Grill thermometers: Fireboard vs Flame boss
In this article, we will compare two popular grill thermometers: the Fireboard grill thermometer and the Flame Boss grill thermometer. Both thermometers have their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. We will provide a comprehensive comparison of their company backgrounds, probe capacities, wireless ranges, connectivity options, dimensions, weights, and prices. This comparison will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right grill thermometer for your needs.
At a Glance
The Fireboard grill thermometer offers a higher probe capacity, longer wireless range, and cloud connectivity, making it a feature-rich and versatile option. On the other hand, the Flame Boss grill thermometer is a budget-friendly and compact choice, primarily designed for charcoal and wood-fired grills and smokers. Both thermometers have unique features, and your choice should be based on your specific needs and preferences.
Company Background
Fireboard was founded in 2015, with its headquarters located in Kansas City, US. On the other hand, Flame Boss was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Florida, United States.
Probe Capacity
Fireboard supports up to 6 probes at a time, allowing for greater flexibility in monitoring multiple temperatures simultaneously. Flame Boss, however, can support up to 4 probes at a time.
Wireless Range
Fireboard boasts a wireless range of up to 400 feet, which is considerably longer than the 100 feet range offered by Flame Boss.
Cloud Connectivity
Fireboard features cloud connectivity, enabling users to access temperature data from anywhere using a smartphone app or web browser. In contrast, Flame Boss lacks cloud connectivity, limiting data access to within range of the device.
Dimensions
Fireboard thermometer measures 6.25″ x 1.4″ x 1.1″ inches, while Flame Boss thermometer has dimensions of 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 inches.
Weight
The Fireboard thermometer weighs 145 grams, making it lighter than the Flame Boss thermometer, which weighs 227 grams.
Price
There is a significant price difference between the two thermometers, with Fireboard priced at $149 and Flame Boss at $69.99.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Fireboard | Flame Boss |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Founded | 2015 | 2013 |
| Probe Capacity | 6 probes | 4 probes |
| Wireless Range | 400 feet | 100 feet |
| Cloud Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 6.25″ x 1.4″ x 1.1″ | 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 1.4″ |
| Weight | 145 grams | 227 grams |
| Price | $149 | $69.99 |
Battery Life
The Fireboard grill thermometer is equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 24 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. On the other hand, the Flame Boss grill thermometer uses 4 AA batteries, which can last for up to 18 hours of use.
Temperature Accuracy
Both Fireboard and Flame Boss grill thermometers offer high-temperature accuracy. The Fireboard thermometer has an accuracy of ±1°F (±0.55°C) for temperature readings, while the Flame Boss thermometer offers an accuracy of ±2°F (±1.1°C).
Compatibility with Grill and Smoker Types
A Fireboard grill thermometer is versatile and can be used with various types of grills and smokers, such as charcoal, gas, pellet, and electric. Flame Boss grill thermometer, while also compatible with multiple grill types, is primarily designed for use with charcoal and wood-fired grills and smokers.
Customer Support
Both companies provide customer support to help users troubleshoot any issues they may encounter with their grill thermometers. Fireboard offers email and phone support, along with a knowledge base on their website. Flame Boss provides customer support through phone, email, and a comprehensive FAQ section on their website.
Pros and Cons
Fireboard Grill Thermometer
Pros:
- Higher probe capacity: Fireboard supports up to 6 probes at a time, allowing for greater flexibility in monitoring multiple temperatures simultaneously.
- Longer wireless range: With a wireless range of up to 400 feet, Fireboard offers a more extensive range compared to Flame Boss.
- Cloud connectivity: Fireboard’s cloud connectivity feature enables users to access temperature data from anywhere using a smartphone app or web browser.
- Lightweight: The fireboard thermometer is lighter, weighing 145 grams compared to Flame Boss’s 227 grams.
- Longer battery life: Fireboard’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge.
- Greater temperature accuracy: Fireboard has a temperature accuracy of ±1°F (±0.55°C).
Cons:
- Higher price: Fireboard grill thermometer is more expensive, priced at $149 compared to Flame Boss’s $69.99.
- Larger dimensions: Fireboard thermometer has a larger size, which may be less convenient for some users.
Flame Boss Grill Thermometer
Pros:
- Budget-friendly: Priced at $69.99, Flame Boss offers a more affordable option for users.
- Compact design: Flame Boss thermometer has smaller dimensions (3.9″ x 3.9″ x 1.4″), making it more compact and easier to handle.
- Designed for charcoal and wood-fired grills: Flame Boss is primarily designed for use with charcoal and wood-fired grills and smokers, which may be a preference for some users.
Cons:
- Lower probe capacity: Flame Boss can support only up to 4 probes at a time, limiting temperature monitoring options.
- Shorter wireless range: With a wireless range of 100 feet, Flame Boss has a shorter range compared to Fireboard.
- No cloud connectivity: Flame Boss lacks cloud connectivity, limiting data access to within range of the device.
- Heavier: The Flame Boss thermometer is heavier, weighing 227 grams compared to Fireboard’s 145 grams.
- Shorter battery life: Flame Boss uses 4 AA batteries, which last up to 18 hours, offering a shorter battery life than Fireboard.
- Lower temperature accuracy: Flame Boss has a temperature accuracy of ±2°F (±1.1°C), which is slightly lower than Fireboard’s accuracy.
Flame Boss Grill Thermometer Buying Experience and Review
I have been using the Flame Boss to control my kamado smokers for six years, so I was eager to try out their Wi-Fi thermometer, which can monitor the temperature of four different items simultaneously on my electric smoker. The packaging and build quality were impressive, and I received all the listed contents.
Although the Flame Boss comes with two meat probes, I would have preferred to receive four, given the four available jacks. I recommend ordering four extra probes as backups. Connecting to Wi-Fi was easy, and I conducted a test run with two pork butts overnight. By attaching a pit probe to port 3, I discovered that my electric smoker runs 15 degrees cooler than indicated, which is valuable information for future cooks.
Additionally, this Wi-Fi thermometer grants full access to the Flame Boss app, allowing me to track, share, and make notes on my cooking experiences. I can even monitor the cooking process remotely. Moreover, Flame Boss customer service is incredibly responsive and helpful.
In conclusion, the Flame Boss Wi-Fi thermometer performs exceptionally well, and I am considering purchasing another one for use in my home ovens.
Conclusion
Both Fireboard and Flame Boss grill thermometers have their unique features and benefits. Fireboard excels in probe capacity, wireless range, cloud connectivity, and weight. Flame Boss, however, is more budget-friendly and primarily designed for charcoal and wood-fired grills and smokers. When choosing the right grill thermometer for your needs, consider the specific features that are most important to you, such as probe capacity, connectivity options, and price.
