yup, cheap is good so non-contact IR readings are out, and anyway, the kiln unit will be enclosed and insulated so measuring from outside won't work.
thrmocouple sounds like the thing to use, accuracy isn't a huge issue anywhere within 50 degrees is accurate enough for what I'm doing.
Anyone know where to get thermocouples in the UK in small orders?
my usual component places (maplin, ebay and tech-supplies!!) come up short.