Grilling has really become a pastime everyone is getting involved in. And when you’re first starting out you may be worried about perfecting your technique. Even experienced grill masters want the perfectly cooked steak. This is where many turn to Weber’s iGrill app-connected thermometers. In the sizzling world of smart grilling, two titans from the iGrill lineup stand out as beacons of innovation, promising to elevate your grilling experience to new heights: iGrill 2 vs iGrill 3.

In the past few years, the iGrill 2 thermometer has been a great option for those looking to check the temperature of their meat. With families spending more time at home and less time in restaurants, grillers will want a surefire way to grill the perfect meal.

With the addition of the iGrill 3, you may be curious about what the differences are between these two versions.

We hope to clarify the differences as well as guide you to the best choice for your grilling needs.

What Is a BBQ Thermometer?

Before we get into the differences between the two Weber iGrill options, let’s talk about the benefits of a Bluetooth BBQ thermometer. Many don’t realize that their grilling and BBQing can be easy and deliver delicious results.

And this can be accomplished with a good BBQ thermometer. Here are a few reasons we think having a meat thermometer is a good idea.

• Ensure proper internal temperature to reduce the risk of under-cooked meat.
• The convenience of monitoring cooking temperature from a distance is especially important when you need to multitask.
• Receive notifications when your desired cooking time or temperature is reached, ensuring you never overcook your meat.

Compatible Grills

One of the biggest differences, and the one that will likely guide your decision the most is the compatibility with different grills.

Can I Use Weber iGrill 2 On Any Grill?

Yes! One of the best things about the iGrill 2 is that it can be used with any grill. This thermometer is made to be used with Weber grills, but it doesn’t need to be used exclusively with these.

So whether you have a new Weber grill or if you have a different model, you can use the iGrill 2.

Can I Use Weber iGrill 3 On Any Grill?

No. You can only use the iGrill 3 on specific Weber grills. The grills that the iGrill 3 are compatible with are Genesis II, Genesis II LX, or Spirit II series grills. They made these grills with specific spots for the iGrill 3 to be installed and hooked up to certain parts of these grills. Here’s how the iGrill3 is installed in a Genesis II model grill.

If you were VERY handy, you might be able to reconfigure the iGrill 3 to work with different grills, but the installation would be much more difficult. And we do not recommend this if you’re not very technical.

Number of Probes

When grilling, it’s typical to cook different meats at the same time. And we all know that different meats all cook at different rates. So how do you keep track of them all?! You don’t want multiple thermometers. That’s where the iGrill line is great.

Both the iGrill 2 and the iGrill 3 have the ability to track 4 different cooking items. Each of the thermometers comes with 2 cooking probes but can be expanded to 4 if you purchase additional cooking probes.

There are also special ambient probes that you can mount within your grill to monitor the ambient temperature inside the grill or smoker. Having multiple options for tracking your grilling is a bit plus.

Connectivity

The best thing about the iGrill thermometers is that they connect to the iGrill App. The app is where you’ll track the temperature of your meats and get alerts.

It also keeps a log of previous cookouts for reference. But you can’t use this with any old phone. Both the iGrill2 and the iGrill3 support the following phones/platforms.

• iPhone 4S and later
• iPad 3rd generation and later
• iPad mini all generations
• iPod touch 5th generation and later
• Many Android devices equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and running Android software version 4.3 or later

Check your phone or device’s operating system to confirm it’s in the above list before buying an iGrill thermometer.

Functionalities Available

Both of these meat thermometers come with a variety of features and functions.

• Both can handle 4 probes to measure both the ambient heat in the grill and multiple cooking times.
• These thermometers’ probes can handle heat up to 716 degrees Farenheight.
• Both have Bluetooth connectivity to sync to your phone app.
• They both use the iGrill App available at the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Both allow you to set temperature control alerts, set timers, and save presets.

The main differences in functionality come with the battery life and the compatibility and hook up with the grills.

• The iGrill 2 has a 200-hour battery (which is included). The iGrill 3 boasts a 250 hour battery life (also comes with the battery).
• Appearance is another difference that may be a factor in your decision. One of the things I like about the iGrill 2 is that it has a temperature display on the outside. So you don’t have to if you don’t want to pull out your phone to see the temperature. This isn’t an option for the iGrill3, as you need to use the app for all readouts.
• The iGrill 3 also has the propane level sensor which the iGrill 2 does not have.

iGrill2 vs iGrill3 – The Final Decision

When comparing the two options, many will see them to be very similar. But the two main differences that should guide your decision are the grill make and type you have and whether you want a display on the outside.

When to Choose the Weber iGrill 3

If you have a Genesis II, Genesis II LX, or a Spirit II series grill, then go ahead and buy the iGrill 3. It is the most advanced, and you’ll get the most from the thermometer and grill.

When to Choose the Weber iGrill 2

If you don’t have one of those Weber grill models, and you have a grill, smoker, or both and want to use it for a variety of cooking methods, then the iGrill 2 is a great bet. We think this is the best option with all the same features but the compatibility to use on any type of cooking apparatus.

We also recommend the iGrill2 over the iGrill3 because the cost of having to buy a new Genesis II grill is not equal to the benefits of having the iGrill3. Unless you already have the grill models supported, it makes no sense to get an iGrill 3.

I also really like having the outside temperature display. Anyone who has a Bluetooth-connected device knows that it can be a bit finicky. Sometimes, it doesn’t connect or disconnect at the precise time you want to use the app. And sometimes you have to be extremely close to the device for Bluetooth to work properly. Having the readout on the outside without having to rely on Bluetooth is a big bonus for me and many people.