Understanding how MEATER probes' internal sensor(s) work, what temperature the sensor is reading, and the purpose of the sensor can be challenging.
About Ambient Sensors
What Is an Internal Sensor
MEATER's internal sensors show the current internal temperature of the meat at the sensor's location.
Compare Internal Sensors between Alpha & Pro Collection Probes
Alpha Collection
- MEATER Pro: 5 sensors, Max Temp 105°C/221°F
- MEATER Pro XL: 5 sensors, Max Temp 105°C/221°F
Pro Collection
- Original MEATER: 1 sensor, Max Temp 100°C/212°F
- MEATER Plus: 1 sensor, Max Temp 100°C/212°F
- MEATER SE: 1 sensor, Max Temp 100°C/212°F
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MEATER Block: 1 sensor, Max Temp 100°C/212°F
Internal Sensor Location in a Probe
MEATER internal temperature sensors are inside the probe shaft. Alpha Collection probes have one internal sensor about 2 cm from the tip. Pro Collection probes have 5 internal sensors spaced throughout the probe, with one sensor close to the tip.
| Alpha Collection | Pro Collection |
Why more sensors in Pro Collection probes? While you should still aim to place the sensor near the center of the thickest part of the meat, multiple sensors allow more flexibility if the probe isn’t perfectly placed. The multiple sensors also provide additional readings to find the true lowest internal temperature. The app will show the lowest temperature.
Viewing Internal Temperature in the MEATER App
During a cook, you can tap on the internal temperature reading in the MEATER app to see the temperatures reported by each sensor, as shown below.
Internal Sensor Temperature Accuracy
MEATER ensures highly accurate internal temperature readings. All probes’ internal sensors are calibrated in the factory using certified tools to guarantee precision. They are also compared to sous vide tools and other competitor devices to confirm accuracy.
- Alpha Collection Accuracy: ±1°F/±0.5°C)
- Pro Collection Accuracy: ±0.1°F/±0.1°C
Due to this thorough testing process, MEATER probes cannot be calibrated.
Pro Collection probes can display temperature readings to the tenth of a degree. For example, instead of seeing an internal temp of 135°F/57°C, Pro Collection probes can show readings as precise as 135.3°F/57.4°C.
Using a MEATER Probe: Internal Sensor Placement
When inserting your MEATER probe into your protein, aim to place the internal sensor as close to the center of the thickest part of the protein, away from fat and bone for the best results. Your MEATER probe also has a safety notch. Insert the probe into the protein just past the safety notch.
- Fat and bone hold heat differently than protein. Placing sensors in or next to bone or fat may lead to undercooked or overcooked protein, even if the sensor indicates the target internal temperature was reached.
| Alpha Collection Probe Placement | Pro Collection Probe Placement |
MEATER safety notches This image shows an Alpha Collection probe; the safety notch
Probe Placement by Protein Type
Proper probe placement can be trickier with certain cuts of meat. The goal is to place the probe's internal sensor as close to the thickest part of the protein as possible, avoiding bones and fatty areas.
Watch these MEATER videos that show the best placement for common proteins.
Fish
Poultry (Chicken, Duck, Turkey)
Roast
Steak