We had one - it was one with a small dial on the end of a probe. It
worked fine for a short time but then packed-in. Clearly we hadn't
spent enough!

So we are now about to buy a better quality thermometer (hopefully),
but I'm bemused by the variety now on offer.

1. Firstly there are those similer to the one we had - a skewer with a
dial at the end - but in better quality.

2. Then there are some where the probe stays in the meat in the oven
and a wire trails from the oven to a digital read-out (sometimes with
an alarm when the set temperature has been reached)

3. Finally there are types similar to #2 but where the information is
conveyed not by a wire but remotely.

Certainly the idea of 2 and 3 seems to be preferable (no opening the
oven and getting at the joint). The price for these in the UK seems
to be something a little over £20 ($30+). But the big question is are
they reliable or are they just gimmicky.

I've not been able to find a review of these things anywhere so if
anybody has any good/bad experiences I'd be grateful to hear of them.
I can then go to the local cookshop better prepared!

Thanks

Derek