Thermometers, ripoffs, and advice

TheBrewerMoose

Ok so I have the Maverick ET732.  It's worked fine for a couple of years, but the dome probe is intermittent and I'm thinking it's time to get a new set of probes.  So after some online time-wasting, I find that a replacement set is almost half the cost of a completely new thermo package!  What a joke.

Any recommendations?  If I'm going to get a new wireless thermo, then is there an upgrade I should consider?
thx -moose

Eggcelsior

Maverick seems to be the most popular one. There are others that are Bluetooth, but they are more expensive and don't have the range. The igrill mini is 40 buck and claims to have 150ft range.

Skiddymarker

The 732 probes left a little to be desired or maybe a lot to be desired, depends on your experience. I had 732 with 36” probe leads and they were junk, IMO. Warranty replacement within the first 60 days by Maverick was fantastic, the 60” probe leads worked much better - still working. 
The 733 probes are even better, original set now almost a year old and not a single issue. 
I suggest the following “rules”:
Wrap the probe cable junction with aluminum foil, all the way to the point where the cable exits the dome. Keep it dry and shields from direct IR.
Run the cable between the base and dome, I do not drop it down the top vent. 
Use it for indirect cooks only, do not expose the probe to direct IR from burning lump.
Position the pit probe over a setter leg - shield it from direct IR. 

TheBrewerMoose

Thx.  From Skid's comments, I can see that I've been doing some things "wrong".  For example, I use it for direct cooks, sometimes at high temps.  I also do not have it covered with foil. 

Seems to me that there would be a design change if a BBQer has to jump through all this to use the product and not break it.  Oh well, I guess I'll order new probes,m or maybe go up to the 733.  I noticed on slickdeals that there's an Amazon coupon for the 733 for $50 with free shipping.

DoubleEgger

Probes are expensive. I choked when I bought the probes to add a second egg to the stoker. 

Skiddymarker

The 733 has lost the timer option of the 732 - I use the timer when I drop the electric starter into the egg, set for 8 minutes - otherwise I wander off and forget about it, lost two starters that way. 
The 733 is a different set procedure, but once you get onto it, works just fine. 
the probes are good to 716ºF, while the 732 probes were good to 572ºF. At the grid level with a direct cook and a dome of 500ºF, your probe was probably exposed to more than 600ºF, above its range. 

As an after thought, when you run the cables out between the dome and base (between the gaskets) try to mix up the place you run them. Avoids making an indent in your gasket(s). If you use a setter, position one leg at the hinge, the other two at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. Try to alternate running the cables over these setter legs to shield from heat. 

BTW,if you use the 732 receiver as a timer, it will sync with the 733 transmitter. 

Begger

I'd like to answer a few questions about temperature measurement.
Even if they haven't been asked!
A thermocouple CAN be very expensive.   It depends on 3 main things.  
First.   Desired accuracy.  The very HIGHEST accuracy TCs come with certification of calibration and are measured for voltage output every 0.10 degree for the range of intended temps.    BBQ guys simply do NOT need this level.  This data is reported to the end user for Precision Calibration purposes.

BBQ types can use either the ICE or BOILING WATER method to either confirm accuracy or calibrate.  

Second.  Sheath materials.     A grounded sheath of Inconel will go thru ANYTHING a grill can put out.  Inconel 600 BRAID over a ceramic insulator is Grill-Proof.    For high temp cooks, I'd be TEMPTED to pay for this feature.
Finally:   TC type and purity of the metal matters a lot.  Some of the metals used include Platinum, Rhodium, Iridium, Gold, and even Iron.  But ALL must be the EXACT material specified.   Several 'types' are of proprietary alloys, like Chromel or Alumel.  

For a ZERO feature read back of temp, I use my Cen-tech multi-meter which has a Type-K input socket and reads out only in degrees 'C'.   So I've gotten good at multiplying by 9.   Dividing by 5, than ADDING 32 to get F.  This meter can be used with ANY Type-K thermocouple.   
Plug in STANDARDS exist to ensure portability.   Most of the aftermarket temp meters IGNORE these standards to lock you in to their system.   

The BEST probes, because they are the PRIME manufacturer of most of 'em would be OMEGA.  The catelogue is pretty deep and you may need help figuring it out, but persist and you can get the RIGHT part for your meter, even if it may require a little surgery.  ALL plugs and wires in a TC circuit MUST be of the correct materials to prevent wacky readings.  

Here is a picture of my Really Cheap Meter in use.   It has a BARE couple which is not very durable, but works FINE when I feed the wire thru to grill level.  You can see the wire INSIDE the dome is starting to 'brown' from the smoke!  Perfect! 
The Yellow Plug is 'type-K' standard.