I'm new to the forum. Had my model #2 for about a month with great results. Really enjoyed using it. I'm very curious about this thermometer. I do need a new one or at least tell myself I do. I've been getting by the last few weeks on simple thermometers I already had, but would like to upgrade to something with remote capabilities, multiple ports, etc. I'm curious on everyone's thoughts. Is this something I should wait on for release and production and bide my time with what I currently have, or should I just put down for a Maverick 732 or 733 and call it a day. I guess I could always upgrade down the road, but not really wanting to spend a ton of money for multiple thermometers. Plus the wife will start asking why we have 4 or 5 different ones when we currently have 3. Appreciate any direction.
The Fireboard looks like an excellent new thermometer with some cool features. But, I would encourage you to at least check out
"The Meater" before making a purchasing decision. I think you will find that they both have their pros and cons of which only you can decide which of them are more important to you. I went all in on "The Meater" when it was in its KickStarter phase by ordering a Meater Block with 4 probes.
They are tentatively set to start shipping the first batches of the single Meaters for KickStarter backers in November 2016 and hopefully soon after for The Meater Blocks, with "estimated" December 2016 for single Meaters and "Estimated" January 2017 for The Meater Blocks for the pre-orders that are currently being submitted (according to their website). I got in on the initial KickStarter campaign and have been patiently waiting for "The Meater" to start shipping because I see this as a truly revolutionary product (completely wireless, really?) that does not have any true competitors.
Personally (others can correct me if I am miscategorizing), I see the Fireboard product as more of a new take on a thermometer product that has some like products (Tappeque, Thermoworks, etc) already out there that appears to be of very high quality and value compared to many of its direct competitors.
Admittedly, because "The Meater" is such a revolutionary product, there is probably a little more risk involved with The Meater than there is for the Fireboard product. But, I was willing to take that risk in hopes of the high reward outcome. Again, this is something you need to research and decide which of these or other options is the right one for you.
In an attempt to not hijack this thread further, I would recommend either creating a new thread topic or add on to the current
The Meater (wireless meat thermometers) - Kickstarter project thread that has already been created with any Meater related questions.
This all being said, there is nothing wrong with going with an ever popular Maverick ET-732 or ET-733 if that is all you can afford or are willing to spend on a thermometer at this time. I have a Maverick ET-733 and am very happy with it especially after replacing the standard probes with waterproof probes. Admittedly, I probably didn't take care of my OEM probes (likely got them wet) that came with the ET-733, which is why my probes started acting up and eventually quit working. I have had excellent luck with my new waterproof probes and still try not to get them wet as I am guessing that in reality they should be considered more water resistant than waterproof.