The new MEATER Block helps you monitor and maintain a consistent cooking temperature—a crucial factor for excellent barbecue.
Low and slow is the name of the game.
A smoker that swings in temperature produces uneven results and can ruin an otherwise perfect cut. A probe thermometer is the best way to know how far along your meat is: insert it into the deepest part of the cut (near a bone if possible) and read the instant temperature. The downside of traditional wired probes is the need to check them every 15–30 minutes to avoid overcooking—an annoyance during long smokes or when you’re watching a game.
The solution is a Bluetooth meat thermometer. Some high-end smokers include built-in probes and a few even offer Bluetooth, but what if you’re cooking multiple types of meat or several pork shoulders on the smoker?
Enter the MEATER Block
The MEATER Block is a charging dock that stores and powers four MEATER wireless probes so you can cook various meats at different target temperatures. Each probe is stainless steel, water-resistant, and integrates internal and ambient sensors. The probes connect by Bluetooth to a companion app, support smartwatches, and can link to MEATER Link Wi‑Fi and MEATER Cloud for remote monitoring.
For flexibility, the MEATER Block offers a Stand-Alone Mode to cook without a smartphone and includes a Bluetooth-to-Wi‑Fi range extension in the charging dock so you can monitor cooks from farther away.
MEATER probes estimate remaining cook time and let you set individual doneness preferences—medium-rare, well-done, etc.—for each probe.
MEATER Block Review
I used all four MEATER probes while cooking for a full-day fantasy football draft feeding a dozen people. The MEATER Block simplified the process and performed well overall, though I ran into a few issues along the way.
Pros
Wireless Probes
Having no cords is a bigger advantage than I expected. Wireless probes let you insert and forget, avoiding tangled cords and limiting constraints while turning and moving food during the cook.
Accurate Readings
I compared MEATER readings for both internal and ambient temperatures against trusted probes and found MEATER to be accurate. Each probe contains both sensors, reducing the number of devices and cords required.
Design
The charging Block has a sleek, minimalist appearance reminiscent of a knife block and looks at home on the countertop.
Numbered Probes
Each probe is numbered at the top—small but useful when you’re juggling multiple cuts and need to know which probe corresponds to which meat.
Easy Setup
Setup took less than five minutes: download the app, follow a brief tutorial, and link Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi.
Extended Range
The Block uses Bluetooth linked to your Wi‑Fi to reach roughly 100 feet; adding a cloud account enables remote tracking from anywhere. Traditional Bluetooth-only probes tended to drop connection around 35 feet in my experience, which is problematic when outdoor cooking areas are far from the house. The MEATER’s Wi‑Fi bridging and cloud access address that limitation and proved useful for overnight cooks.
Amazon Alexa
MEATER integrates with Amazon Alexa, allowing voice queries for current temperatures, time remaining, or status updates—handy when your hands are messy or your phone is out of reach.
Cons
The “time remaining” estimates were inconsistent and often inaccurate; however, the temperature readings themselves were reliable, so I relied on those to determine doneness instead of the time prediction.
As a premium product, the MEATER Block carries a premium price—about $269 for the set. That includes four probes with eight sensors, wireless convenience, and multiple features. For frequent cooks and enthusiasts, the cost is reasonable, but it may be steep for casual users.
Customer support fell short in my experience. I had trouble maintaining cloud connectivity and, after navigating in-app help, was directed to email support. Responses took time and multiple exchanges, and the issue remained unresolved through official channels. After independent research I found a workaround and regained stable connectivity, but I expected higher service quality at this price point.
Overall
Being fully wireless is a genuine game-changer: MEATER excels at freeing you from cords and makes cooking large cuts and smaller proteins easier. It is especially convenient for steaks, chicken, and fish where flipping and rotating without cables matters most.
The app is straightforward, temperature readouts are accurate, and having four probes ensures you can monitor several items simultaneously. MEATER removes much of the guesswork, elevating your cooking results.
I give the MEATER Block 3.5 out of 5 meat hooks.
The MEATER Block is currently available for purchase.