New girl - need the experts' help!

[jenjen]

Hi all! :)

I got my boyfriend a 18" Weber Smokey Mt for Xmas last year and created a smoking monster! He absolutely LOVES it and smokes something at least a few times a month. Would do this every day if he could. 

He really wants a digital thermometer with probes. I'm pretty clueless on brands and am aimlessly looking at Amazon reviews trying to get one that will last and serve his needs without killing my budget (would like to stay around $75 or less) Like with most products, everyone has an opinion and it's challenging to sort through them all. 

Right now I'm considering the Maverick ET733

Can any of you offer experience with this one or help me out with recommendations? 

Many thanks! 

 

[stainless]

That is the same one I replaced my older Maverick with.  I haven't had any problems with it.  I have to refresh my memory on how to program it every so often when I have to use it but it has worked great so far.  I did test my probes out of the package and one was acting up but Maverick sent me a replacement right out in no time.  Props to them for good service.  

 

[Bearcarver]

If your Boyfriend is good at programming electronic Gadgets, the ET-733 is a good one.

If he's more like a dumb old Bear (ME), the ET-732 is a little cheaper & much more user friendly. IMHO

Bear

 

[seenred]

Hi all! :)

I got my boyfriend a 18" Weber Smokey Mt for Xmas last year and created a smoking monster! He absolutely LOVES it and smokes something at least a few times a month. Would do this every day if he could. 

He really wants a digital thermometer with probes. I'm pretty clueless on brands and am aimlessly looking at Amazon reviews trying to get one that will last and serve his needs without killing my budget (would like to stay around $75 or less) Like with most products, everyone has an opinion and it's challenging to sort through them all. 

Right now I'm considering the Maverick ET733

Can any of you offer experience with this one or help me out with recommendations? 

Many thanks! 

Hi Jen and welcome to the family! That ET733 you're looking at is a very popular model around here among SMF members. I have the Maverick ET732, and I'm very happy with it.

Another therm you might check out is the Thermoworks Smoke. I'm reading great reviews on it, and all Thermoworks' products are great!

There are other fine products on the market, but he'd probably be happy with any of the above.

Red

 

[bluewhisper]

Welcome to the board! You'll find a lot of good information and help here.

Never mind that, if you're dealing with a smoking monster, you'll need one of these.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UPPOli6SK9c/Rss_CznsGTI/AAAAAAAAAKI/WFNjP94Ymv0/s400/Godzilla+Lit.jpg

 

[jenjen]

Thanks guys! 

Is there a big difference between the ET732 and 33? He is pretty tech savvy, so I think that part will be okay ;) 

I saw Amazon is including Bear Claw shredders with the 33; good little perk? 

 

[stainless]

That's the deal I got. Anything that's free and worth having is always good. I've yet to use them though.. I like my pork in chunks, not pulled.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jenjen]

Hi Jen and welcome to the family! That ET733 you're looking at is a very popular model around here among SMF members. I have the Maverick ET732, and I'm very happy with it.

Another therm you might check out is the Thermoworks Smoke. I'm reading great reviews on it, and all Thermoworks' products are great!

There are other fine products on the market, but he'd probably be happy with any of the above.

Red

Is this the one you are talking about? If so, yes, great reviews! 


So if you were going to get this as a gift, which would you prefer? :)

 

[sauced]

He will love it!!! I have the same ET and the claws! Great tools to have.

 

[seenred]

 
Is this the one you are talking about? If so, yes, great reviews! 


So if you were going to get this as a gift, which would you prefer? :)

I'm talking about the one here:

http://www.thermoworks.com/Smoke

It's a bit more pricey than the others you've listed, but I'm hearing really good reviews.  Many commercial kitchens use Thermoworks products, so they must be doing something right...

If I was asking Santa for one, I'd probably ask for the Smoke, since I already own a Maverick.  But both those Mavericks are fine products too.

Red

 

[jenjen]

 
I'm talking about the one here:

http://www.thermoworks.com/Smoke

It's a bit more pricey than the others you've listed, but I'm hearing really good reviews.  Many commercial kitchens use Thermoworks products, so they must be doing something right...

If I was asking Santa for one, I'd probably ask for the Smoke, since I already own a Maverick.  But both those Mavericks are fine products too.

Red

Thanks so much! I'll check that one out :)

 

[marctrees]

Jenjen -  I'm pretty sure Seenred was specifically referring to   "Thermoworks Smoke"

Maverick has been the go to standard for some time, although many folks have had failures, USUALLY due to moisture infiltration into the probes.

Not only from accidental immersion, but sometimes also just from humidity in the cooking chamber.

Many are happy with Maverick, you could stop now and buy one.

But,  if you have inclijnation to study more, here you go --                     Marc

If you scroll down on the list of subforums here, you will see "Meat Thermometers"

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/f/112/meat-thermometers

Thermoworks Smoke discussed here, among other places - 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/252564/thermo-works-smoke

 

[marctrees]

Jenjen -  If you chose to continue study, check this thread.

Note especially probe info in Post #10 -      Marc

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/254016/so-which-remote-reading-thermometer-to-buy

 

[GaryHibbert]

Hi.  I have the 733 and have had no problems with it at all.  I do wish I had bought the 732 as the newer model 733 is a real pain in the butt to program.  I've had it for about a year now, and every time I use it, have to haul out the instructions. The 732 is a lot more friendly.

Gary

 

[jenjen]

Thanks all - such great info! I'm definitely doing my research. 

Leaning towards the Thermo Smoke at the moment, with Maverick close behind. Its about a $30 difference, just trying to justify that. From what I'm reading, it seems the probes on the Maverick have to be replaced about once a year. I guess the Thermo Smoke is too new to determine that yet. 

 

[Bearcarver]

 
Thanks all - such great info! I'm definitely doing my research. 

Leaning towards the Thermo Smoke at the moment, with Maverick close behind. Its about a $30 difference, just trying to justify that. From what I'm reading, it seems the probes on the Maverick have to be replaced about once a year. I guess the Thermo Smoke is too new to determine that yet. 

Luck of the Draw:

Had one Maverick Probe came apart at the joint the first time I cleaned it. They replaced it Free.

Also have a pair on my ET-73 that's 6 years old, and still working Fine.

Bear

 

[GaryHibbert]

 
Thanks all - such great info! I'm definitely doing my research. 

Leaning towards the Thermo Smoke at the moment, with Maverick close behind. Its about a $30 difference, just trying to justify that. From what I'm reading, it seems the probes on the Maverick have to be replaced about once a year. I guess the Thermo Smoke is too new to determine that yet. 

I've never had a problem with the probes.  But I put shrink tube where the probe joins the wire, so no danger of getting wet.

Either choice will make for a very happy smoker.

Gary

 

[akdutchguy]

I'm running the 732 right now. I had the food probe go out on me. It was self induced. I smash them with the lid of my uds. Now I just run the bbq probe. When it goes out I will spring for the thermoworks smoke. If you want to save some money, Todd at amazenproducts.com has some good holiday deals on some. He also sells pellets and dust for the smoker. The customer service is top notch.
Jason

 

[gearjammer]

Hi Jen, I have the 733 and just don't bother to program it.

I just use it as a readout, don't need all the rest of the stuff on it.

I also have the bear claws, not necessary but they're gadgets

and we all love gadgets.

My 733 is about two years old, still using the original probes.

For you and the boyfriend, pictures of your smokes are good things.

Good luck and Have fun.

Ed

 

[jenjen]

Wanted to thank you all again for all your help! Ended up getting him the Smoke and am keeping my fingers crossed he loves it! :)

Merry Christmas all!