I originally bought this to use in our smoker, because the single probe provides both internal meat temperature as well as the ambient temp. inside the cook chamber (we have an offset wood/charcoal firebox). The single shielded cable is plenty long enough, just be careful when using it and storing it to not make any kinks in the woven metal sheathing.

This holiday season we've now used it also indoors to monitor items in our stove. A standing rib roast (prime rib, 3 ribs, 6-7 lbs.) we took out when the internal temp read 127 (shooting for medium rare), and it climbed to 137 while resting - it was LOVELY and perfectly what we were shooting for. All the guests were very happy. Because that was about a 2 hour cook time, the probe showing oven temp. was able to reach equilibrium, and it was within a few degrees of our oven setting, and a few degrees of the spring-type oven thermometer in the oven.

And last, we used it for a pair of 1-1/2" thick boneless pork chops. Parmesan-crusted, we did them 4-5 min. per side in an oven proof pan on the stove over medium heat, then put that right into the 400 degree stove. Now, the cook time was such that the ambient probe never got up to 400 (maybe 340?) by the time the internal temp reached 148. Took it out, and man that was the best we've ever done w/ thick pork chops. Perfect.

So, it has been working reliable for us since July 2008. Yes, as another review noted, you can only go "up" on the temperature alarm settings, but if you hold the button, it scrolls quite fast. I like the fact that the front is seamless for the buttons - very easy cleanup. Clean up on the probe we've just done w/ the abrasive side of a sponge. We have NOT submerged, or even put the probe under running water - I don't think the ambient probe where the cable goes in is "water tight" so have avoided that thusfar. Scrub it off, wipe it dry, and put it in the drawer for the next time.

I chose this thermometer because the probe is rated for 32-572