Its 100% wire-free design and extended Bluetooth range mean you can truly “set it and forget it,” allowing you to enjoy time with guests, prepare other dishes, or simply relax while your meal cooks to perfection.
Confidence in the Kitchen (and Backyard)
“The MEATER Plus instills a level of confidence in cooks that’s truly transformative,” says Chef Julian Hayes, a culinary technology expert. “It removes the fear of ruining an expensive cut of meat, allowing you to focus on flavor and presentation, and consistently impress everyone at your table.”
Choosing Your Ideal Meat Thermometer: Is the MEATER Plus Right for You?
When considering a smart meat thermometer, think about your primary cooking methods. Do you often grill, smoke, or roast? Do you value wireless freedom above all else? The Traeger MEATER Plus excels in these areas, making it an ideal choice for most home cooks. Its ease of use, guided system, and wire-free design offer significant advantages over traditional wired or instant-read thermometers.
For those who engage in higher-heat cooking methods like deep-frying or open-fire grilling, or require full waterproofing for sous vide, you might explore its newer sibling, the MEATER 2 Plus, which offers enhanced durability and higher temperature limits. However, for everyday grilling, roasting, and smoking, the Traeger MEATER Plus remains an outstanding and highly capable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum range of the Traeger MEATER Plus?
The Traeger MEATER Plus offers a Bluetooth wireless range of up to 165 feet (50 meters), thanks to its charging dock acting as a built-in repeater. Keep in mind that obstacles like dense walls or metal cookers can affect this range.
Can I use the MEATER Plus with any grill or oven?
Yes, the MEATER Plus is designed to work with any grill, oven, or smoker. While Traeger owns the MEATER brand, the MEATER Plus itself connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet using the MEATER app, not necessarily directly to your grill’s controller, especially for newer Traeger models.
Is the MEATER Plus waterproof?
The MEATER Plus probe is water-resistant, making it easy to clean by hand. It can withstand splashes and light washing. For full waterproofing that allows for deep frying or sous vide, consider the newer MEATER 2 Plus model.
How long does the MEATER Plus battery last?
The MEATER Plus probe provides over 24 hours of continuous cooking on a single charge. Its charging dock, powered by a single AAA battery, can recharge the probe up to 100 times.
How do I extend the range of my MEATER Plus?
To extend the range, keep the MEATER Plus charging dock as close as possible to your probe and cooking appliance. You can also use MEATER Link, which involves using another smart device (like an old phone or tablet) as a bridge to extend the Bluetooth signal over Wi-Fi, or connect to MEATER Cloud for unlimited range.
Conclusion
The Traeger MEATER Plus Bluetooth Enabled Meat Thermometer is more than just a gadget; it’s an investment in consistently perfect meals and a significant upgrade to your cooking toolkit. Its wire-free convenience, dual temperature precision, intelligent guided system, and extended range liberate you from the kitchen, allowing you to enjoy your cooking experience and your company more fully.
Stop guessing, start perfecting. Embrace the confidence that comes with knowing your meal is cooking precisely as it should be, every single time. Experience the difference the Traeger MEATER Plus can make and elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.