Temp gauge placement

I don't think you can really put a whole lot of faith in either the degree calibrations, or the commentary (e.g. "creosote"), printed on the face of the gauge. There are too many variables in each installation, and the gauge is too loosely coupled to your actual flue gas (by which I mean it is just stuck to the outside of the flue pipe), for these gauges to be a one-size-fits-all sort of thing.

The gauge *does* give useful information that will help you fire the stove better, but due to the lack of calibration you will have to learn through experience what it is telling you. After a few weeks of regular burning and observation of the gauge you'll have a pretty good feel for what "normal" readings are for your set-up during various phases of the fire. You'll be able to use the gauge to for estimating the heat output from the stove so you can match it to the house needs, for when to re-load, for when your new load is fully burning, and for spotting abnormal situations like an air leak in the stove, or obstruction of the draft. If you check your flue regularly during the first few months you'll get a feel for your creosote generation versus what burn temperature the gauge says you have been running.

Eddy

I have two of the magnetic type one on the single wall pipe, the directions call for 16" above stove, the other I would like to have on the top but I have a decorative trivet and plan on using a steamer so I have been moving that one using the stove gloves. Had it on the side, the door above the glass, I like magnets. I also ordered one of the laser IR thermometers - I wanted one for years but never had a use for one but I thought this was a GREAT excuse to finally purchase one. I will be interested to see how different the readings are between the magnetic and the Laser IR. Personally as a first time home wood stove burner I have many concerns so I plan on using both. I also bought extra batteries I have a feeling like a boy at Christmas I will probably kill the batteries in the laser from overuse checking out the temperature of everything around the house. Now I have been rambling and added nothing to the discussion I will quit now.