Smartro X50 Remote Alarm Thermometer Review
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This is a review of the Smartro X50 Remote Alarm Thermometer. It is a four-probe wireless bbq alarm meat thermometer consisting of a transmitter and receiver.
I’ve reviewed the top remote wireless meat thermometers to see which ones are the best for the grill or smoker. How does the Smartro X50 Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer measure up to the competition?
Quite well actually.
Review Summary
- Best Feature- The transmitter and receiver bodies are solidly built with IP66 waterproof sealing.
- Worst Feature- The wireless signal isn’t close to the reported 500 feet signal distance between the transmitter and receiver.
- What You Need to Know- One of the more weatherproof remote thermometers you’ll find. Testing revealed the top end of the wireless signal distance to be between 250 to 300 feet. Accurate with excellent probes that are eerily similar in appearance to Thermoworks probes, the Smartro is a good value in its price range ($79- $99).
In this review of the Smartro X50 Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer, I will examine the features, usability, accuracy, durability, and price to determine its value. I’ll also show you some alternative remote meat thermometer choices as well.
Smartro X50 Remote Alarm Thermometer Overview
The Smartro X50 Remote BBQ Alarm Thermometer is one of many thermometer models manufactured by the Smartro company.
I will generally ignore many of the meat thermometers on the market until the company that produces them shows a track record of quality products with good ratings.
Most of the thermometers produced by Smartro have received high ratings for quality, so I decided to see for myself if their products are legit.
The Smartro X50 is a four-probe, remote wireless meat thermometer that communicates between its transmitter and receiver via an RF (radio frequency) signal.
After unboxing the Smartro X50 thermometer and its components you will notice how heavy both the transmitter and receiver units feel in your hands.
When you couple this with the rubber gaskets that run along the outside of both the transmitter and receiver, you just get the feeling of quality.
Looks can be deceiving, however, so I decided to test this thermometer’s durability outside in the rain for an hour.
The results? The thermometer still functions normally after bringing it inside and wiping it off.
What does this prove? It proves it can handle some rain for an hour, which is a good start to proving its durability over time.
My initial impressions of this thermometer are that it looks and feels like a well-built thermometer. Only time and repeated use will confirm this to be true.
Other than a solid design, what else does this thermometer feature?
Features of the Smartro X50 Remote Thermometer
Here are all of the important features of the Smartro X50.
- The transmitter and receiver units are both rated IP66 waterproof.
An IP rating of 66 means that this device is protected against powerful jets of water. This doesn’t mean you can submerge it though.
- Preset Temperatures
There are eight different meat preset temperature options with one user-defined option.
- 500-foot Wireless Transmission Signal Range
The wireless signal will be dependent on obstacles. Generally, you can expect around 300 feet.
- Four-section backlit LCD display screens on both the transmitter and receiver
- Magnetic Back
- Calibration Function
There is a calibration button on the back which will allow you to calibrate the probes individually if needed.
- Backlight
The backlight will stay illuminated for 20 seconds after you press the light button.
- Four Stainless Steel Probes
There are three meat probes and one ambient probe. The meat probes are almost 7-inches long with 39-inch probe cables. The cables are rated to withstand 700°F.
- Temperature Measuring Range -4°F to 572°F ( -20°C to 300°C)
- Accuracy +- 1.8°F (+-1.0°C)
- Eight-colored probe rings
Attaching the probe rings at the probe handles and by the probe jack inserts allow you to identify which probe is in what food on the grill.
- 2 Probe Clips
Usability
Most people should be able to comfortably operate the Smartro X50 after a 5-minute perusal of the operating manual.
All of the temperature-setting functions are done through the buttons on the transmitter.
To track the internal temperature of your food, after inserting the probe, you will press the SET button of the probe channel, and then press the ON/OFF button to turn on the alarm.
Then you will press the SET button twice to set the high-temperature alarm for that probe. Next, you can choose to use a preset temperature by pressing the MEAT button or simply continue with the default setting, which lets you choose your own temperature.
Once you’ve set your preferred temperatures, press SET again to confirm or wait ten seconds and it will automatically set.
A note on the preset temperatures provided. Many of the preset temperatures are quite a bit higher than ideal, so you will be better off setting your own temperatures for your food.
The reported signal transmission range of 500 feet is a bit optimistic. My multiple walks around the neighborhood revealed a top distance between 250 to 300 feet, even with only a few obstacles.
The signal is capable of going through multiple walls in your house and should be sufficient for most home situations within a 200-foot range.
The alarm is nice and loud with a screen that flashes red as well, which is helpful should you mute the alarm or have it at low volume.
Another nice usability feature is that you can calibrate the probes if needed. The ability to calibrate your thermometer is always a good thing and gives you peace of mind should it become inaccurate.
Accuracy
After testing the X50 alongside many similar and more expensive meat thermometers I can conclude that it is definitely accurate.
I tested the ambient temperature probe of the X50 in the oven along with four other highly-rated meat thermometers.
The response time and accuracy were in line with the other thermometers while tracking the ambient temperature of the oven.
Next, I tested the food probes in a series of water bath temperature tests.
The temperature readings of the X50 were right in line with the temperatures displayed on the other thermometers.
Durability
As I mentioned earlier, the Smartro X50 definitely looks and feels the part of a durable thermometer.
Solidly built and heavy with a good-size rubber seal running along the outside of both the transmitter and receiver units, this is one of the sturdier thermometers I’ve encountered in all of my tests.
There aren’t many remote thermometers that feature an IP rating of 66 or higher. There is the Thermoworks Smoke X, the Cheftstemp Quad XPro, and the Smartro X50.
The temperature probes are sturdy with cables that are heat resistant up to 700°F.
There is also a three-year warranty if you register your product on the Smartro website.
Durability is a trait tested over time. The Smartro X50 has all of the requisite features to endure, but it will take some time to truly state its durability.
Price
The retail price for the Smartro X50 Remote Meat Thermometer ranges between $79 to $99. This range is dependent on discounts and specials that Amazon promotes throughout the year.
You can even find it as low as $59, depending on discounts from Amazon.
This is what you can generally expect to pay for a quality remote meat thermometer.
Alternatives
Here are some alternative remote thermometers to the Smartro X50 that I’ve reviewed and recommended.
The ThermoPro TP829 has a better transmission signal, generally around 800 feet, with four probes and an IPX4 waterproof rating. See my review of the ThermoPro TP829.
Thermoworks is the standard-bearer for meat thermometers and the Smoke X4 is my highest-rated remote meat thermometer. With a reported signal range of 1.24 miles (yep) and best-in-class accuracy and build quality, the Smoke X4 is well worth its elevated price tag.
See my review of the Thermoworks Smoke X4.
The Chef’s Temp Quad XPro is another remote meat thermometer that is remarkably similar in its features to the Smartro X50, although with a much better transmission signal. See my review of the ChefsTemp Quad XPro.
Thermomeat’s Verdict
There is a lot to like about the Smartro X50 Remote Meat Thermometer. It checks all of the boxes in terms of features, usability, durability, and accuracy.
One area of concern is the transmission signal range, which I found to be consistently half the distance stated on the box. But, then again, it is still over 200 feet, which is plenty of range for most home cooking situations.
The signal was able to penetrate through multiple walls so you shouldn’t have any problem getting reception between the inside of the house and the outside patio.
There are remote thermometers with stronger signal ranges as I noted in the alternatives section above.
If transmission range is a priority, I would look at those thermometers first.
The Smartro X50 offers a good value at its current price range and I rate it a solid buy.
- 【500FT Remote Range】The X50 grill thermometer gives you up to 500 feet (152.4 meters) transmission distance to the receiver. We have used upgraded RF wireless transmission which is more reliable than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. With max signal strength able to penetrate walls, the X50 smoker thermometer is perfect for tracking temps. Keep you connected to your food from anywhere in your home or yard. Feel free to sit back and relax without ever having to get up to check on your food and grill.
- 【4-Channel Dashboard-style Display】The X50 bbq thermometer features 4 commercial-grade pro-series stainless probes with reinforced materials and color rings, allowing you to monitor up to 3 different cooks at once, and use the ambient probe with a clip to track the ambient temp. Tracking temperatures has been made simple with one large digital display screen. You can view all channels and temperature data on one screen meaning no pressing buttons or switching between channels.
- 【Sturdy and Splash-proof Design】Molded-in seals for splash-proof protection rated to IP66 make the leave in probe thermometer safe for outdoor use and keep it protected from splashes. Never worry about forgetting to bring it in on a rainy day as no additional waterproof bags are needed. Built to last the X50 technology is inside a protective case that can withstand day to day wear and tear.
- 【Longer Battery Life】Built to be energy efficient the device lasts for 1500 hours allowing you to use the barbecue thermometer countless times without needing to replace batteries. Your ideal kitchen tools for grilling smoking oil deep fry candy making. Never cook alone again with the X50’s power-saving technology on Christmas.
- 【Easy to Use】The preset temperature function allows for faster setup. The X50 is programmed with 8 different meat presets and 5 doneness presets, just select the type of meat you are cooking, and the oven thermometer will do the rest. If you know how you like your food cooked, set your alarm temperatures manually based on your experience and preferences. Whether you are a chef, a BBQ enthusiast, a professional BBQ competitor, or a beginner, you can cook perfectly every single time.
