Weber iGrillmini Review
The Weber iGrillmini is a small Bluetooth device that communicates with a smart device like an iPhone or iPad or Android devices. It shares an app with the iGrill2 so has the same features.
There is a single temperature probe that could be inserted into food or used to measure the temperature of the cooker. The app allows you to choose meat/doneness values from a list, or you can customize to your own preferences. You can rename probes to indicate how they are being used. You can also set multiple timers.
To conserve battery power, the unit has a proximity sensor. If the smart device wanders farther than 30′, the unit will go into sleep mode. It will awaken when the device returns to within 5′ of the sensor. This pretty much defines the useful range of the unit.
It also has a situation-dependent auto-off feature. If there is an established Bluetooth connection, it will remain on. If no probe is connected, it will shut off after 5 minutes. If there is a probe connected, but there is no Bluetooth connectivity, it will shut off after 8 hours.
The unit itself has no display, so the only way to read the device is to connect with a smart phone or tablet device. While connected, you can monitor a graph of temperature versus time.
The product is a minimalist approach to food thermometers with all the features embedded in the application that connects with the device. If you like using your phone or tablet to monitor your food temperatures, you’ll like the iDevices iGrill Mini. It has good accuracy and is nicely packaged. Price is reasonable at under $40. We’ll give it a Bronze medal for meeting expectations, having a nice app, and a reasonable price. Additionally, Meathead tells us that he once left his mini out overnight in a freezing rain and he had to chip the ice to get it off the grill shelf. After it thawed, he checked it out with boiling water and ice water and it worked fine.
Product Information:
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Thermometer Function:Leave in Food, Leave in Cooker, Wireless Remote
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Item Price :39.99
*Price Subject To Change -
Where to buy (buying from this supplier supports this website):
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Probe:Length: 3.75" (9.5cm), diameter: 0.158" (4mm), cable: 4' (1.2m)
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Battery Type:CR2032
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Battery Life:Not specified
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Safe Operating Range:
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Min & Max Temp:-22 to 572ºF (-30 to 300ºC)
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Display Precision:1º
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Actual Temp at 32 Degrees:32
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Actual Temp at 130 Degrees:130
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Actual Temp at 225 Degrees:226
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Actual Temp at 325 Degrees:322
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Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:37
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Speed from 32 to 212 Degrees:44
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Numbers Display Size:None - depends on phone
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Water Resistance Rating:
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Weight:2.8oz (80g)
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C/F Switch:Built in CF switch
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Backlight:No Backlight
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Color Options:
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Thermometer Connection:Bluetooth
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App:Yes - Apple iOS 7, Android
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Logging:Yes - in app
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Included:Transmitter, mount, probe with reel, quick-start instructions.
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Alarms:Yes - by app
Manufacturer:
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Weber-Stephen
Weber-Stephen is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of BBQ equipment and related accessories in the world. Weber grills and smokers cook beautifully and have great features that are clever, effective and easy to use. As popularity and demand for BBQ gear grows worldwide, Weber continues to earn their long standing reputation for quality, durability and outstanding customer service and support, (7 days a week from 7am to 8pm CST), in an increasingly competitive environment. Even in this crowded marketplace, many consumers are still willing to pay more for the Weber name and they are rarely disappointed. They make a variety of cookers and smokers. Their iconic black charcoal kettles are known throughout the world. Indeed Weber is expanding globally.
Weber-Stephen was family owned since it was founded in 1952 by George Stephen. At the end of 2010 the Stephen family sold a majority stake to Chicago investment group BDT Capital Partners. In 2012, Weber settled a class action suit out of court regarding their use of the phrase, “Made in USA”. Weber previously qualified the “Made in USA” statement by specifying their products are assembled in the USA with some components that are sourced globally. Here is an excerpt from Weber’s statement “Weber believes that because all Weber grills and the disputed accessories are designed and engineered in the USA, and all grills save for one line [Spirit]* are manufactured and assembled in the USA using component parts primarily made in the USA, it did nothing wrong and therefore has valid defenses to plaintiff’s claims. The court has not held a trial or ruled in favor of either party on any disputed issues. Weber and the plaintiff have agreed to settle the matter to avoid the costs of continued litigation.” As a result of this suit, Weber can no longer claim to be made in America.
Since then Weber, like many others, has outsourced manufacturing of more product lines. Things change, but we believe Weber’s commitment to quality and innovation has not.
The biggest barrier for many folks is price. Webers are not cheap, but when you consider that they last decades, the price is easy to justify. Many some cheap grills fall apart after three years or so.
Our main complaint: All Webers have the obligatory bi-metal dial thermometer in the hood that gives you a ballpark reading of what the temperature is high above the meat. Since we cook on the grates, though, it’s always better to bring your own digital thermometer and place a probe there. It appears this is beginning to change as Weber enters a new era of digital technology and software based products.
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6/23/2024Published On: 6/29/2014
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