The importance of using a BBQ temperature controller when preparing your barbecue can’t be overemphasized. Even masters of the art still rely on temperature controllers to regulate their grills’ temperature so that their barbecue will be well cooked. If you want your food to come out just right, you need the tools necessary to make it so.
Unfortunately, choosing the right controller for your kitchen is not as easy as it sounds. These days, there are more bbq temperature controllers sold online than there are days in the year. To make the challenge of making a choice the more difficult, these controllers are sold at different prices. How then do you make the right choice? How do you pick a good device that is easy to read and guarantees you a steady heat level estimate for your cooking?
If you are battling with this challenge, take your time to read our bbq temperature controller review.
Table of Contents
Best BBQ Temperature Controllers
Image | Best BBQ Temperature Controllers | Rating |
---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Thermopro TP25 Wireless Bluetooth Meat Thermometer | 99% |
![]() | 2. TempMaster Portable Automatic BBQ Temperature Controller | 96% |
![]() | 3. Flame Boss 500-Wifi Smoker Controller | 92% |
![]() | 4. Thermopro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Thermometer | 89% |
![]() | 5. LAVLOCK 4-Probe Automatic BBQ Controller | 85% |
Want to learn more?
Here are our bbq temperature controllers review.
1. Thermopro TP25 Wireless Bluetooth Meat Thermometer
Thermopro is a brand that has long been known for producing smart cooking devices, and this TP25 thermometer model is one of the best in their stock. This digital cooking device is a must-have if you want your bbq to be a hit every time. The package includes a user manual, 2 probe clips, 1 Digital Bluetooth thermometer, 4 plastic winders, and 4 food temperature probes.
The extended 500ft Bluetooth uses advanced technology and provides you with the strongest possible connection, so you don’t have to be close to the grill at all times to monitor the temperature. We also like the coated probes of this product because it allows you to monitor different meat types. As for storage, the winders make the probes easy to store when not in use.
If you are serious about cooking your food to perfection, this is a good bbq temperature controller to have. With its advanced algorithm, you can estimate just how much time is left for your food to be ready, and you can also use the heat estimator to regulate the heat levels of your cooking so that the food is not burnt or undercooked.
Why do we like it?
- The estimator is easy to read
- Long-range blue tooth connection
- Provides constant notification when heat levels drop
2. TempMaster Portable Automatic BBQ Temperature Controller
TempMaster is another wireless bbq temperature controller worthy of mention. This 5-star Kamado controller is one hell of a cooking monitoring device. It is compact and portable but delivers a precise airflow at top speed fully regulated by a chipset. If you are the type of cook who prefers devices with smart and easy controls, you may want to order this bbq temperature controller.
From the comforts of your phone, you can monitor and adjust heat levels. You no longer loiter around your cooking area simply because you don’t want your food to get burnt. From your living room or any other area in your home, you can adjust your cooking temperature to the right level for the type of food you are cooking, especially meat and chicken.
With a 6000mAH 20-hour CCTV battery, Tempmaster never goes out of action and is always available when you need it. This package contains 1 grill Air2 probe, 1 short meat probe, 1 silicone air hose, a startup manual, and every other single piece of accessory you’ll need for a safe cook.
Why do we like it?
- The Manual is easy to read and understand
- Free adapter case as a bonus
- One dial power button for easy control
- Regular software update and technical support
3. Flame Boss 500-Wifi Smoker Controller
Flame Boss is made of Ceramic and Kamado with an amazing software for precise temperature control. When we talk about innovative bbq temperature controllers, Flame Boss is as innovative as any other controller you will find in the market. This device is Google and Alexa compatible and will follow voice commands issued to it.
Despite its advanced software, it is easy to use and configure. Another thing we are sure you will love about this controller is that it offers you online support to make your cooking operation a lot easier. For instance, you have an online dashboard where you can view a graphical representation of your cooking to monitor your smartphone or computer’s temperature levels.
Imagine the possibility of cooking without having to step into your kitchen until the food is ready? Comfort is what this controller offers you at an affordable price. With the Wi-Fi technology of Flame Boss, you can never go wrong.
Why do we like it?
- Very easy to use and to monitor temperature
- Very compact but highly efficient
- Quite affordable for the value it provides
4. Thermopro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Thermometer
We just had to include another Thermopro model on our list. Just like the T25, this T20 controller uses a dual probe for grilling. We call it a hands-free monitoring device because that is what it is. You can use it to monitor your bbq and other types of food from as far as 300ft away, allowing you to perform other tasks in your home.
If you have had a tough time setting up previous bbq temperature controllers you bought, you will not have such a problem with Thermopro TP20. It requires no synchronization, and its very large LCD screen shows you the temperature levels of your cooking clearly. Thermopro TP20 uses a backlight so you can view the screen even under poor natural light conditions.
So what does this package contain? You have 1 received, 4 pieces of 3A batteries, a manual, and 2 probes. And to make your experience even better, you can use this controller to monitor the cooking of as many as 9 different types of meat all having their settings installed in the device. If this device doesn’t offer you smart cooking, I don’t know what will.
Why do we like it?
- Very sturdy probe wires
- Amazing count up and countdown feature setting
- Replaceable batteries improve functionality.
5. LAVLOCK 4-Probe Automatic BBQ Controller
Lavlock is a universal bbq temperature controller with adapters suitable for no-drill installations on multiple platforms and pits like Ugly Drum Smoker, Kamado Joe’s, BGE, or WSM. This controller has 4 probes, 3 for meat and 1 that serves as a pit probe. It also has a 35 CFM speed fan and a mute, fire, and open detection feature. What about the high and low-temperature alarms? They work to alert you just in case temperature rises or drops beyond your desired levels.
With just a single button, you can monitor your cooking, and this device is very easy to install. You don’t need to have expert knowledge to use it either since it has been designed for simplified use. LavLock is so good that it has an open lid detection system to alert you the moment the lid of your grill comes off.
With the 1-year warranty (3 months warranty for probes) offered by the manufacturer, you can rest easy knowing that your investment is safe, and you can seek a replacement should the unit you got underperforms or fails to perform at all.
Why do we like it?
- Expert support (troubleshooting
- Very durable build
- Highly compatible with different brands of grills and smokers
BBQ Temperature Controllers Buyer’s Guide
Most bbq temperature controllers look the same at first glance, but when you examine them closely, you’ll come to realize that they are different even though they all serve the same purpose; to regulate heat levels. In terms of durability and functionality, however, they are as different as night and day.
If you don’t want to spend your money on the wrong monitoring device, you need to know what to look out for when searching for a bbq temperature controller to buy. In this buyer’s guide, we show you all you need to be on the lookout for.
Compatibility
Before you pay for that controller you have in mind, consider the smoker or grill you have at home. Will the controller work well with it? Are they compatible? If the answer is no, refrain from buying it because regardless of its advanced functionality, if it is not compatible with your grill or smoker, what use will it be? Some models are designed to work well with different grill and smoker brands. We recommend that you go for those types of controllers so in case you change your grill, you will not have to start shopping anew for another bbq temperature controller.
Probes
The probes are an all-important accessory you can not afford to overlook. Now, the style of barbecue you prefer will determine the type of probe that you need. While two meat probes look fine, there will be days when your style may require 4 probes. What do you then? Get additional probes? To save yourself from stress, we advise that you get a device with at least 4 probes.
Also, consider the length of the probes. How long are they? Probes should be long enough to pierce through the center of your meat to get an accurate reading of the temperature. The longer the probes, the better.
Temperature accuracy
Getting an accurate reading of the temperature is the main reason you need a controller, isn’t it? Now imagine getting a bbq temperature controller that gives you the wrong temperature analysis? This will lead to the frequent burning of your meat. A good controller should provide the user with an accurate reading of heat levels, not estimates.
Extra Features
Top brands include additional features in their products for user comfort. Features like extended blue tooth range, an integrated magnet for stocking the controller to the side of your grill, extra probes, an open lid detection system, and lots more. The model you go for should possess qualities that reflect the price.
Alarms
A controller with an alarm system is a must-have if you don’t want to leave your food on your grill or smoker for too long after it is done. An alarm system will alert you as soon as your food is cooked. This prevents you from constantly running to your cooking area to check your food every 5 or 10 minutes. A device with Wi-Fi connectivity helps in this regard. From your comfort zone, you can analyze heat data to make adjustment decisions.
Build Quality
Going for a sturdy device is a no brainer. Your controller should have a strong plastic casing for longevity. A durable exterior will also withstand high-temperature levels. If you are going to use it often, you have to prepare for the possibility of the device falling off your hands. A sturdy case is the only thing that will prevent it from shattering to pieces should it fall.
Price
Last but not least is the price. How much you pay for the bbq temperature controller is a decision you should make based on your budget. Controllers are priced differently based on their maker, the build material, and more importantly, their advanced features. If you want a device with automated features like Alexa and Wi-Fi connectivity, be prepared to pay a much higher price for it. While advanced features makes for simplified use, avoid paying an exorbitant price for that. If the bbq temperature controller is durable, functional, and easy to use, that is all you need.
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