Barbecue season is here! As we roll out our BBQ covers, clean up the grill grates to get in tip-top shape and add to our grill kits, this is a great time to consider some new technologies for your cooking. While cooking over a fire is one of our most basic and basic tasks, you may not realize how much technology there is to ensure that you can serve perfectly cooked meats, vegetables, even pizza and cakes!
Smart BBQ Thermometer
One of the first things to consider is a smart thermometer. When it comes to cooking meat, it’s not just a matter of tenderness – it’s about food safety and protecting you and your guests from potential food-borne illnesses.
There are countless smart thermometers, from low-tech to fully integrated and app-capable. You can see the complete list of our smart thermometers here. We’ve already narrowed down the picks to two smart options that we think will serve you best. This does not mean that a smart thermometer is going to end all your barbecue problems. While these devices can give you an idea of ​​what’s going on under the lid, you still need to keep tabs on cooking, in many cases, the warnings you get may not be audible or instantaneous.
Meter plus
Easy wireless temperature sensing
Professional
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Completely wireless
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Excellent storage / charging case
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Includes Bluetooth repeater to extend range
Cons
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Alerts may vary depending on your device
The meter makes several different smart thermometer models. Their versions are completely cordless and integrated with a companion app, so there is no problem with wiring connected to other devices. The Meater Plus has a stainless steel temperature probe and comes with a magnetic charging and storage case. A Bluetooth repeater has also been added to the Plus package so you can lose some of the limited Bluetooth range of the meter and make sure you see the cooking alerts on your smartphone.
Meter plus
Easy wireless temperature sensing
Weber iGrill 3
Place tabs on multiple meats together
Professional
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You can check the temperature of two foods at the same time
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You can use the probes on the new Web Genesis grills
Cons
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Doesn’t work as easy as an instant-read thermometer
Another connected option is the Weber iGrill 3. This corded probe plugs into a base station near your BBQ, sending a signal to your phone’s Web Connect app. Use the app to keep an eye on what you’re cooking from anywhere else in the house. With two temperature probes and support for dual temperatures, you can cook burgers on one side of the grill and steaks on the other, making sure both are finished at the right temperature.
Weber iGrill 3
Place tabs on multiple meats together
Weber Genesis Smart Grill
This complete BBQ is smart
Professional
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Impressive grill with built-in smart tech
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Gas or propane
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Sports and iGrill module with room for two temp probes
Cons
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Expensive
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Assembly required
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A learning curve bit
Speaking of Weber, the company has adapted smart technology to some of its new barbecues. The Weber Genesis 335 has both an ambient temperature sensor and a built-in, iGrill module attached to the room for two temperature probes. This means you don’t need a third party thermometer. (But if you have that Webber iGrill 3, those probes will work with the company’s new BBQ!)
The whole BBQ Weber Connect connects to the app so you can monitor multiple temperatures, keep tabs on preheating, cooking and more. We’ve done a thorough review of this Webber BBQ, so check out what we thought here. Weber has also created a replaceable Grill Great which features a special line of Weber crafted cookware designed for pancake, pizza cooking and vegetable frying.
Weber Genesis Smart Grill
This complete BBQ is smart
Biolite Alpenglow Light
Great for task lights and ambient lighting
Professional
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Multiple lighting options
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Hanging hook
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Rechargeable
Cons
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Plastic, so protect from heat
Depending on the season, grilling in the dark is a real thing, and some of Weber’s new grills actually come with built-in LED lighting, there are ways you can get some more light in your kitchen if needed. Weber makes a special handle light for its grills (Weber handle handle grill ‘n go light), but using something like Biolight Alpenglo, it doesn’t matter what kind of grill you own.
The Biolight Alpenglo gives you a variety of great lighting options, from aurora borealis-style color wheel and an anti-bug red light to a full bright white light. Use the integrated hanging hook to suspend rechargeable lighting above your BBQ area for ambient lighting.
Biolite Alpenglow Light
Great for task lights and ambient lighting
Biolite fire pit
Cook, heat or power up with this multi-purpose device
Professional
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Subah
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Good for cooking or heating
Speaking of Biolight, we are a fan of the company’s camping and outdoor gear, mainly because it is well-made, durable, smart and versatile. If you are looking for something that can provide cooking power and heat source for camping outings, consider a biolight firepit.
This portable metal box has folded legs so you can pack it in a cookout. Weighing in at about 20 pounds, you don’t want to bring it on a trip, but it is perfect for a day in your trunk or on the beach, campsite or picnic area. The Biolight Firepit has a sliding grill top, so you can cook in it or use it for a small but roaring fire. You can burn wood or charcoal in a biolite firepit – depending on your needs and what is available.
Not surprisingly, the Biolight Firepit has built-in technology. Next to it is a large 10,400mAh powerpack with a fan. This fan can stock your flame, which is adjustable. Use the module buttons or connect your phone to the power pack using Bluetooth, so you can make small incremental adjustments to the fire from your smartphone. When your phone’s battery starts to deplete, you can connect it to that power pack in the firepit and recharge it by sitting by the fire – yes, you can actually recharge your phone by sitting by the fire; Power packs are heat-rated!
Biolite fire pit
Cook, heat or power up with this multi-purpose device
Grillbot automatic grill cleaner
Like a Roomba for your BBQ
Professional
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Automatic
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Comes with storage case
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Makes dirty work easier
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Gets in good grates
Cons
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The hot grill cannot be used
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It may take time to become effective
After all, no one likes to clean up, but it has to. So what would a rumba-like device look like for your grill? Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot promises great cleaning with zero effort on your part. The bottom of this little bot has a rolled brush that rubs the cooked food and grinds the grits on the grill and stays in them. If your grill is really dirty, you can set the bot to clean more intensely; Just close the lid and let it rotate longer to remove the bits of melted cheese and grilled fruit.
While we haven’t tested it to see how well it actually works, it does have a lot of great reviews and we’re trying to find something that promises easy cleaning for automation.
Grillbot automatic grill cleaner
Like a Roomba for your BBQ
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