Before meat thermometers, most people relied on their intuition to tell whether meat was cooked, using cues like color, texture or even cut. Even experienced chefs can miss the mark sometimes. I believe that many still stick to these old-school methods, but trust me, meat thermometers can definitely change your cooking game and make every bite of meat perfectly juicy.
I’ve been using the INKBIRD wireless meat thermometer, model INT-11P-B, and for the price, it works great. The catch is that it only has one probe, so if I want to cook different meats at the same time, I need to buy extras. Luckily, I found out about their new model, the INT-14-BW, which comes with four wireless probes, so I jumped at the chance to get one.
After two months of use and over 30 cooking sessions, I feel ready to share my thoughts on it, including its accuracy and features. I’ll also throw in some purchase advice for anyone considering this thermometer, hoping it helps out my friends.
INKBIRD INT-14-BW Overview
INKBIRD might be a relatively newer player in the cooking tech world, which could explain why you haven’t come across them yet. But their temperature controller is definitely something you’ve hear of. In fact, they’ve been working in the temperature industry for years, so I have faith in their quality. Plus, their 30-day return policy makes it a no-brainer to give them a shot.
I was pretty impressed with INT-14-BW right off the bat, just like the product page promised. The best part for me is the newly added screen on the charging case, which is super handy since I don’t always need to use phone for remote control. Like other wired meat thermometers, this screen displays the temperature of each probe in real time, and yes, it’s all wireless.
If you’re new to INKBIRD food thermometer, let me give you a quick rundown of their general features. The INKBIRD app includes a wide selection of USDA-certificated cooking temperatures for different meats, and you can customize temperatures and recipes to your liking. Just like the INT-11P-B model, the probes on INT-14-BW are IP67-rated waterproof, so you can toss them in the dishwasher without worry.
As for the other details, I’ll dive into more details one by one below.
INKBIRD INT-14-BW Meat Thermometer Review
I will review the INKBIRD INT-14-BW by looking at 6 aspects, including the case, the probe, accuracy and response time, connectivity, the app and battery life. If you have any other questions or want more info, just drop a comment, and I’ll provide a detailed response.
The Base
I was really surprised when I opened the box. The INT-14-BW charging base looks every premium and well-crafted, with four probes neatly stored away, plus there is a large display and an operating knob on the right side. I really dig the knob since it lets me fine-tune the temperature and time precisely, kind of like the crown on the Apple Watch. Although it has no lid, the magnetic force between the base and the probes and the snap-on design are enough to keep the all probes securely inside the base.
On the downside, the wireless range between the base and the probe is just 20 feet, or 6 meters. While that works for most cooking situations and Bluetooth or WiFi can be used for longer distance, I’d love to see the next generation improve that range. Plus, the base only has 8 recipes available locally, while the app boasts 26, which feels a bit limited.
The Probe
Just like the INT-11P-B, each INT-14-BW probe features two sensors, one for food temperature and another for ambient temperature. The body of the probe is made of food-grade stainless steel, and the handle is made of zirconium oxide ceramic, making it heat-resistant up to 572°F and super durable.
However, the sensors have different maximum temperature limits, so make sure to submerge the scale line on the probe under the meat during use. In addition, as mentioned above, all probes of INT-14-BW are waterproof to IP67, so you can easily watch them under water or clean them up in the dishwasher without worrying about damaging any internal components.
For the probe, I really hope INKBIRD can create thinner one in the future, as it would leave smaller hole in the meat, even though most wireless meat thermometers are about the same thickness.
Accuracy and Response Time
The main job of a thermometer is to measure temperature, so accuracy is one of my top priorities. The INT-14-BW specs say that the food sensor measures 14 to 212°F, while ambient sensor goes from 32 to 572°F, both with a ±1.8°F error margin. In terms of specs, this model stands out as the top performer among wireless meat thermometers. Obviously, you can’t expect them to be as accurate as instant-read thermometers, since they need to stay in the grill or oven for a long time.
With a probe response time of just 1 second, you can almost check the temperature on your phone or the base after inserting it. Plus, they also supports temperature calibration, and what you need is a glass of ice water. If you’re unsure when to calibrate, see: How Often Should a Food Thermometer be Calibrated?
I tested the Meater and Thermopro alongside the INT-14-BW. As the best wireless grill thermometers, they were very accurate and produced tender, juicy meat, but you need to know that the INT-14-BW is priced at only half of theirs, making it a great value.
Connectivity
The INT-14-BW integrates all the current wireless meat thermometer connection methods, including WiFi, Bluetooth and local base. Since it’s a product released in 2024, it is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.4, allowing a connection range of up to 300 feet (91 meters). For longer distances, WiFi is another option.
However, for a new machine, it only supports 2.4GHz, which is a bit of letdown since dual-mode would have been better. Still, 2.4GHz is common among IoT devices and tends to handle interference better than 5GHz.
I’ve tested all three connection types from my garage to my backyard, about 20 feet away, and they all worked well. The Bluetooth even reached my second-floor room without issues. However, if you do lose connection, the device itself can store up to 30 minutes of offline data.
The App
For a wireless meat thermometer, the app can be one of the most important components, which is probably why you got it in the first place. Fortunately, the INKBIRD app makes things easy with loads of presets that help even beginners cook like pros. All you have to do it tap on the target and choose the type of meat, and it will alert you when the meat is cooked. If you know your way around the kitchen, you can whip up your own recipes to apply next time with one tap.
The app main page shows the probe’s internal temperature, current ambient temperature and your target temperature, and if you scroll down, you can see a cooking history graph that can help seasoned cooks improve their cooking process.
If your family shares the INT-14-BW, it even displays the name of each chef. Overall, I’d give this app a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its user-friendly design and rich built-in features.
Battery Life
INKBIRD claims that each INT-14-BW probe can last for 25 hours on a full charge, but I’ve never cooked that long, and I’ve never run out of battery. They charge up in just 25 minutes, so they’re always ready to go.
The base uses a USB-C port and has a 3500mAh battery. While I couldn’t find any information on how many times this base can charge 4 probes, it seems more than capable for tough situations. Just a heads up, the manual specifies to use the original charging cable, and it takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge, so it’s best to avoid fast chargers to avoid damaging the battery.
Should You Buy the INT-14-BW?
If you’ve gone through the whole article, you’re likely to make a purchase, and I say go for it. I highly recommend the INKBIRD INT-14-BW meat thermometer. As a barbecue lover who grills twice a week, plus daily cooking, I rely heavily on meat thermometers. I’ve tried out a bunch of wireless options, but they tend to be pricey. The INT-14-BW is one of the few options that does not sacrifice product quality and is more affordable than most.
If you’re still using an old wired meat thermometer, switching to a wireless one like the INT-14-BW is a smart move that will completely change the way you cook. Take your time to think it over. If you usually cook just one type of meat, the INT-11P-B with single probe might suit you better since it’s compact and cheaper. However, if there is more than one kind of meat at your barbecue party, then obviously the INT-14-BW with four probes is the better option.
While the INT-14-BW has a few minor drawbacks, overall I really appreciate its multiple connection options, high quality, reliable connection, precise readings, quick charging and long battery life. Considering its appealing price, I would definitely recommend it.
