Meat Smoke Fire

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Thermometers and Controllers

Mastering Temperature: Thermometers & Controllers for Perfect Barbecue

Achieving perfect barbecue isn’t just about choosing the right cut of meat or mastering your grill setup—it’s about precise temperature control. Whether you’re smoking low and slow or searing over high heat, accurate thermometers and smart controllers take the guesswork out of cooking, helping you nail the perfect cook every time.

From instant-read thermometers for quick checks to wireless probes that monitor temperatures remotely, and from manual pit thermometers to advanced controllers that regulate airflow and maintain steady heat, the right tools can elevate your barbecue game. We’ll walk you through the different types of thermometers and controllers, their benefits, and how to use them to achieve consistent, delicious results.

Tips for Using Thermometers

  1. insert the probe properly – place in the thickest part of the meat, avoid bones and fat
  2. check multiple areas – for larger cuts you can check to ensure even cooking
  3. compare to target temperatures – use a temperature guide and if the temperature is lower than recommended, continue cooking and check the temperature again after a few minutes

Must-Have Instant-Read Thermometer

Using an instant-read thermometer ensures you get perfectly cooked barbecue every time; in our opinion it’s the only essential tool required for cooking outdoors.  An instant-read thermometer gives a quick and accurate temperature reading in seconds.

Benefits of an Instant-Read Thermometer

  • fast and accurate reading – helps prevent overcooked or undercooked meat
  • versatile – works on all food types, from meat to cakes and even oil for frying
  • food safety – ensures food reaches a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria
  • no guesswork – gives comfort in cooking, especially for expensive cuts like brisket or large joints of meat
  • easy to use and store – compact and simple to use

Unlike probe thermometers that stay in the meat throughout the cook, an instant-read thermometer is used periodically to check progress.

We love and recommend the Thermapen. If you only have a single thermometer, then it should be one of these.

Thermapen
Meater+
2 probe Meater Block

PROBE THERMOMETER

A probe thermometer is a valuable tool for outdoor cooking, ensuring your meat is cooked safely and to perfection. Unlike instant-read thermometers, which give a quick temperature reading when inserted into the meat, probe thermometers remain in the food throughout the cook, continuously monitoring the temperature.

Benefits of a Probe Thermometer

  • precision cooking – eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking or undercooking
  • consistent results – replicate cooks every time.
  • hands-free monitoring – wireless models allow you to track temperatures remotely
  • safer cooking – ensures food reaches the correct internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
  • improved bark and moisture retention – reduces the need to open the lid, maintaining stable temperatures and smoke levels

By using a probe thermometer, you gain more control over your barbecue, making it easier to achieve tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked meat every time.

We love and recommend the Meater Thermometers.

Forced Air Controller

A BBQ temperature controller is a game-changer for low-and-slow cooks on your grill. It automatically regulates airflow into your grill, maintaining a steady temperature without constant manual adjustments. By controlling the oxygen supply to the fire, it keeps your grill running at the perfect heat level, ensuring consistent results.

Benefits of a Temperature Controller

  • precise temperature control – maintains a consistent cooking temperature, reducing fluctations and eliminates the need for frequent manual adjustments to vents
  • peace of mind – set-and-forget convenience, you can step away whilst the temperature remains stable, perfect for overnight cooks or when hosting
  • improved fuel efficiency– optimises airflow, reduces unnecessary fuel burn and extends cooking time on a single load of charcoal
  • consistent cooking results – prevents temperature spikes or drops that lead to unevenly cooked meat and maintain ideal conditions for better bark formation and moisture retention
  • remote monitoring and control – many controllers connect to apps via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth amd alerts notify you of any temperature changes or when your cook is ready
  • ideal for all weather conditions – helps stabilise temperature in windy, cold or hot weather, which may otherwise impact cooking performance

We love the Egg Genius and explain why we love it and how forced air controllers work in our review.

 

Whilst we have recommended our favourite products, see the entire range 

All Thermometer and Controllers
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