Designed to use on the surface of your metal woodstove. Thermometer may be placed on the top, or on the front or side surface. Magnet will hold to steel at temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit (425 °C). Place on your woodstove as recommended by your dealer or manufacturer, usually a position where the surface is hottest.

If your painted woodstove is new, to avoid marking paint, do not use thermometer until the stove paint has cured completely. One hot fire in a new stove will typically cure paint.

For most woodstoves ideal operating efficiency is between 400 and 650 degrees F (200 – 350 °C), the middle zone indicated by the pointer.

Temperature below 400 degrees F (200 °C) indicates a smoky, dirty fire that causes creosote in your chimney, a safety hazard.

Above 650 degrees F (350 °C) you waste wood and possibly cause damage to your woodstove due to excessive heat. Over-firing a metal woodstove consumes wood without generating additional room heat, because excess energy is lost up the stovepipe.