Best overall wireless probe/thermometer package?

[surfdog]

I’ve been using the RFX since it became available… They work great.

I did have one probe break at the connection point but it was quickly replaced by TW, and I’ve not had a problem since. I spoke with someone at TW and ETI. Both were a bit surprised. They wanted the broken probe back so that they could see what went wrong. Since it was an early unit, they wanted to rule out a manufacturing problem. TW even provided the prepaid shipping label.

The replacement and my other probes all work fine.

[briano52]

I use TW RFX and several of their wired systems. They all work flawlessly for me. And when I have a question, the TW customer service responds immediately. Best CS I have ever experienced for electronic devices.

[surfdog]

briano52 Yeah, I’ve got a few of their wired setups as well. ThermaQ, Signals, Chef Alarms, yada, yada, yada. Get everything together and it would look like I’m trying to collect the whole set.

[briano52]

Surfdog. I don't like to admit it for fear of having my credit card privileges restricted, but I have Thermoworks: 1) RFX, 2) Smoke, 3) Smoke X 2, 4) Smoke X 4 and 5) Signals. I love them all except for the Smoke that requires an awkward WiFi setup. The range and connectivity of all the others is really good and reliable.

Yes, I know I don't need that many temp devices, but BBQ and grilling are my biggest remaining hobbies. I feel obligated to check out equipment and share my experiences.

[surfdog]

briano52 The first case…
Yeah, it didn’t take long to outgrow that. LOL

[LA Pork Butt]

I have MEATER Plus. It isn’t perfect, but can get the signal outside of my ceramic Kamado and the app workers well. It also solves the replacement problem.

[RolfTaylor]

I got to say I love my CI Predictive Thermometers (I have 2). Yes, the probes must be *clean* and *dry* when inserting into the cradle and you do have to make sure the light comes on. Charging the table top unit is annoying because there is no way to know if it is charging when it is off and when on still not obvious.

I only had to return one probe and their support was good. Shortly after that they did issue a software update (as well as very specific update directions to prevent the lock up issue they had discovered. I definitely like the USDA safety guidelines that allow you to be safe at lower than the "usual" temperature. Use interface is pretty good other than the fact shutting down the Ap does not kill the alarms (though they do remind you to wash the probes and put them back on the charger LOL.

I was very lucky to win a Fireboard Drive in the Monthly Amazing Ribs Drawing. I bought a blower for it and it works better than my home made blower system. However the App user interface is extremely clunky and even buggy (still trying to fully duplicate the problem, but pretty sure it changes which probe is pit temp and that cause the fan to turn off). Support was decent and I do need to send them a couple of logs but haven't gotten around to it.

So I generally use the Fireboard for fan control and the Predictive Thermometer (I call it my magic thermometer) for the meat.

I had a long hiatus from smoking and grilling and only recently have been back at it, so my experience with the Fireboard is limited.

[realdocBBQ]

I've been tempted numerous times over the years to try the RFX and the Combustion, Inc. I wasn't aware of some of CI's problems until this thread. Richard Chrz's comment about the bread tie is 100% spot on, though... if I'm paying that kind of money for something, and I have to use a bread tie for such a basic function, I think I'mma pass on that.

I've used the Fireboard Pulse a few times, I have two of them. They've worked well for me the few times I've used them, and I agree it seems odd they are thicker than others and only have a single temp sensor in the end. I make no secret of being a Fireboard Fanboi for years, having used the original FBX11 since 2017 or 2018 and mine STILL works in spite of me doing surgery to try to replace the battery - I just now have to keep it plugged in. I shoulda just sent it to them to replace the internal battery, but hey, I like to tinker (and apparently eff things up). So my Pulse experiences have been few, though I will admit the Pulse doesn't seem to be as rock solid a product as my FBX11 and my two FB2Ds are. I have a gazillion wired probes laying all over the damned place, lol. I use them for everything - monitoring meat and ambient temps in numerous spots in the smoker during cooks, monitoring ambient and meat temps during cold smoking for bacon and sausage, etc. Even have run as many as 14 temp probes at one time on a heat mapping test after building a smoker. I just love their software and the cook retention, the graphs, etc. I think their software is top notch.

I will admit, I do need to do some more cooks with the Pulse probes and get some more experience with them. Oh, and I also have 2 Fireboard Ring units, which are pretty nifty devices for the Weber kettles. Very cool. Hopefully someday they'll get them imported for sale in the U.S., but their window of opportunity may have shrunk too much by then. Who knows. Maybe mine will be collector's items. lol

[glitchy]

I love Fireboard. My first FB was from backing their Kickstarter, then I upgraded to the FB2D. I just don’t like the Pulse. I got a Meater+ when it came out and it was fine, but I still went back to the FB 95% of the time. Them Combustion came out (I preordered that) and it was no turning back from the wireless world. I’m just shocked they have done a redesigned charging/wifi cradle with all the feedback they’ve gotten and seeing the competition’s work there.

[glitchy]

I’ve had the RFX for a few weeks now. Overall I’m pretty happy with it. I even brought them to the camper to keep using/testing them. The only issue I’ve had is that I got a strange phantom reading one cook where the temp jumped like 20-30° in seconds saying a steak was done and then dropped back to where it was about 2 mins after pulling instead of carrying over. Luckily I caught it quick and threw the steak back on to finish properly. I went back and looked at the session and it looks like both probes read a sudden spike, but only one seemingly threw the false alarm. My thoughts on pros and cons so far:

Pros:

• Small probe diameter and fully sealed
• They have a watch app (wish they had a watch widget too, but at least they have the app)
• Nice charging cradle design with magnets not an accessory purchase (Combustion)
• Magnets on the gateway too without requiring an accessory purchase (Fireboard)
• Easy setup

Nit picky minor grievance’s:

• Probes are very picky on being spotless to charge (a little smoke residue on exposed end may keep from charging)
• Standard batteries for cradles versus rechargeable

Cons::

• Can be tough to remove from food while hot. A small metal round barrel is tough to grip to twist and pull using a mitt or hot pad

Missed opportunities:

• A screen on the RFX gateway showing temps
• Waterproofing the gateway
• Offering unique marked probes on four piece sets (why has no one done this, engrave a 1, 2, 3, 4 in the end)

Overall, Thermoworks app feels a little different than other apps, I’m still adjusting to it. The only thing I miss about Combustion so far is the predictions. I feel like I prefer the FB software, but not enough to go back to wired probes on the regular. May update more as I get more experience with the RFX.

[realdocBBQ]

Missed opportunities:

• Offering unique marked probes on four piece sets (why has no one done this, engrave a 1, 2, 3, 4 in the end)

I think because they ALL plan on having to replace probes. I think they all know there is going to be a pretty notable failure rate in these first couple-three years of production. Maybe in a few more years we'll have better miniaturization with suitable longevity/durability.

[glitchy]

They could let you choose the letter, number, symbol when ordering a single probe.

[BBQandLove]

I think probes are consumables. Also, I am 100% in the ThermoWorks ecosystem. But I have been so happy with the RFX (bought one, won one) that I am selling my Signals, and both of my Smoke and a Smoke Gateway. Just haven’t listed them on eBay yet. That leaves me with 2 RFX w/ 4 probes, and a Smoke X4. Plus a handful of ThermaPen One’s. Got a ThermaPen Nano on pre-order.

[klflowers]

My only issue with the rfx is how long the probes are and how far they have to be inserted into the meat. I have had to finagle them to use with chicken. Otherwise I like the setup a lot