KitchenAid has entered the smart thermometer market with its first-ever connected probe. The single-probe model retails for $100, while the dual-probe version costs $200. It’s a late arrival to a category dominated by grilling specialists like Meater and ThermoWorks, but KitchenAid’s brand trust and Whirlpool backing give it immediate credibility.
Built for Every Cooking Method
The Smart Thermometer is rated for grilling, roasting, smoking, air frying, and stovetop cooking. While a maximum temperature isn’t explicitly listed in the specs, the probes are water-resistant and dishwasher-safe — a practical touch for messy cooks.
Battery life hits 24 hours on a full charge, enough for even the longest smokes. A quick-charge feature adds 5 hours of cooking time from just 5 minutes of charging — useful when you realize mid-brisket that you’re running low.
App Experience: Graphs, History, and Alerts
The KitchenAid app provides a real-time temperature graph for visualizing the cook, storage for up to 20 saved cooking sessions, and timers with alerts. Notifications tell you when to take the next step in a recipe based on temperature milestones — a helpful feature for less experienced cooks.
Connectivity is via Bluetooth, with a 285-foot range. Range Extender Mode can stretch that further using a second internet-connected device as a relay.
How It Stacks Up
KitchenAid’s offering joins a crowded field. Meater and ThermoWorks have long dominated the grilling enthusiast space, while Whirlpool (KitchenAid’s parent) has its own connected thermometer products. The advantage here is ecosystem integration: if you already own KitchenAid appliances, this thermometer speaks the same language.
At $100/$200, pricing is competitive with Meater’s single/dual probe models. The real test will be app reliability and probe durability — areas where ThermoWorks has built a reputation over decades.
Source: Engadget
