Earlier in 2024, I met with members of the MEATER team at HPBExpo 24 in Nashville. There, they gave me the MEATER 2 Plus probe which I took home and reviewed. Fast forward to August, and MEATER has taken that probe and turned it into a four-probe system called the MEATER Pro XL. Let’s take a look at this new multi-probe system and see what sets it apart.
Precision Temperature Readings
Long gone are the days of a single temperature sensor in the tip of the probe and an ambient sensor in the backend. MEATER uses an array of multiple sensors in these probes to give the most amount of data to find the most accurate internal temperature of whatever you’re cooking.
The MEATER 2 Plus probe is accurate to within half a degree Fahrenheit thanks to its five internal sensors. It stands to reason that the MEATER Pro XL will be that accurate as well.
All-Metal Probes For Wider Temperature Range And Usage
Just like the MEATER 2 Plus, the MEATER Pro XL’s probes are fully metal. This allows them to be exposed to much higher temperatures, up to 1000°F. That means you don’t have to fumble with removing the probe if you’re reverse-searing a thick steak and finishing it over a 700°F+ fire.
The probes are also fully waterproof. Not only does that mean you can toss these probes in the dishwasher after use for cleaning, but they’re safe to go into a sous-vide bath or even in a deep-fryer.
Plus, these probes are thinner than the majority of wireless meat probes I’ve used. That means no gaping holes in your sliced brisket to explain away.
Wi-Fi Charging Base
Visually, the charging base is quite similar to the original MEATER Block. There are some differences in appearances, though. Rather than individual slots for each probes, the MEATER Pro XL has a large cutaway for the probes. It utilizes the same style as the MEATER 2 Plus with holes cut out for the tips of the probes to insert into.
The other major difference between the two is the power source. The original Block still utilized batteries (in this case, four AAs). The new Pro XL has a rechargeable battery using a USB-C charging cord. While I almost always have AA batteries on hand, it’s nice to just plug the base into a charging block to get it back up to charge.
The Pro XL does have Wi-Fi connectivity which is always nice in a probe system. I didn’t mind using Bluetooth on my MEATER 2 Plus, but having Wi-Fi connectivity means I can run into town to the grocery store if I need something to help prep for dinner while I’m smoking meat.
Final Thoughts
I’m a big fan of the MEATER 2 Plus’ accuracy and probe design. Based on that experience, I can’t wait to see how the Pro XL performs in backyard situations. We have a review copy of the MEATER Pro XL coming, so stay tuned for our thoughts in our full-length review!
The MEATER Pro XL is available for pre-order now and will be officially available on September 12th.