What should I do if my probe stops connecting?
While you're cooking, a lot of reside can build up on the probe, and this acts like a barrier between the probe and the charger. It might be obvious like bits of food or soot from the smoker, but in a lot of cases, it's just a little bit of grease that you might not even be able to see.
When this happens, the probe can't charge, so it might be completely drained the next time you try to use it. This is one of the most common issues we come across, which is why we always try to emphasize the importance of cleaning the probe when you're having trouble connecting.
We've found that the most effective way to get rid of any buildup is by scrubbing the probe well with a mixture of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and white vinegar on a scouring pad, then giving it a quick wash, and making sure it's completely dry before putting it back in the charger. Don't worry, the probe will be fine under running water, and it can take a good scrub! You might also want to wipe the metal contact points on the charger with a dry cloth in case there's any leftover residue.
Once you've got your probe connected again, just make sure to get it sparkling clean after every time you cook so it can charge. For most cooks, you can just use hot, soapy water and the rough side of a sponge, though you might just want to bust out the baking soda and vinegar again if you start seeing a lot of discoloration.