Smoker Thermometer – How Critical Is It to Your Results?

A smoker thermometer is a critical piece of equipment to determining the outcome of the foods being cooked but the choices today can take the worry away. Now that’s a great feeling when you can have the peace of mind that will allow you to relax each time you decide to use your smoker. 

Thermopro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer
Thermopro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer

Smoking meats and vegetables is an art form in cooking that goes back many centuries. However, thanks to today’s modern devices, materials and technology it is now easier than ever to properly smoke foods at their correct cooking temperature and achieve some incredible results.  

This is especially true when it comes to the type of smoker thermometer that you use. While this is a simple device, it allows people to get the maximum value out of their smoker while limiting the amount of opening and closing of the smoker door that can interrupt the temperature maintained in the smoker box and in the meat during the smoking process.

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What Types of Thermometers Are Recommended for Today?  

Every chef knows that a thermometer is a very important piece of equipment, perhaps the most important, to determine the outcome of the meat. While every smoker comes with a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the smoker chamber, not every smoker comes with a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. In the latter case, you will need to get a secondary meat thermometer or probe thermometer.  

The traditional type of thermometer is an old fashioned dial unit that is not only still in use today but still offers some advantages as well as simplicity and accuracy. In fact, some people still prefer the older analog-type thermometers over the newer digital-type devices. 

However, technology does march on and many people like to be able to check the temperature settings of their smoker without having to open the smoker door or be close to the smoker unit itself. Now there is a wide range of remote, wireless, Bluetooth, digital, smoker thermometers available to keep track of the temperature at all times, both inside the smoker chamber and inside the meat.  

Each thermometer offers its own set of advantages which can make the entire smoking process easier and better.  

Bluetooth Smoker Thermometer
Bluetooth Smoker Thermometer

What Is the Difference Between a Remote and a Wireless Thermometer?

In short, there is no difference. The remote smoker thermometer is also referred to as a wireless smoker thermometer and is a device that offers a digital display and allows the temperature to be checked from a location away from the smoker. It has a remote or wireless receiver that can receive a signal from the internal transmitter and probes from a distance of up to 100 feet away, with some devices reaching a distance as far away as 300 feet.   

Some top-end smokers come with these remote or wireless capabilities already built into the unit. As a result, a person who wants to sit down and enjoy the company of their family and friends can monitor temperatures through the remote receiver and make adjustments accordingly, as long as they are within range of the internal transmitter.

There may be times when changes in temperature need to be made or when you just want to check the temperature of the smoker and meat, and the remote device with built-in capabilities can make that possible all from the comfort of your chair.  

For other smoker units without the built-in capabilities, the convenience of checking cooking temperatures from a distance can still be enjoyed by purchasing a separate remote meat thermometer.   

The wireless remote meat thermometer also comes with the latest Bluetooth technology, usually with multiple probes that allow you to monitor several different types of meat at one time. One attractive thing about this technology is that it allows you to check meat temperatures from your smartphone.

People who enjoy a good cookout without having to be confined to the smoker unit during the smoking process will appreciate a wireless meat thermometer as it adds a number of welcome benefits, provides great accuracy, and is simple to use. 

What is the Difference Between a Digital and an Analog Thermometer? 

The digital smoker thermometer displays the temperature in real numbers instead of on a dial like the traditional analog thermometer. Although arguably no more accurate, a digital thermometer is certainly easier to read and make adjustments to. In today’s age of advanced technology, more people have become comfortable with digital thermometers thanks to their simplicity to use and their ability to display temperatures clearly and accurately.  

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Maverick Wireless Remote Cooking Thermometer
Maverick Wireless Remote Cooking Thermometer

What is the Best Smoker Thermometer?  

Which smoker thermometer is the best will depend in large part on the demands that you have for the device. A remote smoker thermometer that operates as part of the built-in capabilities of the smoker is clearly the most convenient and provides the greatest functionality. However, you will have to decide if it is more sensible to pay the additional cost to have a smoker that already comes with these remote capabilities, or pay less for a smoker without these capabilities and purchase a wireless smoker thermometer separately.  

Two very popular thermometers on the market today are the Thermopro TP20 wireless meat thermometer and the Maverick wireless remote cooking thermometer. Both have received very good reviews from customers that use them. Of the two devices, the Thermopro dual probe thermometer seems to be the favorite and the one most recommended by people. 

Another thermometer that is gaining in popularity is the Thermopro digital instant-read thermometer. This is particularly popular with people that use a turkey fryer because it allows them to get a quick reading on the internal temperature of the turkey without being burned by hot oil.

Choosing between an analog or digital thermometer is more a matter of taste and convenience than anything. They are both accurate in their own right. In this case, it will come down to which one you are the most comfortable with and how well it works for you during the smoking process.  

If anything, having different thermometers to choose from means more choices so you can find the one that works best for you. One thing to keep in mind is that if your thermometer of choice requires batteries, you will always want to have extra batteries on hand so that you do not get caught with a device that runs out of power before the end of the smoking process. 

Whichever device you decide to use, it is crucial to remember that the food being smoked must reach a safe temperature before being served. 

Thermopro TP03a Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Thermopro TP03a Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Always remember that cooking food to its correct internal temperature is more important than the amount of time that is spent inside the smoker because once the food has reached that desired temperature, it is ready to come out of the smoker and be prepared for serving. 

I really like getting to this point in the process because it means that I am really close to serving the food for everyone to enjoy. After removing everything from the smoker, I like to allow my food to rest for a few minutes before doing any final preparations and my Masterbuilt smoker accessories are always dependable in helping with the final steps before serving.  

Does the Masterbuilt Smoker Come With a Thermometer? 

Each Masterbuilt smoker comes with its own built-in analog or digital smoker thermometer to control and measure the temperature inside the smoker chamber. Additionally,  the Masterbuilt 40 inch electric smoker with window along with certain models of the Masterbuilt 30 inch electric smoker with window come with a thermometer probe that is built into the smoker unit and allows a person to monitor the meat’s internal temperature from a distance away from the smoker by using the remote control capabilities.