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This Grill Tool Is the Only Gift My Dad Liked in 30 Years, and It's 30% Off for Prime Day

He still talks about it, three years later

By

Published on July 17, 2024

The Meater Plus Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth displayed on a table next to a phone, a striped towel, and a plant — Photo:
Food & Wine / Will Dickey

Most dads are hard to shop for. My dad is impossible. He's the type of person who says he doesn't want or need anything, which sounds super generous and non-materialistic, but the truth is, he's picky and he buys himself whatever he wants/needs before anyone else can get it for him. Save for a few cards I probably made him when I was a toddler, I cannot remember one gift he ever enjoyed past the obligatory day-of-gifting-pretend-to-love-it-because-I'm-his-offspring phase. That is, until I gifted him the Meater.

Meater Plus Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer

MEATER Plus: Long Range Wireless Smart Meat — Amazon

$100 $66 at Amazon

The Meater Plus is a smart wireless meat thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature of your meat on the grill or in the oven all from a handy little app. It features two sensors and one probe so you can keep track of both the meat's internal temperature and the ambient temperature of your grill or oven — from a distance of up to 165 feet. The best part, though, is the app that guides you as you cook, letting you know exactly how much time is remaining in your grill session, exactly when to pull your steak off the grill (or turkey out of the oven), and even how long to let it sit before you dig in.

Currently, all Meater products are at least 20% off for Prime Day so if you have a picky dad (or other relative), now is the time to jump on this purchase. There's the Meater Plus (my gift of choice) or you can splurge on the Meater Block, which features four probes for the over-achieving grillmasters—and both are more than 30% off right now. There’s also the newer Meater 2 Plus, which I’m honestly contemplating for an upgraded gift for him this year.

The Meater was such a successful find for my dad for a few very important reasons. First of all, it's useful — my dad grills year-round and getting the correct temperature is essential. Second, it's got just the right amount of cool factor (aka, it makes him feel super tech-savvy, but the app is extremely user-friendly so it's hard to mess up). Lastly, it has customizable notifications so it really ensures you don't overcook your meat. This last point is really a gift for my mom, as my dad is easily distracted and has been known to forget that he's in the middle of grilling.

My dad is in good company with his enthusiasm. The Meater Block is our splurge pick for wireless grill thermometers, after thorough testing.

I gave the Meater to my dad three years ago and he still uses it regularly. I've tried to give him other things since, but nothing has hit. In fact, this past Father's Day, I didn't even try to purchase anything for him. I got a text late in the day, though, with a photo of his steak and the Meater probe: "Thanks so much for this. I'm using it to make dinner tonight. Greatest gift ever."

A gift that I get credit for multiple years in a row? That's a win.