Ranco's are great, I've got a number of them and they work fine but they look kind of like a large brick. I actually like the johnson thermostats a little bit better, they cost about the same as the Rancos but are a bit smaller. They also have an option when programming that if the probe fails, you can select if the thermostat will stay in either the constant on position or the off position, I don't think Ranco has that option.
I like to use duct tape when attaching the probe, real duct tape (as opposed to 'duck tape') is designed to be used under high temperature conditions because it's used for sealing heating ducts. As mentioned electrical tape can slide around and move when the adhesive heats up. The only problem I've found with duct tape is that it maybe sticks too well and you'll leave behind a lot of the adhesive if you need to remove the tape for any reason.
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