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photo of MEATER Block on a countertop
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Review: MEATER Block, A Set of Smart Meat Thermometers for Chefs of all Levels

The MEATER Block provides 4 smart meat thermometers to help you cook meat perfectly every time.

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Overall Rating:
8.5
10

One of the biggest challenges today for chefs of all levels is cooking the meat for your guests perfectly every time. One smart device that can help you achieve this goal is a smart meat thermometer. For those of you who don't know what a smart meat thermometer is, it's a smart kitchen appliance that uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to transmit the internal temperature of the meat to a smartphone or tablet. This allows users to monitor their cooking progress without constantly checking on the grill or oven. Smart meat thermometers often have additional features like alarms, timers, and cooking guides. It's a great device to have in your kitchen. However, what happens when you need more than one smart meat thermometer to help you cook for many guests at once? Let's say for a BBQ where you are cooking lots of steaks and some of your guests like their meat rare while others want it medium. We have the perfect smart meat thermometer for those of you who fall into this bucket. It's the MEATER Block, and here is our review.

What is MEATER Block?

a photo of MEATER Block on a counterMEATER Block comes with 4 smart meat thermometers and works on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.GearBrain

MEATER Block is a WiFi-enabled, 4-probe meat thermometer that allows you to cook multiple proteins to perfection without having to check on your grill or smoker constantly. The MEATER Block connects to your smartphone via the MEATER app so that you can monitor the temperature of your food from anywhere in your home. The MEATER Block also has a built-in battery, so you can use it even if you don't have a WiFi signal.

The MEATER Block features WiFi connectivity. It connects to your smartphone via the MEATER app so that you can monitor the temperature of your food from anywhere in your home. It also features 4 probes so you can cook multiple types of meat at the same time. The MEATER Block has a built-in rechargeable battery which has a long battery life. Users can cook for hours without having to worry about running out of power when using the MEATER Block. But two very important features are its durable construction and ease of use. The MEATER Block is made from durable materials to withstand the grill's heat or smoker. It is also easy to use, even if you're not tech-savvy.

a photo of the backside of MEATER Block with batteriesMEATER Block comes with 4X AA batteries.GearBrain

How best to use MEATER Block?

After unboxing your MEATER Bloc, we would recommend you take the following steps before using the MEATER Block:

  1. Download the MEATER app. The MEATER app is available for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) mobile devices. We recommend you create an account and follow the setup instructions in the app. They are easy to follow and will be best way to get you up and running.
  2. Charge the MEATER Block. The MEATER Block has two ways for you to power the device. It comes with a built-in battery that needs to be charged before use, or you can use 4x AA batteries to power the MEATER Block. You will need a Micro USB cord to charge the MEATER Block's battery. (It's not included with the purchase.). Just plug it into the USB port on the side of the block. It will be fully charged in about 8 hours. By inserting the AA batteries, you will be up and running.
  3. Once the MEATER Block is paired with your phone, you can insert the probes into the meat and start cooking. The MEATER Block comes with four probes so that you can cook multiple pieces of meat at the same time. To insert the probes, simply push them into the thickest part of the meat.
  4. Set the cooking temperature in the app. Once the probes are inserted, you need to set the cooking temperature. To do this, open the MEATER app and select the type of meat you are cooking. The app will then recommend a cooking temperature. You can also manually set the cooking temperature if you prefer.
  5. Start cooking. Once the cooking temperature is set, you can start cooking. The MEATER Block will monitor the temperature of the meat and send updates to your smartphone. You will receive notifications when the meat has reached the desired temperature.
  6. Once the meat has reached the desired temperature, you can remove it from the grill or oven and enjoy your meal. The MEATER Block will automatically turn off when the meat is done cooking.

Buy MEATER Block on Amazon


screenshot of Meater app showing all four probesUse MEATER app to monitor each probeGearBrain


Tips for using MEATER Block

After testing the MEATER Block for a few weeks, here are some additional tips for using this rack of smart meat thermometers:

  • Keep the MEATER Block close to where you are cooking. If using the Wi-Fi connection to monitor the cooking, you need to make sure your Block is connected to your home Wi-Fi network. This will give you a range of up to 165 feet to walk around and still monitor your MEATER devices. Also, make sure you enable the MEATER Link in the MEATER app. Go to Settings and enable this setting which is required when using the MEATER Block.
  • And speaking of the MEATER app, you can set up notifications for when you are using each MEATER device. The MEATER app offers you a bunch of helpful settings, like "Prioritize Important Alerts" and "Notify Me 5 Mins Before Cook Ends." Find the ones that fit your cooking level and activate them.
  • Clean the probes after each use. The MEATER Block probes are dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean them after each use. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • Update the firmware regularly. The MEATER Block firmware is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. To ensure you have the latest firmware, open the MEATER app and tap the "Settings" icon. Then, tap on "Firmware Update" and follow the instructions.


a screenshot of Alexa app for MEATER SkillEnable MEATER skill in Alexa app to get your Echo devices working with MEATER BlockGearBrain


Smart Home Integrations

MEATER smart meat thermometers are compatible with Amazon Alexa-enabled smart devices. If you have an Amazon Echo smart speaker or Echo Show device, you can ask Alexa to check on your MEATER thermometers while they are cooking. Just say, "Alexa, ask MEATER how long my steak needs to cook?" and Alexa will provide the answer. If you have a smart TV with Amazon Alexa built-in or a third-party smart speaker with Alexa, like Sonos Era 100, you can also use these devices to stay on top of your MEATER devices. Just go to the Amazon Alexa app, search for MEATER skill, and enable it. Once the skill is enabled, you are ready to have Alexa help you with your cooking.

In addition to the Amazon Alexa integration, MEATER devices can also work with Apple Watch. This comes in handy if you are moving around your house and don't want to carry your smartphone to get your MEATER alerts. You can get them on your Apple Watch.

How much does MEATER Block cost?

MEATER Block has an MSRP of $299.95 and is available on the company website for only $239.95 today. You can also pick one up on Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers.


Performance

We have tested MEATER smart meat thermometers over the past few years and like how they perform. To cook, all you have to do once the smart meat thermometer is inserted into your meat is select how you want the meat cooked: medium rare, for example, USDA recommended, and so forth, which is all based on the internal temperature. You can also customize this and set your own if you're a more advanced cook. It's very easy to do and follow.

We also like how the app sends alerts to help you monitor your meats. You can set up the MEATER app to send an alert five minutes before your meat is ready to come out, when to come out, and again when the meat is done resting. These alerts can be customized, and you can add sounds to go off when the alert is sent. Lastly, there are abundant recipes built into the app too, and instructions to help you cook these meals using the MEATER devices.

a screenshot of MEATER app's settingsGo to settings in MEATER app to set up alerts and notificationsGearBrain

In testing the MEATER Block, the meat sensors worked as advertised. Each probe can monitor internal meat temperatures up to 212 degrees F and ambient/external temperatures up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit. They are dishwasher safe and can be used in any cooker, including smokers, kettle grills, gas grills, kamado, ovens, and rotisseries. (Note: can't use MEATER proves in microwaves, deep fryers, sous vide, and pressure cookers.)

Who should use MEATER Block? After testing this device, if you cook for a lot of people at the same time and want to ensure each meat is cooked to your guest's perfection, MEATER Block is for you. Or if you cook different types of meats at the same time and don't want to overcook any of them, MEATER Block is for you. It provides the right amount of smart meat thermometers to help you achieve this goal. And their app will guide you along with your cooking to ensure each piece is cooked correctly each time.

a photo of display screen on MEATER BlockEach MEATER Block has a display to help you keep track of each probe's battery life and connectivity.GearBrain

Buy MEATER Block on Amazon

Summary

Overall we found MEATER Block is an ideal device for the chef who cooks for a lot of people at the same time. It's easy to set up and use. Having multiple probes to use when cooking for multiple people is a nice convenience. The Amazon Alexa and Apple Watch integrations are also nice but not necessarily must-have features. But our favorite feature of MEATER Block is their guided cook system which can help you work through every step of the cooking process to guarantee perfect and consistent results.

So, if you want a WiFi-enabled meat thermometer that can help you cook perfect meals every time, is easy to use, has excellent temperature control, and has a long battery life, MEATER Block is your smart cooking device.

Pros:

  • Excellent cooking range (165 feet)
  • Durable construction and dishwasher safe
  • Easy to use with good cooking alerts
  • Works with smokers, kettle grills, gas grills, kamado, ovens, and rotisseries

Cons:

  • Micro USB cord to charge Block is not included
  • The Wi-Fi connection was spotty
  • Need Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud
  • Can't use in the microwave, deep fryer, sous vide, or pressure cooker



Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility product find engine, to find other smart kitchen appliances as well as smart devices that are compatible with your existing smart home or work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

The GearBrain, First Compatibility Find Engine for Smart DevicesGearBrain's mission is to simplify the Internet of Things or new connected devices for consumers. Many of today's new connected ...


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