Smokin-It User Forum!
Accessories => Gadgets and Gizmos => Topic started by: va_rider on June 23, 2015, 10:23:57 AM
-
So, my ET-733 Maverick has crapped out. Sitting on the kitchen counter, they're reading 140 degrees. Is this just bad probes? I'm going to send it back to Amazon since I've only had them for a couple weeks, but should I order another 733? or is there a better option?
I also have a Thermoworks Chefalarm, which is great. I love the thing. But, it doesn't allow for remote monitoring. I can set an alarm, but at 3AM, the neighbors probably wouldn't appreciate that crazy loud alarm going off.
-
Aaron,
I have tried 4 different remotes and the 733 seems to work the best for me.
Greg
-
Looking at the reviews on Amazon, the biggest complaint seems to be about probes dying all of the time. Is there some fix for this? Better probes?
-
I have not had any problems with my probes yet, but I am careful to just wipes them off when I am done.
If you go to A-MAZE-N Products you will find a replacement probe. Not sure how they compare, you could give them a call. I have listed their number and link below.
(952) 736-7678
https://www.amazenproducts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAVET-732PROBE
Greg
-
Looking at the reviews on Amazon, the biggest complaint seems to be about probes dying all of the time. Is there some fix for this? Better probes?
I had the same issue and Steve replaced my probes twice since I bought the 733 from SI. But the final fix was putting some RTV where the wire goes into the probe. It worked for me. I do replace the RTV every couple months, but it's easy.
Check this out: http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2213.msg21579#msg21579
-
I had issues with my first set of probes for the Maverick 732. When I got the second set of probes, I applied some of the High Temp Red RTV Silicone where the probes meet the wire for added protection against moisture. The probes have been working fine for quite a while now.
-
Looking at the reviews on Amazon, the biggest complaint seems to be about probes dying all of the time. Is there some fix for this? Better probes?
I had the same issue and Steve replaced my probes twice since I bought the 733 from SI. But the final fix was putting some RTV where the wire goes into the probe. It worked for me. I do replace the RTV every couple months, but it's easy.
Check this out: http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2213.msg21579#msg21579
I wonder if you could use something like J-B Weld 8297 HighHeat 500 Degree Epoxy Putty to fix problem all together?
Greg
-
I purchased and extra meat probe at the K.C. BBQ store to use in my 732. That way will have too meat probes when doing different cuts of meats. I also used a gasket silicone maker to seal the ends where the wire goes into the probe. The gasket maker is rated to 500 degrees. Also have not had any issues with my Maverick.
-
I wonder if you could use something like J-B Weld 8297 HighHeat 500 Degree Epoxy Putty to fix problem all together?
Greg
[/quote]
Need to make sure it's food safe. Permatex Red RTV is food safe (I called them). It's smells a bit when first applied, but that goes away as it cured over the next 24 hours. I would definitely give it couple days to cure before using a probe that has it on. I even gave my probes a quick couple hour seasoning in the SI #1 just to make double sure there would be no residual odors when smoking for real.
-
I wonder if you could use something like J-B Weld 8297 HighHeat 500 Degree Epoxy Putty to fix problem all together?
Greg
Need to make sure it's food safe. Permatex Red RTV is food safe (I called them). It's smells a bit when first applied, but that goes away as it cured over the next 24 hours. I would definitely give it couple days to cure before using a probe that has it on. I even gave my probes a quick couple hour seasoning in the SI #1 just to make double sure there would be no residual odors when smoking for real.
[/quote]
Brad good point on making sure its food safe. I just checked on the J-B Weld and it looks iffy.
I like your solution, I will give it a try.
Greg
-
I do not think it needs to be food safe as that part of the probe won't touch the meat. At least that is what Divotmaker posted here http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=763.msg4298#msg4298
Also I did not use a food grade gasket silicone maker I used Permatex ultra black silicone gasket maker.
-
I replaced my 733 probes with these:
http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-3-Foot-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Thermometer/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435097625&sr=8-1&keywords=maverick+et-735+probes
• Water-Proof, Weather Resistant highly rated probe
• 3-Foot Long Stainless Steel Braided Cord with a Stainless Steel Probe
• Can be used as a food, smoker, oven or Pit probe
• High Temperature Rated - Up to 716 degrees F (380 degrees C)
They are way better quality than the ones that come with the 733. I have only used them a couple of times, but I think they will hold up better based on the looks of them.
-
I am actually surprised that the Maverick company does not seal the ends where the braided wire goes into the probe. When I sealed mine I actually put some of the gasket maker down in the hole with the braided wire and also on the outside a 1/4 of an inch both ways. Is not pretty but should have a good seal. And actually those probes are sealed or at least looks to be.
-
I replaced my 733 probes with these:
http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-3-Foot-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Thermometer/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435097625&sr=8-1&keywords=maverick+et-735+probes
• Water-Proof, Weather Resistant highly rated probe
• 3-Foot Long Stainless Steel Braided Cord with a Stainless Steel Probe
• Can be used as a food, smoker, oven or Pit probe
• High Temperature Rated - Up to 716 degrees F (380 degrees C)
They are way better quality than the ones that come with the 733. I have only used them a couple of times, but I think they will hold up better based on the looks of them.
Hey Gregg,
I will order a pair!
Greg
-
Those look like good probes, Gregg! About the JB-Weld, or high-temp silicone (gasket maker) issue: I use the red Permatex, but I'm not concerned about "food grade" because I'm not sticking the silicone in the meat! I wouldn't use an epoxy, like JB, because you need a bit of flexibility in the wire. I would also be concerned that the thick epoxy putty would not penetrate the probe and make a truly watertight seal, which the silicone will do.
-
I replaced my 733 probes with these:
http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-3-Foot-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Thermometer/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435097625&sr=8-1&keywords=maverick+et-735+probes
• Water-Proof, Weather Resistant highly rated probe
• 3-Foot Long Stainless Steel Braided Cord with a Stainless Steel Probe
• Can be used as a food, smoker, oven or Pit probe
• High Temperature Rated - Up to 716 degrees F (380 degrees C)
They are way better quality than the ones that come with the 733. I have only used them a couple of times, but I think they will hold up better based on the looks of them.
Thanks for this. I don't see on Amazon, or the Maverick site, that these are interchangeable with 733 probes. It seems they are working for you and they have to be an improvement and certainly better than me globbing RTV on the 733 probes. Where did you learn that they would work on 733?
-
Brad maybe someone could check with Maverick to see if they are interchangeable or will work in the et-733 or et-732. I have my probes sealed so I do not foresee a problem with them.
-
I replaced my 733 probes with these:
http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-3-Foot-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Thermometer/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435097625&sr=8-1&keywords=maverick+et-735+probes
• Water-Proof, Weather Resistant highly rated probe
• 3-Foot Long Stainless Steel Braided Cord with a Stainless Steel Probe
• Can be used as a food, smoker, oven or Pit probe
• High Temperature Rated - Up to 716 degrees F (380 degrees C)
They are way better quality than the ones that come with the 733. I have only used them a couple of times, but I think they will hold up better based on the looks of them.
Thanks for this. I don't see on Amazon, or the Maverick site, that these are interchangeable with 733 probes. It seems they are working for you and they have to be an improvement and certainly better than me globbing RTV on the 733 probes. Where did you learn that they would work on 733?
This is from the Amazinproducts.com
Maverick ET-735 & 3' Replacement Probe
These probes will also work in the ET-732 and ET-733
-
I just talked with customer service at Maverick and there seems to be some confusion. Yes the probe will work on all three models, 732/733/735. But the customer service rep said that the 3' is not waterproof, but a Hybrid. But that really does not make sense since they claim the 735 comes with two waterproof probes....
Anyways, I have one coming tomorrow.
Here is a link to their site
http://www.maverickhousewares.com/parts/pr-014-br-food-probe-3ft-br-fits-et-735
They make a 6' probe item number PR-022
WATERPROOF HYBRID PROBE (6FT)
FITS: ET-732/733/735
from 25.00
Not to be used in temps above 700°F.
The one on Amazon is a 3' probe
Maverick 3-Foot Waterproof Hybrid Probe for the ET-735 Bluetooth Thermometer - Replacement / Spare Food and Smoker Probe
http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-3-Foot-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Thermometer/dp/B00WGUFITK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167170&sr=8-1&keywords=Maverick+Waterproof+Hybrid+Probe
Greg
-
Actually from their (Maverick's standpoint) this makes sense as they are in it to sell new et-735 and probably not so much the probes.. From the pictures they look pretty sealed to me. JMO
-
Actually from their (Maverick's standpoint) this makes sense as they are in it to sell new et-735 and probably not so much the probes.. From the pictures they look pretty sealed to me. JMO
The six foot probes look different.
Greg
-
Hey Greg this is the one that I purchased at the K.C.BBQ store, if you notice the very end has a black piece of plastic where the wire goes into the probe. I still sealed it with gasket maker. I went a 1/4 inch from where the wire enters the probe both ways. So I have about 1/2 inch seal on it. But, it did look different than the original probes.
-
I think I like the shape of the waterproof PR-022 probe. It's curved towards the end of the probe where the wire enters, giving a bit of a "handle" to help place/remove the probe. I think it would put less stress on the probe/wire connection on top of whatever waterproofing is done. I don't need 6' of wire length but better long than short I guess. Decisions, decisions .....
-
Just talked with the permatex tech. support and he said none of their products are food safe. I explained that would be using on a food probe where the wire goes into the probe. He said would probably be safe but he could not condone it.
-
I found the 6' probe at yardandpool for $20.00 with free shipping. I will wait until I receive my probe from Amazon, but may send it back and get the 6' probe
http://www.yardandpool.com/maverick-et-733-et-732-et-735-waterproof-hybrid-probe-6
Greg
-
That might be different Greg as the 6' probe I purchased was pr-001. But, it looked to be sealed with some a piece of black plastic where the wire enters the probe.
-
Not a bad looking probe, Greg!
-
Just talked with the permatex tech. support and he said none of their products are food safe. I explained that would be using on a food probe where the wire goes into the probe. He said would probably be safe but he could not condone it.
Wow, I got the exact opposite answer when I called them 3 months ago. and I just looked at the internet and found this ...
For my application (Smoker), I contacted permatex and this was there response... The response included a phone number, and I feel that if anyone has questions for themselves the best option is to directly contact them with your specific application.
Many Thanks for your interest in Permatex products
Permatex has a High Temp. RED RTV Silicone Gasket Maker and is safe to
use around food products .It is certified
NSF/ANSI STANDARD 51 Food Equipment Materials ...( indirectly around
food )Temp. max. is 600 F continuous and 650 F intermittently ... The
Ultra Copper is not NSF
If you have further questions feel free to call Tech. Service at
toll-free @ 877.376-2839)
I think the key is NSF/ANSI 51 Food Equipment Materials (Indirectly around food). In other words, don't injest the permatex directly. So the exact application will make the determination. For me, it's safe on the probe where I use it. It's a personal call though.
-
Time for an "intervention!" You all are making way too much out of the "food grade" issue for a tiny dab of silicone at the probe end, where it meets the wire. This should never be in contact with the meat, so what's the worry? And, it's such a minimal amount, it probably wouldn't kill you if it did accidentally touch the meat. Just use any high-temp silicone, and get onto smoking something! We face bigger hazards eating at any fast food joint, or regular restaurant, every time we eat there!
-
I found the 6' probe at yardandpool for $20.00 with free shipping. I will wait until I receive my probe from Amazon, but may send it back and get the 6' probe
http://www.yardandpool.com/maverick-et-733-et-732-et-735-waterproof-hybrid-probe-6
Greg
Did you ever get the probe from Amazon? If you did could you post a close up photo of the back where the wire goes into the probe.
-
Here's another option to chew on. Harbor Freight has marine shrink tube for cheap. It has a sealing adhesive on the inside that makes it water tight.
-
Here's another option to chew on. Harbor Freight has marine shrink tube for cheap. It has a sealing adhesive on the inside that makes it water tight.
Thanks for the tip SuperDave. I see where it shrinks to fit at 250 degrees but do you know what temperature it is rated for?
-
Here's with the new probes. This thing is garbage.
The box is set at 225° by the way.
-
Also, like I've been saying since I bought the SI#2, I think the in box thermostat is also garbage. I've said several times that I suspected this, and it's always just answered in differences of meats.
It ticks me off that I'm going to have to buy more stuff to make the smoker function properly. I don't trust it.
-
Have you tried smoking without using a remote and just trusting the SI? 4 /12 to 5 hours with no peeking for ribs should be fine. The analog controls do fluctuate throughout a smoke and checking the box temperature with a digital probe can be quite maddening.
-
This is the first time I've ever put a probe in the box. Normally probes just go in the meat.
-
Aaron,
Yes the control is not accurate and you have temp swings, but the smokers work just fine and results are amazing. I have done enough smokes, that I have a pretty good idea how long it will take, but I also use a maverick on bigger pieces of meat. For ribs, corn, mushrooms, I cook by time.
One of the things I did when I received my smoker was to run a base test. It did not really change the way I smoke, but I wanted to be able to tell if the element was going out in the future.....
(https://www.smokinitforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi375.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo191%2Fgregbooras%2Fmy%2520smoker%2520heat%2520performance_zps8k15vglg.jpg&hash=1b58ff72f7d7c11abb1b64a70b4fadd614013150) (http://s375.photobucket.com/user/gregbooras/media/my%20smoker%20heat%20performance_zps8k15vglg.jpg.html)
Greg
-
Aaron - My brother was going through what you were experiencing using the remote and worrying like a mother hen. I told him to use the remote for large cuts, like a butt, and put it away for small items like ribs. Life got better and smoking became a no stress enjoyment.
-
The probes still aren't accurate for big cuts. Way off in fact.
-
You have probably already done this but check them against boiling water - 212 degrees. Then just compensate for the difference. As for something different, these are reportedly very accurate: http://thermoworks.com/products/handheld/therma_q.html
This company makes many different types, and all are pricey. We use the standard thermapen in our home during conventional cooking and it is fast and accurate.
-
Well, I'm done messing with the Maverick garbage. Ordered this puppy tonight: http://www.thermoworks.com/products/logger/bluetherm_duo.html
I already have the Thermoworks ChefAlarm,and I've been extremely happy with it. It's pricey stuff, but the accuracy/quality can't be beat.
-
Quite impressive!
-
Well, I'm done messing with the Maverick garbage. Ordered this puppy tonight:http://www.thermoworks.com/products/logger/bluetherm_duo.html
I already have the Thermoworks ChefAlarm,and I've been extremely happy with it. It's pricey stuff, but the accuracy/quality can't be beat.
Pricey, but very nice! I bet that's a great unit - looking forward to your review! Be sure to give it a full review in the "Gadgets & Gizmos" section!
-
Will do. It's definitely a pricier option, at $200 for the unit, which includes no probes. The armored "smokehouse" pro es are $50 each. So, out the door it was a little over $300.
In several other hobbies, motorcycling and photography, I've learned "buy once, cry once". Basically, buy the best you can afford the first time, instead of waiting money on multiple cheap options. I should have bought the Thermoworks unit in the first place, instead of the Maverick.
-
Wow that's nice! Can't wait for a review.
-
Hey Aaron, since you mentioned it Motorcycles. You know HD stands for High Dollar not Harley Davidson. lol Good luck with your new Blue Therm...
-
Well, I'm done messing with the Maverick garbage. Ordered this puppy tonight:http://www.thermoworks.com/products/logger/bluetherm_duo.html
I already have the Thermoworks ChefAlarm,and I've been extremely happy with it. It's pricey stuff, but the accuracy/quality can't be beat.
Aaron,
I have been looking at this unit also, but it is on the pricy side. Can't wait to hear how you like it.
Thanks Greg
-
It is crazy expensive. Especially since you have to buy the probes separately. But, I already have the ChefAlarm, and its build quality is unmatched I've been very happy with it. I'll post up my review on this one as soon as I do the first smoke with it.
-
I use an igrill2 and love it. It has good range, is accurate and uses AA batteries instead of the expensive wafer in the igrill mini. The thing I like most is the temperature graph that displays in the app. You can watch 4 probes at once and it will show the temp of one probe on the unit itself. The app is easy to use and I have had no problems syncing with my iphone6.
-
See the HeaterMeter for another option:
http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2765