Boomer and Buzzy,
Welcome to the forum. I guess it didn't take you long to find out that there are real answers from people that know here.
Buzzy,
You can buy thermometers with longer probes for under $10 at places like academy sports, but better yet, a good digital with a wire and probe will give you the actual temp @ the grate, whichever grate you want to moniter, and they're not real expensive either.
Tim