Bluetooth Probes
Connect a Bluetooth temperature probe to SmartChef for faster, hands-free temperature recording. Press the button on your probe and the reading appears in the app.
Overview
SmartChef can connect to Bluetooth-enabled temperature probes, allowing you to send temperature readings directly to the app with the press of a button. This speeds up temperature recording and reduces manual entry errors.
How It Works
- Pair your Bluetooth probe with SmartChef (one-time setup)
- Open a temperature form (SC2 or SC3)
- Connect your probe at the start of your session
- Tap on a temperature field to select it
- Press the button on your probe
- The temperature reading appears in the app
Supported Forms
Bluetooth probes currently work with:
- SC2 - Temperature Records: Fridge and freezer temperature checks
- SC3 - Cooking Records: Cooking, cooling, and reheating temperatures
Device Compatibility
Bluetooth probe support depends on your device and browser. Here's what works:
| Device | Browser | Bluetooth Support |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone/tablet | Chrome | Supported |
| Windows PC | Chrome / Edge | Supported |
| Mac | Chrome | Supported |
| iPhone / iPad | Any browser | Not supported |
iOS Limitation
Unfortunately, Apple does not support Web Bluetooth on iPhones or iPads. This is a limitation of Safari and iOS, not SmartChef. If you use an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to enter temperatures manually or use an Android device for Bluetooth probe support.
Android: One Extra Step Per Session
On Android, Chrome's security settings mean you need to tap "Connect Probe" once each time you open SmartChef. After that initial tap, the probe stays connected for your session.
This is a browser limitation, not a bug. It's how Chrome protects Bluetooth permissions.
Supported Probes
SmartChef is pre-configured to work with ETI Bluetooth thermometers out of the box:
ETI Therma
Professional digital thermometers with Bluetooth connectivity
BlueTherm
ETI's Bluetooth probe thermometers for food safety
Your probe needs to have a button that sends the current temperature reading via Bluetooth.
Have a Different Probe?
If you already have a Bluetooth probe from another brand, contact us with your probe model. We can add support for other Bluetooth thermometers—just let us know what you're using and we'll get it set up for you.
Pairing Your Probe
Pairing connects your Bluetooth probe to SmartChef. You only need to do this once per device.
Before You Start
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (on your phone, tablet, or computer)
- Turn on your probe and ensure it's in pairing/discoverable mode
- Have SmartChef open in Chrome (not Safari or other browsers on desktop)
Pairing Steps
-
Open a Temperature Form
Go to SC2 (Temperature Records) or SC3 (Cooking Records). You'll see a Bluetooth icon or "Pair Probe" option.
-
Tap "Pair Probe"
This opens your device's Bluetooth picker.
-
Find Your Probe in the List
You'll see a list of all nearby Bluetooth devices. Look for your probe's name—it usually includes "Therma", "ETI", or "BlueTherm", sometimes with a serial number (e.g., "25437682 Therma K").
-
Select Your Probe
Tap on your probe's name to pair it.
-
Wait for Connection
SmartChef will connect to your probe. You'll see a "Connected" status when ready.
About the Device List
The Bluetooth picker shows all nearby Bluetooth devices, not just probes. This is normal—just look for your probe's name in the list. If you're not sure which one is yours, check the label on your probe for the device name or serial number.
Using Your Probe
Daily Workflow
-
Open SmartChef
Go to the temperature form you need (SC2 or SC3)
-
Connect Your Probe
Tap "Connect Probe" to reconnect. On Android, you need to do this once per session.
-
Select a Temperature Field
Tap on the temperature input field where you want the reading to go. The field will be highlighted to show it's selected.
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Take the Reading
Insert the probe into the food or equipment, wait for the reading to stabilise, then press the button on your probe.
-
Temperature Appears
The reading transfers to SmartChef and fills the selected field. You'll see a confirmation message.
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Move to Next Field
Tap the next temperature field and repeat. In SC2, the form automatically advances to the next empty field.
Tips for Best Results
- Select the field first: Always tap the temperature field before pressing the probe button
- Wait for stable reading: Let the probe reading stabilise before pressing the button
- Keep probe on: Don't turn off your probe between readings during a session
- Stay in range: Keep within Bluetooth range (usually about 10 metres)
SC2 - Temperature Records
When using Bluetooth with SC2:
- Tap any temperature field to select it as the target
- Press the probe button to send the reading
- The form automatically moves to the next empty field
- Continue through all your fridges and freezers
SC3 - Cooking Records
When using Bluetooth with SC3:
- The probe fills the temperature field for the currently active tab (Cook, Chill, or Reheat)
- Switch tabs to record different stages of cooking
- Press the probe button to capture each temperature
Troubleshooting
Check that you're using a supported browser (Chrome on Android, Windows, or Mac). The Bluetooth option won't appear on iPhones or iPads, or in Safari.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (on your phone/computer)
- Turn your probe off and on again
- Check your probe has battery power
- Make sure the probe is in pairing/discoverable mode (check your probe's instructions)
- Move closer to the device running SmartChef
SmartChef is pre-configured for ETI probes, but we can add support for other Bluetooth thermometers. Contact us with your probe's brand and model, and we'll get it set up for you.
- Make sure you've tapped on a temperature field first (it should be highlighted)
- Press the button on your probe firmly
- Wait a moment after pressing—there's a brief delay
- Check the status message in SmartChef for any errors
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the probe
On Android, this is expected behaviour. Chrome clears Bluetooth permissions when you close the app for security reasons. Just tap "Connect Probe" once at the start of each session—it only takes a moment.
This usually means the probe sensor isn't reading correctly. Check that the probe tip is properly inserted and try again. If the problem persists, the probe may need servicing or replacement.
SmartChef waits 5 seconds for a reading after you press the probe button. If nothing comes through:
- Make sure the probe is still connected (check the status)
- Try pressing the probe button again
- Reconnect the probe if needed
No, unfortunately Apple doesn't support Web Bluetooth on iOS. This is a limitation of Safari and iOS itself—it affects all web apps, not just SmartChef. Your options are:
- Use an Android phone or tablet for Bluetooth probe support
- Use a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome
- Enter temperatures manually on your iPhone
- Check the probe battery level
- Stay within Bluetooth range (about 10 metres)
- Avoid interference from other Bluetooth devices
- Make sure the probe isn't set to auto-sleep after inactivity