SMOKED MEATLOAF w/ my new FIREBOARD REMOTE THERMOMETER

[tripleq]

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Al

Brian didn't answer most of my questions. He said for him the Bluetooth range was about 70 feet personally I don't consider that terrific as the Smoke' s range is 300 feet, line of sight. He did not check the probe for meat response just air very big difference. He commented on booting time but my question was about losing a signal after the initial booth then losing the signal response time from there. This would be important for a serious smoker. I may have been unclear about that. You've already stated this system is well worth the money. How do you come to that conclusion?  By the way did you and Brian get your units for free? Don't take that question the wrong way but to recommend such an expensive unit without proper testing well.

The bluetooth is advertised at 100'. My Smoke looses it's signal way before 300', if it has to go thru a couple of walls. 

The response time for meat is about 20 seconds. I never checked that before, because it didn't really seem important. So I just stuck a probe into the leftover meatloaf & it took 20 seconds to reach 39.7 degrees. Honestly I didn't check the bluetooth capabilities because i have a home WiFi network. It defaults to the WiFi network first & if that's not available like if you were in a BBQ comp away from a network connection, then it will hookup using BT. I never lost the signal after the initial boot, but I assume it would take the same amount of time to reboot. I think the fact that it is WiFi & BT capable, has 6 channels, has very HD waterproof probes, is cloud based with a data logger & the firmware can be updated. So if in the future they have a pit control fan available your unit could be updated to run the pit like a BBQ Guru makes it well worth the money, but let's face it, if the technology is not your cup of tea. Then a good ole' oven therm on the grate & a $5 meat thermometer will get the job done!

Yes Brian & I did get the units for free, but that doesn't mean I would not give an honest assessment of the product. If it sucked I would say so. I really couldn't find anything to complain about. I think the Smoke is a very good unit, but lets face it, it's an upgrade from a Maverick. A two probe remote. The Fireboard is a completely different animal. I am not a professional product tester. I ran the product through a normal Smoke session & evaluated it from my observations. If I missed something important to you, then I apologize. If you have any more questions I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

Al

 

[hardcookin]

Al
That meal made me hungry! Another awesome meal. Also like your thoughts on the fireboard. Wifi @ Bluetooth option is nice.

 

[DanMcG]

I must be a gadget guy cause I'm liking that Fireboard. Do they offer a SMF discount? :dunno

I'm looking for a temp and humidity data logger If and one can recommend one

 

[bmudd14474]

​SmokinAl

I guess there's a big difference between what you and I consider a review. By no fault of your own you're doing what you normally do with a thermometer.  I call what you've posted so far an Infomercial. That's not a review and I don't think that's what Ted had in mind when it was given to you for free. You should in all good conscience pack up the device and give it to someone to review. I'm done with this subject.

Bereford I understand what you are saying. This is why I haven't posted my complete review as I am testing alot of what you asked I just haven't completed it.

Al has posted his initial thoughts and I know he will keep testing and update accordingly.

Please pm me a list of what you want tested and I'll add anything I haven't done to the list.

I must be a gadget guy cause I'm liking that Fireboard. o they offer a SMF discount? :dunno

I'm looking for a temp and humidity data logger If and one can recommend one

Dan Fireboard is working on getting a humidity sensor for the unit so once they do that this would be what you need. I do not know what their time frame is yet on that feature.

 

[gr0uch0]

 
Your absolutely right, this therm is not for everybody. This is for serious cooks, caterers, competition teams, commercial applications, & for the gadget guy who wants the latest equipment. It is pricey, but in my opinion it's well worth the money. 

Al

I can certainly see where berefood is coming from.  There should have been full disclosure that the units were provided gratis, and everyone made aware before any observations and opinions were made public.   I know you and Brian have been around for a while and are extremely helpful:  that not withstanding, I understand and appreciate berefood's comments.  I'd rather see a review from a source who doesn't accept ad dollar, nor product for free, in formulating a buying decision. 

Al, regarding your comment above about to whom the units are targeted.  I'd unequivocally say that it's certainly the last group you mentioned:  you won't see Tootsie Tomanetz, the Kreuz family, Rodney Scott, or others legendary pitmasters using this product.     

 

[SmokinAl]

 
​SmokinAl

I guess there's a big difference between what you and I consider a review. By no fault of your own you're doing what you normally do with a thermometer.  I call what you've posted so far an Infomercial. That's not a review and I don't think that's what Ted had in mind when it was given to you for free. You should in all good conscience pack up the device and give it to someone to review. I'm done with this subject.

 
I can certainly see where berefood is coming from.  There should have been full disclosure that the units were provided gratis, and everyone made aware before any observations and opinions were made public.   I know you and Brian have been around for a while and are extremely helpful:  that not withstanding, I understand and appreciate berefood's comments.  I'd rather see a review from a source who doesn't accept ad dollar, nor product for free, in formulating a buying decision. 

Al, regarding your comment above about to whom the units are targeted.  I'd unequivocally say that it's certainly the last group you mentioned:  you won't see Tootsie Tomanetz, the Kreuz family, Rodney Scott, or others legendary pitmasters using this product.     

You two guys are a tough crowd. I did my best to give a fair evaluation to a product that I was asked to review.

I'm sorry if it was not up to your standards.

Al

 

[bmudd14474]

​SmokinAl

I guess there's a big difference between what you and I consider a review. By no fault of your own you're doing what you normally do with a thermometer.  I call what you've posted so far an Infomercial. That's not a review and I don't think that's what Ted had in mind when it was given to you for free. You should in all good conscience pack up the device and give it to someone to review. I'm done with this subject.

berefood another thing I have to say to you is that it takes alot of nerve to tell someone to pack something up and return it. You aren't the one that provided it. You don't know what was asked of us during using and reviewing it.

Al did a review. An infomercial would have been taking everything from their site and pasting it. Al review it with what he got and what he saw using it. I think you need to think twice before saying something like this to a well respected member like Al. He has given lots of help and information to help everyone here and free or paid his opinions are his and you have no right to undermine them.

I can certainly see where berefood is coming from.  There should have been full disclosure that the units were provided gratis, and everyone made aware before any observations and opinions were made public.   I know you and Brian have been around for a while and are extremely helpful:  that not withstanding, I understand and appreciate berefood's comments.  I'd rather see a review from a source who doesn't accept ad dollar, nor product for free, in formulating a buying decision. 

Al, regarding your comment above about to whom the units are targeted.  I'd unequivocally say that it's certainly the last group you mentioned:  you won't see Tootsie Tomanetz, the Kreuz family, Rodney Scott, or others legendary pitmasters using this product.     

gr0uch0 there are lots of companies that give products out to test and see how they work. Then the person who received them will give a review. So it doesn't matter if it was free or paid for as the opinions of Al and myself are made based on our experiences with this product just like any other review.

As for you comment about who would use it I would caution you to say what others would do as there are some good comp teams using this product. There are also lots using products just like this one. So don't speak for others.

 

[bmudd14474]

bmudd14474

Sorry your offended by my comments I call them as I see them. As you do apparently. I stand by my comments. Integrity looks to be in short supply around here.  

If that is your opinion then that is a shame because Al has the upmost integrity.

 

[tropics]

Al & Brian keep up the good work.

Richie

 

[h8that4u]

AL also stated that his review would be posted later, in another thread. This one I think was mainly about the meatloaf and an introduction to the new thermo.

Then other questions about the fireboard started coming. I for one am waiting for the review post to see what all is said about it as it looks like something I would like being a tech gadget geek. These companies give out products for reviews and yes it is nice knowing if that is how it was acquired, but I am sure the members of this forum would give their honest opinion good or bad about a product that they are asked to review. Also once asked if or how acquired, they answered with out pause. I dont think it was being hid from members here, just not the proper thread or time as I am sure more testing and use is coming before the full review. Just my 2 cents. 

 

[DanMcG]

Berefood, Maybe I missed it but where did Al say he was reviewing the unit in his original post?
If ya ain't got nothing nice to say, why is necessary to say anything at all.

 

[gr0uch0]

berefood another thing I have to say to you is that it takes alot of nerve to tell someone to pack something up and return it. You aren't the one that provided it. You don't know what was asked of us during using and reviewing it.

Al did a review. An infomercial would have been taking everything from their site and pasting it. Al review it with what he got and what he saw using it. I think you need to think twice before saying something like this to a well respected member like Al. He has given lots of help and information to help everyone here and free or paid his opinions are his and you have no right to undermine them.
gr0uch0 there are lots of companies that give products out to test and see how they work. Then the person who received them will give a review. So it doesn't matter if it was free or paid for as the opinions of Al and myself are made based on our experiences with this product just like any other review.

As for you comment about who would use it I would caution you to say what others would do as there are some good comp teams using this product. There are also lots using products just like this one. So don't speak for others.

Brian, two words:  full disclosure.  I get when companies provide their products for testing, they often do so free of charge:  when that occurs, there is also a disclaimer stating such.  Take a look at thousands of products on Amazon, where the reviews start out with exactly that, that they have not been purchased.  That is also why Consumer Reports doesn't accept ad money nor free product so as not to provide any appearance of impropriety, or that their opinions have been swayed.  The simple fact is that these were gratis and should have been fully disclosed as such without anyone having to ask.  I also stand behind what I said about the pitmasters whom I earlier referenced--check with them to verify.  Look, I'm not here to turn this space into a giant pi$$ing match over some thermometer.  However, the insinuation that was earlier presented that only "serious cooks" would be using this product was frankly, quite insulting.  There are many of us not only on this forum, but around the globe, who are "serious cooks" who don't utilize a product such as this.  Cheers. 

 

 

[briggy]

 
bmudd14474

Sorry your offended by my comments I call them as I see them. As you do apparently. I stand by my comments. Integrity looks to be in short supply around here.  

The most ridiculous comment I've seen on this site.  Al openly stated he will be reviewing the therm in another thread and Brian attempted to answer the questions that you had PRIOR to his review.  Move along!

 

[idahopz]

I personally trust what Al posts - he is not a professional advertisement guy - he is like the rest of us; a guy that likes to make good food and post about it. Al has always been one of the most kind individuals I have seen on this site, and to question his integrity is certainly not not my play book.

Keep on truckin', Al

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Where's the left over meatloaf sandwees??????

 

[slotown]

I might offend some with what I'm about to state, but so be it.

I was impressed with two items with Al's original post.

       1. It was focused on meatloaf.  One of my favorite things on the grill or smoker.

       2.  How objectively he presented information on a new smoking thermometer.

Consider the news we get on TV from your favorite/worst channel.  Most of the time (maybe all) regardless of your political stance, it's more brainwashing, than a presentation of facts.  Let us break that down a bit by defining what opinion commentary (propaganda) vs. journalism.

      Opinion Commentary  – ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause.  

     Journalism –writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation.

Opinion Commentary often has a number of descriptive terms preceding a fact. An example of this on the news might be "Job growth for the month was a major disappointment with only 21,000 jobs created.  Opinion commentary: "major disappointment".  Fact "21,000 jobs created.

Now go back and look at Al's original post on the Fireboard.  Try to count the opinion commentary for each statement on the Fireboard.  Maybe I missed something but my count was a great big 1!

Al, look forward to your official post on the Fireboard.  Your journalism credentials pass the Slotown bovine scatology detection formula.

 

[slotown]

PS.

How was the meatloaf?  Your opinion is the only thing that counts on this question 

 

[lovethemeats]

I already own 3 meat thermometers. And then you show this. Oh my god. Really Al. Just put the meat right under the bears nose and expect it not to bite. Lol. Yep looks like I might move onto a new one. Thanks for the pics of it. Looks really nice. Meatloaf looked good to. Thanks Al.

 

[SmokinAl]

Thanks a lot fellas!

Your right, the thread was supposed to be about the meatloaf.

I wanted to introduce the Fireboard therm by using it in an everyday situation.

I have completed a full review in the product review section.

It's probably not scientific enough to satisfy all of you, but since I'm not a professional product tester, it's the best I could come up with.

Hopefully the review that Brian gives will be more in depth & have the info that is missing in mine!

BTW the meatloaf was excellent & Case, there weren't any leftovers for sammies, because we had friends over for dinner.

I guess next time I'll have to smoke two.

Thanks again fellas!

Al