We’re living in the golden age of smart grilling, where your phone can tell you when dinner is perfectly done. But here’s the new problem - too many options! INKBIRD has dropped a whole lineup of wireless meat thermometers, and honestly, they all look pretty slick. Picking one can feel like trying to choose your favorite child - if your children were all high-tech meat probes.
Don’t stress. We’ve broken down the six big players - the INT-14-BW, INT-12-BW, INT-12E-BW, INT-11P-B, INT-11S-B, and INT-11I-B - to help you cut through the marketing speak and find your new best friend of cooking before they sell out on the big day.
Why Do You Need a Wireless Meat Thermometer?
If you’re still using a basic analog thermometer or, even worse, just winging it, you’re working way too hard and taking way too many chances. A wireless meat thermometer isn’t just a fancy gadget. It’s your backstage pass to perfectly cooked food.
What I love most about it is that I can insert it into the meat for constant temperature monitoring. Basically, as long as I cook according to my recipe, I can easily replicate it. Moreover, I don’t need to stand by the oven or grill since I can monitor it remotely via the accompanying app. Everything feels so smart and comforting.
Which INKBIRD Thermometer Is Right for You?
Short on time? Here’s the quick and dirty:
🔥 For Ultimate Tech Power User - INT-14-BW
- 4 Probes: Monitor multiple dishes or different zones at the same time.
- 3-Modal Connectivity: Seamlessly switch between WiFi and Bluetooth, and can be controlled locally via the base station for maximum flexibility.
- Smart App Control: Full remote access and notifications.
- Choose This If: You’re cooking a feast for a crowd and need to track everything. Or perhaps you just want a more comprehensive connection.
🔥 For the Precision-Focused Foodie - INT-12E-BW or INT-11S-B
- 5 Sensors in 1 Probe: Each of these new probes is equipped with 5 sensors - 4 of which are dedicated to measuring food temperature and 1 for ambient temperature.
- ±0.5°F Accuracy: Each food sensor is accurate to ±0.5°F/±0.3°C and provides an ultra-fast 1-second reading.
- Choose This If: You geek out over precision and need the razor-sharp accuracy.
🔥 For Long-Range Bluetooth Connection - INT-11I-B
- 1000ft Range: Unparalleled Bluetooth connectivity for those truly expansive outdoor cooking spaces.
- Choose This If: You need reliable Bluetooth monitoring for everyday cooking and grilling.
🔥 For Balanced WiFi/Bluetooth Performer - INT-12-BW
- Dual Probes: A long and a short probe combo is perfect for various types of meat, including brisket and salmon.
- Auto-Switching: Effortlessly transitions between WiFi and Bluetooth for uninterrupted monitoring.
- Choose This If: You have the need to grill delicate meats like salmon, lobster, and more.
🔥 For Classic Bluetooth Griller - INT-11P-B
- Great All-Around Features: A reliable and user-friendly option for most grilling and smoking needs.
- Excellent Value: Delivers robust performance without breaking the bank.
- Choose This If: Your budget is a primary concern, and you only need to monitor one item at a time.
Still not sure? Think about how you typically cook, how far you need, your connection to reach, and whether you prioritize the absolute highest precision or a great all-around performer. Or, to keep it simple, let’s just get into the numbers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Connectivity | Max Range | Probes | Sensors | Accuracy | Display | Offline Data Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INT-14-BW | WiFi, Bluetooth & Local | Unlimited on WiFi | 4 | 2 | ±1.8°F/±1°C | ✓ | 30 min |
| INT-12-BW | WiFi & Bluetooth | Unlimited on WiFi | 2 (Long & Short) | 2 | ±1.8°F/±1°C | ✓ | 80 min |
| INT-12E-BW | WiFi & Bluetooth | Unlimited on WiFi | 2 | 5 | ±0.5°F/±0.3°C | ✓ | 60 min |
| INT-11P-B | Bluetooth | 300ft | 1 | 2 | ±1.8°F/±1°C | ✗ | 30 min |
| INT-11S-B | Bluetooth | 300ft | 1 | 5 | ±0.5°F/±0.3°C | ✗ | 30 min |
| INT-11I-B | Bluetooth | 1000ft | 1 (Short) | 1 | ±1.8°F/±1°C | ✓ | 60 min |
What to Consider When Choosing Wireless Thermometer?
Specs are one thing, but what are the key features you really need to consider? Understanding the practical implications of each feature will separate a good thermometer from a great one.
WiFi vs. Bluetooth vs. Hybrid
For the best remote monitoring experience, devices supporting WiFi connectivity, such as the INT-14-BW, INT-12-BW, and INT-12E-BW, are better choices. This lets you step outside the Bluetooth limited range and monitor your cooking from virtually anywhere. I remember a time when a friend in Texas guided me in California on how to smoke the most authentic brisket, all while he was comfortably at home.
On the other hand, if you’re only grilling in your backyard, Bluetooth could also be a decent option, as it doesn’t require any complicated network setup and offers a more stable connection, plus it tends to have a longer battery life compared to connecting to WiFi.
Fortunately, the three models mentioned above support both WiFi and Bluetooth, and can automatically switch between them. Furthermore, as the flagship model, the INT-14-BW can also be locally controlled via its base unit, so you won’t always need your phone.
Number of Probes
This is where the INT-14-BW truly shines. Its four-probe design enables you to monitor grilled salmon, roasted turkey, smoked pull pork, and Tomahawk steak all at once. I’m sure you get the picture.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, this scalability to cook multiple dishes at once is a total game-changer, freeing you from the hassle of multiple thermometers and providing ample capacity for complex menus and larger gatherings. If you are the BBQ guy, then this one is a no-brainer.
Sensor Accuracy
The INT-12E-BW and INT-11S-B, which are upgrades from the INT-12-BW and INT-11P-B, respectively, offer an impressive accuracy of ±0.5°F/±0.3°C, a significant improvement over the previous generation's ±1.8°F/±1°C. Sometimes, the difference between perfect medium-rare and medium is subtle.
Additionally, these new models come equipped with 5 sensors in each probe - 4 dedicated to measuring the internal temperature of the food and 1 for the oven’s ambient temperature. This means you can get a more comprehensive understanding of the meat’s internal temperature, ensuring more even cooking and preventing overcooking.
Data Handling
All of these smart meat thermometers can store offline data. Don’t sleep on this feature, which continues recording temperature data even if you lose your WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Once you reconnect, it syncs all that data like nothing happened.
However, the storage capacity differs among models. The longest, specifically, the INT-12-BW, can store 80 minutes of offline data, while the shortest can store 30 minutes. Still, that’s usually more than enough for one cooking session.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for wireless meat thermometers. It would be embarrassing if the battery ran out before your smoking was complete. Fortunately, these probes provide over 25 hours of continuous monitoring. What’s more, their bases have built-in rechargeable lithium batteries and use USB-C charging port, which means you can conveniently charge them with your phone charger without the need of an extra cable.
Tips for Using Your INKBIRD Wireless Thermometer
So you’ve got your new INKBIRD? Now let’s make sure you’re using it like a pro from day one:
- Probe Placement: Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone or fats.
- Cleanup: These probes are all IP67 waterproof and dishwasher-safe. You can simply rinse them off under water or toss them in the dishwasher.
- Play with the Presets: In addition to setting temperature and alarms, the app has teamed up with the USDA to offer menus with different doneness of various meats.
- Calibration: All INKBIRD thermometers are factory calibrated, but periodic calibration with ice water means accuracy all the time. For detailed steps, refer to: How Often Should You Calibrate a Meat Thermometer?
The Bottom Line
Have you found the right INKBIRD wireless meat thermometer for your needs? Whether you’re looking for the expandability of the INT-14-BW with its four probes, the accuracy of the INT-12E-BW and INT-11S-B, the ultra-long Bluetooth connection range of the INT-11I-B, the combination of long and short probes of the INT-12-BW, or the budget-friendly INT-11P-B, INKBIRD has got you covered. Plus, with the shopping season in full swing, these thermometers are currently available at a significant discount, so now is the perfect time to pick one up!
