After a lot of testing, burning my fingers, converting millivolts to degrees, dropping hot thermocouples (and meters). I have found the instruments that will work the best for what we do in the pottery world.
Digital Thermometers - A few options

We carry a Single Input Model that will work for 95% of your needs.

Temp range from -328 to 2498 degrees F - That's up to about Cone 14.

You can select either a J or K type thermocouple (K is what you want)

Min Max record Mode, etc, etc, etc.

 

Now, for the one with all of the bells and whistles (my favorite)

Duel Input - Measurement Range from -328F to 3212F depending on which thermo you use. Will measure K, J, T, E, R, S, N type thermos. Cool huh? But wait there's more! You can hook this up to your computer! That's right. Watch your kiln temp and surf the web at the same time. It will read two thermos at once AND, on the third display, figure the difference in temp. Handy when your trying to balance a kiln. Hold and Record temps, etc, etc, etc.

All three come with a small K beaded wire thermo, but I have put together a heavy 8 gage thermo with all of the connectors and extension wire so you can install the thermocouple in the Kiln and then unplug the meter and put it up when not in use.

How about the cost? Twice the cost of a Analogue Meter. But, three times the cool factor. I have a hard time reading those Analogue Meters at 9:30pm. Each one of those little marks is 50F and my eye sight is getting a little weak.

Need to justify the cost? Can also be used for:

Home science projects

Check to see if your pots are dry.

Getting the perfect temp for you tea.

Finding cold drafts.

Testing the difference in Durablanket and Isofrax


 

Single Input Model  $139.00
8 gauge Thermocouple  $14.95
3ft light gage extension thermo wire  $5.95
Mini connector $3.95
Ceramic Connector $8.95
Total for everything $171.80
Our Price for a limited time $149.95

 

NEW Same as above but with Duel inputs $149
1 • 8 ga Thermocouple Kit $33.80
Total for everything $181.80
Our Price for a limited time              Sold Out $159.95

 

Duel Input Model (with Bells and Whistles)   $189.00
1 • 8 gauge Thermocouple     $14.95
3ft light gage extension thermo wire $5.95
1 • Mini connector $3.95 
1 • Ceramic Connector $8.95
Total for everything $221.80

Our Price for a limited time

Hurry up and I'll throw in the Computer cable and software for FREE!

That's about 30 bucks. $251.80 Total Value!

$199.95

A word about less expensive digital meters. "Less" You get what you pay for. Well, sometimes you get what you pay for. But you won't get what you didn't pay for, for sure. Does that make sense? It does when I say it out loud.
If you are going to use these, or any K type thermo, in a gas kiln get one of the Ceramic Protection tubes below and extend the life of the thermo many times.

K type Thermocouple 6" or 8" replacement $14.95  
Ceramic Protection tube 12" $23.95  
Light gage Thermocouple wire $1.95 per ft  
Heavy gage thermocouple wire  $2.95 per ft  
Mini connectors Male $3.95 each  
Ceramic Connector $8.95  

Please contact Flat Rock Clay Supplies at info@flatrockclay.com or 479.521.3181 to sign up for workshops, submit inquiries or send feedback.