I just wish my Combustion stuff would work when needed.

[RonB]

BBQPhil wrote a one year review of his experience with Combustion products, and he is very happy. My experience has been the polar opposite of his.

Below is a photo of my accumulation of "stuff" since the Combustion debut, and I think I was in the first group to receive their products. I don't know how many thermometers have been replaced under warranty, but I I think I have also bought several. I also bought the booster when it came out, and when that died I bought the wifi extender. I also have a second gen thermo on the way.

Why do I bother? I hate wires and I love the predictions - they keep getting more accurate.

The problem is that I never know when they will work. Sometimes they work very well. Sometimes one doesn't work and I have to go through the process of "resetting" it - and that takes several days. Neither is working now, and I am letting the batteries drain so I can try again. The most frustrating is when they work when I test them before a cook, and they stop during the cook. The wifi booster did work at least once.

I cook on a Weber kettle that is 14' from the patio door, (all glass), and the display sits 3' inside the door. I am normally working in the kitchen, so I use the display. I don't use my phone to check often 'cause it's in my pocket and my hands are often wet or messy while doing prep and/or cooking sides inside.

BTW - I normally thoroughly clean the thermos with Bar Keepers Friend after each cook, and I pay particular attention to the contacts. I also have had the problem where the thermos pot out of the charger, but I found that if I turn the thermos just right in the charger, they will not pop loose.

The last time I tried to use it, the thermos did not connect to the display or my phone and the wifi did not connect either.

I don't remember if I have kept all the chargers...


Chris Young

[Donw]

Amen.

[realdocBBQ]

That's really unfortunate, I really like these - on paper. But I've seen a few bad experiences like this and it has made me leery. Also the same with the Fireboard, I love my Fireboard environment, but heard too many complaints about the Pulse probes.

I would jump to the RFX, but it's not a cheap thing at all, and I'm hesitant to get 'invested' in another platform, I really really wish the FB Pulse had turned out to be better, or more reliable.

[jlazar]

1 pulse. 0 issues.

[rlozinak]

I also have the Fireboard setup with the Pulse. No issues yet.

[realdocBBQ]

I know I've seen what seems like a good number of complaints on the FB group - but I'm also well aware of selection bias affecting what/whom I see there. The thing that has worried me the most has been the complaints that people are waiting days and days for a response, something not typical for FB over the years, and has made me wonder if they'd outgrown their ability to keep up. I dunno - I'm just watching, anyways.

[Jerod Broussard]

Mine has been sitting on my room table since probably last year. I'm not touching it again unless I decide to trash it. Pretty sure I deleted the app off my phone earlier this year.

Bluetooth is great from the phone in my hand to them things in my ears, beyond that no bueno. I have the full booster set up over not that great of a distance.

I don't trust the overall reliability to even think about getting the WiFi model.

[Mosca]

Every time I’ve strayed from the Big 2 (ThermoWorks and FireBoard) I’ve been disappointed.

[Purc]

This is why I have not gone to a wireless system, not even for my rotisserie. My Maverick XR 50 just keeps on going without issues.

[captainlee]

I know nothing about the different brands, never owned one until the kids gave me this for Xmas a couple of years ago. It's been flawless. Even in the Yoder with that 10 GA steel I will get a reading anywhere in the house or around the house. True if it is in any of the inside ovens. I know they got it through Amazon.

[FireMan]

Sounds like ya need some help. Mebbee this post might alert the helpin department!

[Richard Chrz]

I’ve followed your experience with this product, and it seems to match up with most feedback I’ve seen with this product.

[RichieB]

As previously stated, not cheap but if you want flawless performance RFX is it. They've been running some sales. I haven't paid attention but you might want to see.

[Murdy]

$150 off a starter pack with 4 probes right now, making it about $350

[STEbbq]

chefchrisyoung is a former member now.

[Richard Chrz]

Imagine that….

[RonB]

The funny thing is that I received a request for a review from Combustion a few days ago. Been holdin' off...

BTW - CS has been very good - just too frequent.

[SheilaAnn]

Yeah, I sent an email a while back about something from an email. Crickets.

[BBQPhil]

I sympathize with you and, although I was positive about my experience, it was because the company was quick to fix things. My review could easily have gone south if I was left stuck with hardware that didn't work.

[RonB]

They have replaced stuff that didn't work quickly, but it's just the hassle of getting things to work again and again that wears on me.

[das85]

Sorry to hear this. My experience with my Combustion gear has been great so far. I've enjoyed much more than Meater or Tappecue which I tried previously.

I haven't tried RFX, but so far my only really positive TW experience has been the pens. Billows/Signals was grim. Node wasn't great. I would want to see a lot of positive reviews before trying another TW wifi product.

[Alan Brice]

I have nearly all TW gear. I cannot speak more highly, other than I bought signals and Thermapen for my BIL who owns a Deli/ Catering biz. Makes a ton of Roast Beast and Jerky for over-the-counter.
I bought the RFX 4pack n could not be happier. Don't need no stinkin' wires!
I can only assume cust support is good though I have never had to use them.
What is the saying... Buy once, Cry once.

[RichieB]

Yea, customer service is good. Awhile ago my 2 probe smoke, one of the probe ports didn't see the probe. Way out of warranty. I called. For $25 they shipped another and said keep the one you have.