Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi Meat Thermometer
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The Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi Meat Thermometer presents an opportunity to buy a WiFi meat thermometer at a much lower price than competing models.
The Fireboard 2 Drive, Thermoworks Signals, and the Tappecue Touch are some of the top WiFi meat thermometers on the market. They also come with higher price tags.
Is the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW just as good as other WiFi meat thermometers that are twice the price? No, it’s not.
But that doesn’t mean that this meat thermometer isn’t a good value at its current price point. It does have a lot of nice features that you won’t find in meat thermometers in its price range or lower.
Govee WiFi Meat Thermometer Review
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Other than its use as both a WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer, the four-probe IBBQ-4BW has a nice mobile app with a lot of features. It also has a decent Bluetooth range for a WiFi meat thermometer.
Check out my latest review of the BBQ Guru UltraQ WiFi BBQ Temperature Controller.
And it’s also pretty darn accurate.
(Clockwise from the top) The Thermoworks Signals, SmokeBloq, Tappecue Touch, Inkbird IBBQ-4W, and Fireboard 2 Drive WiFi meat thermometers measuring a sous vide water bath.
So, what makes this WiFi meat thermometer worth your time and money?
I will find out in this review of the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi Meat Thermometer. I’ll take a look at its features, usability, accuracy, durability, and price to determine if it’s a meat thermometer that will help you with your cooking needs.
See how the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW compares to the other Inkird WiFi thermometer, the IBBQ-4T Wifi Grill Thermometer.
Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi Meat Thermometer
If you’re unfamiliar with the Inkbird brand you’re not alone. Although not a household name yet, they are a rapidly growing worldwide home automation brand that is based in Shenzhen, China.
Inkbird produces a whole host of temperature measuring devices, with many different meat thermometer models.
I’ve reviewed two other Inkbird meat thermometer models, the Inkbird IHT-1S Instant-Read and the Inkbird IBT-4XS Bluetooth meat thermometers. The one thing that they have common is that they are accurate and utilize USB chargeable batteries.
I rate the IHT-1S and IBT-4XS models very highly, so I was interested to see how this model would perform in head-to-head tests with similar WiFi meat thermometers.
Inkbird IBBW-4BW WiFi meat thermometer with its four temperature probes, 2 grate clips, and a USB-C cord for charging.
Let’s take a look at everything that comes in the box of the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi meat thermometer.
Features
Here’s everything that comes with the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW WiFi Meat Thermometer:
- One WiFi Meat Thermometer
The thermometer body is pretty sturdy with a nice backlit screen. The screen is split into four sections and shows the current temperatures of the probes, Bluetooth and WiFi connection indicators, volume indicator, and battery power. There are no other numbers that appear on the screen such as hi and low-temperature alarms.
- Four Temperature Probes
The four temperature probes have four different colored silicon handles and corresponding port plugs. This color-coordination is helpful and you can adjust the settings in the smart app to correspond to each color. The probes are five inches long (3.5 inches not including handles) and the probe cables are almost four feet long.
- Two Grate Clips
- One USB-C Cable
The USB-C cable will insert into any USB charging device, but be careful not to lose the cable as the thermometer will only accept USB-C type plugins.
- One User’s Manual
At 16 pages, the user’s manual is a good size and more helpful than a lot of the ones that usually come with a meat thermometer. The manual shows you how to set up Bluetooth and WiFi connections and also has both troubleshooting and a FAQ section.
- One Warranty Card
The warranty card allows you to extend the warranty for free up to 12 months after purchase, not bad.
Inkbird IBBW-4BW in its box with user’s manual and warranty card.
Specifications of the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW
Here are all the exact specifications of the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW.
- Dimensions: 4.5″x 1.75″x 3″
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Screen Size: 2.75″x 1.5″
- Screen Type: LCD
- Backlight Color: Orange
- Battery Type: Li-Ion Polymer 2500mah/9.25Wh Battery
- USB Type-C Voltage: DC 5V
- Operating Temperature: 0°C- 55°C/32°F to 131°F
- Probe Connector: Jack 2.5mm mono plug 11mm
- The Number of Probe Channels: 4
- System Requirements: Android 4.2 or later, iOS 11 or later
- Temperature Measuring Range: -22°F to 572°F
- Probe Temperature Accuracy: +- 2.0°C (+-3.6 °F) from -20°C to +300°C (-4°F to +572°F)
Wireless Parameters
The Inkbird does feature a Bluetooth BLE 4.2 chip, which might explain its longer Bluetooth signal range than some of the other WiFi models. However, like most WiFi meat thermometers, you’ll find it works best when it’s connected to your WiFi.
The Bluetooth feature on the Inkbird will function best when you have a direct line-of-sight between the thermometer and your mobile device.
- Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth BLE 4.2
- Bluetooth Radio Frequency: 2400 to 2483 MHz
- Maximum Bluetooth Output Power: +5dBm
- WiFi: 2.4GHz IEEE 802:11b/g/n (20 MHz)
- WiFi Radio Frequency: 2.412 to 2.484GHz
- Number of WiFi Channels: 1-13 for Europe and Asia, 1-11 for North America
- WiFi Security: WPA/WPA2
- WiFi Maximum Output Power and Gain: +20dbm and 3dBi
Usability of the IBBQ-4BW
How easy is it to set up and use the IBBQ-4BW? It’s not too difficult but it still takes time and a little patience.
I’ll take you through the steps to set up the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW to use in Bluetooth and WiFi modes.
I recommend that you charge the Inkbird’s battery before you start anything. It will take around 3 hours for it to be fully charged.
You also need a mobile device that is running either iOS 11 or later, or Android 4.4 or later to download the mobile app for the Inkbird. You can either scan the QR code in the Inkbird’s User’s manual or go directly to the Google Play or Apple store to download the BBQGo Pro app.
The easiest way to set up the WiFi configuration for the Inkbird is by using the “Assisted Configuration WiFi Mode.”
You will need to have your Bluetooth enabled on your mobile device the first time you’re setting up the WiFi connection to the Inkbird. Here’s how it goes:
- Download the BBQGo Pro app.
- Turn on Inkbird.
- You’ll be prompted to “Add Device” in the app. Click it and select IBBQ-4BW.
- You’ll then be prompted to choose between Bluetooth and WiFi connection modes to start.
- To connect to Bluetooth, press that option, and then the app will scan for devices, when prompted, press and hold the button on the right of the device to connect.
- Select WiFi Connection, you’ll then be asked to sign up for an account with your email and then a verification code is sent to your phone.
- Follow the instructions on the app screen to complete the WiFi connection.
- Allow the BBQGo Pro app to use your location while using the app.
- Choose the WiFi router you want and enter the password. Make sure you have the 5GHz band disabled on your router for the initial setup.
- Make sure that you’re within a few feet of your router or WiFi extender during the initial setup. It might take more than one try so be patient.
The Inkbird IBBQ-4BW and its mobile app that you can color coordinate with its probes.
BBQGo Pro App
Update January 2020: The BBQGo Pro app is extremely glitchy and after the most recent update I can’t even connect my iPhone to the device. These things happen and I’m not going to write this model off because of it. Just an FYI. I’ll keep you posted.
The mobile app for the thermometer is the BBQGo Pro app. You can find it in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.
It is a nice app with a lot of neat features, however, in the world of WiFi meat thermometers, it is pretty basic.
Inkbird BBQGo Pro main screen with customizable meat preference, timer function, hi and low temp alarms.
Using the app on your mobile device is easy and it provides a lot of the same features as the more expensive models.
However, the only way to save your information from your cooking session is by exporting a spreadsheet file or sharing a screenshot.
The spreadsheet file is just a list of temperatures with their corresponding times.
The more expensive (and rightfully so) WiFi thermometers from Thermoworks, Fireboard, and Tappecue all have dedicated online sites where you can store your cooking data.
These sites also have interactive graphs that you can use to study your prior cooking sessions.
Basically, the Inkbird’s app falls short in terms of an online presence like the other WiFi thermometers.
This isn’t to say that the Inkbird’s mobile app isn’t nice at its price point. If it were strictly a Bluetooth thermometer its mobile app would be among the top performers.
Here are the features of the BBQGo Pro app:
- You can customize your temperature alerts and there are preset meat temperatures as well.
- Timer
- An Interactive Time and Temperature Chart
The chart is nice in that you can choose between a single probe’s chart or all of the probe’s temperatures on one chart.
Time and temperature chart of the BBQGo Pro app showing the temperature of all four probes at once.
- Calibration Function in the App
- Adjustable Backlight Time Up to 30 Minutes
This feature is really cool. I get annoyed by constantly having to press the light button on a thermometer screen. You can set the length of time the backlight stays on up to 30 minutes.
This obviously only works because you can charge the Inkbird’s rechargeable battery via USB. If it ran off of standard batteries the constant backlight would drain its power pretty fast.
You can adjust the calibration of the probes as well as the length of time the screen stays illuminated in the app.
Overall, it’s a nice app with plenty of features, it’s just lacking the online presence that the other WiFi thermometers provide to view and interact with your cooking information.
Bluetooth and WiFi Range and Connectivity
The IBBQ-4BW features a Bluetooth 4.2BLE chip that gives it a little better range than a lot of the other WiFi thermometers.
For some reason, most WiFi meat thermometers are sorely lacking in Bluetooth signal range.
The Bluetooth range is also dependent on the mobile device you’re using as well. Most Bluetooth connections with your phone will cut out at around 30 feet.
The Inkbird does a little better. I’ve been able to get between 40 and 50 feet with walls in between the Inkbird and my iPhone.
Nothing to write home about, but still better.
You are buying a WiFi meat thermometer for its ability to connect to your WiFi.
It is best to be within 5 feet of your internet router when you connect the Inkbird initially to your WiFi.
Once connected, the Inkbird needs to be within 30 feet or so of the router or WiFi extender.
If you’re going to be using any WiFi meat thermometer outside and a decent distance from your internet router it’s a good idea to invest in a WiFi extender.
They’re pretty inexpensive and they really do help your thermometer stay connected to your home WiFi system.
Accuracy of the IBBQ-4BW
How accurate is the IBBQ-4BW? I would say it’s pretty accurate after using it for several cooks in the oven with other highly-accurate meat thermometers.
The Inkbird IBBQ-4BW and Thermoworks Signals WiFi meat thermometer measuring oven temperature.
The Inkbird kept pace with the other thermometers I tested it against in terms of response time and accuracy. I would rate the Inkbird as being very accurate.
Durability
One of the main features that factor into the durability of any meat thermometer is its waterproof rating. Is the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW waterproof? No, it’s not.
There is no information about a waterproof rating in its user’s manual or anywhere online. There is a mention in the user’s manual of not using the thermometer in high humidity environments as it may lead to battery damage.
The thermometer has a seam all the way around it where the front and back parts come together. Whether this seam has a gasket on the inside of the thermometer I’m not sure.
If a meat thermometer has any type of waterproofing it is something that the company will definitely tout in its marketing.
I wouldn’t recommend leaving the Inkbird outside in the rain unless you cover it with a plastic bag or something to keep it dry.
The lack of waterproofing is a curious omission in that Inkbird’s other WiFi meat thermometer that is a year older, the IBBQ-4T, has a reported IPX3 waterproof rating. Granted, an IP rating of 3 isn’t much to write home about, but it’s still something.
Hopefully, future WiFi models by Inkbird will step up their game. Their IP-rated 67 instant-read thermometer, the waterproof Inkbird IHT-1S, gives me hope.
The body of the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW feels solid enough to survive a few drops. There are two rubber feet on the bottom of the device that help it grip to surfaces.
The probes are rated to withstand up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time. The silicone grips of the probes will start to melt above that temperature.
For measuring temperatures in a short time frame the probes can monitor up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit but keep the silicone handles away from the high heat.
Do I consider the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW to be durable? I give it just an “OK” rating. The lack of waterproofing is disappointing.
Price
The Inkbird IBBQ-4BW has a price tag that is a lot lower than most WiFi meat thermometers. Does that make it a better value and better buy?
Not necessarily. Considering that it lacks a lot of the online features that are standard with the more expensive WiFi thermometers, I think it’s priced accordingly.
If you’re looking for a WiFi meat thermometer to track and store your cook history I would suggest you take a serious look at the Tappecue Touch, Thermoworks Signals, and Fireboard WiFi meat thermometers.
If you take away the WiFi ability of the Inkbird and do a head-to-head comparison with one of the best Bluetooth thermometers, the ThermoPro TP-25, I think the TP-25 presents you a better value at a much lower price.
The TP25 also lets you export a screenshot of your cooks and has a far greater Bluetooth range.
| Image | Title | Buy | Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
 Top | Tappecue Touch WiFi Meat Thermometer | View On Amazon | PrimeEligible |
 Top | ThermoPro TP25 500ft Wireless Bluetooth Meat Thermometer | View On Amozon | PrimeEligible |
Final Thoughts
Although the Inkbird IBBQ-4BW has the ability to connect to WiFi, it lacks a lot of the features and functionality of the pricier WiFi meat thermometers on the market.
It is very accurate and has a nice mobile app. I like the color coordination of the probes with the mobile app. The ability to adjust the amount of time the backlight stays on is another nice feature.
The calibration function is interesting and hopefully, you won’t need to use it.
It has a good range as a Bluetooth thermometer and stays connected to WiFi within 30 feet or so.
Setting up the initial WiFi connection is precarious as you need to be extremely close to your WiFi source.
The main drawback for me is that it doesn’t have the same online presence to store your cooking data as the other WiFi meat thermometers.
If you have no need for this information and just want the extended range that a WiFi meat thermometer can provide, then this model might make sense for you.
As of right now, I’m lukewarm on this model. I like it, but don’t love it. It’s just an okay value for me.
This could change. Apps get updated, websites get built, so we’ll see.
