Combustion Inc. (2nd Gen.) vs Meater Plus vs Thermoworks RF - Warning: this post is a bit long!
After having used all three probes (though only once for the new 2nd Gen CIPT) here are some initial reactions.
First, any of the three would probably be an OK choice for the most part. I did have some connection issues early in the cook Christmas Eve with the new 2nd Generation Combustion Inc, probes but it settled down after about an hour. I need to do some more checking on whether the probes and boosters are properly linked, but I think they are. The Thermoworks RFX has been absolutely rock-solid in its connection; never a blip. The Meater 2+ has also been very solid in its connectivity.
One other issue experienced with the new CIPT units is that one of the booster/charger units does not hold the probe in securely and even the slightest movement causes the probe to pop up and stop charging. I will be contacting CI for a replacement.
SIZE
The probes on all three units are close to the same diameter, with the new CIPT being the thinnest at 0.190”/4.8 mm. Second is the TW RFX at 0.210”/5.4 mm. The Meater 2+ comes in at 0.236”/6 mm. In reality, there’s not enough difference to be concerned about.
Probe lengths range from 3.8” to 5.4”, with the CIPT being the shortest and Meater 2+ being the longest. Minimum insertion depths range from 1.97” (CIPT) to 3.185” (RFX).
A brief comment here on the optional numbered metal flags available for the CIPT units; mehhh! They clip onto the CIPT OK, but can be knocked loose a bit too easily. “Adjustment” with a pair of round-nose pliers may improve this and I will be trying it. The numbers are cutouts in the metal flag and are a bit hard to see as well. These flags could probably be used with the other two probes after a “plier adjustment,” but I don’t think I would bother. I use the colored TW silicone rings for probe identification and they work fine for me.
TEMPERATURE LIMITS
Maximum ambient temp limits are 527F (Meater 2+), 900F (CIPT) and 1000F (RFX). The maximum allowable temperature below the insertion point indicator is 212F (Meater 2+ and RFX) and 220F (CIPT).
ACTUAL USE OBSERVATIONS
So much for the technical stuff; how do they work on the grill? As stated earlier, all three have worked OK (after the CIPT stabilized), but the RFX has stood out on connectivity and has been absolutely rock solid. The lower frequency RF signal really does get out of the cooking chamber better.
Accuracy of all three (compared to my verified TW Signals unit) have been within two degrees Fahrenheit in cooking use. That’s as close as I would expect given that when comparing them, the probes could not be placed in the EXACT same spot. And, all three probes were within a tenth of a degree when checked with ice-water bath and altitude-adjusted boiling water baths.
The free apps available for the three probes each provide all the basic functions you would expect, but are different in appearance and functionality. Since I think app functionality is a subjective thing and depends a lot on personal preference, I leave that up to the user to explore and decide. I don’t use a lot of the advanced features offered (graphing, etc.) so can’t help with that.
It is worth mentioning that the ThermoWorks app is the same one that is used for other TW products like the Signals and Smoke units, You simply add the RFX probes and gateway. This means that if you already have TW products and use their app, there’s no additional learning curve.
One advanced app function that I do use is the cook completion prediction and I think the CIPT app excels in that area. TW is reportedly working on a similar prediction feature for its RFX. Having an idea of when a cook will complete, based on protein temperature rise rate, is very useful; at least for me. I use it to adjust cook temperature up or down a bit to bring my cooks in on time. YMMV.
PRICE
One final consideration; price! And, all prices noted here are the regular ones; sale prices may alter things a bit. CIPT is the most expensive with a single probe and booster going for $179. Meater Plus comes in lowest at $130 and TW RFX is $168 including the separate RFX Gateway unit that extends the non-wifi range up to 1500’ and provides a wifi Cloud connection gateway. The CIPT “booster” provides a similar function and you can use it without the optional Display unit. Meater + uses your phone to “bridge” to the internet.
MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE
OK, I’ve rambled on long enough. If I were in the market for a wireless thermometer and was considering one of the three brands I now have experience with (No, I’m not going to buy another brand just to check it out for you!
), I would opt for the ThermoWorks RFX. After more experience with the CIPT (and getting a replacement “booster” that actually secures my probe) I might reconsider, but I don’t think so at this point. The RFX’s stellar connectivity with its lower frequency RF signal, temperature accuracy and useable app will be hard to beat. Since they are all paid for, I will probabably keep all three units, but the RFX will be my go-to, at least for now.
FULL DISCLOSURE
For those wondering, I have absolutely no financial or other connection to Combustion Inc, Meater, or ThermoWorks beyond being a user of products that I personally purchased from them with my own funds.
After having used all three probes (though only once for the new 2nd Gen CIPT) here are some initial reactions.
First, any of the three would probably be an OK choice for the most part. I did have some connection issues early in the cook Christmas Eve with the new 2nd Generation Combustion Inc, probes but it settled down after about an hour. I need to do some more checking on whether the probes and boosters are properly linked, but I think they are. The Thermoworks RFX has been absolutely rock-solid in its connection; never a blip. The Meater 2+ has also been very solid in its connectivity.
One other issue experienced with the new CIPT units is that one of the booster/charger units does not hold the probe in securely and even the slightest movement causes the probe to pop up and stop charging. I will be contacting CI for a replacement.
SIZE
The probes on all three units are close to the same diameter, with the new CIPT being the thinnest at 0.190”/4.8 mm. Second is the TW RFX at 0.210”/5.4 mm. The Meater 2+ comes in at 0.236”/6 mm. In reality, there’s not enough difference to be concerned about.
Probe lengths range from 3.8” to 5.4”, with the CIPT being the shortest and Meater 2+ being the longest. Minimum insertion depths range from 1.97” (CIPT) to 3.185” (RFX).
A brief comment here on the optional numbered metal flags available for the CIPT units; mehhh! They clip onto the CIPT OK, but can be knocked loose a bit too easily. “Adjustment” with a pair of round-nose pliers may improve this and I will be trying it. The numbers are cutouts in the metal flag and are a bit hard to see as well. These flags could probably be used with the other two probes after a “plier adjustment,” but I don’t think I would bother. I use the colored TW silicone rings for probe identification and they work fine for me.
TEMPERATURE LIMITS
Maximum ambient temp limits are 527F (Meater 2+), 900F (CIPT) and 1000F (RFX). The maximum allowable temperature below the insertion point indicator is 212F (Meater 2+ and RFX) and 220F (CIPT).
ACTUAL USE OBSERVATIONS
So much for the technical stuff; how do they work on the grill? As stated earlier, all three have worked OK (after the CIPT stabilized), but the RFX has stood out on connectivity and has been absolutely rock solid. The lower frequency RF signal really does get out of the cooking chamber better.
Accuracy of all three (compared to my verified TW Signals unit) have been within two degrees Fahrenheit in cooking use. That’s as close as I would expect given that when comparing them, the probes could not be placed in the EXACT same spot. And, all three probes were within a tenth of a degree when checked with ice-water bath and altitude-adjusted boiling water baths.
The free apps available for the three probes each provide all the basic functions you would expect, but are different in appearance and functionality. Since I think app functionality is a subjective thing and depends a lot on personal preference, I leave that up to the user to explore and decide. I don’t use a lot of the advanced features offered (graphing, etc.) so can’t help with that.
It is worth mentioning that the ThermoWorks app is the same one that is used for other TW products like the Signals and Smoke units, You simply add the RFX probes and gateway. This means that if you already have TW products and use their app, there’s no additional learning curve.
One advanced app function that I do use is the cook completion prediction and I think the CIPT app excels in that area. TW is reportedly working on a similar prediction feature for its RFX. Having an idea of when a cook will complete, based on protein temperature rise rate, is very useful; at least for me. I use it to adjust cook temperature up or down a bit to bring my cooks in on time. YMMV.
PRICE
One final consideration; price! And, all prices noted here are the regular ones; sale prices may alter things a bit. CIPT is the most expensive with a single probe and booster going for $179. Meater Plus comes in lowest at $130 and TW RFX is $168 including the separate RFX Gateway unit that extends the non-wifi range up to 1500’ and provides a wifi Cloud connection gateway. The CIPT “booster” provides a similar function and you can use it without the optional Display unit. Meater + uses your phone to “bridge” to the internet.
MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE
OK, I’ve rambled on long enough. If I were in the market for a wireless thermometer and was considering one of the three brands I now have experience with (No, I’m not going to buy another brand just to check it out for you!
), I would opt for the ThermoWorks RFX. After more experience with the CIPT (and getting a replacement “booster” that actually secures my probe) I might reconsider, but I don’t think so at this point. The RFX’s stellar connectivity with its lower frequency RF signal, temperature accuracy and useable app will be hard to beat. Since they are all paid for, I will probabably keep all three units, but the RFX will be my go-to, at least for now.FULL DISCLOSURE
For those wondering, I have absolutely no financial or other connection to Combustion Inc, Meater, or ThermoWorks beyond being a user of products that I personally purchased from them with my own funds.
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The worst I've done is use them in a rotisserie ham and a Beef Wellington. I finished the ham in an oven and that's how I found out my oven is kryptonite to the RFX. The beef wellington was perfect, though.
