The sensor is located at the tip, so inert just so that the tip is at the point of interest. No more guess work. Just install a 9 volt battery, slide the power switch inward and it's ready to use for your cooking needs. When you press the Start button, the thermometer will say, Please Wait. Then there will be a short delay (less than 15 seconds) for the probe to reach a stable temperature. Then you will hear the measured temperature in Fahrenheit degrees. The thermometer has a wide temperature range. Therefore, you can monitor also cooler temperature - ice-bath, refrigerator or even the freezer. One year parts and labor warranty included.