Mastering Your Meater Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer for Perfect Cooks

For over 15 years, I’ve seen countless kitchen gadgets come and go, but few have truly revolutionized home cooking like the wireless meat thermometer. Specifically, the Meater Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer has emerged as an indispensable tool for anyone serious about achieving culinary perfection, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend grill warrior. This isn’t just another thermometer; it’s a smart cooking assistant that takes the guesswork out of hitting that ideal internal temperature, transforming good meals into unforgettable feasts.

At JXSRW, we believe that understanding your tools is the first step to mastering your craft. So, let’s dive deep into what makes the Meater Plus a game-changer and how you can wield its power to consistently cook your meats to absolute perfection.

What Makes the Meater Plus Stand Out?

The Meater Plus isn’t your grandma’s old-fashioned dial thermometer. It’s a high-tech marvel designed to make precise temperature monitoring accessible and effortless. Its innovative design and smart features set it apart from traditional probes, giving you unparalleled freedom and accuracy in the kitchen and beyond.

The Power of Wireless Freedom

Imagine never having to open your oven, grill, or smoker lid just to check the meat’s temperature. That’s the freedom the Meater Plus offers. It’s truly wire-free, sending real-time temperature data directly to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The “Plus” in its name signifies an enhanced range, thanks to a Bluetooth repeater built right into the charger block, allowing you to monitor your cook from up to 165 feet away. This means you can mingle with guests, prep side dishes, or just relax, all while keeping a watchful eye on your culinary masterpiece.

Dual Sensors for Precision

One of the Meater Plus’s most remarkable features is its dual-sensor design. The probe itself contains two temperature sensors: one at the tip measures the internal temperature of your meat, and another at the base monitors the ambient temperature of your cooking environment. This crucial combination allows the Meater app to provide accurate cook times, predict when your meat will be ready, and even account for the crucial “carry-over” cooking that happens during the resting phase. It’s like having a professional chef constantly analyzing your cook.

Smart Guided Cook System

For many, the most daunting part of cooking meat is knowing when it’s truly done. The Meater app’s Guided Cook System eliminates this anxiety. You simply select your meat type (beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc.) and your desired doneness (rare, medium, well-done). The app then guides you through every step, from preheating to resting, providing estimated cook times and sending alerts when it’s time to remove your meat from the heat. It even considers carry-over cooking, prompting you when to serve. It’s genuinely a comprehensive cooking coach in your pocket.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Meater Plus

Getting started with your Meater Plus is straightforward, but a few key practices will ensure you get the most accurate and reliable results every time.

Getting Started: Unboxing and Charging

Upon unboxing your Meater Plus, you’ll find the probe nestled within its elegant wooden charger block. This block isn’t just for storage; it’s also where the probe recharges. Ensure the probe is fully charged before its first use – typically, the indicator light on the block will show its status. A full charge can last for up to 24 hours of continuous cooking, which is ample for even the longest low-and-slow sessions.

Proper Probe Insertion: The Key to Accuracy

This is perhaps the most critical step for accurate readings. The Meater Plus probe needs to be inserted into the thickest part of your meat, away from any bones or large pockets of fat. Bones conduct heat differently, and fat pockets can give misleading readings. Aim for the center of the thickest muscle. The probe has a ‘safety notch’ or line marking the maximum insertion depth for the internal sensor. Ensure the ambient sensor (the thicker, exposed part of the probe) is fully outside the meat to accurately read the oven, grill, or smoker temperature.

Connecting to the Meater App

Download the free Meater app to your smartphone or tablet. Turn on your device’s Bluetooth, then remove the Meater probe from its charging block. The app should automatically detect and connect to your probe. If it doesn’t, ensure the probe is fully charged and within range of your device or the charging block (which acts as the repeater). Follow the in-app prompts for any initial setup.

Setting Up Your Cook: Meat Type and Doneness

Once connected, the app will walk you through setting up your cook.

1. Select Meat Type: Choose from a wide variety, including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, and even general poultry or ground meat.
2. Choose Cut: For some meats, you can specify the cut (e.g., steak, roast, brisket) to fine-tune the algorithm.
3. Desired Doneness: Select your preferred level of doneness (e.g., rare, medium-rare, medium, well-done for beef; specific temperatures for poultry).
4. Cooking Method: Specify if you’re grilling, roasting, smoking, or pan-frying.
5. Target Temperature: The app will display the recommended target internal temperature based on your selections.

Monitoring Your Masterpiece

With your cook set up, you can now monitor the progress directly from the app. You’ll see real-time graphs of both the internal meat temperature and the ambient cooking temperature. The app’s advanced estimator will provide a “Time to End” countdown, giving you a clear idea of when your meal will be ready. Crucially, it will alert you when it’s time to remove the meat from the heat, and then again when the “rest” period is complete and it’s ready to serve. “As Chef Elara Vance often says, ‘A Meater Plus isn’t just a gadget; it’s your culinary co-pilot, guiding you to perfection with every roast and steak.'”

Achieving Perfect Doneness: Safe Temperatures for Every Meat

Understanding and hitting the correct internal temperatures is not just about taste and texture; it’s paramount for food safety. The Meater Plus helps you achieve this with precision. Here are the generally recommended safe internal temperatures for various meats, often echoed by health authorities:

Poultry Perfection

Chicken and turkey should always be cooked thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria.

• Whole Poultry (Chicken, Turkey): 165°F (74°C)
• Ground Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
• Poultry Breasts/Thighs: While 165°F is safe, many cooks pull chicken breasts at 160°F (71°C) knowing carry-over cooking will bring them to 165°F during the rest, resulting in juicier meat.

Beef Bliss: Steaks and Roasts

For beef, doneness is a matter of personal preference, but there are minimum safe temperatures. Always account for a rest period of at least 3 minutes after removing from heat for steaks and roasts.

• Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
• Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Well-Done: 145°F+ (63°C+)
• Ground Beef: 160°F (71°C) for safety.

Pork Prowess

Modern pork is leaner and can be cooked to a slightly lower temperature than previously recommended while still being safe.

• Pork Chops, Roasts, Tenderloins: 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest.
• Ground Pork: 160°F (71°C).

Fish and Lamb

• Fish: Most fish cooks quickly and is done at 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Lamb Roasts, Chops: Similar to beef, 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, with a 3-minute rest.

Recommended Internal Temperatures for Common Meats

Meat Type	Doneness	Target Temperature (Pull Temp)	Safe Minimum Temperature (USDA)	Resting Period
Beef (Steaks/Roasts)	Rare	120-125°F (49-52°C)	145°F (63°C)	3 min
	Medium-Rare	125-130°F (52-54°C)	145°F (63°C)	3 min
	Medium	130-135°F (54-57°C)	145°F (63°C)	3 min
	Well-Done	140-145°F (60-63°C)	145°F (63°C)	3 min
Ground Beef	N/A	155-160°F (68-71°C)	160°F (71°C)	0 min
Pork (Chops/Roasts)	N/A	140-145°F (60-63°C)	145°F (63°C)	3 min
Ground Pork	N/A	155-160°F (68-71°C)	160°F (71°C)	0 min
Poultry (Whole)	N/A	160-165°F (71-74°C)	165°F (74°C)	0 min
Poultry (Ground)	N/A	160-165°F (71-74°C)	165°F (74°C)	0 min
Fish	N/A	140-145°F (60-63°C)	145°F (63°C)	0 min

Note: The “Pull Temp” is often lower than the “Safe Minimum” to account for carry-over cooking during the rest period.

Unlocking Optimal Accuracy: Factors to Consider

While the Meater Plus is engineered for precision, certain factors can influence its readings. Being aware of these will help you achieve the most accurate results.

Insertion Depth and Placement

As mentioned, proper probe insertion is paramount. If the probe isn’t deep enough into the thickest part of the meat, or if it’s too close to a bone or a large fat deposit, your readings will be inconsistent or incorrect. Always ensure the entire internal sensor is encapsulated by the meat, with the ambient sensor fully exposed. This dual reading is what makes the Meater Plus so smart.

Ambient Temperature Consistency

The Meater Plus relies on its ambient sensor to calculate estimated cook times. If your grill or oven temperature fluctuates wildly, or if you repeatedly open the lid, the ambient reading can be affected, leading to less accurate time estimates. Try to maintain a consistent cooking environment for the best performance.

Overcoming Wireless Interference

While the Meater Plus boasts an impressive range, it’s still a Bluetooth device. Thick oven walls, metal structures, or other electronic devices can sometimes cause interference, reducing the signal strength.

• Tips for range: Keep the charging block (your repeater) as close as possible to the cooking unit. If cooking in an oven, try placing the block on the counter directly in front of the oven door. For grills or smokers, place it on a side shelf. Clear any unnecessary obstructions between the block and your smart device.

Care and Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Meater Plus

Like any precision instrument, your Meater Plus requires proper care to ensure its longevity and continued accuracy.

Cleaning Your Probe After Every Use

After each cook, allow the probe to cool slightly. Then, wash it by hand with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away any food residue. While the probe is water-resistant, it’s not meant to be submerged for extended periods or put through a dishwasher, which can damage the internal electronics. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before returning it to the charging block.

Storing Your Meater Plus Safely

Always store your probe back in its charging block when not in use. This not only keeps it safe but also ensures it’s always charged and ready for your next culinary adventure. The magnetic back of the charging block is perfect for sticking it to your fridge, oven, or grill, keeping it conveniently accessible. Keep the block and probe in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting Common Meater Plus Hiccups

Even the best technology can have its moments. Here are solutions to some common issues you might encounter with your Meater Plus wireless meat thermometer.

“My Probe Won’t Connect!” (Connectivity issues)

• Check Charge: Ensure your probe is fully charged. A low battery is a common culprit.
• Range: Are you too far from the charging block or your smart device? Remember the block acts as a repeater. Try moving closer.
• Obstructions: Thick walls, metal appliances, or even a crowded kitchen can block the Bluetooth signal. Try to minimize these.
• App Restart: Close and restart the Meater app on your device. Sometimes a quick reset is all it needs.
• Device Bluetooth: Toggle your phone or tablet’s Bluetooth off and then back on.
• Firmware Update: Ensure both your Meater app and probe firmware are up to date. Check the app settings for firmware update options.

“Is My Meater Plus Accurate?” (Temperature discrepancies)

• Probe Placement: Re-evaluate your probe insertion. Is it in the thickest part of the meat, away from bone and fat, with the ambient sensor fully exposed? This is the most frequent reason for perceived inaccuracy.
• Carry-Over Cooking: Remember the app gives you a “pull temperature” which is usually 5-10°F below your target doneness to account for carry-over cooking. Don’t panic if it reads lower when you remove it from the heat.
• Calibrate (Indirectly): While the Meater Plus isn’t user-calibratable in the traditional sense, you can verify its consistency. Place it in a known stable environment (like ice water for 32°F/0°C or boiling water for 212°F/100°C at sea level) alongside another trusted thermometer to compare readings. If there’s a significant, consistent difference, contact Meater support.

“Battery Life Concerns”

• Continuous Use: While rated for 24 hours, very high ambient temperatures (like a searing hot grill) can slightly reduce battery life.
• Full Charge: Always ensure a full charge before a long cook. The charging indicator on the block should confirm this.
• Storage: Store the probe in its block, as it charges there. If left out, it might drain slowly.

Expert Tips for Elevating Your Culinary Game with Meater Plus

With your Meater Plus by your side, you’re already on the path to becoming a more confident and skilled cook. Here are a few extra tips from my years of experience to help you truly shine.

Embrace the Rest Period

The “rest” period isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical part of the cooking process, especially for larger cuts. When you remove meat from the heat, its internal temperature continues to rise (carry-over cooking) and the muscle fibers relax, allowing juices to redistribute. Skipping the rest results in dry, tough meat. The Meater app intelligently accounts for this, telling you exactly when to remove the meat and when it’s perfectly rested and ready to slice.

Experiment with Different Cuts

Don’t limit your Meater Plus to just steaks. It’s fantastic for whole chickens, pork shoulders, briskets, and even delicate fish. The ambient sensor is particularly valuable for longer, slower cooks, giving you insights into your smoker or oven’s actual temperature. Explore the different meat and doneness options within the app to broaden your culinary horizons.

Trust the Ambient Sensor

The ambient sensor on the Meater Plus probe is incredibly useful. It’s often more accurate than the built-in thermometers on many ovens or grills, which can be prone to large inaccuracies. Use the Meater’s ambient reading as your true guide for your cooking environment’s temperature, rather than solely relying on your appliance’s dial. This can significantly improve consistency, especially in smoking or roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Meater Plus

Having spent years answering questions about meat thermometers, I know there are always curiosities. Here are some common questions about the Meater Plus:

Q1: How far can the Meater Plus range extend?

A1: The Meater Plus features a Bluetooth repeater built into its charger, extending its wireless range up to 165 feet (50 meters) in clear line of sight. This allows you to monitor your cook from a distance without losing connection.

Q2: Can I use the Meater Plus in a deep fryer?

A2: No, the Meater Plus is not designed for use in deep fryers. The probe can withstand temperatures up to 527°F (275°C) for the ambient sensor, but submersion in hot oil can damage the probe’s electronics and affect its functionality or accuracy.

Q3: What if my Meater Plus app crashes?

A3: If the Meater app crashes, first try restarting the app and then your smart device. Ensure your operating system and the Meater app are both updated to their latest versions. If the problem persists, ensure your probe’s firmware is current and contact Meater support for further assistance.

Q4: Is the Meater Plus waterproof?

A4: The Meater Plus probe is water-resistant and designed to be washed under running water. However, it is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged in water for extended periods or placed in a dishwasher, as this can damage its internal components.

Q5: How do I know when to pull my meat off the heat?

A5: The Meater app’s Guided Cook System will alert you with a “Remove from Heat” notification. This is usually a few degrees below your desired final doneness, to account for “carry-over cooking” during the resting phase. Trust the app; it’s designed to ensure your meat reaches perfection after resting.

The Future of Perfect Cooking is Wireless

The Meater Plus wireless meat thermometer isn’t just a gadget; it’s an investment in consistently delicious, safely cooked meals. By offering unparalleled convenience, precision, and intelligent guidance, it empowers every home cook to achieve professional-grade results without the stress and guesswork. Take the leap, master its features, and you’ll find yourself wondering how you ever cooked without it. Experience the joy of perfect doneness, every single time, and let your Meater Plus be the secret ingredient to your culinary success.