Here's how it works: program the tool (two AA batteries included) by selecting either "beef," "veal," "lamb," "pork," "chicken," or "turkey." Then program to rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. The monitor displays the proper temperature--which can be altered by pressing a button. Place the probe into, say, a turkey. Run the wire from the oven and close the door. (Door should remain closed until turkey is done so oven temperature doesn't vary.) Plug the wire into the monitor, and open the monitor's built-in stand. Set the clock to the current time. (Remember, two probes can be used simultaneously for different foods, with the monitor programmed separately for each.) The monitor constantly displays the turkey's internal temperature and elapsed cooking time. (The timer can be used independently of thermometer.) When the turkey reaches the selected temperature, an alarm sounds.

Meanwhile, hook the pager (two AA batteries included) to your belt or drop it into your pocket. The pager beeps when the monitor's alarm sounds and works up to 75 feet away, liberating the cook from the kitchen. The probes can also be plugged into the pager, which displays a food's temperature on its LCD screen. So barbecuing brisket outside, roasting chicken in the oven, and keeping track of both is possible. --Fred Brack