Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer Review

Hey smokers and welcome to my Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer Review. Now, for those of you following my site, you may be aware that I have recently purchased myself a new Traeger Pellet Smoker. The smoker comes with two probes built in however as it is the base model, it does not include Wi-Fi capabilities.

This means that if I want to be able to monitor internal smoker and meat temperatures from my phone without having to go outside, then an external probe set was also needed. This is where my new Inkbird IBT-4XS Bluetooth-enabled thermometer comes in.

So with that in mind, I am going to do a cook and see how it all works. From here I will run you through:

• Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer specs and features
• How I will test it/results
• Cost
• My thoughts

Check out my: Traeger Pro Series 22 Review

What is the Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer

As with all wireless BBQ thermometer, the Inkbird IBT-4XS is a device designed to monitor the temperature of your barbecue or smoker remotely, allowing you to keep an eye on your cooking without having to be right next to it.

Out of the box, this product includes:

• 1 x Smart Meat Thermometer
• 3 meat Probes
• 1 ambient probe (to measure the temperature inside the smoker)
• 1x Micro USB charging cable,
• 1 x manual
• 2x probe clips

The unit itself also incorporates a wireless transmitter that sends temperature data to a receiver or a smartphone app – which you will obviously need to download.

And for the grill nerds among us, here are the specs:

• Temperature Range: 32° F ~ 572 ° F; (Short-time measurement); 32° F~ 482 ° F (continuous monitoring)
• Remote Range: Up to 150 feet/45M
• Temperature Accuracy:±2℉/±1℃
• Probe Length: about 4.9ft/150cm
• Battery: built-in 1000mAh lithium battery which can last about 20 hours
• Certification: FCC/CE/ROHS

Check out these: 7 Must Have Traeger Accessories For Beginners

Key Features

• Multiple Probes: The Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer comes with 4 probes. The first is an ambient probe to monitor the internal temperature of the smoker with the remaining three allowing you to monitor different pieces of meat or various parts of a larger cut simultaneously.
• Steel covered cables: This is common in BBQ probe cables as it allows them to not only withstand the heat from inside the smoker, but also not break when crimped against lids etc. as well.
• Remote Monitoring : The probes are connected to a main control unit that includes wireless and Bluetooth technologies that allow for external monitoring via the Inkbird “BBQ Go” smartphone app.

• Magnetic back: The unit’s magnetic backing ensures it stays put on any metallic surface, which in my case means I can stick directly onto the pellet box of the smoker.

Check out these: 3 Best Wireless Meat Thermometers

How Will I Test It?

To test this, I have decided to run it against the specs and sale points from the Traeger webpage. This way I am testing against a clear set of parameters including:

1. Ease of Setup
2. Ease of Connection
3. Probe accuracy
4. Range
5. Battery Life
6. App Usability

Let’s run through those in more detail now:

1. Ease of Setup

So in terms of setup, I am talking about getting it out of the box and getting it ready to use. Which in simple terms meant:

1. Remove the unit and probes from the box
2. Attach the probes to the unit and turn it on
3. See if temperatures show on the unit

My score: 10

It doesn’t get much easier than that!

2. Ease of Connection

As a follow on from step 1 above, the whole purpose for me getting this was the fact that my pellet smoker does not have wireless capabilities meaning I can’t monitor temperature without going outside. As with all wireless capabilities, you need to download the relevant app and then connect it to the device.

For me, I downloaded the app and as soon as I turned on the unit my phone asked me to connect and it was done. I may have an auto Bluetooth connection on my phone as I didn’t need to ask it to find it.

I did however have to add a code but apart from that – all connected easily. I guess my only concern here then is security – i.e. if I can connect that easily, then so could someone else – and we know how clever some people can be once they can access your phone – so I guess something to think about.

You can find more information in regards to Bluetooth security here.

My score: 9

I might be being a bit harsh here as I really was able to connect it all up without any issues. I have dropped a point however just to make you aware of potential security issues around the use of Bluetooth.

3. Probe Accuracy

I have used the probes a few times for pulled pork and to test the accuracy, I also checked two things:

1. Did my external probe match the recordings of the Traeger probe?
2. When not connected to the BBQ, does the temperature readings match the current air temperature

The answer to both was yes, the temperature inside the grill when in use matched the temperature set and the difference between the probes was negligible – and to be expected as they were not able to be placed in exactly the same spot.

And, yep, the temperature of the ambient and meat probes matched the outside temperature as per my smart phone.

My Score: 10

Unless both probes are inaccurate to the same degree, I see no fault here.

4. Range

The Inkbird website highlights a range of up to 150ft/45mtrs. So, I put the unit on the back of my car and walked 50 meters down the street and it still connected. It started to beep at me (disconnection alarm) at around 65 meters (210ft).

I am happy with that and have never had connection issues within the house – although I have seen some reviews mention drop outs if behind think cement walls etc. so something to consider there.

My Score: 9

Good range although you may have to question whether 150ft is far enough if you have an outside man cave/BBQ shack away from the house.

5. Battery Life

As with range, all I can really do here is compare my unit to the specs outlined on the official Inkbird website which is 20 hours. I charged the battery fully before first use and have easily cooked way more than 20 hours (I mean I have done two 10 hour pork shoulder cooks alone).

According to my app, I still have 63% battery.

My Score: 10

No issues here!

6. App Usability

Now, I have to admit here that I do not use the app to anywhere nears its capabilities. And whilst it is not the highest tech’d app you will see, it does provide the ability to set temperature and time alarms. I have tested both and both times, my phone went nuts at the applicable time and/or temp level.

You can also set:

• Temperature reading : °C /°F
• Connection alarms
• language

There is also a temperature range graph as well but to be honest, I have not really used that.

My Score: 8

The app is a little light on and could do with an upgrade I think.

Pros

1. Multiple Probes: Comes with 4 probes, allowing you to monitor different meats or different sections of a large piece of meat simultaneously.
2. Remote Monitoring: Pairs with Android or iPhone, enabling remote temperature monitoring up to 150ft/45M away.
3. Magnetic Design & Large LED Screen: Can be easily attached to metal surfaces like smokers or ovens. The LED screen is large and can rotate for easy reading from any angle (all the documentation and reviews say this, but I haven’t worked out how to do that on mine yet).
4. Rechargeable Battery: Features a rechargeable battery that can last about 20 hours once fully charged, making it convenient for long cooking sessions.
5. Temperature Graph in App: The app includes a graph function, allowing you to view temperature changes over time, which is helpful for fine-tuning your cooking process.

Cons

1. Probe Insertion Sensitivity: The accuracy of temperature readings depends on the probes being fully inserted. If not inserted correctly, it may show inaccurate temperatures.
2. Plastic Construction: Parts of the device are made of plastic, which may not withstand high temperatures if placed too close to the heat source.
3. Bluetooth Range Limitations: While it has a decent range, obstacles like walls may reduce the effective distance for remote monitoring.
4. App Dependence: Requires the use of a smartphone app for most functionalities, which might not be preferred by all users, especially those looking for a simpler, standalone device.
5. Old Tech Charger: The charger cable is the older Micro USB type which makes it incompatible with most new charger cables (USB-C)

How Much is It?

The Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer retails around the $49 mark making it a great starter point for beginners (like me).

So, My Thoughts

Look, in my view, at the end of the day when it comes to smoking meats, the last thing you want to be worrying about is the thermometer. So if that is my only consideration, then this one certainly passes the test.

The app is simple to use and I don’t remember any issues getting it to connect to my phone. I have actually used it for over 20 hours so far and the battery is still at 63% (I charged it to 100% before its first use), so that is a plus and I have not had any ‘drop outs’ with the app inside the house – albeit I am really only about 10 meters away if the unit at all times.

Having four probes is a definite plus and the magnetic back would be enough for me alone if I am being honest.

I did test the temperature against the inbuilt probes of my Traeger smoker and they always matched to within a degree or two so they are either both right, or both wrong. Either way, I removed my pulled pork based on the temperature on the Inkbird and it was cooked perfectly.

Overall, for its price, the Inkbird IBT-4XS offers great value as a reliable gadget for grillers looking to achieve accurate and consistent results.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my honest Inkbird thermometer review. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below. I would also love to hear of your own experience with these.

Are there any other products you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.

Until next time

Have fun and get smoking!

Paul