'Range' iOS Food Thermometer Launches New Bluetooth LE Version on Kickstarter

Last year, the company behind the popular Twine Kickstarter project launched a new iOS-enabled food thermometer called Range. That thermometer raised more than $175,000 and now the team is back for more.

Range IO

While not in time for this year's Summer grilling season, Supermechanical has launched a new, an upgraded version of the Range on Kickstarter. The new Range Oven/Grill Intelligence adds Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity as well as a magnetic storage unit that acts as the thermometer's base. The old Range needed to be physically connected to an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, but with the new wireless version, users won't need to leave their iPad sitting next to the oven or outside by the grill.

The magnetic base of the Range OI includes additional temperature and vibration sensors -- it's designed to be attached to the front of an oven, detecting when the oven is in use, when it's preheating and when it's on normally. It runs for a year on a single AA battery and the thermometer can measure from -40F to 450F (-40C to 230C).

There are three Range OI models available:

Oven Intelligence ($98) - including a 3" sharp thermometer
Chef Intelligence ($129) - including both a 3" sharp thermometer and a 6" round thermometer designed for candy making, home brewing and other needs, and both thermometers can be used simultaneously.
Grill Intelligence ($160) - including a 3" sharp thermometer and an ambient temperature probe for slow cooking and smoking, as well as an upgraded fiberglass cable for durability even in direct flame.

The OI wirelessly connects to iOS and Android smartphone and tablets, as well as the Pebble smart watch. There are bundles available to purchase multiple versions of the Range OI as well as higher Kickstarter levels that include priority shipping or special grilling aprons. Shipping is anticipated to begin next Spring.

The Kickstarter campaign has raised more than $80,000 with a goal of $250,000 with just over two weeks to go.

Top Rated Comments

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wlossw

55 months ago

I will never back another kick-starter project with the hope of getting a reward.

I have been burned on 2 out of 3 projects.

The whole platform is a haven for clowns and scammers. Kick-starter also takes no responsibility for failed projects, which is the fundamental problem with the system... they take their cut off the top and then wash their hands when a project fails.

As far as i am concerned they are every bit as guilty as the project founders that take peoples money and give nothing in return.

I am sick and tired of reading about "cool" crowd-funding stuff on tech-blogs as if they were real products. It's all smoke and mirrors.

:mad: /rant

Rating: 8 Votes

jkestner

55 months ago

(Creator here.) Sucks to hear that several of you have had bad experiences on Kickstarter. But I've bought bad items on Amazon, and I still shop there. Kickstarter presents ideas, and it's up to you to vet them. It's true that some creators get in over their heads, so read their background and project plan carefully. As Jordan mentioned, we've already delivered two successful products, so you can bet we'll do it again.

As importantly, you're supporting something that wouldn't exist otherwise. We like Kickstarter because it allows small guys to make consumer electronics exactly the way we want to: in the US with better materials and build quality. Our thermometers are very accurate and fast. The Grill Intelligence has heavy-duty fiberglass cables you can't get anywhere else. And the base contains extra sensors to detect when you forgot to turn the oven off, the oven is perfectly preheated, or if you double-tapped the oven to trigger a spoken done time estimate. Thanks to all of you who've backed our vision so far!

Rating: 6 Votes

Parasprite

55 months ago

never have I seen so many whiners making broad, sweeping generalizations about things that are either untrue or they simply don't understand.

You haven't been on the internet long enough then. :p

Rating: 4 Votes

Dekema2

55 months ago

Thank goodness for Kickstarter. It helps those who can't get loans or grants or just need some change to do something.

Also they should make it compatible with Yosemite and add push notifications!

Rating: 3 Votes

jlgolson

55 months ago

In defense of these guys, they have successfully delivered two large Kickstarter campaigns.

Rating: 3 Votes

mrxak

55 months ago

Would I put my iPhone or iPad on the stove? No, I would not. Electronics have a sensitivity to heat.

I've had a number of successful kickstarter backings, personally. You just have to be smart about it. The worst thing I've had happen in a project I backed was a delay in shipping, but the reason for that is because they wanted to make the product better and get safety certified (certifications take time).

Rating: 3 Votes

SuperRob

55 months ago

It is not Kickstarter's responsibility to make sure the projects you back finish. In fact, you are warned multiple times that they may not be. It's your responsibility to treat your money with respect and only "invest" in projects that come from reputable people with a track record of success.

Technically, if a company offers the completed project as one of their reward levels, they are legally obligated to complete the project, because they do need to deliver any and all rewards. That said, if a company fails because the project fails, there probably isn't anything left to sue.

This all said, you've clearly had bad luck or made some bad choices. The only projects I've backed that didn't complete all failed before funding was completed, so I didn't lose anything. I have received my products from everything else I've backed, even the ones I thought were the riskiest.

Rating: 2 Votes

someone28624

55 months ago

I'm waiting for my Lockitron, my Coin card, and my Vessyl. Maybe when I get some of those things I'll start doing more pre-order/backings.

Rating: 1 Votes

coolspot18

55 months ago

My $10.00 thermometer works fine ... no need for something so fancy.

Rating: 1 Votes