Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer Review
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The Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer is one of the more affordable WiFi meat thermometers on the market.
It comes with four temperature probes, 2 grate clips, and a USB-C cable for charging.
The Govee WiFi Thermometer comes with 4 probes, 2 grate clips, and a USB cable for charging.
The Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer (model H5198) is also Bluetooth compatible with a strong wireless range.
Connecting it to your smartphone or tablet is also quite easy via the Govee Home app.
However, this thermometer has no IP waterproof rating.
The speaker holes in the top of the thermometer are a nice touch until it rains.
When you’re monitoring meat that is grilling or smoking outside it’s nice to have that peace of mind that your thermometer will be ok if it gets a little wet.
There are things that I like and don’t like about this thermometer. What are these things?
I’ll examine them in this review of the Govee WiFi Meat thermometer, as well as its features, usability, accuracy, durability, and price to determine if it’s a thermometer worth your money.
Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer
Govee is a relatively new smart device brand (founded in 2017) based in Shenzhen China.
They manufacture everything from smart LED lights to smart home appliances such as smart humidifiers and smart meat thermometers.
There are currently eight meat thermometers in their lineup of products, with seven of them being a different variation of a Bluetooth thermometer.
See the Govee H5184 Bluetooth Meat Thermometer Review.
The Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer, model H5198, is their only WiFi-compatible meat thermometer.
I haven’t reviewed any Govee meat thermometers until now because, quite honestly, the Bluetooth meat thermometer market is flooded with many manufacturers from China.
It is difficult for a company to stand out from the rest, and investing in more advanced technology such as WiFi is one way to stand out.
Other than WiFi capabilities, what are the features of the Govee H5198 meat thermometer that set it apart from the competition?
Although it has a magnetic back, this thermometer has no stand and must lay flat, making it difficult to view.
Features of the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer
Here are the important components and features of the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer:
- One WiFi Thermometer
- Four Temperature Probes
- One USB-C Charging Cable
- Two Grate Clips
- Magnetic Back
- WiFi and Bluetooth Compatible
- 28 Preset Temperature Alert Settings
- Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- Connects to the Govee Home App for iOS or Android
Specifications
- Probe Length: 6.25 inches (4.25 inches not including probe handle)
- Cable length of probes: 41 inches
- Probe Accuracy of +- 1°C (1.8°F) between 0-150°C (32-305°F)
- Temperature Measuring Range 32°F to 572°F (0°C to 300°C)
- Lithium Battery Power: 3.7V 3000 mAh
Usability
All of the control and functionality of the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer is accessed via its mobile app, the Govee Home app, which is available in the Apple or Google Play stores.
The power button is the only button located on the WiFi device body and the mobile app is the only way to control the thermometer and set temperature alerts.
There is no rotating screen option if you decide to stand the Govee upright.
WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
The standout feature of the Govee WiFi Meat thermometer is its WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and signal strength.
Connecting and maintaining a WiFi or Bluetooth connection with the Govee is seamless. I wish more wireless thermometers were this easy to connect to. (I’m looking at you Inkbird IBBQ-4T and IBBQ-4BW)
The Govee thermometer’s WiFi connection is above average when compared to the other WiFi models I’ve tested.
The Bluetooth signal range is also more than adequate, penetrating through multiple house walls with over 100 feet in distance between phone and thermometer.
The initial setup and connection are all performed through the Govee Home app.
The Govee Home App
To control the Govee WiFi meat thermometer you need to download the Govee Home app from the Apple or Google Play stores.
Once you download the app you need to add your device. You will find the mobile app for this thermometer under the “Home Improvement” heading.
Click on the WiFi meat thermometer and the setup process is pretty self-explanatory.
Using the app is relatively easy with loads of preset temperatures for easy alarm settings. The graphing is pretty basic with no ability to view all of the temperature probes on one graph.
There is a separate graph for each temperature probe which is tedious when you have to scroll between graphs.
You can set high and low-temperature alerts which is nice if you’re smoking meat and need to maintain your pit temperature above a certain threshold.
I would rate the mobile app on par with your standard Bluetooth meat thermometer app.
I’m hoping the app gets an upgrade considering this is a WiFi meat thermometer with the potential for more data storage.
Accuracy
How accurate is the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer?
I tested its accuracy alongside the best-in-class FireBoard 2 Pro and the Thermoworks Signals WiFi Meat Thermometers in a sous vide water bath gradually heating to 132°F.
The FireBoard 2 Pro and the Thermoworks Signals responded the fastest to the ever-increasing water temperature, while the Govee lagged behind for 10 to 15 seconds.
The Govee thermometer eventually reached within 0.6°F of the other two thermometers when the sous vide water bath reached its final temperature of 132°F.
I would give the Govee just an average rating in terms of accuracy and responsiveness.
Durability
The durability of a meat thermometer is a trait that is measured over time. One way to ensure that the thermometer you are buying will last is if it has any form of waterproofing.
I mentioned in the opening that this thermometer has no waterproof rating. If you do a lot of grilling and smoking outside with no cover this could pose a problem.
Also concerning is the curious placement of unnecessary speaker holes in the top of the device, making it too easy for rain to seep in and ruin its circuitry.
Most wireless meat thermometers have somehow found a way to emit perfectly adequate alarm noises without the help of dedicated speaker holes.
I consider this a design flaw rather than a beneficial feature.
The device body feels sturdy enough but I’m not sure how it would hold up to a few falls onto a deck or brick patio.
However, the temperature probes of this thermometer are sturdy and very similar to ThermoPro temperature probes, albeit a little shorter in length.
Something to also note is the lack of information or customer support for the meat thermometer category on the Govee website.
When you click on the support tab for meat thermometers you are transferred to a webpage with four generic questions about meat thermometers and that is it. See it here.
Not very helpful.
It is too soon to give a final rating of durability to this thermometer, I intend to update this section after I’ve used it more. (Ideally when it’s raining.)
I will give it a “meh” rating for now.
Price
The retail price for the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer is $99. However, you will often find it at a discount on Amazon or their own website for much less, often around 30 to 40% less.
You will find an abundance of Bluetooth meat thermometers around the $50 to $60 range, but not many WiFi meat thermometers with Bluetooth capabilities as well.
Final Thoughts
There is a noticeable difference in functionality between WiFi meat thermometers and Bluetooth meat thermometers.
WiFi not only makes it possible to monitor your food temperature from anywhere, but it also allows for more data storage such as cook history and advanced temperature graphing.
The very best WiFi meat thermometers on the market have mobile apps as well as online portals to track such data.
Any new WiFi meat thermometer on the market is judged against these standards.
I want to like the Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer. Its WiFi and Bluetooth connection and range are great, unfortunately, everything else is just average.
The mobile app is the same one that Govee uses for its Bluetooth meat thermometers. At a higher price tag than those Bluetooth models, you would expect a little more functionality such as a saveable cook history and better graphs.
The accuracy and responsiveness of this thermometer are just average and not on par with the best WiFi meat thermometers available.
A lack of waterproofing is perhaps the biggest detractor of this WiFi meat thermometer. If you’re grilling or smoking outside in the elements this is a critical feature you want.
Upgrading the mobile app and giving the device body some type of waterproofing would be necessary if this thermometer wants to be mentioned in the same breath as the top WiFi meat thermometers.
For right now, I consider it a WiFi meat thermometer with the mobile app and features of a Bluetooth meat thermometer.
- Monitoring Temperature Anywhere: Contact via WiFi or Bluetooth easily. Remotely keep track of the digital meat thermometers temperatures anywhere, anytime. Check your temperatures without exposure to excessive heat and save your time to check it.
- Safe and Precise Probes: Made from 304 food grade stainless steel. The measuring range is between 32°- 572°F and the accuracy is within ±1.8°F. 4 probes allowing you to monitor multiple temperatures.
- 3000mAh Rechargeable Battery: Make your meat thermometer for smoking last longer with our convenient eco-friendly lithium battery. Taking about 2.8H to fully charge, the battery can be used continuously for up to 40H (about 20-40 uses per charge).
- Smart Alerts: With the Govee Home App, your food will stay safe in the kitchen or oven and be cooked to your liking. When any of your temperatures are outside of your presets, youll receive an instant notification on the app and on your digital meat thermometer.
- 28 USDA-Recommended Preset Temperatures: Ensure the cooking quality of your food with temperature recommendations for up to 14 types of foods.The Govee Home App will provide suggestions based on user needs for grilling.
