Editor’s note: Originally published July 2018. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- The Flame Boss 200 and 300 share the same core features: Wi-Fi monitoring, a variable-speed blower, PID control, open lid detection and alerts.
- The main difference is probe capacity: the 200 runs one pit probe and one meat probe, while the 300 can run up to four probes (one pit plus three food).
- Both come with two probes; extra probes and Y cables for the 300 are sold separately.
- Choose the 200 for single-meat, set-and-forget cooks. Choose the 300 if you regularly smoke several different meats at once.
The Flame Boss 200 and Flame Boss 300 are Wi-Fi temperature controllers for smokers and kamado-style grills. They hold your pit temperature by controlling a blower, and let you monitor and adjust the cook from a phone, tablet or computer, or from the unit’s LCD display.
The key difference is the number of probes. The 200 supports one meat probe and one pit probe; the 300 can be fitted with up to four. This comparison is based on manufacturer information and the features described at the time of writing. If you are new to remote cooking tools, our guide to Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth temperature sensors explains the basics.
Flame Boss 200 vs 300 at a glance
| Feature | Flame Boss 200 | Flame Boss 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Probes included | 2 (1 pit, 1 meat) | 2 (1 pit, 1 meat) |
| Maximum probes | 2 | 4 (1 pit + 3 food), with optional Y cables |
| Wi-Fi monitoring and control | Yes | Yes |
| Variable-speed blower | Yes | Yes |
| Open lid detection | Yes | Yes |
| Keep-warm mode after cooking | Yes | Yes, but less useful with multiple meats |
| Resumes after power loss | Yes | Yes |
| Works with | Android, iOS and any device with a browser | Android, iOS and any device with a browser |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Features both models share
- Remote monitoring and control: check pit and food temperatures and change the set temperature from any device with a web browser. No app install was required, according to the manufacturer.
- Online dashboard: graphs of each cook, so you can compare cooks over time.
- Alerts: text alerts when food reaches its target, when the pit runs too hot or too cool, and timer alarms for the next step of your cook.
- Variable-speed blower: Flame Boss highlighted this as unusual among temperature controllers at the time. The blower adjusts its speed to hold your target temperature.
- PID controller: learns how your smoker behaves to control it more smoothly and quickly.
- Open lid detection: notices the sudden temperature drop when you open the lid and turns off the fan, so it doesn’t over-stoke the fire.
- Keep-warm mode: when the meat hits its target, the controller can lower the pit temperature to keep food warm without overcooking it.
- Power-loss recovery: after a power glitch, it continues at the set temperature when power returns.
- LCD display and stand: set and monitor the cook at the unit if you don’t want to use your phone.
Both units must be plugged in to work. The included probes were described as industrial-grade platinum resistance probes, with a listed maximum of about 450°F to 475°F (the original descriptions varied), so they are not suited to very high-heat cooking such as blackening.
Flame Boss 200
The Flame Boss 200 is the simpler option. It turns on as soon as it is plugged in, runs in an automatic mode and works with almost any kamado-style grill or smoker. With one meat probe, the keep-warm feature works smoothly: set your target, and the controller drops the pit temperature when the meat is done, so you can largely set it and forget it.
Listed specifications
- Two probes included (one pit, one meat)
- Alarms for meat temperature and extreme pit temperatures
- Wi-Fi enabled; works with Android and iOS
- Variable-speed blower and PID control
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Industrial platinum resistance probes
- Text alerts for food done and pit too hot or cool
- Keeps food warm after cooking without drying it out
- Open lid detection for more consistent temperatures
- Resumes the set temperature after a power outage
- Lower price than the 300
Cons
- Cannot add probes: one meat probe and one pit probe only
- Probes are not rated for very high-heat cooking
- Must be plugged in to work
Flame Boss 300
The Flame Boss 300 has everything the 200 offers, plus support for up to three food probes alongside the pit probe. That suits the way many people actually cook for a crowd: for example, chicken and ribs on the smoker at the same time, each monitored to its own target.
It ships with the same two probes as the 200. Extra meat probes and the Y cables needed to connect them are sold separately.
There is one trade-off. Different meats finish at different times, so with several probes in use you will need to respond to each “done” alert yourself rather than relying on the automatic keep-warm mode. That makes for a more hands-on cook than the 200’s set-and-forget approach.
Listed specifications
- Two probes included; supports up to four
- Alarms for extreme pit temperatures and meat doneness
- Wi-Fi enabled; works with Android and iOS
- Variable-speed blower and PID control
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Up to four probes (one pit, three food)
- All the features of the Flame Boss 200
- Better suited to cooking several meats at once
Cons
- Keep-warm mode is less useful with multiple meats
- Costs more than the 200
- Extra probes and Y cables are sold separately
- Must be plugged in to work; probes not rated for very high heat
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Flame Boss 200 if you usually cook one main piece of meat at a time, such as a brisket or pork shoulder, and want the controller to hold the pit and then keep the food warm automatically.
- Choose the Flame Boss 300 if you regularly cook several meats at once and don’t mind watching for individual alerts. Budget for the extra probes and cables.
If you only need to monitor temperatures and don’t need blower control, a wireless thermometer may be enough; see our wireless BBQ thermometer guide or the BBQ Guru PartyQ vs DigiQ comparison for another controller option.
Bottom line
The Flame Boss 200 and 300 are the same controller with different probe capacity. Most single-meat smokers will be well served by the 200. The 300 earns its higher price only if you cook multiple meats together often enough to use the extra probes. Whichever you choose, cook to safe internal temperatures.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Flame Boss 200 and 300?
Probe capacity. The 200 supports one pit probe and one meat probe. The 300 supports up to four probes (one pit and three food) using optional Y cables and extra probes.
Do I need to install software to use a Flame Boss?
According to the manufacturer at the time of writing, no. Both models work with any device that has a web browser, including Android and Apple phones, tablets and computers.
Can I use the Flame Boss probes for high-heat searing?
No. The included probes were listed with a maximum of about 450°F to 475°F, so they are not suited to blackening or very high-heat cooking.
