This average Joe got a chance to sneak peak a brand new INKBIRD device! When INKBIRD reached out to test out the new world's first 5G thermometer, I of course couldn't say no! Who would?!?
Who doesn't want more toys and gadgets, especially when it comes to #BBQ? I responded back with a yes very quickly and asked, "Is this cellular?". I'm not sure if it's an American thing. (Guest visiting from other countries please reach out and let me know!) That is my first thoughts when I hear 5G. It is however on the 5ghz wifi band! Which honestly makes much more sense! While I love to #BBQ I wouldn't want a subscription service $$$. You can check out my other article on Bluetooth and Wifi here.
The packaging very nice and it has a QR code to scan on the box to take you directly to the app to download. The last INKBIRD I bought, I tried to use the previous app and it didn't work and there were several to pick from. I did have troubles with my Google Pixel 6 Pro scanning the QR code and could not get it to scan it. I had not issues with scanning it on an Apple phone.
The great news is there is another QR code in the manual and that worked and pulled the app right up on my Google phone.
The new app is very intuitive and easy to set up but it looks like it's one app for all things INKBIRD! So if you have previous thermometers this will now support those. INKBIRDs home automation is also in the app. It also has the INKBIRD store.
So let's dive back into the device itself!
First impressions, it's a shiney gold trim! The traditional orange and black has been replaced. It's not necessarily my cup of tea but it does make it look like a high end device. If it was Rose Gold the wife would love it and probably use it in the kitchen.
What's in the box you ask? It comes with the device, the USB-C charger, and 4 probes. For larger cooks it does support up to 6 probes as well! The oven insert is for the ambient probe. They also have velcro ties for keeping the probes organized. This is a nice little touch that goes a long way. No more twist ties! Also two probe holders for the grates.
It's magnetic (standard on previous INKBIRDS) which makes it nice but it also comes with a kick-stand.
Getting it set up right out of the box was easy and it was good to go! It even had a 70% charge. My house temp was set at 72 degrees! All probes were right there. I'll skip ahead and give a sneak peak to the app but this is an AWESOME feature! Temperature Calibration! The greyed out probes 3 and 6 did not have any probes inserted.
Here is the device set up on beef mode. With the target temp of 120 degrees and the internal as well as ambient probes set up.
Overall the display is similar to previous models it ties into the app better with the pre selected cooking options. The screen is bright and easy to read. On to the app...
You will have to sign in and create an account. As previously mentioned you can other select the models and products. I will test out if I can run two devices at once in one app. This will give the option to run 6+ probes for some very large cooks.
The app set up is a breeze and connectivity wasn't an issue. It first connects to Bluetooth then once synced with the device it finds the WIFI. It's a self guided process and you basically have to click next... I didn't have to use the manual for anything other than the QR code.
Now this is where this device stands out above the rest! It is the world first 5G(hz)! So in the past I would have to separate my wifi bands on my mesh network to get the WIFI discoverable to select the 2.4ghz band. This synced with my Google Mesh with no issues and connected right away. This was a tedious issue with the previous versions and honestly WIFI devices in general.
The app display is easy to read and pretty straight forward. A few clicks and you can get right where you need to go. The above picture shows the 4 probes with no presets selected. It shows the Bluetooth, WIFI connectivity as well as the battery life.
You can select from various presets ranging from cold smokes all the way up to hot smokes and set up a manual cook with your own settings and temp ranges.
When selecting the presets it will give the desired temp ranges. This preset I went for the meat setting and medium rare. I was craving some Ribeyes. Check out one of my steak cooks here!
Here is the graph for charting the overall cook. It can be selected by individual probes as well. I can't wait to be able to throw some meat on the grill and give this a full cooking session. Overall this is a huge improvement over my previous INKBIRDS and they will be launching in just in time for Memorial Day 2023 to kick off grilling season!
Order the device below on Amazon! It's on sale currently!
I use the Kamado Joe Classic II and the Pit Barrel Cooker! Check out flavorflamebbq.com for more information on the Kamado Joe, accessories, fuel, meats and more! FFBBQ participates in some affiliate programs so by purchasing from links you are helping support the site and we may earn some commissions! So far FFBBQ has made a few dollars! Thanks for helping to keep the flame going!
