Taylor Programmable Digital Meat Thermometer with Timer & Instant Read Wired Probe - Perfect for Grilling, BBQ, Roasting, and Kitchen Cooking - Stainless Steel Food Thermometer for Turkey, Steak, Chicken, and Baking

Update - Impending Probe death!I've probably used this thermometer about fifty times in the last couple of years and the inevitable is about to occur - Probe Death. I've started getting strange readings when the probe is plugged in. It returns to normal in a few seconds, but gives me false readings that tell me the meal is done when it can't possibly be.The probe with this thermometer is pretty sturdy - a long rubberized cord which is seemingly impervious to heat. But the connection near the metal portion that is inserted into food is a delicate little flower and, from reading many BBQ forum postings, is the primary cause of failure. If you yank that probe out of a roast, or tweak the connection in any rough and tumble way, start counting the days until you have to replace the probe. Thankfully, Taylor makes a replacement probe available through Amazon - it's about $10, but well worth it. If you want an even better deal, Taylor sells them directly out of their Las Cruces NM location. Search online or drop me a comment here and you'll find the information quite easily. Now, back to the original review I wrote:I purchased this to replace a cheap remote monitor thermometer that lasted far longer than I expected. I read a lot of Amazon reviews and noted that none of these probe thermometers seem to survive very long.... the probes seem to be the primary fault line. But I needed a probe unit so that I could smoke briskets and chicken. I bought this unit based on its decent ratings and price. After three years of use, I have not been disappointed.First suggestion: treat it gently. I have used it in some high heat applications, but don't leave the probe with its delicate wire sitting in 500 degree temperatures very long - just enough to get a good reading. In lower heat settings, like my smoker, I leave it connected and have never had a problem.Second suggestion: When done cooking, wash the probe gently, then put it and the unit in a tough plastic bag that protects it from other kitchen gadgets in the kitchen. This is a nice kitchen appliance - treat it nice and it will last you a while!The unit has consistently provided reliable temperature readings and has a convenient beeper when a pre-set temperature is reached. My only complaint - minor - is that when you first turn the unit on, it starts beeping until you hit a stop button. If this one dies, I may be tempted to try one of the Oregon Scientific units, but will probably end up purchasing another Taylor. It has served me well.