Smoking a brisket for 12 hours is a labor of love. Ruining that brisket because you guessed the internal temperature is a tragedy. In 2026, looking ain't cooking.
Serious pitmasters are divided into two camps: The "Wire-Free" enthusiasts who swear by the sleek Meater 2 Plus, and the "Pro-Grade" traditionalists who trust the rugged ThermoWorks Signals. One looks like a piece of jewelry; the other looks like a scientific instrument. Which one will save your next Sunday barbecue? Let's grill them.
The Form Factor: Magic vs. Utility
Meater 2 Plus (The Wireless Wonder):
It is a single metal spike. No wires. Nothing.
How it works: It has Bluetooth transmitters inside the metal shaft. You stick it in the meat, close the lid, and it sends data to your phone. It’s perfect for Rotisserie cooking (where wires would get tangled) or for neat freaks.
ThermoWorks Signals (The Tank):
It is a brick-sized unit that sits outside the smoker, with four long wired probes running into the pit.
How it works: It connects directly to Wi-Fi. It’s bulky, messy with wires, but it is virtually indestructible and provides instant, lag-free data on a physical screen.
Temperature Limits: Searing vs. Smoking
For years, wireless thermometers died if you grilled too hot. In 2026, that changed.
- Meater 2 Plus: Can withstand ambient temperatures up to 1000°F (537°C). This means you can finally leave it in the meat while searing a steak over an open flame or even deep-frying a turkey. It is an engineering marvel.
- ThermoWorks Signals: The probes are rated for high heat (~700°F), but the wires themselves can melt if they touch the grill grates directly. You have to be careful with cable management.
Connectivity: The "Faraday Cage" Problem
The Meater Issue: Because the transmitter is inside the metal grill (which acts as a Faraday cage, blocking radio signals), the range can be terrible. You must keep the wooden charging block very close to the grill to act as a repeater.
The ThermoWorks Solution: The main unit sits outside the grill. The wires carry the signal out physically. It connects to your home Wi-Fi directly. You can go to the grocery store and check your brisket temp from 10 miles away without needing a secondary device.
Sensors: Dual vs. Quad
Meater 2 Plus: Each stick has 5 internal sensors to find the true coldest point of the meat automatically, plus 1 ambient sensor for the pit temp.
ThermoWorks Signals: Comes with 4 channels. You can monitor 3 different pieces of meat and 1 pit temperature simultaneously. If you are cooking for a party (chicken, pork, and beef at once), Signals wins hands down.
Comparison Table: 2026 Specs
| Feature | Meater 2 Plus | ThermoWorks Signals |
|---|---|---|
| Wires | 100% Wireless | 4 Wired Probes |
| On-Device Display | No (App Only) | Yes (Backlit LCD) |
| Max Temp (Ambient) | 1000°F (Direct Flame Safe) | ~700°F (Probes Only) |
| Price | ~$129 (Per stick) | ~$240 (Complete kit) |
FAQ: Cleaning and Durability
Is it waterproof?
Meater 2 Plus: Yes! It is 100% waterproof and dishwasher safe. You can drop it in a deep fryer.
ThermoWorks Signals: The unit is "Splash-Proof" (IP66), meaning it can survive rain, but do not submerge it. The probes are water-resistant but shouldn't be run through the dishwasher.
Which app is better?
Meater App: It calculates "Estimated Cook Time" (e.g., "Ready in 45 mins"). It is very beginner-friendly and visual.
ThermoWorks App: It’s a data graph. It shows you the stall, the temperature curve, and raw numbers. It’s for nerds who want data.
Buy Meater 2 Plus if: You use a Rotisserie kit or want the convenience of zero wires for Sunday steaks. The new high-heat resistance makes it the most versatile gadget in the kitchen.
Buy ThermoWorks Signals if: You are a serious smoker doing 14-hour cooks. The dedicated Wi-Fi connection and multiple probes give you the peace of mind that a Bluetooth device simply cannot match.