REOTEMP Backyard Pro Compost Thermometer, with PDF Composting Guide (0-200 Fahrenheit) (36 Inch Stem)

The material reached late and broken

Works great! Make sure you use the stem and not the thermometer top to push it and pull it out of the compost pile.

Using to test our compost pile temp. I heated up some water in a pot on the stove and tested against an alcohol thermometer, and a laser thermometer, and registered accurate within 2 degrees. Agree with other users, buy the additional cage as you don't want to be pushing or pulling on the dial to get it in and out of your compost pile and damage it.

This is quality for the money. Well made. Robust. "A tool for life." I first bought the 24" model, then realized that the 36" would suit me better, and it did. I also bought the orange probe handle (recommended--makes your thermometer easy to find in the pile, gives you a firm hand-hold when inserting / removing, and it protects the dial face. Moreover, it looks cool--really professional! If all products on the market were designed and built as well as this, the world would definitely be a better place (IMHO).

Buy this one. If you have been searching for a compost thermometer this is what you want. Of course there are cheaper ones, but it will get abused and left outside and the others will not likely last. I also sprung for the handle, which costs a lot, but protects the dial as well. I probably didn't need the 36 inch one but the extra length may be needed later. It only takes temp measurements from the last few inches of the sharp end. Excellent product.