Smoker Essentials: Maverick ET732 Wireless Dual Probe Thermometer

[UWFSAE]

When I first got into smoking, the most common thermometer mentioned in online forum after online forum is the Maverick ET732 ... and it is ubiquitous for a reason.  As I cut my teeth on stick burners and eventually moved on up to the East Side and bought my Smokin-It #3 I realized that time meant little while product temp meant everything.  After a quick search, I found that Amazon.com had competitive pricing and the limited edition "Black" unit.  These units use a dual probe system that allow you to simultaneously measure both meat temp and smoking chamber temp.  If you're confident in your process, you can easily purchase a second meat probe and run two probes for two different types of meat simultaneously.

PROS:
1.  After a calibration with two other thermometers, I found the Maverick ET732 to be consistently accurate within two degrees.
2.  The black casing hides stains ... and it looks "fast".
3.  The remote unit is a great asset for overnight smokes ... rather than having to go outside at 4:30 a.m. to check the temp or see if it's hit a stall you simply look at the comforting display on the unit sitting on your bedside table.
4.  The range more than meets my needs as it stretches even to the garage with no apparent reception degradation.
5.  Multiple functions including alarms for a set temp or time.

CONS:
1.  The probes are attached to a braided cable and the resulting gap is a haven for water damage.  A simple dot of high temp/heat resistant silicone on the joint between the probe and braided cable easily resolves the issue.
2.  The remote unit does eat up some batteries.
3.  The standard grayscale LCD display is difficult to read in some lighting situations.
4.  There are rare occasions where the thermometer and the remote unit fail to "handshake" or lose connection; a quick removal of the batteries and a repeat of the connection sequence has resolved this issue every time.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
There is no tool more important to the success of the Smokin-It units, or any other smoker for that matter, than a good thermometer.  By keeping a close eye on both the chamber temp and the meat at the same time, you'll be able to spot trends between smoking sessions that may otherwise escape notice.  I can unequivocally recommend the Maverick ET732 for novice and expert smokers alike.

VENDOR RECOMMENDATION:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ITJT92/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[es1025]

I agree with Joe 1000%.  The probe does all the work for you.  The $60 investment make is worth the cost, as you can monitor both the temperature inside the smoker and the temperature of the meat.  I used the high heat silicone and it was a piece of cake to seal the joint. I am using the dual probe on my 4th smoking session.  Buy it, you should not smoke food without it.

 

[Thin Blue]

I just purchased the Maverick ET732.
Checked the  probes in boiling water. The cooker temp probe checked in at 212, perfect.
The meat temp probe checked in at 214, not perfect, but within 2 degrees.
Smoked two butts over night. The remote lost signal about 2:30am and woke me up, not good. Got the units synchronized and lost sync, about an hour later. Slept in the recliner in the living room, which is a little closer to the smoker, the rest of the night. never lost sync again. 
I had put in new copper top batteries in both the sender and the remote before the using them.
Maybe a battery issue, don't know. I am going to try some lithium batteries next time.
Quit frankly I think the ET732 is a very good remote digital smoker thermometer. I have three other types of digital smoker thermometers.
I would buy the ET732again.    However, does anyone have two of the ET732 and how or can you use two because of be on the same frequency?  ???

 

[Spresso]

Joe, you write consistently great reviews.
Succinct and to the point.

In this case I also agree with you that the Maverick is an essential tool. 
I just counted I have 23 different thermometers, probes....  some say I have gone overboard, but I still think I have room for more...  ;D
I have a couple really high temp thermometers as I used to burn out the regular ones in my Grill.  For pizzas I can go over 800 degrees.

BTW I have the silver unit. 
I also had the same issues if I remember correctly as Thin Blue. the first couple of days it lost connection.  But it has not happened since then,  even during very long sessions.
It was invaluable to me even before the smokin it 3.  I live in a very windy area and my flames on the grill used to go out on occasion... lifesaver.

 

[UWFSAE]

Thanks for the kudos, Spresso ... despite all the other gadgets and accessories for smoking and grilling I've purchased, this one stands above all others. 

 

[Thin Blue]

All, see correspondence below in regards to the ET-732 from Maverick Industries, Inc.

July 11, 2013
To: Priscilla at  Maverick Industries, Inc.

I have one ET-732.
I have two additional smokers. 
If I buy additional ET-732, is it possible to use more than one ET-732 at a time and know what temp is what?
Or is there a problem with the units being on the same frequency?

As long as you start up each unit separately there will be no problems.
Thank you,
Priscilla

Maverick Industries, Inc.
94 Mayfield Ave
Edison, NJ 08837  

 

[es1025]

All-
I think I need a new smoker probe for the maverick, the LLL codes has been popping more frequently.  So far the best price on amazon is around $20.  I even put the silicone around the probes...

 

[UWFSAE]

Hmmm ... that's a new one for me; my has been (thankfully) error free.  Before you spring for a new probe I'd run a smoke with just one probe at a time to see if there's a difference.  If you have LLL codes on both it could be fouled probes or it could be the controller unit; if only on one probe at least you've narrowed it down.

 

[DivotMaker]

Just ordered a silver ET-732 off of Amazon Prime... I'll let you know how it turns out!  I'm upgrading from an Acurite single-probe digital (no remote unit), which has actually performed very accurately.  I just wanted the 2 probes, and remote capability for those occasional overnight cooks!

 

[es1025]

The LLL went away after a while. I straighten out the wire and it seemed to fix itself. I also resynced a few times. I decided to put the probes in a bin as opposed to the box. The food probe works fine. The BBQ probe was the troublemaker.

 

[DivotMaker]

Good to know, Ed.  If I encounter the LLL, I'll know what to look for!  Mine should be here Wednesday; just in time for a good butt cook this weekend!  ;D I went crazy and ordered a pair of bear claws, too.  I've never had a problem pulling pork with a couple of meat forks, but a buddy of mine told me how great the bear claws are.  So I thought what the hell...live a little!

 

[Spresso]

I just ordered a second meat probe as well.  just in case

good luck with the bear claws. I have had a pair in my shopping bag for a while but haven't actually ordered it yet!

 

[Etex]

I have been looking around for a small tube of high temp food grade silicone.  Where did you guys get yours?
Since they are sending me a new food probe because mine seems to have a moisture problem I would like to seal the new one.  Will the silicone work well on the used barbecue probe? 

 

[DivotMaker]

I have been looking around for a small tube of high temp food grade silicone.  Where did you guys get yours?
Since they are sending me a new food probe because mine seems to have a moisture problem I would like to seal the new one.  Will the silicone work well on the used barbecue probe?

Any high-temp gasket maker from the auto parts store will work fine.  It doesn't need to be "food grade," as it never comes in contact with the meat.  If you seal a used probe, just make sure it's good and dry before sealing.

 

[Etex]

Thanks Divot!

 

[trevorgrout]

I know I am reviving an old thread, but I would like to know why it is important to have two probes with a smokin-it.  I understand putting one in the meat, however, why have an extra temperature probe for the smoker?  Doesn't the smoker already have a thermometer?  I understand the maverick may be more accurate, but what is gained by having the extra thermometer placed in the smoker?

the reason I ask is because I found a cheap thermometer/probe by thermoworks http://www.amazon.com/ThermoWorks-Professional-Probe-Thermometer-Pro-Series/dp/B00OD3FLBI

I like the very simple interface it provides and it is a little cheaper than the Maverick.  However, if having the extra probe of the maverick is justified, then I won't have a problem buying it.

Ok, so if I don't get any responses, then I will post this as a new thread.  I still haven't made a purchase yet. I am on the fence of a #1 or #2, however, with the recent price increase of the #2, I am rethinking getting the number 1.  But regardless any input on the maverick would be great.

 

[Pork Belly]

your fine with just one. Trust the smoker to do its job. Additionally if you monitor the box temp you will drive yourself nuts with the swings. It is better not to watch it.

 

[DivotMaker]

Brian's right - one is fine.  The nice thing about having 2 probes, though, is you can buy an extra meat probe and be able to probe 2 pieces of meat! I think I used my box temp probe once, and that was enough.  One more thought - the #2 is definitely worth the extra $30 over the #1 - you won't regret spending the cost of one pack of ribs for a lot more Q real estate!

 

[elkins20]

Still wished I would have ordered the #2 or Steve would have been a little slower in shipping out my #1. As others have said you can always smoke less meat in a large smoker but if you need more room in a smaller smoker you are out of luck my friend. As my story goes after sleeping on my decision for  the number 1 the next morning called Steve and he said my order was already out the door. But, #1 works really well and should suit my purpose fine.

 

[DivotMaker]

Still wished I would have ordered the #2 or Steve would have been a little slower in shipping out my #1. As others have said you can always smoke less meat in a large smoker but if you need more room in a smaller smoker you are out of luck my friend. As my story goes after sleeping on my decision for  the number 1 the next morning called Steve and he said my order was already out the door. But, #1 works really well and should suit my purpose fine.

Went through the same emotion, Bill, and still made a lot of great Q in the #1!  I do like the #2 - you can someday sell your #1 and upgrade!