Looking for a quality set up

[Kevin Haynes]

So all I see is a ton of posts with discounts codes and ads for different thermometer set ups. With all the ads and discount codes aside, I'm kind of interested in the Inkbird 4 probe waterproof one.(forgot the model number) has anyone had ANY negative experiences with it? Anything we should keep a heads up about? Should I go ahead and pull the trigger and purchase?

 

[motocrash]

Inkbird stuff seems to be of good quality,you need to take into account which model would work best for you.
BT - Bluetooth
RF - Radio Frequency
Where I practice my craft,outside my walkout basement,BT is a no go fro me.

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I've got a thermopro TP-20 and have never had any problems with it. But I have heard great things about the inkbird and next time I make a purchase it will probably be the 4 probe inkbird. They actually just put it up on sale on amazon $15 off today

 

[Kevin Haynes]

Inkbird stuff seems to be of good quality,you need to take into account which model would work best for you.
BT - Bluetooth
RF - Radio Frequency
Where I practice my craft,outside my walkout basement,BT is a no go fro me.

Ok I'm not tech savvy so could you explain the differences? I just want to be able to go inside and keep up with it on my phone

 

[krj]

Ok I'm not tech savvy so could you explain the differences? I just want to be able to go inside and keep up with it on my phone

Bluetooth or wifi enabled is what you're looking for if you want to be able to keep up with it on your phone. Wifi will require the device to be connected to the internet, but will allow you to see your temps from anywhere you have a connection on your phone.

Bluetooth connects directly to your phone, but is effected by distances and abstructions. This is likely the reason Moto doesn't use it.

RF doesn't require a phone or wifi, and there is a separate receiver that receives the signals from the device your probes are plugged into. Because of how the signal is sent, these types can span a large distance and still receive the temp readings.

 

[Cabo]

I have the Inkbird bluetooth and am happy with it

 

[Kevin Haynes]

Bluetooth or wifi enabled is what you're looking for if you want to be able to keep up with it on your phone. Wifi will require the device to be connected to the internet, but will allow you to see your temps from anywhere you have a connection on your phone.

Bluetooth connects directly to your phone, but is effected by distances and abstructions. This is likely the reason Moto doesn't use it.

RF doesn't require a phone or wifi, and there is a separate receiver that receives the signals from the device your probes are plugged into. Because of how the signal is sent, these types can span a large distance and still receive the temp readings.

Okay great! Any advantages or disadvantages between them?

 

[dr k]

BT therms with the same looking apps have great range and no buttons. It's open app and go. Custom name a probe with a high limit alarm or high/low range. A graph to check if you hit a stall and duration. Select preset alarms on meat type and adjust them and reset them to default. I'd get the BT but got one before Inkbird became one of our sponsor. No instructions needed.

 

[fivetricks]

I personally have to disagree about the great range on the BT thermos. Obviously this is just my be personal experience, but mine has been nothing but trouble.

 

[krj]

Okay great! Any advantages or disadvantages between them?

The advantage of a wifi enabled model is being able to monitor from literally anywhere in the world. The disadvantage is you need to make sure you have a stable wifi connection to your probe unit.

Bluetooth advantage is having access to it on your phone, generally via an app. The Weber iGrill units use the Weber iGrill app. The main disadvantage of Bluetooth is it has a limited range and 'can' be effected by obstructions. Like a concrete wall for example.

RF advantage is a long range of connectivity from the unit to the receiver, they also tend to have better battery life. That's not to say the other types have worse battery life, just in my experience RF types last a long time. The primary disadvantage of RF is that you have to have the receiver unit with you. Not that it's a bad thing, but it is another thing that you have to carry.


I personally have a couple different Wifi enabled units, and 3 Bluetooth units. I use the wifi unit attached to a blower to control my smoker temps. This allows me to run my smoker and still go to my 9-5 without much worry. The Bluetooth units I use for my day to day grilling and short duration smokes. I have in the past also had RF units, and while the ones I had were cheap and kinda crappy, they still were miles better than not having a wireless type at all.

I personally have to disagree about the great range on the BT thermos. Obviously this is just my be personal experience, but mine has been nothing but trouble.

I don't think anyone in the thread mentioned they have great range. I know moto and I pointed out that range/obstructions are the bane of BT.

 

[motocrash]

Yep,the RF units have excellent range.I can be 300 yds from mine through forest with no probs.If you want to be an armchair smoker and have no obstructions -brick walls etc,as aforementioned a BT or wi-fi unit is all you.Also note that not all BT units are wi-fi capable.

 

[Kevin Haynes]

Yep,the RF units have excellent range.I can be 300 yds from mine through forest with no probs.If you want to be an armchair smoker and have no obstructions -brick walls etc,as aforementioned a BT or wi-fi unit is all you.Also note that not all BT units are wi-fi capable.

The inkbird BT 4 probe set up is what I may roll with. Is it wifi as well? And i suppose i will be fine going inside to watch TV while the smokers doing its thinng

 

[motocrash]

I don't think it is wi-fi.Here is an in house review on the IBT-4XS,dunno if that's what you were looking at....
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t...bluetooth-wireless-thermometer-review.281433/