Overview
The Meater SE Wireless Thermometer is an entry level model from Traeger/Meater. It has two sensors: one in the tip and one in the handle. The probe is slightly larger in diameter than many of the competing products, and its maximum temps are lower than top-of-the-line models. Click here to learn more about what to look for in the best wireless thermometers.
Start Up
The probe is charged by a supplied range extender that runs on a single AAA battery. After charging for a few hours, the probe should run for about 24 hours before it needs a recharge. This should be sufficient for most cooking sessions. The probe becomes active when it’s removed from the charger. Since signal attenuation through the walls of most cookers is so great, placing the charger/extender close to the cooking food allows the signal to be cleanly received and amplified to reach the smart phone. The manufacturer claims the range between the extender and the phone to be 165 feet (50 meters) under ideal conditions, but likely to be less with intervening walls. So many factors influence range that testing it is basically a waste of time. Bottom line: your mileage will vary.
Accuracy with modern temperature probes is rarely an issue. Based on my tests, this product is within a degree or two of the actual temperature, so no need to worry about that.
Cooking
The SE uses the same app as the fancier Meater wireless models, so it shares the same functionality. After pairing the probe and the phone, insert the probe to at least the minimum insertion depth: 2.62 inches (66 millimeters). Because this probe has only a single sensor in the tip, placement is critical for an accurate measurement of the internal temperature. This arrangement can pose some operational challenges if the food is small.
Once the probe has been inserted, the app prompts you to set up the cooking session by selecting the type of food, a beef roast or a chicken breast, for example, and the desired doneness. Once the temperature has been rising for a few minutes, the app will attempt to predict when you should remove and rest the food. There are many combinations of food and doneness to choose from, along with a custom profile that can simply give you the estimated time until the doneness temp is reached, without factoring in resting.
Construction limitations
Wireless probes contain the electrical circuitry and a battery, both of which are sensitive to high temperatures. Since food is rarely, if ever, cooked above 212°F/100°C, the food acts as a heat shield to keep the probe’s shaft below this temperature. You must insert the probe to a ring on the shaft – the minimum insertion depth – or farther to provide the protection. A separate probe in the handle will withstand higher temperatures – 527°F/275°C – but still needs to be kept away from flames.
This probe is slightly larger – 0.25 inches (6 millimeters) – in diameter than many second and third generation wireless probes. This isn’t really a problem as speed of response isn’t critical for thermometers like this. However, it would not substitute for a good instant read thermometer.
Compromises
You can spend a lot more on a wireless thermometer, and for that extra cost you will get more sensors along the shaft, making precise placement of the probe much less critical. Higher-end models will also withstand higher handle temps, making them less susceptible to heat damage. This probe and extender only employ Bluetooth; fancier models will connect to your WiFi router and provide unlimited range. “You pays your money and makes your choice.” You can always add more capability later by upgrading to a pricier product.
Conclusion
The Meater SE is an entry level product with the features you need in most scenarios, and it’s priced accordingly. The app, either the Apple or the Android version, works fine, providing temperature information and time predictions. We recommend this product at this price point.
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