I think the probe is supposed to go into the compost. That's where the seed is after all. Once things have germinated they generally don't need as much heat, and many seedlings get leggy if it's too warm and not light enough. Tropical plants might be exceptions because they are adapted for year-round high temperatures, but I can't be sure about that.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Unless you are growing exotics it is pointless to get hung up on the accuracy of soil and air temperatures so for bog standard things like tomatoes, it is best to go by the amount of light available rather than worrying about the exact temperature of the environment in which the tomatoes have to germinate...............obviously it has to be warm but it doesn't have to be exact.
The probe is for soil temperature.
One thing to watch out for with propagators is mould. With a warm, closed environment you can get all sorts of fluffy things growing on your seedlings and on the soil so ventilation is essential.
I personally hate propagators and prefer to let my plants start off on a well lit windowsill at around this time of year but it depends on the individual's circumstances and windowsill availability so I hope you manage to have some happy growing and get to grips with the mini heated greenhouse.
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