Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: HalfGrilled on September 04, 2013, 07:49:26 PM
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Just asking everyone's thoughts and experience with the 732 Would you buy again or something else? I have owned a unit since last December. I had a failed probe in the Spring and Maverick customer service was swift and apologetic to replace it. Very pleasant experience. Now tonight, any probe I have reports a different ambient temp when plugged into either side of the unit. Side 2, pit temp reports 15 degrees higher than side 1, food. With the same probe. Not sure if I should try another brand or try make my case to Maverick again.
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I have 2 ET-732's and an ET-75. Probably just jinxing myself now but I have never had an issue with any of them. In fact i was thinking of buying a red one and a black one just because they look cool!
Ken
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WHOA! Red Maverick (http://www.amazon.com/Maverick-Wireless-Thermometer-Burgundy-Meathead/dp/B00CHE26VS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1378356954&sr=8-6&keywords=maverick+et+732)
I love my 732. but after seeing the red one, I'm hoping mine dies so i can replace it!!!!
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I have never owned a Maverick, (I did have a remote thermometer, that was given to me by a Schneider's sales rep, that worked a few times until the probe quit. I actually found the thing to be a PITA), and if I did own one I might think otherwise. However, I just use an oven thermometer ($5) and peak at it through the vent. No remote capabilities of course, but still works fine, and nothing to break.
That being said I would still like a good remote thermometer, like the Maverick, for those times I'm "away" from the kettle, but really, unless I'm cooking overnight (never even tried) the grate thermometer is all I really need, so far.
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HalfGrilled, I've had similar experiences with Maverick (both the first-gen and the 732). They have cheerfully replaced both my pit and food thermos, and the troubles continue. I currently have the food thermo giving me error messages, but the pit probe works great. Fortunately, I don't need much more than the pit probe for overnight cooks (the only time I use my Maverick). It's great that they replace broken stuff, but it's still a PITA since I don't typically realize stuff is broken until the fire is lit and the food is ready.
One lesson I learned along the way is to NEVER let the probes get wet. But even with my assiduously keeping them dry, I continue to have problems, perhaps because of the moist environment of the WSM.
So I'm kinda conflicted: I don't know how I'd live without my Maverick, but I'm not sure what I could replace it with, either. Maybe I'll call their CS about the food probe today and hope for the best.
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I've had a few different ones over the years and the Maverick ET-732 has been great every time I've used it. Easy to 'pair' with the remote unit, accurate (far as I can tell) and reliable (not to mention it looks great).
I also want a red one, but for now the black is pretty sexy. :)
... now if someone would come out with wireless probes ...
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I have had to replace my pit thermo but it is great. Well worth the price.
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I have (2) 732's I know for a fact: you can not let them get wet.
Don't run the wire between the kettle and the lid, and do not run it through the vent 8) Don't ask me how I know >:( Just don't do those 3 and you should have no problems
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I also have a fairly new 732 and the stock 3' probes both shit the bed on me (different times)
Maverick sent me 2 new 6' probes which have been trouble free,,, so far. When it works, it's friggin awesome.
I'm just hoping the 6' probes hold up better then the 3'
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I've had a red Oregon Scientific AW131 for a few years now. The only probe failure was caused by a buddy who borrowed it for his home brewing. Never had a problem with it or the replacement probe myself. However, it is a single probe unit. I recently picked up a red Thermapen and then ran across a white Maverick et-732 on sale at Ace Hardware. After coupon it was $39.99, so I popped on it. I havent actually used it yet, but i like the feature set. Hopefully it holds up. I have to admit the new colors look better (Amazon has at least white, red, black & gray), but I got a pretty good deal, so I'm happy.
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I have an ET-73 and ET-732 (in black ;) ) and am happy with both. The cooker probe on the ET-732 went south after a couple cooks and Maverick customer service replaced it promptly (with a 6 foot probe.)
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I should clarify a couple of things:
1. The Maverick is AMAZING when the probes are working. A really long range, nice alarms for overnight cooks, accurate and awesome.
2. Maverick Customer Service is very kind, totally trusting, and are quick about sending out replacements. It's just that replacements are inconvenient when they are not on hand for cooks, and I'm afraid that their CS department will eventually cut off my supply of replacement probes.
3. I've never put my probe wires through a lid or a vent. I have a grommet in the side of my WSM and they go right through there.
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I love mine. Nothing but good things to say.
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I love mine and recommend it to anyone who likes to grill or smoke meat
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Not sure about not getting them wet, mine has sat out in the rain several times... never failed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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E-mail sent to Maverick explaining my issue. I really like the product and like others have said, don't know of anything comparable on price. It's good to see there are not a lot of problems reported by WKCers that use them. Will update when I hear back from Maverick.
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I bought a Maverick ET - 732 and after 4 or 5 months my pit probe craped out so I contacted Maverick but they would not warranty for me because it was after the 90 day period so I just orderd 2 new replacemets and those have been fine for a while now. I found this one http://www.amazon.com/Remington-Wireless-BBQ-Thermometer-17339/dp/B008PU3OJ6 which is supposed to be a rebranded Maverick which I would like to try out soon.
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Thanks for the heads up, that looks like the best deal around right now. I'm somewhat sure it will work with my existing probes.
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http://www.cabelas.com/product/iGrill-Wireless-Cooking-Thermometer/1587149.uts?productVariantId=3472988&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03657790&rid=40&channel=GoogleBaseUSA&mr:trackingCode=81331B2B-6787-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=32402826671&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=58018769471&gclid=CKKzn6zAtbkCFStxQgodwBYApA
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I love mine In the past,mine has acted up and I changed the batteries and everything went back to normal.
Danny
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I have the 732 and the signal is much stronger than the 73. I still need to modify my WSM so I can get both probes to fit between the grates. I did install the CB grommet, but it is too small for the. 732 probes. Getting the 73 probes through it is doable, but takes some fiddling to get it to work. I have seen a mod using a lamp nipple on the tvwbb.
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Did you buy the larger grommets?
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I still need to modify my WSM so I can get both probes to fit between the grates. I did install the CB grommet, but it is too small for the. 732 probes. Getting the 73 probes through it is doable, but takes some fiddling to get it to work. I have seen a mod using a lamp nipple on the tvwbb.
I have a plain H/W store variety grommet and I can fit all probes from my ET-73 and ET-732 through it (if they go in in the correct order. ;) )
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WVD6xVCF8Ao/S8ZsIRmB1gI/AAAAAAAAN2w/pTL0mMHbyBg/s800/DSC_1614-PP.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uPFY5dn44iU/S8ZsIsu9tzI/AAAAAAAAN2w/-SlcQe0d1EU/s800/DSC_1617-PP.JPG)
(After I put two grommets in my mini, I figured out that one grommet was enough. ::) )
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This is getting a bit off topic, but still related to the Maverick ET-732
After reviewing what people have done for their probes, I decided the notch was a better fit for me. Did the same to the mini.
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(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn123/baeseman1/0AF2A5D9-1D07-43DE-A448-167777D91F80-5980-000002C34459FA10.jpg)
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Timely post. I am looking for a setup and just got the Thermapen email. $240 is rich for my blood. Can the good Thermapen probes be used with the Maverick to overcome the fragile probe issue?
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What fragile probe issue? :)
/nojinx
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Man. I beat the shit out of my maverick and have never had any issues.
I did melt the connector end once when i was hot-squatting the cajun bandit. It swung in and sat in the bed of hot coals for a minute. By the time I realized it, it was too late. Certainly not the fault of the mav though. Plus it gave me a good excuse to order the longer probes!
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I love mine In the past,mine has acted up and I changed the batteries and everything went back to normal.
Danny
Good advice DC. I had hope. No dice, fresh batteries, same issue. I'm at a loss as to my bad luck with Maverick. Everyone loves them. I'll wait until they quote me a price on the replacement transmitter unit. Angel's Remington link may be the way I go.
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What fragile probe issue? :)
/nojinx
I was reading the reviews while researching and it seemed that there was a number of problems with the probes going bad.
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Timely post. I am looking for a setup and just got the Thermapen email. $240 is rich for my blood. Can the good Thermapen probes be used with the Maverick to overcome the fragile probe issue?
It is my understanding that the two brands are incompatible. Thermoworks is some of the best friggin stuff going, but with long, slow cooks you don't need the speed or the pinpoint accuracy of their dual thermocouple model. If money isnt a concern then get it and dont look back, but you can buy a lot of replacement maverick probes and keep them on hand for less than half of what the thermoworks costs. That having been said, I love my thermapen because in that application the speed and accuracy is appreciated.
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From my understanding the issue is when you get the 'inside' of the probe wet. It's when water gets in through the top cover of the probe where it crimps to the lead. Does that make sense?
Btw, there is also a copper version of the ET-732. Nice match for the Target/Sam Adams grill.
Ken
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I'm really happy with my Maverick. It's been pretty solid for me. The only issue I've run into is on windy days. When the wind really gets going it seems to knock out the sync between the two units, and I have to do the old rabbit ears tv antennae dance to get it to connect again. I haven't run into any problems with my probes *knock on wood*. Though when I clean them I tend to use one of those green scotch pads and focus on just the ends, or with the meat probe the areas that did touch the meat. So I suppose I've kept away from the crimped ends. I worry about scrapping off the dark build up that ends up on the pit probe, that I'm screwing it up by doing that. So far though it's been alright.
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Man. I beat the shit out of my maverick and have never had any issues.
Me, too! :o
From my understanding the issue is when you get the 'inside' of the probe wet. It's when water gets in through the top cover of the probe where it crimps to the lead. Does that make sense?
Makes perfect sense. This is exactly what needs to be avoided. My three yr old ET-73 is still going strong.
I don't go nuts cleaning the probes. Spray PAM on some paper towel ... give them a wipe ... all set for the next cook. :D
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The Maverick ET-732 was one of the first pieces of kit I bought after buying my Kamado....would not think of cooking without it
have never made anything over or undercooked using it I believe good thermo is as essential as charcoal
very happy with this unit
I did have the pit probe die but that was my fault left in during high temp pizza cook probes good to about 500f (but I only really use for the low and slow's now)
bought the replacement 6 foot hybrid probes for 20 bucks on amazon
on the same batteries that came with the unit have used it for at least 100 cooks!
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I was concerned with the negative reviews of the product. After combing over the reviews on Amazon, I determined that the negative reviews, with a few exceptions, were outliers and not indicative of the quality of the product. So, I purchased it and started testing it almost immediately upon arrival from UPS. The product works. I tested it in our Maytag oven. There were disparities between the temp on the oven display and the readings from the ET-732. The ET-732 kept fluctuating, first upward and then downward. I figured that this was caused by the cycling of the oven (it's electric). I then tested it in my kettle grill. The reading from the dome thermometer never agreed with the ET-732, and was usually higher, due no doubt to the location of the kettle in direct sunlight, intense sunlight, down here on the space coast.
The alarms work when they're supposed to work. The probes and the connecting wires seem long enough to accommodate any cooking I do on the kettle or on my gas grill. I've only tested the oven/grill probe. I haven't tested the food probe. However, when the food probe was resting on the aluminum table, it picked up a reading of 154 degrees, which sounds reasonable to me since I couldn't touch the table without getting burned, and this was before I put any lit coals in the kettle.
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Well this started on September 4. After several e-mails to Maverick Customer Support without responses, I e-mailed a Manager listed on their website, magically the next day I received a reply asking me to send my units in for inspection. I shipped these on 09/17 and have been awaiting a response. Today from the UPS truck I received a package from Maverick with a complete new unit. It was out of warranty but Maverick replaced the defective unit, No Charge! Leaves me with a positive feeling about Maverick knowing they didn't have to do anything for me but have stood behind their product and cared for a customer. I will continue to recommend them and use their products, it's so rare to have this kind of experience with corporations these days. Thanks Maverick, I appreciate the effort.
(http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv11/gregbergman/1ab73b35-5b40-44b8-b89f-0791796c519e_zpse204039e.jpg) (http://s665.photobucket.com/user/gregbergman/media/1ab73b35-5b40-44b8-b89f-0791796c519e_zpse204039e.jpg.html)
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Nice to hear you got a great result.
Ken
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I should clarify a couple of things:
1. The Maverick is AMAZING when the probes are working. A really long range, nice alarms for overnight cooks, accurate and awesome.
2. Maverick Customer Service is very kind, totally trusting, and are quick about sending out replacements. It's just that replacements are inconvenient when they are not on hand for cooks, and I'm afraid that their CS department will eventually cut off my supply of replacement probes.
3. I've never put my probe wires through a lid or a vent. I have a grommet in the side of my WSM and they go right through there.
I finally used my Maverick yesterday in earnest, using both the food probe and the grill probe for beer can chicken. I got a food temp reading of 165 after only 45 minutes. When I checked the food temp with another digital thermometer, I got a reading in the 120's. When I let the chicken go for the full 90 minutes, the Maverick was giving me a food temp reading of 190, while the other digital was giving me a food temp reading in the 165-175 range. I figure that the position of the food probe was where I was having a problem. What's your opinion?
(http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy176/eugeneapicella/IMG_0720_zps87ac5f3f.jpg) (http://s789.photobucket.com/user/eugeneapicella/media/IMG_0720_zps87ac5f3f.jpg.html)
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It's possible that you were hitting bone, or something like that, that would mess up your temp reading.
On a different note, has anyone tried taking a small bit of nomex and wrapping it around the part of the probe wire that would be between the lid and the bowl? I got my first bit of weirdness with my temp prob this weekend while making some ribs, and I think possible the probe wire got a little too pinched or something. After some movement and adjustment it worked just fine again. Thankfully I have a replacement handy in case it gives up totally, but I'd rather not kill it. I was thinking a little bit of padding might go a long way in keeping it from pinching too tight. Just wondered if anyone had tried that?
I know a lot of folks drill holes into their kettles but I just don't want to do that.
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Inaccurate readings are likely the result of probe placement in the food. Pinching the wires seems to me to more likely result in no reading than an inaccurate reading.
I don't usually run probes under the lid. On my WSMs I have put grommets in the middle section for that. On my kettles I usually run the probe through the lid vent. The lid vent works well for cooker temperature but is awkward for food temp. However I usually only monitor foot temp on long smokes where I do not need to open the lid (often remains closed for hours.) For shorter cooks like chicken I'll make do with visual clues such as the meat pulling back on the drumstick.