Don’t get hung up on the meat probe. I have one for my smoker that I NEVER use. When I smoke I do several cuts and place a ThermoWorks probe in each cut. For Hot & Fast grilling I use a ThermoWorks pocket probe.
My FEC100 & FEPG1000 are SS and outside year round (with covers). They shine up like NEW! The smoker is so well insulated that I leave the cover on while I cook!