The iGrill Mini 2 is the latest iteration of Weber’s popular Bluetooth thermometer, promising improved features and functionality for grilling enthusiasts. This compact and portable device allows you to monitor the temperature of your meat from your smartphone, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. In this review, we’ll delve into the iGrill Mini 2‘s design, features, and performance, exploring whether it’s a worthy upgrade from its predecessor and a must-have for any serious grill master.
The iGrill Mini 2 boasts a sleek and intuitive design, featuring a magnetic base for easy attachment to your grill and a bright LED display for clear visibility of the temperature readings. The device’s compatibility with both Android and iOS devices makes it accessible to a wide range of users. But beyond its aesthetics, the iGrill Mini 2 offers a range of features designed to enhance your grilling experience.
One of the most notable improvements over the previous model is the extended range of the Bluetooth connection, allowing you to monitor your food from a greater distance. The iGrill Mini 2 also features an updated app with enhanced functionality, including customizable temperature alerts, a timer function, and the ability to track the cooking progress of multiple cuts of meat simultaneously.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a casual cook, the iGrill Mini 2 has the potential to elevate your grilling game. In this comprehensive review, we’ll put the device through its paces, testing its accuracy, range, and overall ease of use, to determine if it lives up to the hype and delivers on its promises.
| Name: | iGrill Mini 2 |
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iGrill Mini 2: What’s New?
The iGrill Mini 2 builds upon the success of its predecessor with several key improvements. Most notably, it boasts Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which translates to faster and more reliable pairing with your smartphone or tablet. This enhanced connectivity ensures a smoother experience when monitoring your grill’s temperature.
Another welcome addition is the increased temperature range. The iGrill Mini 2 can now handle temperatures from -40°F to 572°F (-40°C to 300°C), making it suitable for a wider array of cooking applications. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, baking, or even frying, the iGrill Mini 2 can keep track of your culinary creations.
The updated app interface provides a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, making it easier than ever to set alerts, monitor cooking progress, and manage multiple probes. The app also now offers advanced features like graphing temperature data and providing estimated cooking times. These additions further enhance the iGrill Mini 2‘s capabilities as a powerful grilling companion.
Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the iGrill Mini 2 is a breeze. It comes with a small, user-friendly manual that walks you through the process. First, you’ll need to download the Weber iGrill app from the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is downloaded, open it and create an account. Then, turn on your iGrill Mini 2 by pressing and holding the power button. The device will automatically enter pairing mode. Next, open the app, select “Add New Device,” and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your iGrill Mini 2 to your smartphone or tablet.
The iGrill Mini 2 connects to your device via Bluetooth, so you’ll need to be within range of the device to monitor your cooking. Weber claims a range of up to 150 feet, but in my experience, the range is more like 50-75 feet in open areas with no obstructions. If you’re cooking in a crowded or enclosed space, the range may be even shorter.
The app will show you the current temperature of your meat, as well as the target temperature you’ve set. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your meat has reached a specific temperature. The app offers a wide range of pre-programmed cooking presets for various types of meat, which can be helpful for those new to grilling.
Temperature Accuracy and Range
The iGrill Mini 2 boasts impressive temperature accuracy and range, making it a reliable tool for monitoring your grilling and smoking endeavors. The probes themselves are highly responsive and provide accurate readings within a margin of error that’s negligible for practical purposes. You can confidently rely on the iGrill Mini 2 to give you an accurate picture of your food’s internal temperature, ensuring it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.
The Bluetooth range is another highlight. You can comfortably move around your grilling area, tending to your food or enjoying a beverage with friends, without worrying about losing connection. The iGrill Mini 2 maintains a strong signal even at a distance, allowing you to monitor your cook without being tethered to the grill. This is a big improvement over some older models that suffered from weak Bluetooth connectivity, which could be frustrating and lead to missed temperature readings.
However, it is important to note that the Bluetooth range is still limited, and you won’t be able to monitor your cook from across your entire backyard. For larger spaces or if you prefer to monitor from a distance, you might consider the iGrill 3, which offers a wider range using Wi-Fi connectivity.
App Features and Functionality
The iGrill Mini 2 app is the heart of this system, connecting you to your grill and providing all the necessary tools for successful grilling. The app itself is straightforward and intuitive, with a clean interface that’s easy to navigate.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features and functionality:
- Real-time Temperature Monitoring: The app displays the current temperature of each probe in real-time, giving you a constant visual on your meat’s progress. You can choose to display this data in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
- Customizable Preset Temperatures: For common cuts of meat, the app includes preset temperatures for different levels of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, etc.). You can also create your own custom presets for specific recipes or personal preferences.
- Notifications and Alerts: When your meat reaches the desired temperature, the app sends a notification to your phone, letting you know it’s time to take action. You can even set audible alerts if you prefer a more direct notification. This is incredibly helpful for busy grill masters who might not be constantly checking the app.
- Timer Functionality: The app has a built-in timer, allowing you to track the cooking time for each probe. This is especially useful for slow and low cooking methods where precise timing is critical.
- Multiple Probe Support: The iGrill Mini 2 can handle up to four probes simultaneously, so you can monitor multiple pieces of meat, different sections of a large roast, or even the temperature of your grill grates.
- Graphing and Data Logging: The app tracks your cooking history, storing data on each grilling session. You can revisit past sessions to view temperature graphs and see how your cooking techniques have evolved. This can be helpful for learning and refining your skills over time.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The iGrill Mini 2 uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone or tablet. This makes for a reliable connection, and the range allows you to move around freely within your grilling area without losing the signal.
Beyond the basics, the app also offers a few extra features:
- Recipe Integration: While not extensive, the app includes a few basic recipes to help you get started. You can find ideas for burgers, chicken, and steaks, with suggested temperatures and cooking times.
- Grill Time Tracking: The app tracks your total grill time, a fun feature for those who like to boast about their grilling prowess.
- Social Sharing: If you’re feeling proud of your grilling skills, you can share your cooking history and temperature graphs with friends and family via social media.
Overall, the iGrill Mini 2 app is a fantastic addition to the grilling experience. Its user-friendly interface, helpful features, and intuitive design make it easy to monitor and control your grilling process, allowing you to focus on enjoying the time with your guests.
Battery Life and Charging
The iGrill Mini 2 boasts a decent battery life, lasting for about 16 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for most grilling sessions, even for long cookouts. It charges via a micro-USB cable, which is a bit outdated, but most people likely have a cable lying around already. One small gripe is that the charging port is located on the back of the device, which can be inconvenient if you’re trying to charge it while it’s attached to your grill.
While the battery life is respectable, it’s important to note that the actual runtime will vary depending on factors like the frequency of temperature readings and the distance between the iGrill Mini 2 and your smartphone. The iGrill app provides a battery life indicator, so you can keep an eye on the charge level and ensure you have enough juice for your entire cook.
Overall, the iGrill Mini 2‘s battery life is a positive aspect, offering sufficient runtime for most grilling sessions. The charging process is straightforward and convenient, though the location of the charging port could be improved.
Pros and Cons
The iGrill Mini 2 is a fantastic tool for any grilling enthusiast, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if this thermometer is right for you:
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: The iGrill Mini 2 is small and lightweight, making it easy to pack in your grill bag or even your pocket.
- Improved Bluetooth Range: The Bluetooth range has been significantly improved over the previous model, giving you a more reliable connection and greater freedom to move around while monitoring your food.
- Accurate Temperature Readings: The iGrill Mini 2 delivers accurate temperature readings, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection. This is crucial for ensuring food safety and preventing overcooking or undercooking.
- Versatile Use: You can use the iGrill Mini 2 for grilling, smoking, roasting, and even baking. It’s a versatile tool that can be used in various cooking scenarios.
- User-Friendly App: The iGrill app is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to set timers, monitor multiple probes, and receive notifications when your food reaches the desired temperature.
- Affordable Price: The iGrill Mini 2 is a relatively affordable option compared to other smart thermometers on the market, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
- Durable Construction: The iGrill Mini 2 is built with durable materials and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Cons:
- Limited Number of Probes: The iGrill Mini 2 only comes with one probe, which may not be sufficient for some users who need to monitor multiple pieces of meat or different sections of a roast. You can purchase additional probes separately, but this adds to the cost.
- Battery Life: While the battery life is decent, you’ll need to charge it regularly, especially if you use it frequently.
- No Built-in Timer: The iGrill Mini 2 doesn’t have a built-in timer, so you’ll need to rely on the app for setting and managing your cooking times.
- App Connectivity: The app can occasionally experience connection issues, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to monitor your food. It’s generally reliable but can be temperamental at times.
- Lack of Features: Compared to some more advanced smart thermometers, the iGrill Mini 2 lacks some features like voice control, cloud storage, or advanced graphs and charts.
Conclusion: Is the iGrill Mini 2 Worth It?
The iGrill Mini 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved connectivity, longer battery life, and a more user-friendly app. While it’s not perfect, and some may find the price point a bit high, it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to take the guesswork out of grilling and smoking. If you’re serious about your barbecue game and want to ensure your food is cooked to perfection every time, the iGrill Mini 2 is a worthy investment. Its accuracy, long range, and convenient app features make it a standout option in the crowded world of wireless meat thermometers. Ultimately, whether or not the iGrill Mini 2 is worth it for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re willing to invest in a reliable and accurate tool that can help you elevate your grilling skills, the iGrill Mini 2 is definitely worth considering.
iGrill Mini 2 vs. the Competition
The iGrill Mini 2 sits in a crowded market of Bluetooth thermometers, but it stands out with its combination of affordability, accuracy, and ease of use. Let’s see how it stacks up against some of its biggest competitors:
ThermoWorks DOT: The ThermoWorks DOT is a popular choice for its high accuracy and long battery life. It’s also very compact and lightweight. However, it’s significantly more expensive than the iGrill Mini 2, and its app lacks some of the features found in the iGrill app.
MEATER Plus: The MEATER Plus is a wireless meat thermometer with a long probe that can be inserted directly into meat. This allows it to measure both internal and ambient temperatures, which is helpful for monitoring grilling progress. However, it’s more expensive than the iGrill Mini 2, and it’s not as user-friendly for multiple cooks.
Weber iGrill 3: The Weber iGrill 3 is another great option for those who want a more robust Bluetooth thermometer. It has a longer range than the iGrill Mini 2 and can monitor up to four probes simultaneously. However, it’s significantly larger and bulkier, and it’s also more expensive.
Inkbird IBT-4XS: The Inkbird IBT-4XS is a budget-friendly Bluetooth thermometer that offers similar features to the iGrill Mini 2, including multiple probe support and alerts. However, it’s not as accurate as the iGrill Mini 2, and its app is not as polished.
Overall: The iGrill Mini 2 is a great value for the price, offering a balance of features, accuracy, and ease of use. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants a reliable and affordable Bluetooth thermometer. However, if you’re looking for the highest accuracy or a wider range of features, you may want to consider one of the other options listed above.
Final Thoughts
The iGrill Mini 2 is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved temperature accuracy, longer battery life, and a user-friendly app. While it may not be the most feature-packed Bluetooth thermometer on the market, it excels at its core function: providing accurate and reliable temperature readings for your grilling and smoking endeavors. If you’re looking for a reliable and convenient way to monitor your food while cooking, the iGrill Mini 2 is a great option. It’s particularly well-suited for casual grillers and smokers who don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth it for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for additional features like multiple probe support and more advanced app functionality, there are other great options available. However, for a simple and reliable thermometer that gets the job done, the iGrill Mini 2 is a solid choice.
Overall, the iGrill Mini 2 is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved features and performance. The larger display, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and expanded compatibility with Weber Connect make it a versatile grilling companion. While the price point may be a deterrent for some, the iGrill Mini 2‘s capabilities and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious grill enthusiasts.
With its sleek design, intuitive app, and reliable temperature monitoring, the iGrill Mini 2 elevates the grilling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue master or just starting out, this thermometer empowers you to achieve perfect results every time. The ability to track multiple probes and receive real-time notifications ensures that your food is cooked to perfection, freeing you up to enjoy the company of your guests.
While some may argue that the iGrill Mini 2 lacks some advanced features found in higher-end thermometers, its simplicity and user-friendliness make it a standout choice for the majority of grillers. The combination of accuracy, convenience, and affordability makes it a compelling option for anyone looking to improve their grilling game.
In conclusion, the iGrill Mini 2 is a highly recommended grilling thermometer that seamlessly blends practicality with advanced technology. Its intuitive design, robust performance, and seamless app integration make it an invaluable tool for any grill enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, the iGrill Mini 2 will help you achieve consistent and delicious results, elevating your grilling experience to new heights.
Karim 
Bilal