The MeatStick 4X Review: A Griller’s New Best Friend

A few weeks ago, I was sent The MeatStick 4X, the latest release from The MeatStick line of completely wireless leave-in thermometers that I couldn’t wait to test out and share my thoughts on with you all.

As a long-time griller and tester of BBQ products, I’ve tried my fair share of wireless leave-in thermometers, but they all seem to fall short in some aspect or another, whether it’s range, usability, or app intuitiveness. That’s why I was intrigued by The MeatStick 4X, which promises to deliver a seamless grilling experience with its unique features.

So, how does it work?

The MeatStick 4X is a completely wireless leave-in thermometer that can be inserted into your meat and will continuously monitor its temperature, transmitting the data to your smartphone or tablet. This means you can keep track of your meat’s progress and your grill’s temperature without having to constantly check it or open up your cooker.

No product review would be complete without some pros and cons to consider. In the following review, I’ll give you my completely honest opinion based on my experience using The MeatStick 4X.

If you want to learn more about The MeatStick 4X, I highly recommend checking out their website for additional information here: The MeatStick Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

Unboxing & First Impressions

Packaging & Contents | MeatStick 4X Design & Build Quality | Easy-to-Follow Setup Instructions

As someone who loves grilling and understands the challenges of outdoor cooking, I was thrilled to try out The MeatStick 4X and see how it performs.

Any time I can add a useful new gadget to my grilling arsenal, you can count me in. And the MeatStick definitely looks like it is going to be useful.

Packaging & Contents

Let’s start with the packaging. When my MeatStick 4X arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the simple yet sturdy packaging.

Inside the box, I found the following contents:

1 Next Gen Meatstick 4X Stick

4x Charger/Extender

User manual

MeatStick 4X Design & Build Quality

Now, let’s talk about the design and build quality of The MeatStick 4X. The thermometer itself is impressively designed, with a sleek black finish on the handle and a durable, modern feel to it. The sturdy charging dock is a nice touch.

But what about the build quality? I can confidently say that The MeatStick 4X is built to last. The probe is made of high-quality stainless steel, and the handle is ceramic with a stainless steel ambient temp sensor cap. The unit feels sturdy and well-made in my hand.

Easy-to-Follow Setup Instructions

Last but not least, let’s talk about the setup instructions. As someone who has struggled with overly-complicated grill gadgets in the past, I was pleased to find that setting up The MeatStick 4X was a breeze. More on that in a bit.

The included instructions inform you to scan the provided QR code which sends you to a downloadable app for your phone, which then guides you through the setup. It includes a walkthrough as well as instructional videos.

Features & Specifications of The MeatStick 4X

Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity | Quad Temperature Sensors | The 4x Charger/Extender | App Compatibility & Features | Battery Life & Charging

One of the primary reasons for my excitement in testing the MeatStick 4X is the unique features that set it apart from other wireless meat thermometers.

Its quad temperature sensors, complete wireless connectivity, durability, user-friendly app, long battery life, cooking style versatility, multiple probe capability, and warranty make it a great option for my outdoor cooking needs. I was most excited to test out the wireless range, which is reported to be up to up to 650ft/200m when outdoors.

The MeatStick 4X boasts the following impressive specs:

• Approximately 5-3/8 inches long & 3/8 inches in diameter.
• True Temperature 4 sensors, consisting of one ambient temperature sensor and three internal temperature sensors.
• Dual-Shell™ technology provides high durability.
• Can measure ambient temperatures up to 572F and internal temperatures up to 212F.
• Wireless range of up to 650ft/200m.
• A single charge provides over 70 hours of use.
• Versatile use, not limited to grilling or smoking, but with the Dual-Shell™ design, it is also suitable for sous-vide, deep frying, and air frying, and is even dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Charger Specifications:

• Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).
• Advanced Bluetooth technology Xtender built-in.
• Equipped with a magnetic back for convenient access.

Let’s explore more of The MeatStick’s 4X features next.

Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity

The MeatStick 4X uses built-in Bluetooth connectivity to transmit temperature readings to a smartphone or tablet. It is also capable of WiFi connectivity but requires purchasing the WiFi Bridge which is sold separately.

This wireless connectivity allows for greater freedom of movement while cooking, as there are no plugs or probe wires to get in the way.

The range of the wireless connection is also impressive, with the ability to transmit temperature readings up to 650ft thanks to the 4x extender built into the charger.

Quad Temperature Sensors

The MeatStick 4X boasts a quad-sensor design, featuring four sensors located strategically throughout the probe.

These sensors include one at the probe tip, one in the middle of the probe, and another in the probe near the handle, which can handle a max temperature of 212°F. The final ambient temperature sensor is located at the top of the handle which can withstand a maximum temperature of 572°F.

If you’re a fellow tech nerd like me, you might be curious about how the three sensors in the probe work together to deliver an accurate temperature reading. The sensors should potentially be reading different temperatures due to their slightly different locations.

To gain more insight, I contacted the company and requested some clarification.

Here is their answer:

“Regarding the three sensors in the probe, our proprietary algorithm takes several factors into consideration when determining the temperature, and the coldest temperature is selected. This ensures that the temperature reading is as accurate as possible.”

This design enables the device to take more accurate internal temperature readings of different sizes of meat, resulting in a better-cooked final product.

Moreover, the four sensors offer greater versatility and flexibility, allowing the MeatStick 4X to monitor a wide range of meat types and sizes.

The 4x Charger/Extender

The 4x Charger/Extender is where you store the Meatstick 4X Stick when not in use or when it needs a charge. The charger also acts as a wireless extender that increases the 4X ‘s range up to 650ft when used outdoors.

It requires 2 AA batteries (not included) for powering the charger. The simple charger has a single button that allows for easy on/off control – press the button once to turn it on, and hold it for 3 seconds to turn it off.

An LED light on the charger indicates the battery level of the MeatStick.

Another question I sent to the company was whether you could you use multiple sticks with one charger, or do you have to buy a separate charger for each stick. Will they all connect using the same charger?

This was the reply:

“In regards to your question about using multiple sticks with one charger, our MeatStick 4X Charger includes a built-in Xtender that extends the range of up to 8 sticks, including the MeatStick Mini. All of the sticks can be connected using the same charger.

It’s worth noting that you can also charge the MeatStick 4 on the original MeatStick charger and vice versa, with the exception of the MeatStick Mini. However, please keep in mind that the MeatStick Mini can only be activated and charged using the Mini charger specifically designed for it.”

App Compatibility & Features

The MeatStick 4X app is designed with user-friendliness and intuition in mind, making it effortless to monitor the meat’s temperature while cooking. Once downloaded, the app will walk you through connectivity and the setup, step by step.

The app offers real-time temperature readings and sends alerts when the meat reaches the desired temperature. It also includes preset cooking temperatures for different types of meat, and a comprehensive guided cook list making it simple for even inexperienced grillers to achieve great results.

The MeatStick 4X is designed to work seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices, including the Apple Watch, providing accessibility to a wide range of users. The MeatStick app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, and the device can be easily paired with any compatible smartphone or tablet.

Battery Life & Charging

The MeatStick 4X Stick has a long battery life, with the ability to provide up to 70+ hours of use on a single charge.

This means you can cook for extended periods without worrying about the battery dying mid-cook.

The charger has a magnetic back that lets you mount it on any metal surface so it’s always close by. The 2 AA batteries in the charger are also easily replaceable.

How Does the MeatStick 4X Work?

The MeatStick 4X is super easy to set up and use.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Before using your MeatStick 4X for the first time, charge it in the included charger for at least 2 hours.
2. Remove the MeatStick 4X probe from the charger and insert it into the meat. Make sure the sensors in the metal probe are inserted into the thickest section of the meat. The metal probe also needs to be entirely pushed into the meat. Only the dark grey handle should be left outside of the meat.
3. Open the MeatStick 4X app and press the button on the charger to connect to the device. The app will walk you through the super easy process. It is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal effort to get started. When you see the “X” icon on the top right of the app, you’re ready to go.
4. Set your cook settings. The app will ask you for the type of cook (i.e. what device you are using to cook your food with), type of meat, cut of meat, target internal temperature, target cook temperature, and alert range.
5. Track your cook. The app will show you the temperature of the meat as well as the temperature of the cooking device. The app will display graphs that visually represent the elapsed time and the fluctuations in temperature.

*Note: The charger should remain close to your grill or smoker for the duration of your cook. The included charger has a magnet on the back, so you can easily stick it to a cool spot on your smoker or grill.

Troubleshooting

• If you have trouble connecting the MeatStick 4X to the app, make sure your phone is within range of the charger.
• If the MeatStick 4X is not reading the temperature correctly, make sure the probe is inserted correctly and that the batteries in the charger are fresh.

If you have any other problems, you can reach out to MeatStick customer support.

Performance and Testing

App Functionality & Ease of Use | Testing Different Types of Meats | Accuracy of Temperature Readings | Range of Wireless Connectivity | Maintenance & Cleaning

I tested the MeatStick 4X with a variety of meats, including steaks, chicken, and tri-tip.

I found that the MeatStick 4X was a reliable and accurate wireless meat thermometer, even when put to the test against my ThermoWorks Smoke Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer.

Let’s dive into the testing and performance.

App Functionality & Ease of Use

The MeatStick app is intuitive and requires minimal effort to get started. It is a big part of the MeatStick 4X experience and it didn’t disappoint.

Here’s what I found during my testing:

It’s true, the MeatStick app is extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy. I have used just about every remote probe temperature app known to man and I can honestly say, the MeatStick app impressed me the most.

Each step was guided and every function was easy to find.

The app offers a range of useful features for temperature monitoring and alerting, including preset cooking temperatures for various types of meat and the ability to track the temperature of the cooking device.

Testing Different Types of Meat with the MeatStick 4X

I put the MeatStick 4X to the test with a variety of meats, from steak and chicken to tri-tip and it didn’t disappoint.

Here are my findings:

• The quad temperature sensors provided consistent readings for each different type of meat I tested with.
• I found that the MeatStick 4X was able to accurately track the temperature of all the meats I tested.

One note to consider is that the MeatStick 4X is best used for larger cuts of meat as the metal probe needs to be completely inserted to avoid damaging it.

One solution MeatStick came up with is the MeatStick Mini. At about 3.7 inches long, it is close to 1/3 shorter than the MeatStick 4 and fits into smaller meats more easily.

Accuracy of Temperature Readings

The MeatStick 4X claims it is all about precision, and it delivers on that promise. To prove that boast, I decided to pit it against a ThermoWorks Square DOT® wired probe thermometer, which I can verify is extremely accurate.

Here’s what I found during my testing:

The MeatStick 4X provided precise temperature readings, usually within +/- 1 degree of the ThermoWorks probe readings when used in tandem.

The readings were also consistent and reliable during each cook no matter the type of meat, meaning that there were no surprises when it came time to eat.

Range of Wireless Connectivity

One of the best features of a true wireless thermometer like the MeatStick 4X is its wireless connectivity, allowing for easy monitoring from a distance. But from my experience, I have yet to find a true wireless probe thermometer that I have not had range or connection issues with when using.

I’ve often experienced trouble maintaining a stable connection between the probe, remote, and app on many of these thermometers.

It can be frustrating when the connection doesn’t start or disconnects in the middle of a cook. In some cases, the probe resets, but at other times it remains disconnected, causing more problems. Distance is usually an issue too.

Here’s what I found during my testing of the MeatStick 4X:

The Bluetooth connectivity had a larger range than any other wireless thermometer I’ve tested to date providing more than ample distance for monitoring my meat.

I was able to roam through the entirety of my two-story house without any issues. I even headed out to my front driveway and then all the way across the street into the neighbor’s driveway and was still connected. I don’t know the exact distance, but it’s safe to say, it was more than I needed.

I was able to leave the grill area and relax on more than one occasion while the MeatStick 4X did its job.

The wireless connectivity worked seamlessly with the MeatStick app, providing real-time temperature readings and alerts.

Maintenance & Cleaning

I’ve found that cleaning the MeatStick 4X is a breeze!

I easily removed any leftover food residue or grease buildup by following these simple steps:

• After you’ve removed the MeatStick from the meat, wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel.
• If there’s any stubborn residue left, use a mild soap and water solution to gently scrub the MeatStick.
• Rinse it thoroughly with water.

Simply dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel and you’re done.

Waterproof & Dishwasher Safe

Here’s the best part – the MeatStick 4X is waterproof and dishwasher safe! That’s right; you can throw it in the dishwasher, and it’ll come out sparkling clean.

The MeatStick 4X is unlike any meat thermometer I have ever come across. It is not only waterproof but also capable of being submerged in liquid, making it perfect for sous vide and deep frying. And, as I mentioned above, the best part is that it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.

Just a few tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your MeatStick.
• Always make sure the MeatStick is completely dry before storing it in the charger.
• Keep the charger and battery compartment away from water.

The MeatStick 4X PROs & CONs

Pros:

• Reliable and accurate temperature readings
• Long Wireless Bluetooth connectivity range for easy monitoring
• Durable design that can withstand high temperatures
• Waterproof
• Versatile in its cooking methods
• Long battery life with a quick charging time
• User-friendly app with useful features

Cons:

• Not suitable for smaller cuts of meat due to the fact the entire probe needs to be completely inserted. (But I have been told that the company is working on a solution to this problem).
• 2 AA batteries for powering the charger are not included. (It seems like a small thing sure, but for the price point, I feel like this should be included.)

Final Thoughts on The MeatStick 4X Review

Would I recommend the MeatStick 4X?

Absolutely!

With its unique features and impressive performance, it surpasses all other true wireless thermometers on the market.

No other thermometer comes close to its wireless range, ability to work with different cooking methods, and waterproof design.

The MeatStick team has really set the standard for true wireless thermometers, and I hope other companies will take note.

If you’ve had any experiences with the MeatStick 4X, positive or negative, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Cheers,

Pat G.

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