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Maverick ET-732 Redi-Check Review
The Maverick ET-732 is a dual-probe, remote thermometer used to monitor both barbecue and food temperatures. The probes plug into a transmitter that sends data to the receiver that can be located up to 300′ (91m) away, according to the manufacturer.
The package contains two probes, a short, straight one to measure the barbecue temperature, and an L-shaped one with a sharp point for insertion into food. The transmitter has two labeled inputs, one for each probe. There is also a display on the transmitter that shows the probe temperature in an alternating pattern. F or C can be selected on the back of the transmitter. We wish the cables were more than 3′ (0.9m) long, though.
The receiver has a display that works in two modes. In thermometer mode, it displays the temperature of each probe. The food probe can be alarmed to signal when a temperature has been reached. The barbecue probe has an upper and a lower limit that will alarm if the temperature wanders outside these limits. These limits are set by a slightly confusing procedure that requires a press on the light/mode button to lock them in. Failure to follow the directions will result in the settings reverting to their previous values. The barbecue alarm won’t arm until the temperature goes above the lower limit, so you won’t have to listen to beeping while the unit heats up. If the transmitter and the receiver lose communication, there will be an audible and visible alarm to advise the user of the problem. This corrects a deficiency we’ve seen in many earlier models.
This unit is very similar to its big brother, the ET-733, with one notable exception: the 733 additionally offers the ability to choose a meat and doneness level that mimics the USDA recommendations; the 732 needs you to choose the appropriate temperature. You can, of course, select your own temperature with the 733.
The other mode is the timer mode. When a time is set by the user, the timer will count down until it reaches zero, when an alarm will sound. At this point, the time will begin counting upward. The timer can also act as an up-counter by setting the initial time to zero. The alarm sound for the timer is distinct from the temperature alarms, and both modes can operate simultaneously.
The transmitter sends data to the receiver every 12 seconds, which is fine for an in-oven/in-food thermometer. The temp scales can be changed independently on the transmitter and the receiver. Accuracy was a little sloppy, differing from actual by 6 degrees at 325ºF
The manufacturer’s contact info, including address, telephone number and e-mail, is found in the instruction sheet. The unit is covered by a 90-day limited warranty.
This dual-probe remote thermometer has been one of the most popular units of its type for good reasons. It is well-made, water-resistant at the transmitter, accurate and reasonably easy to use – IF YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. (Many don’t!) It has good range, and the unit will alert you if communication is lost between the transmitter and receiver. For these reasons, we give this a Platinum medal rating.
Meathead’s Notes from the Field:
“It is supposed to have up to 300′ range but that’s only through clear air. When I move indoors, the range is much less, and your distance will vary depending on what your walls are made from and how many electronic devices you have running. There is an alarm that tells you if you’ve gotten out of range of the sender, and there is a synch button in case the two units lose their link. Keep the manual handy in case you can’t remember which button to push.
CAVEATS. I need to warn you that there are some problems and the reviews on Amazon are not all favorable. As near as I can tell these are almost all a result of improper handling although a little better engineering would help.
The first issue is that sometimes it doesn’t work right out of the box. This is apparently due to the fact that the mini-jack on the end of the probe cables seems to click into place with normal pressure. Normal pressure is not enough on this device. You need to jam it in or it will not work. By simply pushing harder on the jack, this problem goes away.
The other problem is that the probes occasionally fail. This comes from improper washing. Proper washing is easy.
Maverick has good tech support. When my old receiver began to malfunction, they told me the problem sounded like a bad backlight and told me to ship it back for a replacement. No question about when I bought it. I never identified myself as a writer, so I am confident I got the same treatment as you would. Cables sometimes fray or malfunction, and the manual cautions you not to submerse them and the probes, so you should consider buying a spare set.
BEWARE! There is an older model, the ET-73 still on the market. It is decidedly inferior. Don’t buy it.
Product Information:
- Thermometer Function:Leave in Food, Leave in Cooker, Wireless Remote
- Item Price:$ 59.95
*Price Subject To Change - Where to buy (buying from this supplier supports this website):
- Probe:Food probe: Length: 6" (150mm), shaft: 0.16" (4mm), cable: 3' (0.9m). BBQ probe: length: 3" (75mm), shaft: 0.16" (4mm), cable: 3' (0.9m)
- Battery Type:4xAAA (included)
- Battery Life:Not specified
- Safe Operating Range:
- Min & Max Temp:Food probe: 32 to 572ºF (0 to 300ºC) BBQ probe: 32 to 554ºF (0 to 290ºC)
- Display Precision:1º
- Actual Temp at 32 Degrees:Food probe: 36, BBQ probe:37
- Actual Temp at 130 Degrees:Food probe: 131, BBQ probe: 133
- Actual Temp at 225 Degrees:Food probe: 226, BBQ probe: 230
- Actual Temp at 325 Degrees:Food probe: 327, BBQ probe:331
- Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:Food probe: 24, BBQ probe: 36
- Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:Food probe: 36, BBQ probe:1:12
- Numbers Display Size:Temp: 0.56" (14.3mm)
- Water Resistance Rating:
- Weight:Transmitter & probes: 4.7oz (134g), Receiver: 3.4oz (96g)
- C/F Switch:Built in CF switch
- Backlight:Built in Backlight
- Color Options:White, red, burgundy, silver, grey, black, copper (shown)
- Thermometer Connection:RF
- App:No
- Logging:No
- Included:Receiver, transmitter, 2 probes, probe clip, instructions
- Available Accessories:Probes with 6' (2m) cables can be purchased separately.
- Alarms:Audible/Visible
Published On: 5/7/2014 Last Modified: 1/28/2021
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