What type of temperature probe are the Traeger meat probes?

[gcssf]

I'm having a hard time determining the type of temperature probe used by Traeger grills, specifically the meat probes (BAC431).

• PT100 RTD?
• RT1000 RTD?
• Thermocouple?
• Thermistor?

The temperature probe inside the grill is definitely an RTD, but I can't find a definitive answer for the meat probes.

It appears they have three wires so I'm guessing they are RTDs but usually meat probes are thermistors.

I've tried asking sales reps and of course, they have no clue.

I'm looking for an RTD based meat probe for a personal project.

Can anyone help me out? Thank you!

 

[RayClem]

I suspect the meat probe is an RTD. I tried plugging other temperature probes into the meat probe socket on the Traeger controller, but I have not found anything else that will work. I do not trust the Traeger probes so I verify everything independently using 3rd party devices.

What is your application? What is the expected temperature range?

Thermistors are typically used when the temperature is below 130C/266F. Although meat probes are used for temperatures below 212F, if the probe comes out of the meat, the temperature can exceed 266F, so I presume it is a RTD.

RTDs are usually preferred when the temperature is above 255F up to 1000F. There is one brand that will go even higher. That is why it is used for the cook chamber temperature.

Thermocouples are typically used to measure temperatures above 1000F, such as in a furnace.

 

[gcssf]

Thank you for your response!

Planning to build a connected meat thermometer. Tired of having to use a different app for every different connected device.

I was pretty sure they were RTDs as well. I'll order some MAX31865s and take the chance.

Thank you!

 

[BobbyQ]

Fireboard sells both RTD and Thermistors. They had a description on their web site that explained how to tell them apart by the number of rings on the plug. RTD has three rings thermistor has four.

 

[RayClem]

Fireboard sells both RTD and Thermistors. They had a description on their web site that explained how to tell them apart by the number of rings on the plug. RTD has three rings thermistor has four.
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I understand some folks with Fireboard probes have experienced failures of the probes. I wonder if the failures are due to the probes being exposed to temperatures higher than suitable for thermistors. If you are doing a high temp cook, the temperature can exceed the range of some thermistors. It is not an issue if you are using the probe stuck in a hunk of meat, but if you are using the probe to measure cook chamber temperature, you might be damaging it.

 

[BobbyQ]

According to Fireboard their thermistors are good up to 300C (572F). I probably got close to that temperature when seasoning the grill but I don't cook over 400F.

 

[RayClem]

According to Fireboard their thermistors are good up to 300C (572F). I probably got close to that temperature when seasoning the grill but I don't cook over 400F.

It sounds like Fireboard picked the right sensors for the application .As long as you do not have a grease fire, you should be OK.

 

[gcssf]

I think I have confirmed that Traeger probes are RTDs, specifically PT1000.

I have ordered a few MAX31865s, once they arrive I will confirm.

Thanks for all your responses.

 

[midwest]

If I’m reading right, you’re wanting to find an aftermarket probe that you can plug into your Traeger directly. I don’t think such a a thing exists. Just because they are the same type of probe does not mean it will be compatible with Traegers controller.

 

[RayClem]

If I’m reading right, you’re wanting to find an aftermarket probe that you can plug into your Traeger directly. I don’t think such a a thing exists. Just because they are the same type of probe does not mean it will be compatible with Traegers controller.

I had a number of temperature probes at home with the same plug as the Traeger. However, none of them would give a proper temperature reading. So I doubt you are going to find an alternative that works.

 

[traeger860]

I had a number of temperature probes at home with the same plug as the Traeger. However, none of them would give a proper temperature reading. So I doubt you are going to find an alternative that works.

So you're saying they work exactly the same way as the Traeger one?

 

[RayClem]

So you're saying they work exactly the same way as the Traeger one?

No the other probes did not work at all. At least the Traeger probes give a ballpark reading.

 

[midwest]

I posted in the new Ink Bird section, commenting they should come up with a probe that would go direct into the Traegers. I am not an engineer but I would assume a company already in business building temp probes, could grab a few Traeger controllers and figure it out. If I could buy an accurate probe and avoid using multiple apps I would, as I am sure others would too.