Everything from wireless tech to AI is entering the barbecue scene. So, what are the latest BBQ technologies and innovations making your cooking smarter?
Originally all about fire, smoke, and instinct, grilling in the barbecue world today has diversified to include technology. Today’s pitmasters reflect the long-standing traditions of family knowledge, expertise, and recipes, but smart technologies are opening up barbecue to more people than ever before.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an established pitmaster, technology can make BBQ less error-prone, more convenient, or even provide you with real-time assistance when things go awry.
1. Smart Wireless Meat Thermometers
No more hovering over the grill
Say goodbye to the guesswork and hello to perfectly cooked meat every time. Wireless meat thermometers like the ThermoPro range and MEATER Plus send real-time updates straight to your smartphone.
These clever probes track internal and ambient temperatures, estimate remaining cook time, and let you relax with your guests instead of babysitting a grill — although that’s not to say we don’t enjoy gazing at our smokers with a beer in hand.
No more dry steaks or suspiciously pink chicken — just effortless, accurate cooking most of the time. But don’t forget, nothing beats an eye, experience, and a touch test to ensure your meat has cooked to your liking.
2. AI-Powered Pellet Grills
Your grill just became smarter than your fridge.
Pellet grills are already loved for their “set-it-and-forget-it” charm — but now, AI is taking this premise to the next level. AI is a buzzword in many industries, true, but there are smokers and grills now available that utilize AI to assist in your cooking.
For example, the Brisk It Origin 580, enhanced by an AI chatbot system named Vera, fine-tunes everything from temperature control to fuel flow based on your meat, the weather, and more.
And if that’s not cool enough, the new Zelos 450 lets you snap a photo of your ingredients, then generates a custom recipe and cook settings tailored just for you. It’s like having a pitmaster, meteorologist, and chef in your backyard.
3. Smart Grilling Companion Apps & Hubs
Upgrade your old grill with intelligence
No need to ditch your trusty (and maybe rusty) grill — just make it smarter.
Devices like the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub turn any ordinary grill into a connected cooking machine.
These hubs sync with your smartphone to guide you step-by-step through recipes, monitor temperature, and send alerts when it’s time to flip or serve. It’s like having a grillmaster on your shoulder.
Plug in the probes, connect it to your phone, and the hub sends real-time updates. It even walks you methodically to teach you when to flip, season, or remove the meat. The Weber Connect app can records different meat types simultaneously; great for outdoor barbecues when you have chicken, ribs, and vegetables all at once.
4. Predictive Cooking Algorithms
Grill like a pro without the guesswork
Predictive tech is taking grilling precision to a whole new level. The Combustion Predictive Thermometer, for example, uses eight sensors to track both internal and external temperatures — then calculates exactly when your meat will be done.
No more slicing into your steak to check for doneness or hoping you nailed the timing. Whether you’re aiming for medium-rare or well-done, this tech tells you when to flip, rest, or serve based on data, not guesswork.
5. Dual-Zone Electric Grills
Cook veg and steak side-by-side — perfectly
Managing multiple foods at different temps used to mean juggling grills or sacrificing quality. Enter dual-zone electric grills like the Current Backyard Model G.
This fully electric grill features two independently controlled zones, so you can gently roast delicate vegetables on one side while searing steaks at high heat on the other. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, learns your preferences, and sends smart alerts to your phone. Bonus: No propane or charcoal needed: ideal for patios or fire-restricted spaces.
6. Smart Grills with Voice Control
“Hey Alexa, grill my chicken.”
Voice control has finally made its way from the living room to the grill. Traeger and Weber now integrate Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant into part of their smart grill ranges, giving you hands-free control.
Ask, “What’s the grill temp?” or “How long till the ribs are ready?” — and your grill answers. Some smart thermometers like the iGrill 3 are already voice-compatible, making grilling easier even when your hands are full (or covered in marinade).
7. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-Connected Grills
Grill from your phone — wherever you are
Imagine controlling your grill from the couch — or even the store. With Wi-Fi-enabled grills like the Traeger Pro 575, you can start preheating, select a recipe, adjust the temp, and monitor progress via the Traeger app.
Need something more direct for your backyard setup? Bluetooth-connected options like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill provide the same control without relying on Wi-Fi. Whether you’re nearby or on the move, your phone becomes your grill command center.
8. Real-Time Food Safety Monitoring
Because delicious should also mean safe
Smart grilling isn’t just about flavor — it’s about peace of mind. Thermometers like the ThermoPro TP20 are preloaded with USDA-recommended temperatures for beef, poultry, and pork, sending alerts when your food reaches safe internal temps.
No need to cut into your burger to check — just trust the data. Some models, like the Yummly Smart Thermometer, even suggest resting times to lock in juices and boost flavor.
9. AI-Generated Recipes and Cooking Plans
Dinner ideas from your fridge shelf
Why stare blankly at the fridge when AI can plan your cookout for you? Smart grills like the Brisk It Zelos 450 can generate complete meal plans based on what you’ve got on hand, even from a simple photo of your ingredients.
Then the grill and its accompanying app it takes it further: personalized grill settings, timing, and flavor recommendations all tailored to your tastes. It learns what you like and evolves, making every meal smarter and more to your taste.
10. Integrated Heat Management Systems
Flare-ups are out. Precision is in
Even heat distribution used to be the holy grail of grilling — now it’s built in. Grills like the Konnected Joe by Kamado Joe use smart heat management systems that include digital charcoal lighting, automatic airflow, and precision temp control.
Just press a button and your grill holds steady, perfect for long overnight smokes or slow-cooked ribs. No more babysitting the coals. Just consistent, even heat from start to finish.
Grilling in 2025: Smarter, Safer, and Seriously Impressive
Tech is transforming the backyard BBQ from smoky trial-and-error to precise, stress-free cooking. Whether it’s AI-curated menus, voice-activated controls, or thermometers smarter than your average sous-chef, the grill of the future is here.
So if you’re still using instinct and a finger poke to check for doneness, it might be time to level up. Smart grilling doesn’t just make things easier — it makes your next cookout your best one yet and augments your skill and experience.
