Utah-based Traeger Grills announced on Tuesday that it is acquiring Meater.
Traeger, known for its pellet grills and smokers, offers both traditional as well as smart models that can be controlled with your phone or Apple Watch. Meater makes smart Bluetooth thermometers that allow you to wirelessly monitor cooking temperatures from your phone.
Traeger says the Meater acquisition “represents the next logical step in Traeger’s digital evolution and ongoing effort to create the ultimate connected grilling experience through the ability to precisely monitor food temps from virtually anywhere.”
A big selling point of Traeger’s products is how consistent temperature readings are when grilling. In testing the company’s Ironwood 650, we noted how software in the grill uses algorithms to help maintain consistent chamber cooking temperatures even in extreme weather conditions. When we reviewed the Meater+, meanwhile, we found it to be a pricey yet sleek and simple smart thermometer.
Meater will remain its own separate entity, though its technology will more than likely be integrated into future Traeger products. This move will allow Traeger to “accelerate entry into the adjacent accessories market with a highly complementary technology-enabled product,” it says.
Traeger has amassed a sizable cult following in grilling circles across the US since the 1980s. Meater, while niche, is also fairly well known as far as smart wireless thermometers go, so the pairing makes sense.
We’ll be sure to test any new Traeger/Meater products, so check back as they’re announced. And for more on high-tech grilling, see our story on The Best Grilling and BBQ Gadgets.
