If you’ve ever tried to grill in the middle of a Seattle winter, you know the drill: it’s 40 degrees, raining (of course), and your backyard feels like a scene out of The Revenant. You’re bundled up in layers, trying to flip a steak while your fingers go numb, and your family watches you through the window, snug and warm, holding mugs of hot cocoa. It’s enough to make you question why you’re grilling at all. But this winter, I discovered a secret weapon: the MeatStick V, a wireless meat thermometer that lets you monitor your steak’s progress from the cozy warmth of your kitchen.
Winter Grilling Made Bearable (and Better)
When Soma Labs designed the MeatStick V, they might not have had Seattle’s soggy winters in mind, but they’ve created a tool that feels like it was designed for our damp, chilly climate. Grilling in the cold and rain isn’t exactly inviting, but the MeatStick V makes it possible to stay inside while your grill does the hard work outside.
Long-Range Connectivity for Indoor Comfort
Many wireless thermometers drop their connection the second you step away from the grill. Not the MeatStick V. The thermometer’s smart base connects to the thermometer and then sends that signal over Wi-Fi, which means that you can monitor your steak from your living room—or even the basement. Its app keeps you updated on temperature changes in real time, so you don’t have to peek outside every five minutes to see how things are going.
Built for the Heat: Why the MeatStick V Excels Over Open Flames
Most wireless thermometers are great for low-and-slow cooking in a smoker, where temperatures stay consistent and manageable. But grilling a steak over open flames? That’s a whole different beast. The MeatStick V was designed specifically for those high-heat scenarios where other thermometers fall short. Its FireForge™ Dual-Shell Zirconia construction allows it to handle scorching temperatures up to 1200°F (650°C), making it perfect for searing steaks, grilling burgers, or achieving that perfect char on a tomahawk.
Precision Cooking Every Time
With six temperature sensors and ±0.2°C accuracy, the MeatStick V guarantees that your food is cooked exactly how you like it, even if you’re not outside hovering over the grill. This is especially important in winter when getting the timing right means spending less time in the cold.
Putting the MeatStick V to the Test: Staying Warm While Grilling
To see if the MeatStick V really lived up to the hype, I decided to grill a massive tomahawk steak—my way of flipping the bird to Seattle’s winter gloom. I seasoned the steak, preheated the grill to 450°F, and inserted the MeatStick V into the thickest part of the meat. The app made setup incredibly simple: I selected “tomahawk steak,” picked my target temperature (140°F for a perfect medium-rare), and hit start.
Here’s where the magic happened. Once the steak was on the grill, I didn’t have to stay outside shivering while it cooked. Instead, I headed back indoors, where it was warm, dry, and filled with the comforting smell of simmering soup. From my kitchen counter, I kept tabs on the steak via the MeatStick app, which showed a live temperature graph and even predicted how long it would take to cook. The app sent me an alert when it was time to flip the steak and again when it hit the perfect internal temperature.
For the final sear, I braved the cold for just a few minutes to crank up the heat, creating that signature crust. Thanks to the MeatStick V’s heat resistance (up to 1200°F), it handled the flames with ease, while I dashed back inside to wait out the resting period. The result? A steak that looked and tasted like it came straight out of a high-end steakhouse.
Why the MeatStick V is a Winter Grilling Must-Have
This winter-friendly thermometer isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about cooking smarter. It’s the ultimate tool for multitasking, freeing you up to prep sides, check on the kids, or enjoy a cup of coffee while your food cooks to perfection outside. No more running back and forth to the grill in the rain, wondering if your steak is done.
The MeatStick V’s versatility also makes it a year-round kitchen staple. While it excels on the grill, it’s just as effective for roasting, deep-frying, or baking. Whether you’re making a roast chicken for Sunday dinner or frying up doughnuts for a holiday treat, this thermometer has you covered.
Is It Worth It?
The MeatStick V retails for $129.99, which, let’s be real, isn’t chump change. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a thermometer. It’s a confidence-booster. A time-saver. And when you think about how much a single ruined steak costs (in both dollars and tears), the investment starts to make a lot of sense.
Would I recommend it? Wholeheartedly. Especially if you live somewhere like Seattle, where grilling often involves braving the elements. The MeatStick V makes the process less about survival and more about enjoyment.
Bringing Summer Vibes to Winter Cooking
As I sliced into my perfectly cooked tomahawk steak that night, I felt a quiet sense of victory. Winter might be cold, wet, and relentless, but the MeatStick V made grilling feel effortless. I stayed warm and dry while it did the hard work outside, and in the end, I had a meal worth savoring.
So, the next time you’re staring out at your grill, dreading the rain but craving a steak, remember: you don’t have to freeze for good food. With the MeatStick V, you can let your grill do its thing while you stay cozy inside. Winter grilling just got a whole lot easier—and a lot more delicious.
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