Learn what a Faraday cage is and how it affects your MEATER products' ability to maintain consistent connectivity to the app.
Related Articles
What is a Faraday Cage?
A Faraday cage is a device or space designed to block electromagnetic fields from entering or leaving its interior. It creates an external electromagnetic field around the space inside the cage, which prevents signals from coming in or going out.
Faraday cages are used in devices like microwave ovens, electronic shielding, and specialized enclosures for sensitive equipment to isolate electrical equipment from external interference or to contain signals.
How does a Faraday Cage affect your MEATER's range?
Your MEATER products use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect the probe to your smart device or the probe to the charger. The MEATER probe has a range of 33 ft / 10 m in open air. When the probe is used inside an environment that acts like a Faraday cage, the signal can be blocked or weakened.
Household items and appliances that may cause a Faraday Cage
Some cooking appliances and methods can create a Faraday cage effect, which limits your MEATER probe’s ability to communicate effectively with its charger or your smart device. Here are a few common examples:
- Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil creates a Faraday cage effect because its metallic properties block signals from getting out. When combined with other cooking methods, this can make it very difficult for your probe to stay connected.
- Ovens and Ranges: Many modern ovens and ranges have metal exteriors and are designed to contain heat and radiation (similar to microwave ovens). These features can create a Faraday cage effect inside the oven when the door is closed, disrupting the Bluetooth signal between your probe and the charger. You may notice reduced range or occasional connection issues if the charger isn’t close enough to the probe.
- Grills: When grilling with a closed lid, such as on gas or charcoal grills, the metal lid and surrounding heat can create a Faraday cage-like effect.
- Smokers: Cooking food inside a smoker with a closed door can weaken your probe’s Bluetooth signal. The thick metal construction and powder-coated finish can cause drops in communication.
- Sous-Vide: Certain cooking methods can mimic a Faraday cage effect. With sous-vide cooking, you place food in sealed bags and cook it in water at a specific temperature. When a probe sending a signal is submerged in water, the signal strength can be affected. While not a true Faraday cage, sous-vide can have a similar effect. Make sure your charger is as close as safely possible. Note: Only the MEATER Pro line should be used for immersion cooking, such as frying or sous-vide.
-
Microwave Ovens: DO NOT USE MEATER PRODUCTS IN A MICROWAVE.
Metal objects inside a microwave are a SAFETY HAZARD. Any signal will be blocked inside a microwave, disconnecting your probe from the charger or your device.
How to avoid a Faraday Cage effect with your MEATER device
To keep your probe connected, place the charger as close as safely possible to the MEATER probe without exposing the charger to heat. While your MEATER may have additional technology to improve its range, you should still try to position it close to the probe to reduce the effects of a Faraday Cage.