Smoking meat takes hours, so you need a thermometer that stays in the meat and tracks the cooking chamber at the same time. Without one, you are guessing at the heat in the pit and at how far along the meat really is. Leave-in probes with alarms let you step away and still know when a brisket stalls or a pork shoulder is done.
The six thermometers below are built for long cooks, with multiple probes and alerts. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm probe count, display and range on the current listing before buying. Always check that the probe cable is rated for smoker heat. Pairing one of these with a quick instant-read thermometer gives you a reliable second opinion near the end of the cook.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Probe count | Two or more probes cover meat and smoker temperature |
| Alarms | High and low alerts help you through long cooks |
| Range | Remote displays let you monitor from the house |
| Cable rating | Cables must withstand smoker heat |
| Display | A backlit screen is easier to read at night |
Specs at a Glance
| Thermometer | Type | Size class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maverick ET-733 | Wireless two-probe thermometer | Two probes | Remote receiver; alarms |
| ThermoWorks Smoke | Wired two-channel alarm thermometer | Two probes | Transmitter and receiver; alarms |
| ThermoPro TP20 | Wireless dual-probe thermometer | Two probes | Remote receiver; preset temperatures |
| Inkbird IBT-4XS | Bluetooth multi-probe thermometer | Up to four probes | App control; four channels |
| Weber iGrill 2 | Bluetooth multi-probe thermometer | Up to four probes | Weber app; magnetic back |
| FireBoard 2 Drive | WiFi multi-probe thermometer | Multi-channel class | Optional blower control; WiFi |
The 6 Best Meat Thermometers for Smokers
1. Maverick ET-733
A well-known wireless barbecue thermometer with two probes and a remote receiver. It lets you watch smoker and meat temperature from a distance.
Suits: classic remote monitoring. Strengths: long-running popularity. Weaknesses: a dated look. Skip it if you want app control.
View Maverick ET-733 on Amazon
2. ThermoWorks Smoke
A two-channel thermometer with a base unit and remote receiver, from a maker known for accuracy. It is a favorite among competition-style barbecue cooks.
Suits: accuracy-focused smoking. Strengths: a respected maker and clear alarms. Weaknesses: no app features. Skip it if you want smartphone alerts.
View ThermoWorks Smoke on Amazon
3. ThermoPro TP20
A dual-probe wireless thermometer with a remote receiver and preset meat temperatures. It is a budget-friendly way to monitor meat and smoker temperature.
Suits: value-minded smokers. Strengths: simple presets and a remote. Weaknesses: a basic display. Skip it if you want advanced features.
4. Inkbird IBT-4XS
A Bluetooth thermometer with several probe inputs and a phone app. It is a flexible option for tracking more than one cut and the smoker at the same time.
Suits: multi-probe tracking. Strengths: several channels and app graphs. Weaknesses: Bluetooth range limits. Skip it if you cook far from the house.
View Inkbird IBT-4XS on Amazon
5. Weber iGrill 2
A Bluetooth thermometer from Weber that supports multiple probes and works with Weber’s app. It fits neatly into a Weber grill setup.
Suits: Weber grill owners. Strengths: app integration and multiple probes. Weaknesses: tied to Bluetooth range. Skip it if you want a stand-alone unit.
6. FireBoard 2 Drive
A WiFi-connected thermometer with many channels and optional blower control for compatible smokers. It is an advanced tool for serious pitmasters.
Suits: advanced smoker control. Strengths: many channels and WiFi. Weaknesses: more complex to set up. Skip it if you want something simple.
View FireBoard 2 Drive on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wipe probes clean after each cook and let them dry before storing.
- Coil cables loosely instead of kinking them.
- Keep the display and receiver out of direct heat, drips and rain.
- Check or replace the batteries before a long overnight cook.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting the cable touch hot metal or sit in a puddle of drippings.
- Placing the ambient probe against the smoker wall.
- Ignoring signal range from the house, which can drop alerts when you most need them.
- Using a probe outside its rated heat range, which can damage it.
Smoker Thermometer FAQ
Should I clip the ambient probe to the grate?
Yes, place it near the meat on the grate rather than touching the wall.
How many probes do I need?
Two is the minimum: one for the meat and one for the smoker.
Wired or wireless?
Wired is simple and reliable, while wireless adds flexibility and app alerts. Many pitmasters use a wired leave-in probe for the smoker and a second thermometer for spot checks.
Where should the meat probe go?
Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone and large pockets of fat, so the reading reflects the true internal temperature.
Do I still need an instant-read thermometer?
It is a good backup. A quick spot check confirms that the leave-in probe is reading correctly before you pull the meat.
The Short Version
For a classic remote, the Maverick ET-733. For accuracy, the ThermoWorks Smoke. For value, the ThermoPro TP20. For several app channels, the Inkbird IBT-4XS. For Weber users, the iGrill 2. For advanced control, the FireBoard 2 Drive.