thermostat for newbie

I do not want to cut corners on quality for obvious reasons on such an important piece of equipment.
What thermostat would you all recommend? I will be setting up a very small rack system soon. It will be well under the typical 1000 watt maximum.
Thanks in advance.

Cheapest you should go is a Ranco or Johnson Controls from Reptile BAsics

I'd say a proportional one, like a Herpstat, Helix, ecozone. It will serve you for ages and do what you want how you want and simply takes less messing with. The base model of Herpstat is about 105$ and is easy to use and works well. The Helix is a bit more check how much power you are going to control and the specs of the unit but I am sure both will be fine.

Johnson Controls,Rancos,Herpstat,Helix,and Big Apple Herp all make good t-stats. Find one that suits your wants/needs. They all will get the job done. I personally use Johnson Controls on everything. :gj: