The popular electric thermometers on the forums are the Maverick line. Very reliable, accurate & cheap for what you get. I have one & it's been great. I think it was like $75 but there's newer models & I see deals come up all the time. The ability to set alarms for smoker temps & meat temps is hugely beneficial. Not sure how I'd smoke meat w/o it & that includes meats in sizes I'm used to after having done it several times already.