Digital probe thermometer questions

Etouffee

To this point I've always used an instant-read thermometer, but I'm wanting to get one of those probe thermometers that you leave in the meat while cooking. Here are my questions:[p]Polder is the kind I see referenced by eggers most often. Is it really that much better than other brands, or will something else suffice? Which retail stores carry the Polder?[p]Where do I feed the wire through into the egg? Do I just close the lid on it, or is there a hole I should go through? [p]Do I need to do anything to protect the wire from heat or is it already sufficiently insulated? [p]Any other tips on buying and using these types of thermometers? [p]thanks![p]

KevinH

etouffee,[p]My remote thermometer has an alarm for when the temperature exceeds a certain level, but not for when the temperature drops below a preset level. That was a mistake. You want both, so thre is an alarm if the fire dies down and the temp starts to drop. It's also great to have one with two probes so you can put one in the meat and one at grate level.[p]Don't use it on high temperature cooks. You will fry the probe leads. Some people wrap the leads LOOSELY in aluminum foil, but I don't. They will get greasy and turn black.[p]Just let the wires hang out the side of the BGE between the gaskets. Make sure there is a little slack on the inside, so the probe doesn't move.[p]I don't know anything about which brand to buy. You can always try froogle.google.com or amazon.com to find a deal. Just watch out that shipping doesn't eat up your savings. Look for online retailers with good ratings.

Celtic Wolf

etouffee,[p] I have several Maverick et 73 Digital remotes. It measures both the meat and the grate temp.[p] They can be bought at BBQ Galore or several onlune sources

Eggin in Peoria

etouffee,
I have the dual probe polder that I like for the price. $30 at Linens and Things. I wrap the wire in foil to keep it clean a bit longer. I just close top on wire - no issues. I think there are better (maverick) out there if you have more $$ to spend.
[ul][li]Polder[/ul]