While you're cooking, a lot of residue can build up on the probe, and this acts like a barrier between the probe and the charger. It might be obvious like bits of food or soot from the smoker, but in a lot of cases, it's just a bit of grease that you might not even be able to see.
When this happens, the probe can't charge, so it might be completely drained the next time you try to use it. This is one of the most common issues we come across, which is why we always try to emphasize the importance of cleaning the probe when you're having trouble connecting.
We've found that the most effective way to get rid of any buildup is by scrubbing the probe well with a mixture of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and water on a scouring pad. Then give it a quick wash, and make sure it's completely dry before putting it back in the charger. Don't worry, the probe will be fine under running water, and it can take a good scrub. You might also want to wipe the metal contact points on the charger with a dry cloth in case there's any leftover residue. After that, just let the probe charge:
- 2 hours for the original MEATER, MEATER Plus, or MEATER SE.
- 8 hours for MEATER Block.
- 15 minutes for MEATER Pro, MEATER Pro Duo, and MEATER Pro XL.
Once you've got your probe connected again, just make sure to get it sparkling clean every time you cook so it can charge. For most cooks, you can just use hot, soapy water and the rough side of a sponge, though you might just want to bust out the baking soda again if you start seeing a lot of discoloration.
If you try all of the above, and you still have issues, please contact Customer Support for assistance.