BBQ Tips I didn't know a year ago. #2

"Temperature maketh the meat"

Sounds obvious, but in my days of firing up the BBQ and slamming on some burgers, sausages and occasional skewers, I rarely paid much attention to temperature. (Which is why so many burnt offerings were left scattered in the garden)

The closest I got to any control was waving my hand over the hot coals and declaring .."That'll do". 

Nowadays I rely on my trusty Inkbird digital thermometer.

There are many other makes and brands, all with accurate temperature measurement as their primary purpose. (See some suggested below)

Whilst many grills come with built in or after market dials, they are commonly seen as inaccurate. Useful as a guide (for example, is my smoker/kettle grill heating up) they are more of a visual aid.

However, I always save the serious temp control to the digital kit. 

The main advantages are:

- You can learn your equipment and how it behaves. For example if you are used to briquettes and switch to lumpwood charcoal, the temperature varies and swings in different ways.

- These digital units usually pair up to a companion app on your phone. Providing even more useful info and leaving you free to prepare sides or entertain guests.

- The unpredictable nature of cooking with fire can result in charred remains or a super rare cut of meat that a decent vet could revive. Digital thermometers take the guesswork out of it.

- Look like a pro in front of guests. For a small financial outlay you can look like an expert pitmaster. After all, the top crafts men and women of any trade need the right tools. Right?

Popular Manufacturers 

Inkbird

Many of the recommendations I've seen on forums are for Inkbird thermometers. They are readily available and often on offer on Amazon.

Meater

A little more expensive is the Meater range. A wireless solution, well reviewed and tested on YouTube.

Thermapen

A different style of temperature reading via a probe and display in a single unit.

Of course there are hundreds of alternatives to research and try out.

Once you go digital, you'll never look back.