4 Thermometers... 4 different temps

[yodelhawk]

First time firing up my new Pit Boss. Have 2 Butts on. I have 4 different thermometer probs in, only one is to the boss. All 4 are at different temps. At one time I had a 20℉ difference in the same Butt. SMH!!!
Looking for recommendations on a multi prob unit that does not break the bank. Thx

 

[kruizer]

Maverick XR50 is what I use. Good accuracy and very reliable.

 

[wimpy69]

Were the probes checked out of the box? I'm not surprised at different readings, could have been in rendering fat vein or tight muscle area. Ive stuck my hand held in next to my probe and its been a couple off. But I do test my probes on a regular basis so i know i'm dialed in.

 

[Winterrider]

Inkbird 4 probe, very accurate

 

[Ooaaronoo]

Inkbird 4 probe, very accurate

I am about to use mine for the first time. All 4 probes read the exact same

 

[Winterrider]

Enjoy, very easy to set temps in as needed. Also timer feature is nice

 

[mike243]

InkBird 6 probe for the win lol

 

[forktender]

Inkbird 12 probe for the mic drop.

 

[gnarlykaw]

step back. just how serious are you with smoking food? Im a fireboard user. its on my phone, alexa keeps me informed, and its on my Ipad...

 

[yodelhawk]

Just looked up the fireboared and... DAAAAAAMN! THAT'S A CHUNK OF CHANGE! Thanks for the input tho.

 

[tallbm]

where do you have all the probes placed again? On racks or in the meat?
It is not uncommon for them to be different in big hunks of meat or in various racks/areas of the smoker.

I use 3 probes my brisket to ensure that 1 is placed well and gives an accurate reading. I usually get 1 of the 3 placed correctly :)

 

[yodelhawk]

where do you have all the probes placed again? On racks or in the meat?
It is not uncommon for them to be different in big hunks of meat or in various racks/areas of the smoker.

I use 3 probes my brisket to ensure that 1 is placed well and gives an accurate reading. I usually get 1 of the 3 placed correctly :)

In the meat. That seemed like a lot of variation tho

 

[gnarlykaw]

Run one at grate level, and one in each meat. Don’t go 100% with the thermometer in the lid! It’s a liar! Lol!
And always make sure the probe DOES NOT contact a bone in the meat...

 

[tallbm]

In the meat. That seemed like a lot of variation tho

Yeah there will be some variation like that initially and for a little while.
Once the meat cooks and heats up you should see the variation tighten up some UNLESS you have the probes against the bone or in wildly various spots.
If the probes are all roughly deep in the center then they will be closer to one another in temp. Just simply roll with the one that is reading the lowest and that will likely be your truest internal temp.

On my briskets I try to probe the thickest yet center most portion of the flat from different angles and usually only 1 is placed well. The others can be off as much as 10 degrees not placed well.
I also put 2-3 probes in my pork butts as well but since I cook them to a 205F or higher temp for shredding I'm not too worried about nailing the temp on them like I am on a brisket. The brisket is a little more finnicky with temp and tenderness than a pull apart pork butt :)

Just keep an eye on it and prepare to be educated by the wonderful mysteries of the meat :)