The remote probe issue is big. You would need to somehow modify the T-stat to have a remote probe instead of being built into the unit. This would mean finding the proper thermocouple and attachment wire, taking the T-stat apart and soldering the thermocouple correctly, even then still it might not be calibrated right and you could be reading faulty temps. Really wouldn't work that well IMO.

If you're looking for a cheap T-stat why not go for the Ranco ETC-111000-000? I got mine for $43 and scavenged wiring from old extension cord and power strip. Handles 1500W, has 1 degree F differential, and couldn't be easier to wire, program, and use. You can also wire in 4 probes in a series parallel combination to do temperature averaging from multiple points.