Wireless BBQ Monitoring with The Smokin’ Elk

Elky Whittaker, known as The Smokin’ Elk, is one of the UK’s most respected barbecuers. He runs sell-out BBQ classes, shares expert content with a global audience, and teaches the importance of precise temperature control throughout the cooking process.

We worked with Elky to upgrade his setup using ETI’s RFX Wireless BBQ Thermometer. The system helps professionals monitor cooks more efficiently, improve consistency, and reduce disruption in busy environments.

The Challenges

Unreliable Wireless Performance

Elky had tested Bluetooth-based smart probes but found them too temperamental for serious use. Dropouts during cooks disrupted classes and risked over- or undercooked meat.

Inaccurate Pit Temperature Readings

Some systems used a single probe for both meat and pit temperatures. This gave misleading air readings due to evaporative cooling from the meat and poor airflow data.

Disruption During Cooks

Without reliable wireless monitoring, Elky had to regularly lift lids to check temperatures. This broke heat cycles, slowed down cooks, and interrupted his teaching flow.

Unsuitable for Larger Setups

Many systems are built for home use and cannot support multiple cooks at once, limiting their value for commercial kitchens, caterers, or schools like Elky’s.

“I haven’t been able to get behind other smart probes because they’re too temperamental with the Bluetooth connectivity. But with RFX, I’ve had no dropouts.”

The Smokin’ Elk

The Solution

The RFX Wireless BBQ Thermometer from ETI replaces unreliable systems with a robust, scalable monitoring solution designed for professional use.

RFX includes:

• Wireless meat probes for real-time monitoring without cables
• A separate pit probe for accurate ambient readings
• Reliable radio frequency connection with long-range performance
• Easy app integration with graphing, alerts, and data export
• Capacity to monitor up to 50 probes at once—ideal for large cook setups

How RFX Improved Elky’s Setup

Reliable, Uninterrupted Data

The radio frequency connection resolved the signal issues that had made other smart probes unusable. Elky now has full confidence in his readings throughout every stage of the cook.

Accurate Pit Control

Using the dedicated pit probe clipped to the grill grate, Elky can see a true reflection of ambient temperature. This helps him manage low and slow cooks more precisely and time finishing steps like searing or resting.

Streamlined Cooking Process

With the probe left in from start to finish, Elky no longer needs to open the lid or interrupt the cook. This speeds up service, preserves heat, and keeps the focus on teaching.

Simplified Class Management

RFX helps Elky monitor multiple dishes and stages at once, all within a single app. His students can follow the progress in real time, learning how temperature affects texture and flavour with every degree.

“I just love the fact that RFX is reliable. That’s the number one thing for me—reliability. I like products that do what they’re supposed to. RFX does that, and it makes cooking a lot easier.”

The Smokin’ Elk

Summary

By switching to RFX, The Smokin’ Elk gained a more reliable and scalable way to manage temperature. The system supports professional demands by improving accuracy, saving time, and simplifying service. Whether for classes, catering, or commercial BBQ operations, RFX offers consistent control, improved efficiency, and better results.

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