looking to purchase

[cc54636]

I'm new to smoking and want to purchase a digital thermometer. I know they can be very pricey, but I want to keep the price under or around $40. Any suggestions?

Thanks -CC-

 

[timberjet]

I replied to your other post. but here goes. Maverick et 732, I got mine for 45 dollars 2 years ago. They have a new model out now so you should be able to find that one on sale for right about that amount. I wouldn't go with any cheaper deal because you get what you pay for. Mavericks are well loved around here.

 

[venture]

In that price range the Mav 732 would give you a probe for the meat and another to monitor the pit temp.

You could spend a lot more for a better unit, but the 732 would be a good starting point.

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Maverick ET-732 !

 

[noboundaries]

If you are looking for a tableside smoke chamber digital thermometer there are plenty out there for $10-$30.  Pick up an inexpensive quick read meat probe thermometer for $10-15 and you're good to go.  It is always good to have one of the inexpensive meat probe thermometers on hand as a backup.  One I've had for several years just died so I just picked up another one that coincidentally will be delivered tomorrow.  I use the cheapie a lot with poultry.  It gives me an accurate read in less than 10 seconds if you put it in the meat first then turn it on.     

In the wireless arena the dual probe Maverick / Ivation / Redi Check 732 that Venture mentioned is the workhorse of the smoking world.  If you watch Amazon they occasionally go on sale for a little less than $50.     

 

[cc54636]

What about those listing on Amazon that say so many new & used at a certain price? Can I trust these?

 

[tropics]

What about those listing on Amazon that say so many new & used at a certain price? Can I trust these?

Don't take it for granted all probes, should be boil tested. 212*F

 

[grillmonkey]

Get a Maverick. It is a great product for the money.

 

[daricksta]

I stand by my Maverick ET-733 for slightly more than the cost of a 732. Programming it is a pain but you don't have to program it to use it. Just plug in the probes and turn the units on and you're all set to go.

 

[cc54636]

I just purchased the Maverick 732 thru Amazon. I went with the 732 instead of 733 partly because of price but it also seemed less complicated than the 733.

 

[grillmonkey]

You'll love it.

 

[noboundaries]

I have the 732 and only use it to monitor real time temps of the chamber and meat whether watching TV, using the computer, or napping.

I have never used the fancy features. I have an older non-wireless Maverick too with all the bells and whistles. Using those features just ate up the batteries.

 

[timberjet]

Good for you. You will not be disappointed. One thing though, when you get it go ahead and get some good batteries. The ones they include are crap.

 

[cc54636]

Thank you for the tip

 

[daricksta]

 
Good for you. You will not be disappointed. One thing though, when you get it go ahead and get some good batteries. The ones they include are crap.

Second the motion on buying good batteries. I think the 2nd time I used my ET-733 the receiver didn't turn on. Dead batteries. Replaced them and it's been working like a charm. The transmitter is still going on its original batteries.

 

[yankeejoe1911]

I just purchased a MES 30 and just wanted to say this post was a big help to me as well. I'm a newbie to smokin but old enough to understand the old saying, "buy nice or buy twice!" Thanks for the input guys!

 

[daricksta]

Thanks, Yankee Joe! Just be aware that the MES 30 Gen 2, which is what you purchased, is a bit of a different animal from the Gen 1. The airflow is different and so is the placement of the AMNPS should you choose to buy one. Many people like the MB Cold Smoker box. I did my research and chose to buy the AMNPS instead and it works great for both hot and cold smoking in my MES 30 Gen 1.

 

[yankeejoe1911]

 
Thanks, Yankee Joe! Just be aware that the MES 30 Gen 2, which is what you purchased, is a bit of a different animal from the Gen 1. The airflow is different and so is the placement of the AMNPS should you choose to buy one. Many people like the MB Cold Smoker box. I did my research and chose to buy the AMNPS instead and it works great for both hot and cold smoking in my MES 30 Gen 1.

Yea Rick I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the MB Cold Smoker as it might help air flow through the unit and not take up any additional space within it. I know a lot of guys are recommending the AMNPS but I'm pretty sure that this is the route I'm going to take. I'll probably do the season cook and some initial work with the unit as is but once my tax return hits the bank I'll be heading to Home Depot (most likely) to get the MB Smoke Unit.

I'm also going to do some youtube work with this. Maybe a combo seasoning and first cook video to be followed by the addition of the Cold Smoke Generator. A lot of the videos I've seen show a smoker with some smoke coming out the vent while the guy talks about what he's doing. I would like to get more descriptive with the video work. Especially the attaching and use of the Cold Smoke Unit as there is very little of that on youtube at this point in time.

The beauty of being semi-retired is I'll have the time to follow through with these ideas!

 

[twoalpha]

Master Forge quick read pin thermometer from Lowe's for $10. Very accurate at 32 and 212.

 

[cc54636]

Had to send my Maverick 732 back as it was defective, but looking forward to doing some more smoking when it arrives. I'm also going to purchase the AMNPS when I have some extra cash. It should be good for smoking cheese.