How to Use MEATER Hanger with Your MEATER Plus for Perfect Pork Chops

Pork chops are a weeknight staple, but they’re notoriously easy to overcook into dry, tough pieces. The key to juicy, tender pork chops lies in precise temperature control, and that’s where the MEATER Hanger and MEATER Plus come in. By combining the smart probe technology of the MEATER Plus with the versatile MEATER Hanger, you can cook pork chops to perfection every time, whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of using the MEATER Hanger with your MEATER Plus to achieve perfectly cooked pork chops. We’ll cover setup, placement, temperature targets, and pro tips to elevate your pork chop game.

Why Use the MEATER Hanger with Your MEATER Plus?

The MEATER Hanger is a simple yet ingenious accessory that allows you to suspend your MEATER Plus probe inside a cooking chamber, keeping it in the optimal position without interfering with your food. This is especially useful when cooking thick pork chops, where you want the probe to measure the internal temperature at the center of the meat without the probe touching the grill grates or pan bottom, which can cause inaccurate readings.

When paired with the MEATER Plus, the Hanger ensures that the probe’s ambient sensor is exposed to the true cooking environment, giving you accurate ambient temperature readings. This data is crucial for the MEATER app’s algorithm to estimate cook time and doneness, so you can confidently cook pork chops without constantly checking.

• Keeps the probe off hot surfaces for accurate readings
• Positions the ambient sensor for reliable temperature monitoring
• Works with any vertical cooking setup, from grills to ovens

Step-by-Step: Cooking Pork Chops with MEATER Hanger and MEATER Plus

Start by inserting the MEATER Plus probe into the thickest part of the pork chop, avoiding bone and fat. If you’re cooking multiple chops, you can use the MEATER Hanger to hold the probe in place while you arrange the meat. Hang the probe from the Hanger so that it dangles freely, with the probe tip inserted into the meat and the ambient sensor exposed to the air.

Place the Hanger securely on the edge of your grill or oven rack, ensuring it’s stable. Set up the MEATER app, select 'Pork Chop' as your meat type, and choose your desired doneness (we recommend 145°F for medium, 160°F for well-done). The app will guide you through the process, showing real-time internal and ambient temperatures, and alert you when to flip or remove the meat.

• Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding bone and fat
• Use the Hanger to position the probe so the ambient sensor is exposed
• Set your target temperature in the MEATER app and let it guide you

Ideal Pork Chop Temperature and Resting

The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest. At this temperature, pork is safe to eat and still juicy and slightly pink in the center. If you prefer well-done, aim for 160°F, but be aware that the meat may be drier.

The MEATER Plus will alert you when your pork chops reach the target temperature. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them rest for at least 3 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. The MEATER app can also help you track the resting time if you use the 'Rest' feature.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

For extra flavor, brine your pork chops in a simple salt-sugar solution for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances moisture and seasoning. Also, pat the chops dry before searing to get a beautiful golden crust.

If you’re grilling, set up a two-zone fire: sear over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat to finish. The MEATER Plus will help you track the temperature throughout, so you can pull them off at the perfect moment.

• Brine for 30 minutes to boost juiciness
• Sear over high heat, then finish over indirect heat
• Use the MEATER app’s 'Rest' feature to time your resting

With the MEATER Hanger and MEATER Plus, you can say goodbye to dry, overcooked pork chops. The combination of precise probe placement and smart temperature tracking takes the guesswork out of cooking, so you can serve up juicy, perfectly done chops every time. Ready to elevate your cooking? Check out the MEATER Hanger and MEATER Plus to get started.