A meat probe is a worthy investment for people who enjoy smoking their meat.
The meat probe is essentially a thermometer with a metal stem inserted into the meat.
The thermometer lets us check the temperature of the meat.
As such, you have a better idea of whether the meat is smoked, cooked, and cooled properly or not.
However, sometimes the meat probe does not work properly.
So, what is a Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error?
There are several reasons why the meat probe might not work: unplugged probe, malfunction, temperature above 300 degrees, poor quality heating element, and more.
Read ahead to find how to fix these errors.
What is Meat Probe?
A meat probe is a thermometer used to measure the internal temperature of the meat.
The degree of “doneness” of meat connects closely with the internal temperature.
So that a thermometer reading shows when it is cooked as desired.
Using this meat probe, you can assure if the meat is adequately cooked, smoked, or cooled.
It helps you to know whether any temperature spikes or dips unfavorably affected your cook.
The meat must reach a particular internal temperature to kill any pathogens that may be living inside.
These pathogens can lead to foodborne illnesses if ingested.
The meat thermometer is usually designed to show temperatures ranging from 140 degrees F to around 200 degrees F.
If you have of Dual-System with the probe, you can monitor both meats internal temperature and ambient temperature of the smoker/grill.
For BBQ smoking probes are used commonly for monitoring the ambient temperature of the smoker grill or the food protein that you are cooking.
It is also essential to keep an eye on the BBQ smoker’s ambient temperature.
You always want confidently cook at the ambient temperature that will suit your recipe.
Sometimes you’ll be wanting to keep the low and slow temperature at around 1 230F for long-hour cooks.
Other times you’ll be wanting to cook hot and fast around 275-300F.
The meat probe monitors the pit temperature in an easy-to-read graph.
This helps you know whether any temperature rises and falls that adversely affect your cook.
What is the Meat Probe Error on the Masterbuilt Smoker?
As mentioned above, a meat probe is a handy tool for people who want the perfect piece of meat for themselves.
But sometimes, the Masterbuilt smoker meat probe might not work properly.
Getting inaccurate readings or no temperature reading is a sign that your meat probe is not working as well as it should.
You will see an error code appear on your controller in this situation.
When the Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error code pops up, it means something wrong with your meat probe.
The error implies that your meat probe will not be giving accurate temperature readings.
As such, there is a risk of you overcooking or over smoking your meat, thus, ruining its taste.
We understand just how much a good BBQ can make or break your mood.
In this case, you must find the error and fix the problem as soon as possible.
There are multiple causes behind the Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error.
Depending on the cause of the error, an appropriate solution can be suggested.
There are mainly five reasons why there might be Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error.
Read ahead to find out what they are and how to fix them.
Causes for Masterbuilt Smoker Meat Probe Error
Temperature Is Probe Not Fully Plugged In
The best way to identify the cause of the error is to look at the error code on the controller.
Different error codes suggest various reasons for a Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error.
If the error code Err 1 comes up, it is an indication that your temperature probe might not be fully plugged in.
If an unplugged thermometer probe is a problem, then it can easily be fixed in a matter of seconds.
Simply unplug the controller from the power supply and reconnect the controller after ten seconds.
Error code Err 1 is also a sign that the thermostat probe is short-circuited or damaged.
In this case, you will need to call Masterbuilt for a replacement.
Meat Probe Malfunction
As mentioned, error codes indicate the cause behind the Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error.
An error code of Err 2 means that your meat probe is malfunctioning.
This error is caused when the meat probe is damaged or short-circuited.
A malfunctioning meat probe will require you to replace it before you can use the meat probe again.
You can easily call Masterbuilt and ask for a replacement.
If you are wondering how you can replace the meat probe, read ahead as we will share Masterbuilt meat probe replacement instructions.
Temperature Above 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Sometimes the meat probe can overheat which causes the meat probe to stop working.
You will either be receiving inaccurate temperature readings or no reading at all.
This error usually happens when the temperature on the meat probe is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
In this case, you will be receiving an error code of Err 5 on your controller.
Allowing the meat probe to cool down for some time should fix this problem.
Using a pair of protective gloves, remove the meat probe from your grill.
Unplug the meat probe from the controller and set it aside to cool off.
Try to use the meat probe again after a while.
Poor Quality Heating Element
We have seen time and time again that quality matters.
A good quality product will go a long while.
And sometimes, paying a little extra money for a better-quality product is worth it.
The importance of good quality products is seen yet again when we look at meat probe errors.
If the error code EAA 2 comes up on your controller, chances are the heating element of one of the connectors is of poor quality.
Over time due to moisture and heat, the wires can come loose as the copper connectors corrode.
Replacement connectors are found at an affordable price if you are looking to fix the problem on your own.
Faulty Controller
If you feel like the temperature is inaccurate with an error code of Err 9, then there is a problem with your controller.
The best way to take care of this error is to call Masterbuilt for a replacement.
You can then follow the replacement instructions and change the faulty controller on your own.
Fixes for Masterbuilt Smoker Meat Probe Error
Meat Probe Calibration
If you feel like your meat probe is giving inaccurate temperature readings, then it is best to calibrate the thermometer.
The Ice-Point method is a popular way for calibrating meat probes.
To begin, fill up a glass with water and shattered ice.
There should be enough water so that the ice can float.
Insert the metal stem of the meat probe into the cup in such a way that it stays at the bottom or between the sides of the cup.
Wait till the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sometimes the meat probe does not always show the ice-point temperature.
As such, the needle has to be readjusted.
You can turn the calibration but, on the probe, thermometer to fix this problem.
There are many other methods to calibrate your meat probe.
Meat Probe Replacement
Many times meat probes cannot be fixed or adjusted.
This is especially applicable if the meat probe is digital.
In this case, you will need to replace the meat probe.
If you are looking into manually replacing the meat probe, follow these steps:
- Find the connection hole between the smoker and the smoker control panel.
- Remove the screws of the frame found under the control panel.
- Remove the frame and find the connection port. It should be located between the control panel and the probe.
- Connect your replacement meat probe to the control panel.
Regular Cleaning
Not cleaning your smoker on a regular basis can cause meat probe errors.
The heat, moisture, and buildup can cause the connectors to corrode.
The best way to clean your meat probe is by using soap and hot water.
Do not submerge the thermometer in the water as you are risking damaging the probe and affecting the reading.
Instead, gently clean it with a washcloth.
Customer Service
If there is a problem with the controller or if the probe is damaged or has a short circuit, then you can call Masterbuilt customer service.
Not only will they send you a replacement but you can ask for guidance to receive replacement instructions.
How Do You Use a Meat Probe in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Properly?
Some Masterbuilt smokers come up with integrated Meat Probe to read the internal meat temperature.
These meat thermometers are various types, such as:
- Meat Probe Digital Thermometer
- Meat Probe Wireless Thermometer
- Meat Probe Bluetooth Thermometer
But, if you don’t have the above one, you can buy a high-quality digital thermometer to monitor the actual temperature of internal meat.
Though, whichever thermometer you are using, it should be used with some specific guidelines/steps which mentioned as follows:
1. Calibrate the meat probe to ensure it works flawlessly.
2. When you start your smoker, insert your digital meat probe into the deepest /thickest part of your cut of meat.
E.g. For steaks or a roast, the thickest part is usually in the middle and for poultry, it is the inner thigh.
Make sure the meat Probe is not touching the bone.
If it touches the bone it will misread the internal meat temperature.
If you have of Dual-System with the probe, you can connect the Meat Probe to the grate which is also connected to the control system.
This will allow you to monitor both the meat temperature and the Masterbuilt smoker ambient temperature.
The BBQ probe should be inserted well through the clip.
So that the clip is resting on a halfway mark to the rear third of the clip which avoids the clip interfering with readings.
3. Now read the temperature showing up on your digital temperature probe.
As per the readings from the Digital Probe, you can adjust the temperature according to your requirement.
4. Your meat is safe to consume when you’re the probe attains the desired temperature.
The meat is finally cooked and ready to be served after these steps.
5. After use, clean and sanitize the meat probe. Let the thermometer air dry and store it in a cool, dry place.
Check Your Meat Probe Every Month for Best Cooking Results
As you keep your kitchen knives sharp, you also need to keep your meat probe clean and calibrated similarly to all the rest of your kitchen tools.
The more you handle or use your meat probe, the more chance there is for it to become uncalibrated.
Try to do the ice test once a month as mentioned above.
This will ensure that your food or grill is heating just the way you desire.
In the following situations, you need to re-calibrate a meat probe:
1. Whenever you drop the meat probe accidentally.
2. When you use your meat probe for calibrating wide temperature fluctuations, e.g. from boiling to freezing temperatures.
3. If your meat probe is quite new.
4. If your meat probe is aged
Related Questions
Can I add a meat probe to my Masterbuilt smoker?
Yes, you can add a meat probe to your Masterbuilt Gravity series smoker.
You can add up to four meat probe thermometers to your Smoker.
Each probe will provide a reading to the digital or WiFi controls.
It allows you to cook a variety of foods to your desired temperatures.
Can you use a meat thermometer for calibrating ambient temperature?
Yes, you can use a meat thermometer for calibrating ambient temperature as long as it’s a normal quick-reading digital meat thermometer.
Non-electronic meat thermometers aren’t working well with the temperature outside their expected normal-use range which is typically between 40C and 120C.
But the accuracy of the thermometer is likely too low.
The Meat Probe doesn’t respond instantly to temperature changes.
Final Thoughts
BBQs are great fun and a joy to devour.
However, a Masterbuilt smoker meat probe error can cause a damper to your plans.
We suggest trying to fix the error on your own first before contacting Masterbuilt customer service.
There are several meat probe replacement options available online.
Simply, follow our instructions and enjoy a brand new smoker probe without any problems!
Sources:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1408213/Masterbuilt-Mes-340g.html?page=34
https://gravitybible.com/faq-scroll/#faq-2064
https://www.fixya.com/support/t14118150-master_built_smoker_meat_probe_sending
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