Backyard barbecue enthusiasts rejoice – technology has finally made its way to the grill and smoker. FireBoard’s innovative smart thermometers take the guesswork out of grilling and smoking by providing real-time temperature monitoring and meat probes that track internal doneness.
But with two flagship models to choose from, the FireBoard 2 Drive and FireBoard 2 Pro, which one is right for you?
In this comparison guide, we’ll break down the key features and differences between the Drive and Pro to help you decide which FireBoard smart thermometer best fits your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | FireBoard 2 Drive | FireBoard 2 Pro |
| Probe Capacity | 4 meat + 4 ambient (max) | 4 meat + 2 ambient (expandable to 16 total) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth, 150ft range | WiFi, 300ft range |
| Cloud Platform | Basic – $3.99/month | Full access included free |
| Igniter | None | Built-in electric ignition |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| App & Software | Same app & dashboard | Same app & dashboard |
| Durability | IP66 water resistance | IP66 water resistance |
| Accessory Support | Full support | Full support |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
An Overview of FireBoard Smart Thermometers
Before diving into the details, let’s do a quick overview of what makes FireBoard thermometers so special.
Both the Drive and Pro models consist of two main components – the thermometer unit that mounts onto your grill or smoker, and meat probes that get inserted into the food to track internal temperature.
The thermometer pairs wirelessly with your mobile device, allowing you to monitor temps even when you’re far from the grill.
Robust companion apps for iOS and Android provide graphing data, temperature history, alerts, and estimated time to finish cooking.
So in a nutshell, FireBoard takes the uncertainty out of cooking times and doneness by giving you temperature visibility you’ve never had before on your grill or smoker.
Now let’s look at how the Drive and Pro models differ.
FireBoard 2 Drive Overview
The FireBoard 2 Drive is the more affordable entry-level model in the smart thermometer lineup. Here are the key details on the Drive:
- 6 Temperature Probes – Comes with 3 meat probes for monitoring food and 3 ambient probes for pit/grate temperature.
- Works Up To 150 Feet Away – Bluetooth range allows monitoring away from the grill.
- Rechargeable Battery – Lasts up to 24 hours on a charge.
- Cloud Storage & Analysis – Optional FireBoard cloud accounts offer data storage and reporting.
- Drive Blower Integration – Supports optional FireBoard blower accessory sold separately.
The Drive provides accurate, real-time temperature data right on your mobile device at a budget-friendly price point. It’s a great entry point into high-tech backyard grilling.
FireBoard 2 Pro Overview
Now let’s look at what you get when you step up to the FireBoard 2 Pro:
- 6 Probes Included – 4 meat probes, 2 ambient probes included (expandable to 16 probes).
- 300 Foot Range – Increased WiFi range for incredible wireless flexibility.
- Quick-Start Igniter – Electric igniter button starts your coals/wood instantly ( AAA battery powered).
- Cloud Platform – Unlock full Cloud features free for the life of the product.
- Drive & Fan Accessories – Supports the full range of FireBoard accessories.
With upgraded wireless range, free cloud access, quick ignition, and increased probe capacity, the Pro model is the undisputed flagship thermometer in the lineup.
Key Differences Between FireBoard 2 Drive And Pro Smart Thermometers
Now let’s do a detailed feature-by-feature comparison of these two industry-leading devices.
- Probe Capacity
Drive: Comes with 3 food probes and 3 ambient probes. Max supported is 4 food + 4 ambient.
Pro: Comes with 4 food probes and 2 ambient probes. Expandable up to 16 probes total.
The Pro’s capacity for almost double the probes is better for large cooks.
- Wireless Connectivity
Drive: Uses Bluetooth with a range up to 150 feet.
Pro: Uses WiFi with a range up to 300 feet.
The Pro’s expanded WiFi range provides a lot more flexibility to walk away from the grill.
- Cloud Platform & Analysis
Drive: Basic cloud storage available for $3.99/month per device.
Pro: Full cloud platform with data analysis tools included free.
The Pro includes powerful cloud features that are an added cost for Drive users.
- Igniter
Drive: No built-in ignition.
Pro: One-touch electric igniter to light coals and wood.
The Pro’s quick ignition button makes starting fires fast and easy.
- Battery Life
Drive: 24 hours on full charge.
Pro: Also 24 hour estimated life per charge.
No difference in expected battery life. Both use a rechargeable lithium battery.
- App & Software
Drive & Pro: Use the same FireBoard mobile app and desktop dashboard.
The app and software experience is consistent across both devices.
- Durability & Water Resistance
Drive: Rated IP66 water resistant.
Pro: Also rated IP66 for dust and splash protection.
Both models have the same level of water and dust resistance.
- Accessory Support
Drive & Pro: Fully support all FireBoard accessories like the Drive fan and rotisserie.
No limitations between models on compatible accessories from FireBoard.
- Warranty
Drive & Pro: Come with a 1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Same 1 year warranty terms apply to both the Drive and Pro models.
Key Buying Considerations
With the detailed feature breakdown complete, here are some key factors to consider when deciding between the FireBoard Drive vs Pro:
- How many probes do you need? The Pro supports nearly double the probe capacity.
- What wireless range is needed? The Pro has expanded 300ft WiFi range.
- Are cloud features important? The Pro includes full cloud analysis for free.
- Will you use the quick igniter? Only the Pro has the instant ignition button.
- What’s your budget? The Pro costs roughly $140 USD more than the Drive.
For most people, the Drive model should meet their needs at an attractive price point.
But backyard chefs who grill large quantities frequently will appreciate the Pro’s probe capacity, wireless range, and robust cloud platform.
Either way you get the same level of durability and a fantastic app experience. It comes down to deciding if the advanced features of the Pro are worth the added cost for your grilling style.
Which Is Better?
When comparing the FireBoard 2 Drive and the FireBoard 2 Pro, there is no universally “better” option. The answer depends on your specific needs and budget.
For shoppers who want accurate temperature monitoring that upgrades a basic grill, the Drive is the obvious choice. Its low entry cost and rechargeable battery make it accessible to most households.
The FireBoard 2 Pro model offers more probes to monitor large cooks, increased wireless freedom, and an included cloud platform that unlocks robust data analysis. The quick ignition button also adds serious convenience for lighting fires fast.
For barbecue fanatics who grill large quantities frequently and want maximum high-tech functionality, the Pro is worth the premium upgrade cost. But more casual grillers will be very well served by the Drive model.
Either way you get an amazing smart thermometer that will level up your grilling game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The FireBoard 2 Pro has more probe capacity (expandable to 16 probes vs 8 on Drive), 300ft WiFi range (vs 150ft Bluetooth on Drive), free cloud platform access, and a quick ignite button. The Drive is a more budget-friendly option with core temperature monitoring features.
The main differences are the Pro offers 300ft WiFi range (vs 150ft on Drive), more probe capacity, free cloud access, and quick ignition. The Drive costs less but still provides excellent temperature data.
The 2 Pro model is the best if you need expanded probe capacity, WiFi range, free cloud access and quick ignition. The Drive is best if you want accurate temperature info at a lower budget price point. Both excel at wireless temperature monitoring.
Both the FireBoard 2 Drive and 2 Pro have an IP66 rating which means they are dust tight and can withstand heavy spraying of water. However, they are not fully waterproof and shouldn’t be submerged.
The Last Word
Hopefully this detailed feature comparison has helped highlight the key differences between the FireBoard Drive and Pro models.
While the Pro brings more probe capacity, wireless range, cloud functionality and a quick starter, the Drive still excels at the core purpose – providing wireless temperature monitoring to take the uncertainty out of backyard grilling.
Whichever model you choose, FireBoard thermometers are sure to upgrade your grilling game. Your food will come out perfectly cooked every time thanks to the real-time temperature data sent right to your phone.
For many backyard chefs, the Drive model offers everything needed at an attractive price point. But the Pro is worth considering if you take your barbecue seriously and want maximum connectivity and features.
So light those coals and get ready for some flawlessly cooked BBQ – FireBoard makes it easy with smart technology in your grill or smoker. The only question that remains is Drive or Pro?