If you’re still playing the “Is it done yet?” guessing game with your steaks, it’s time to get your hands on a Smart BBQ Thermometer. Recently, we had the opportunity to take the INKBIRD IBT-26S Smart BBQ Thermometer for a sizzling spin, and folks, trust us when we say that this little gadget is the secret sauce to grilling greatness.
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INKBIRD IBT-26S Smart BBQ Thermometer
This Smart BBQ Thermometer is like having a sous-chef that never talks back and always knows when your meat has hit that sweet spot. Get your hands on one, and you’ll be dishing out perfectly cooked ribs, briskets, and chicken wings faster than you can say “BBQ.” And the best part? This thermometer has amazing 5GHz Wi-Fi technology that allows you to monitor the cook from anywhere!
Here’s how our experience went.
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Our Experience Using The INKBIRD IBT-26S Smart BBQ Thermometer
The first thing you’ll notice as you open the box is the sleek design of the INKBIRD IBT-26S thermometer. Every component is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. The unboxing experience itself feels like Christmas morning!
What’s Inside
- The INKBIRD IBT-26S main unit with a backlit LCD screen
- Four food-grade, color-coded probes
- A USB Type-C charging cable
- A user manual with a QR code for app download
- Foldable stand for tabletop placement
- Magnetic back for sticking the unit to the grill or oven
How to Use Your INKBIRD IBT-26S: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Charge the Device
Before you do anything, plug in your INKBIRD with the USB Type-C cable and give it a full charge. This will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Step 2: Download the INKBIRD App
Scan the QR code found in the user manual or search for the INKBIRD mobile app in the App Store or Google Play. Install the app and register an account.
Step 3: Pair the Thermometer with Your Phone
Open the app and follow the prompts to pair your INKBIRD IBT-26S with your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Connect to Your Wi-Fi Network
Remember, the 5GHz Wi-Fi technology is where this unit really shines. Don’t forget to connect!
Within the app, navigate to settings and connect the device to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Ensure you have your Wi-Fi password ready for this step.
Step 5: Insert the Probes
Connect the four probes into their respective ports on the main unit. Insert the probes into the meat and/or use them to measure the ambient temperature.
Step 6: Choose Your Settings
Via the app, select the type of meat you’re cooking and your preferred level of doneness. You can choose from 29 USDA preset options or customize your own settings.
Step 7: Set Alarms and Alerts
You can set high/low-temperature alarms and even get an alert if your thermometer is overheating.
Step 8: Start Cooking
Place the thermometer near your grill or oven—use the magnetic back or the foldable stand as convenient. Then, thanks to the 5GHz Wi-Fi technology, you’re free to roam. The app will keep you updated in real-time, and alarms will alert you when it’s time to take action.
Step 9: Monitor Via the App
Keep an eye on the real-time data and temperature graphs on the app. Adjust settings or alarms as needed.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Meal!
Once your meal is perfectly cooked, the app will notify you. Remove the probes from the meat and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Cleaning and Storage
The probes are easy to clean—just remember to not submerge the connectors in water. The main unit is compact and easy to store, or you can keep it magnetically attached to your grill for your next BBQ adventure.
INKBIRD IBT-26S Smart Meat Thermometer Features
When it comes to the fine art of cooking meat to perfection, having the right tools can make or break your culinary experience. Whether you’re an amateur griller or a seasoned chef, the INKBIRD IBT-26S offers a ton of features that set it apart from other thermometers on the market.
With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, this smart bluetooth thermometer gives grillers reliable results, every time. Let’s dive into the features that make this wireless meat thermometer a game-changer.
Advanced Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity
One of the groundbreaking features that set the INKBIRD IBT-26S apart is its unparalleled 5GHz Wi-Fi technology. Unlike other Bluetooth thermometers that may suffer from connectivity issues, this device boasts cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.1 and 5GHz Wi-Fi technology, ensuring a stable connection with your smartphone and accompanying app, even when you step away from the grill.
This 5GHz technology not only enhances its performance but also makes the INKBIRD IBT-26S a technological marvel in its category.
Wide Temperature Range and Probe Configuration
The INKBIRD IBT-26S offers an impressive temperature range of -22℉ to 572℉, which means whether you’re smoking meat low and slow or searing a pork butt at high temperatures, this device has you covered.
With its four probes, the probe configuration allows you to monitor meat temperature and grill temp simultaneously. Plus, each probe is accurate to within a few degrees, making sure that you hit your target temperature every time.
Long Battery Life and Charging Options
Say goodbye to the woes of a dying battery in the middle of a cook. This thermometer comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 32 hours when fully charged.
To fully charge the main unit, it takes about 3 hours using a USB Type-C cable. Although it doesn’t include a charging block, you can easily connect it to any available USB power source.
Quality and Durability
The build quality of the INKBIRD IBT-26S is also pretty impressive. Unlike other expensive thermometers, this device is designed to last, even backed by a one-year warranty!
Plus, it has a large LCD screen with adjustable brightness for easy temperature reading, making it a standout among other thermometers in its class.
Additional Features
The main unit has a magnetic backing, allowing you to conveniently attach it to any metal surface near your cooking area. Its large LCD screen ensures you can easily read the temperature at a glance, be it meat temperature or grill temp.
While some may argue that the lack of extra probes is a deal breaker, the four probes it comes with are more than enough for most cooks, and additional probes are available for extra cost.
Using The INKBIRD App
The INKBIRD mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, is designed to be user-friendly, featuring an intuitive interface that simplifies the cooking process. Once you’ve paired your IBT-26S Smart BBQ Thermometer with the app, you’ll find yourself navigating through its features with ease.
Setting Up Your Cook
When you open the app, you’ll see several cooking presets, including options for various types of meat like beef, chicken, fish, and more. You can choose from 29 USDA-approved preset temperatures or customize your own.
Simply select the meat you’re cooking, and the app will guide you through the rest. It will ask for your desired level of doneness, ranging from rare to well done, and automatically set the temperature and alarm settings accordingly.
Real-Time Monitoring
One of the standout features of the INKBIRD app is its real-time monitoring capability. The app provides a live feed of temperature data, including readings from each probe. You can view this in a simple numerical format or as a more visual temperature graph. All this information can also be downloaded as CSV text for your records.
Alarm and Notifications
No need to stand beside your grill or oven, nervously checking the temperature. The INKBIRD app will send notifications directly to your smartphone when your food is nearing completion or if any set temperature thresholds are crossed. You have the option to set high/low-temperature alarms and even mute them if you prefer.
Customization and Control
The app provides robust customization features. From setting up timers to adjusting the LCD screen’s brightness on your IBT-26S unit, you have complete control right at your fingertips. You can also calibrate the thermometer if needed, ensuring maximum accuracy every time you cook.
Switching Units
For those who prefer metric or imperial units, the app allows for quick switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius, ensuring that the INKBIRD is useful no matter where you are in the world.
Limitations
While the app is packed with features, one thing it currently lacks is an in-app recipe section. Although INKBIRD does offer recipe ideas on their site, having this integrated within the app would provide a more seamless cooking experience. However, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise powerful app that takes your cooking to the next level.
Final Verdict
After weighing all the important factors, including accuracy, battery life, build quality, and connectivity options, we absolutely recommend the INKBIRD IBT-26S. It provides the quality and features found in more expensive thermometers but at a reasonable price.
Whether you’re cooking up some pulled pork or smoking meat to perfection, this wireless meat thermometer offers you more options than most thermometers on the market today.
INKBIRD Meat Thermometer FAQs
Can I connect the INKBIRD IBT-26S to my home Wi-Fi network?
Yes, the INKBIRD IBT-26S uniquely supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. The 5GHz capability allows for seamless, high-speed, and remote monitoring, making it incredibly handy for long BBQ sessions.
Can I use the INKBIRD IBT-26S for other types of cooking, or is it strictly for BBQ?
While the INKBIRD IBT-26S is designed with BBQ in mind, its versatile features make it suitable for monitoring the temperature of various types of meat, including steak in an oven or on a stovetop.
How reliable are the temperature readings for steak and other meats?
The INKBIRD IBT-26S offers high accuracy, with a range of a few degrees for both steak and other types of meat. Its four probes provide you with the ability to monitor multiple cuts of meat simultaneously.
What is the Bluetooth range for the INKBIRD IBT-26S thermometer?
The INKBIRD IBT-26S features advanced Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with a range of up to 250 ft, offering more stable and efficient connections than other Bluetooth thermometers.
How long does the battery last, and how do I charge it?
The INKBIRD IBT-26S comes with a built-in 2500mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 40 hours on a full charge. You can charge the device using the provided USB Type-C cable.
Are there preset options for different types of meat?
Yes, the INKBIRD app that accompanies the IBT-26S thermometer offers 29 USDA preset options for various meats, including steak and BBQ specialties, to help you achieve perfect results.
How does the INKBIRD IBT-26S compare to other INKBIRD products?
The INKBIRD IBT-26S offers dual connectivity options (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), a more extensive temperature range, and a user-friendly app complete with multiple preset meat options. These features make it a robust offering compared to other INKBIRD products.
Can the INKBIRD IBT-26S withstand high BBQ temperatures?
Yes, the thermometer is designed to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for both grilling and smoking meat.
