Extending the life of your cooking thermometer is important so that it lasts you for many years to come. Whether you are using an Instant read thermometer like the ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 or an oven thermometer/thermocouple like the ChefsTemp Quad XPro. Both styles need to be cleaned after each use, the probes disconnected from the Quad Pro and put away, make sure you never set it inside the oven or next to an open flame, and always shut it off when not in use, as well as changing the batteries after a while or if you haven’t used it in a while. With the X10 make sure you clean the thermometer probe after each use, and close it when you are done using it, you will also need to calibrate both of them occasionally and check to make sure you have fresh batteries if you haven’t used it in a while. Never expose the X10 to a direct flame or leave it in the oven or inside a smoker or grill as that will cause premature failure of the thermometer.