For years I used a traditional bi-metal thermometer in the kitchen... and then I got a ThermaPen. Don't know how I cooked without it.
I liked it so much I bought a dozen of them for all of my cooks.
It's a great product.
I'm looking at getting the backlit version for outdoor cooking (so I don't need to hold a Maglite in my mouth)!!
I strongly recommend using the Thermapen for cooking!!
The new ChefAlarm is really cool also... will be a great replacement for the Polder-type units.
Waiting to try out the wireless version too.