Diagnosis
The smart probe is miscalibrated or not inserted correctly. It's a common point of failure for inaccurate readings.
How to Fix It
- Test the probe's accuracy. Boil a pot of water. Insert the probe into the boiling water (without touching the pot). It should read very close to 212°F (100°C). If it's off by more than 10-15 degrees, it's faulty.
- Ensure proper insertion. Push the probe fully into the port until it clicks. The tip must be in the geometric center of the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone, fat, or the grill grate.
- Clean the probe tip and the socket in the grill with a dry cloth to ensure a good connection.
If That Didn't Work
The probe itself may be damaged. Contact Ninja for a replacement smart probe. In the meantime, use a reliable standalone instant-read thermometer to check doneness.
Heads Up
The smart probe is not an instant-read thermometer. It reads slowly and averages temperature over an area. For a final check, always use a fast, high-quality instant-read thermometer in a different spot.