We all remember the time we were so impressed with infrared technology that we spent days on end transferring data from one phone to another - songs, pictures, videos, and so on.
Nowadays, infrared technology has developed so much that people use it in every larger field of industry.
Doctors use it to get the right diagnosis, maintenance specialists use infrared thermometers to establish a problem in a vehicle accurately, and we also use infrared thermometers for cooking the best BBQ meat.
That's why we've prepared a list of infrared thermometers that you can use to accurately check the meat's temperature, but also use it for an abundance of things.
Check out our best infrared thermometer reviews and learn more about them in the buyer's guide.
What separates the best from the worst? - It's time for you to find out!
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Here's a quick rundown of the best digital infrared thermometers that we've found for you!
Best Infrared Thermometer for Cooking - Reviews
Feast your eyes on the following product because we present to you the fantastic Etekcity Lasergrip 1022D Digital Infrared Thermometer Temperature.
You probably don't want to spend hours searching for a versatile infrared digital thermometer that's versatile, affordable, and an overall quality product.
Etekcity is here to jump to the rescue and give you a product that has a 12:1 distance to spot ratio and also has adjustable emissivity to improve the overall accuracy.
What's also great is its Dual Laser Technology that allows you to visualize the area you measure with the IR thermometer precisely. With this kind of precision, you can safely use this device to measure temperatures of BBQs, ovens, meat, cars, and many more.
Just remember that it's not designed to produce temperature readings off of living beings.
All of the progress and accurate readings will be shown on a backlit display. Once you're using it, be wary that its temperature readings range from -58°F to 1022°F/ -50°C to 550°C. Isn't that a treat?
As you can see from its design, it's not very large, it's made out of plastic, and it fits perfectly to an average-sized hand for more comfortable use.
This premium product is designed to provide the most accurate readings in any type of environment, and you can use it both at work and home.
In conclusion, don't waste any more time going through countless online websites looking for the best, because you've found it!
- Customer favorite
- 12:1 distance to spot ratio
- Best non contact infrared thermometer
- -50°C to 550°C
- Price
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It's time to take a look at another excellent product, the Helect Infrared Thermometer, which will not leave you disappointed.
This laser temperature gun excels in all fields that check your boxes for perfection. It also has a 12:1 distance to spot ratio and can be used in a variety of situations - BBQ cooking, steel, glass, and plastic measurement.
It has a backlit display with a low battery indicator and an auto power-off function that certainly comes in handy.
Speaking of convenience, it's so easy to use that you'll forget to look for any other devices on Amazon. It has an anti-slip design that makes it incredibly easy to operate.
It operates on battery power, and you'll get a 9 V battery in the package when you order the temperature gun.
And most importantly - it measures temperature accurately in a Swiss-manner. Testing has shown that it can provide detailed temperature readings from a 25 feet distance with no trouble.
It might differ price-wise than your average infrared thermometer cooking device, but it sure does the trick in a fancy way.
Although, you should remember that this device is not designed to provide human body temperatures, only surface temperatures of inanimate objects.
Aside from this, it's a must-have product!
- Accurate reading
- Low battery indicator
- Auto power-off function
- Anti-slip design
- Not suitable for human body temperature measurement
If you are searching for an infrared thermometer that will deliver high accuracy and an excellent value for the money, then your search is over!
The Sovarcate infrared thermometer is the best one we found that can offer you innovative features and a versatile function for a budget-friendly price.
It combines the latest sensor technology that features an innovative Fresnel lens! To put it plainly, it can help you achieve accuracy up to ±2% in only 0,5 seconds! Can you believe that?
For safety reasons, this infrared thermometer has a spot ratio of 12:1, which can measure out in longer distances. This is super convenient when you measure the temperature of fried food!
One of the reasons why this infrared thermometer is popular among customers is that it’s highly versatile! You can use it in the kitchen, outdoor, or for vehicle repair! In addition, it’s widely used for discovering mechanical issues quicker!
The thermometer includes a built-in red laser that will alarm you even better when it reaches a temperature target.
The temperature range can measure the internal temperature of -50 °C to +300 °C and offers a fast reading with a bright LCD. Moreover, the screen features a high-definition backlit that is easy to read during low-visibility situations.
However, we have to highlight that even though this is a versatile item, it does not measure the body surface temperature of humans and animals!
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Long spot ratio
- Accurate reading
- Often takes a while to display reading
Up next is another customer favorite, the Fluke 62 Max Infrared Thermometer.
Fluke 62 Max has been in the talks for quite some time as the best laser temperature gun, but since then, many great devices have come out and outplayed it.
However, this does not change its features and efficiency in any way since it is still one of the best products out there.
This infrared thermometer has a 10:1 distance to spot ratio with laser technology that helps it pin the exact point in the measurement area with accuracy. It comes as a prominent statement that it's accurate as it can get.
The LCD shows the minimum and maximum temperature that you measured and the difference between them, as well as the average temperature.
As the 62 Max belongs in the IP54 department, you know you're protected when it comes to water, dust, and splashing liquids. You know that you can use a device like this in any type of environment, as well at home.
It provides an accurate reading of surface temperatures in the temperature range of 30 to +500°C (-22 to +932°F) with an allowed error of +/- 1.5°C.
It is a bit pricier in comparison to other infrared thermometers, but in essence - you get what you paid for.
Fluke 62 Max will help you cook, repair, and make do with just about anything. It's a fantastic device that you'll not regret having.
- Fantastic temperature range
- Adjustable emissivity
- IP54 certified
- Accurate temperature measuring
- Price
Meet one of the greatest infrared thermometers for grilling, the ennoLogic Temperature Gun Infrared Thermometer.
This industrial IR thermometer has a wide temperature range that you can use for pretty much everything - from cooking, measuring the oven temperature, finding the perfect pizza temperature, or setting the BBQ to your preferred setting.
Just remember that even though it has a wide temperature range, it cannot measure human body temperature.
The minimum temperature that it can measure is the standard -50°C. Still, if you're doing some mechanical repairs that operate at high temperatures, this laser thermometer can even detect 650°C.
Two built-in lasers will guide you to provide accurate surface temperature with a 10:1 distance to spot ratio.
As you may see from the pictures, this infrared temperature gun has an attractive design with its ergonomic and rugged style that fits perfectly into a hand. You can bring out this new toy to brag to your friends, and it'll surely attract some attention.
Also, it's really easy to use and maintain. When you want to measure temperatures, just point the gun to the surface, and the display will offer every vital information that you'll need.
For a price that you'll be getting it for, you're surely receiving one fancy toy!
- Precision
- Maximum temperature range
- Easy to use
- Excellent for grilling
- Does not measure human body temperature
This device is the living proof that even though features are essential, you can still find a low budget product that will serve you well. We present to you the General Tools IRT207 Laser Temperature Gun.
Even though this IR thermometer has an 8:1 distance to spot ratio, it can still provide you with accurate surface temperature readings from a 15-20 feet distance with most surfaces.
The only problem is the temperature range because it can detect in the -20 to 320°C spectrum. It does fall short compared to the other infrared thermometers that we've covered, but it's still good enough for everyday jobs.
This spectrum allows it to be efficient in the fields of cooking, electrical, and automotive repairs. It is battery-powered, and it operates with a 9 V Lithium-Ion battery that you'll get with the IR thermometer.
It also has an ergonomic design that fits perfectly into an averaged-sized hand and displays information on a backlit LCD. On it, you can read maximum and minimum temperature readings, average and difference in temperatures.
In conclusion, you can get better products if you invest a bit more money, but these features for this price range will not make you regret buying this device.
- Accurate
- Battery-powered
- Ergonomic design
- Low-budget IR thermometer
- Lacks features and specifications
Unlike the previous product, say hello to an IR thermometer that is pushing its way to the top, the BTMETER BT-1500 Non-Contact Industrial Laser Temperature Gun.
If you're an industrial worker doing extensive repairs and require the big guns, both literally and metaphorically, this is the device for you.
It can measure the temperature at a 30:1 spot ratio, which gives you a temperature range of -50°C - 1500°C. Measuring high temperatures will provide you with space to stand further from the source and accurately measure it.
Since the range is so broad, you can use it for pretty much everything - from maintenance repairs, hazardous locations, and high-end broilers to measuring pizza ovens, BBQ grills, and so much more.
It's unbelievable that a 9 V battery powers an IR thermometer with these specifications, but you better believe it. And it also comes in the package once you order it.
It has all the features that a quality laser thermometer gun should have, including an auto power-off function and a low power indicator that extends the battery life.
Of course, it uses adjustable emissivity to provide more accurate readings of surface temperatures, and the LCD will show you everything you need to finish your job in an efficient manner.
There's nothing left to say about this device, except that you'll regret it if you don't buy it.
- 30:1 ratio
- -50°C – 1500°C
- Wide applications
- Included features
- Price
Moving on, here's another fantastic product from Klein industries, the Klein Tools IR10 Infrared Thermometer.
Unlike many other infrared thermometers that are excellent in providing surface temperature readings, this IR thermometer also excels in measuring temperatures of gas, air, and liquids. The way it achieves this is by introducing a K-Type probe.
This probe - the thermocouple - consists of two different electrical conductors that form an electrical junction. They produce a voltage as a result of the thermoelectric effect, and that is interpreted to measure temperature. This comes in quite handy in measuring gas temperatures and unsteady surfaces.
The optical resolution is 20:1, which gives you plenty of room to operate. Alongside dual laser technology, this device will provide accurate results for anyone who may want to measure temperature.
Even though it has quite a wide temperature range - -40 to 650°C - it should not be used to measure the temperature of living beings because it will not provide accurate results. This device was designed to measure the temperature of inanimate objects at their finest.
It suffices to say that it uses adjustable emissivity to get better results in the entire measuring process, and it's easy for everyone to use, even at home.
To conclude - even though getting through the settings can be a bit misleading, it is a fantastic product that's worth the money.
- 20:1 optical resolution
- K-Type probe
- Wide range
- Accurate
- Misleading settings
We present to you another product that features a K-Type probe, the Fluke 561 HVAC Infrared Laser Thermometer.
This product is capable of measuring both the contact and ambient temperatures in an efficient way. It measures contact temperature with 12:1 laser sighting that provides excellent results.
If you, however, want to measure ambient temperature, the thermocouple will take good care of you.
The pipe is wrapped in a flexible hook with a 20-inch cable that measures temperatures in a 0 to 100°C range.
Since it is an industrial infrared thermometer, it is designed in a way to withstand rough industrial and electric conditions to provide you with the best results. It's extremely easy to use, and you can get it for a fair price.
One more exciting thing is that it has an authentic emissivity selector, meaning that you can choose from three preset settings, the one that suits you the best.
Of course, everything will be shown on a backlit display - minimum and maximum temperatures, averages, and differences in temperatures.
The only matter that might concern you is that it's designed for surfaces with larger diameters. Other than that, this combination of features and efficiency is a must-have at every home.
- Easy to use
- 2-1 Infrared thermometer
- K-Type probe
- 12:1 optical resolution
- Larger diameter
- Price
And for the last item up for review on our list, we give you the Klein Tools IR07 Dual Infrared (IR).
This brand of the infrared thermometer is not flashy in the sense of features and specifications, but they still manage to get the job done. They are small and compact so you can use them at home and carry it with you at all times.
This infrared thermometer can measure temperatures in the range of -40 to 572°F (-40 to 300°C). This makes it perfect for BBQ grill, measuring oven temperature, and general handy work.
It introduces a temperature probe that is also capable of measuring liquid temperatures in an efficient way. Just remember that this is not a medical device, and you should not use it or order it for measuring bodily temperature.
It does excel in measuring air vents and duct temperatures, and it's so easy to accomplish with its targeting laser.
This is a cheap product from a well-established company, so you know you'll be getting a thermometer that will last you a long time.
However, it does lack a lot of features and falls short in comparison to other infrared thermometers, so if you're not looking for anything fancy - you'll make do with this one.
- Excellent for BBQ grilling and cooking
- Reliable brand
- Measures liquid temperatures
- Specifications
- Lacks features
We couldn’t resist but to include another Sovarcate infrared thermometer! If you liked the previous pick, then you will love this one! So let’s see what this one has to offer.
Like their other products, the Sovarcate UB-FJLV-549Z infrared thermometer is rugged, easy to use, and compact whenever you are on the go.
In addition, this is a user-friendly item, so even if this is your first time using a thermometer, you will have no trouble tackling it.
All you need to do is hold the trigger still and point it at an object while reading the temperature.
The Sovarcate UB-FJLV-549Z thermometer features a built-in laser pointer that assists you with far-reach objects as it has a 12:1 object distance ratio.
When working in low-visibility environments, this thermometer has a large LCD backlit display that will assist you to see better! Whether you are in broad daylight or working at night, the visibility is incredible on this tool.
What’s great about this infrared thermometer is that it includes a free meat probe! Therefore, you can use it for culinary purposes as well! The meat probe is made out of stainless steel and is 5,7’’ long!
Lastly, the infrared thermometer has an incredible temperature range that ranges between -50°C to +300°C, so it gives you the freedom to work with a variety of objects.
- Budget-friendly price
- Versatile use
- Wide temperature range
- Includes a meat probe
- User-friendly
- Some readings are not accurate
The Zoto is yet another highly versatile infrared thermometer you will be amazed at!
It can be applied for both indoor and outdoor purposes, so let’s check out some of its most notable features and advantages.
This Zoto thermometer can measure out environment temperature, dew point, and surface temperature, and fluorescence detection. This is possible as the thermometer uses the K-thermocouple that you can also use for inside readings.
You can instantly be notified with the alarm function when the thermometer reaches and exceeds the upper or lower temperature limit level. What’s best about this function is that you can be the one that determines the limit!
You can also reach the 12:1 distance ratio as the infrared thermometer includes a built-in laser pointer.
In addition, it can be turned off and on independently while the device shuts down after non-work!
A sharp design like this will last you for a long time. In addition, the Zoto thermometer is sleek and includes a skid-resistance handle that makes it easy to manage.
It also has a versatile use, which is something we always appreciate! You can use this thermometer for culinary purposes, automobile maintenance, fire-watch, HVAC real-estate, and many more!
Plus, it has a wide temperature range that measures out at -50℃~800℃. Thus, it gives you a chance to measure out the temperature safely while the reading is available in less than 500ms.
- Affordable price
- It covers a wide temperature range
- Safe to use
- Fast-reading results
- Great design
- Versatile
- The laser is not so accurate
You can’t beat the good-old budget-friendly pick! The Wintac infrared thermometer retails for just under $17, and it’s one of the most accurate tools on the market! Care to learn more? Stay tuned.
Just like most of the infrared thermometers on our list, this one is multi-functional and will serve you for lots of purposes!
For example, it can measure the maximum and minimum temperature and figure out the difference and the average temperature between the two.
It features both high and low-temperature alarms. When the device exceeds the limit of the temperatures, it will trigger the alarm and notify you.
This is an infrared thermometer with the best accuracy of ±1.5%, so you can always rely on it when you are getting creative in the kitchen. Plus, it’s highly adjustable and includes an offset function.
You won’t have to wait for seconds for the thermometer to give you the reading. This Wintact tool gives off the reading in 500ms, which is super impressive!
The user-friendly design includes the backlight, making it easier to see the results in only a glance!
The wide temperature range will allow you to check temperatures between -50℃~420℃, but it’s not used on humans!
However, you can use the tool to check food temperature, oil, milk temperature, water surface, food mildew test, or even electrical engineering.
- Highly versatile
- Wide temperature range
- It gives off a quick response
- Easy to use
- Beginner-friendly
- Often gives off inaccurate reading
Next up, we are taking a minute to review one of the most popular infrared thermometers; the incredible RISWOJOR!
This one is battery-powered and includes versatile and customizable features we think you would like! Now, let’s check it out.
For starters, this infrared thermometer is multi-functional! As this tends to be one of the most attractive features, it’s time we see what you can use this thermometer for.
You can use the Roswojor infrared thermometer for bbq, fried steak, oven-processed food, and many more!
It’s also suitable for water and milk bottle temperature, so you will appreciate this little device if you are a new parent. With just one trigger click, you can check the exact temperature of the bottle, whether it’s refrigerated or fresh!
The infrared thermometer also found its use in car repair and electronic equipment, chemical tests, or any other industrial temperature check-ins.
However, many of the customers were surprised that you could also use this thermometer to check the ambient temperature, such as air-conditioning!
The helpful device features a bright backlight that will assist you in situations with minimal lightning and help you see the readings better.
All in all, this is a user-friendly thermometer that will assist you in multiple situations when you need a quick temperature check! It’s easy to use and very convenient to handle.
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
- Suitable for multiple temperature readings
- Versatile
- Backlight
- Automatic-shut down
- Not very long-lasting
It’s time we wrap up our "Best Infrared Thermometer" review, but before we do that, we have one more task.
The Inkbird thermometer is the last pick we will review, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out! So come on, let’s test it out!
With the wide application use, this infrared thermometer is bound to become your favorite device! You can use it for cooking when you want to check the precise oven temperature, water temperature, or mechanical purposes.
Since it’s lightweight and compact, you can carry it along wherever you go and never feel the weight of it.
It has a great distance ratio of 12:1, so you can measure out objects from far. In the culinary industry, this is one of the most valuable features!
For best and accurate results, you should use the Inkbird thermometer at a distance of 36 cm. Just hold the trigger for around three seconds, and your readings will be displayed.
The thermometer also includes the LCD color screen with a backlight which gives improved visibility. On it, you will find the battery level indicator, so you can always prepare to change batteries on time!
Plus, long service is ensured with the auto-shut-down function that turns off the device after 30 seconds of non-use.
Finally, it measures out temperatures between the range of -58°F to 1022°F, so it will support you in most situations.
- Wide temperature range
- 12:1 measuring distance ratio
- Lightweight and compact
- The readings are slightly off
How to Choose Among the Abundance of Infrared Thermometers Out There?
We know. All of the information listed above about these products can be quite overwhelming, and you might feel like you can't make a proper decision about your purchase.
Don't worry.
We have prepared a buyer's guide to help you find you what exact features and characteristics quality infrared thermometers should have.
Take a look down below.
1. The Spot to Distance Ratio
The spot to distance ratio, or optical resolution, means that the diameter of the measurement area is qualified in terms of the distance from your device to that point.
For example, if the ratio is 20:1, it means that the diameter is one-twentieth of the distance.
This is important because all of these products are non-contact, and that's one of the main features that you should look out for.
For example, experience has shown that the best ratio is somewhere between 12:1 - 20:1 ratio.
Of course, having a smaller ratio does not mean lower accuracy; it's just the safe distance from you to the object you measure that fruits the best results.
If you're working in unsafe environments where the temperatures are high, you should consider looking through infrared thermometers such as BTMETER BT-1500 Non-Contact Industrial Laser Temperature Gun.
It has a 30:1 ratio, which means you can safely stand behind your infrared thermometer without risking any type of harm.
2. Precision
This goes without question.
Many manufacturers, such as Klein and Etekcity, put in extra effort to create infrared thermometers that will provide the best accuracy in temperature measurement. In order to create a device in such fashion, several factors are in play.
Adjustable emissivity is one of them.
It represents the ability of the material to emit infrared energy on a scale from 0.00 to below 1.00. In general, the closer it is to 1.00, the better.
This phenomenon plays a vital role in the measurement process because infrared rays are responsible for delivering the most accurate data.
Temperature range is another critical factor that you should consider.
If you're using your infrared thermometer for cooking purposes, you probably don't need a device that can measure temperatures higher than 300°C.
But if you're buying this device so you could do some maintenance repairs and vehicle reparation, you should look for ranges between -60/50 to +550/650°C. This way, you'll be covered for anything that may come in your way.
You probably don't want to end up having an infrared thermometer that's flashy, good-looking, but not accurate.
As it is one of the most important factors to consider, bear in mind these features to help you make a final choice.
3. Application
Before you rush off to order a new thermometer, think about what exactly you'll be exactly using it. Many products are customized and designed to fit specific surfaces or areas.
For example, thermometers with K-Type probes are efficient in measuring gas, air, and liquids. So, think about your exact needs.
If you need a thermometer for measuring BBQ meat, grill, or checking the oven's temperature, you can probably live without all the fancy additions and features that you'll never use.
It will cost you way much too much to buy the best infrared laser gun that you'll never use in the entire span of its functions.
From the reviews above, you can deduce what thermometer is best suited for what function. Take this into consideration before you get the best and waste money.
FAQs
What is a non-contact infrared thermometer?
A non-contact infrared thermometer is widely used and appropriate to rapidly measure the temperature without making contact with the skin or any other object you are measuring.
They are just as accurate as contact thermometers.
There are two types of infrared thermometers: the one used for measuring body temperature and the one for industrial and culinary use.
Are infrared thermometers accurate?
Absolutely YES. Infrared technology has enabled these devices to deliver accurate and precise temperature information almost instantly.
However, you should not put all your trust in them because they do tend to show a degree over and under in some cases.
Overall, they are terrific products.
How does an infrared thermometer work?
Infrared thermometers use a lens that focuses infrared light from one object onto a thermopile - a detector.
The thermopile receives the radiation and turns it into heat, which is then transferred into electric energy by the thermometer.
Data is then digitized and displayed onto a display for you to see the temperature of the object you're measuring.
When would a cook use an infrared thermometer?
Infrared thermometers are used all the time in the culinary industry!
For example, a cook would usually use an infrared thermometer to check the surface, liquid, or ambiance temperature.
Although they are accurate and precise, infrared thermometers are not used for inside temperatures unless they include a probe.
Since IT includes a laser, they are not the most appropriate tool to use when measuring the rareness of steak or similar check-ups.
When not to use it?
Infrared thermometers are not dangerous to use, but they do have some downsides.
First, they are not as accurate as possible as they only are used to measure out surface temperature.
Temperature can fluctuate during rapid changes, so it’s best to use an oral or contact thermometer to measure the body temperature.
Do not use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature inside glass objects and other transparent surfaces.
Also, avoid using these thermometers on surfaces that have been affected by moisture, frost, or direct sunlight.
How to use an infrared thermometer?
Infrared thermometers are super easy to use, which is the most significant benefit of them!
Let’s cover the basic steps of using it.
Once you turn the device on, you can choose the temperature setting and set either the Fahrenheit or Celcius readings. Some of the thermometers include the body/surface setting, so you should switch to the mode of the choice.
Next, pull the trigger and keep the thermometer close to the object. As these devices are quick-responsive, they will show off the reading in a few seconds.
After that, the device will shut down by itself if it has an auto-shutdown function.
Final Thoughts - Summary
Infrared thermometers are handy things to have around the home. You can always use them to instantly check the temperature in an efficient manner without any troubles whatsoever.
They are battery-powered, so there's no need to deal with cables.
Making some BBQ, and you need to check if the grill is hot enough? - take an IR thermometer and do it in a second.
And you won't find a better one to do so than the Etekcity Lasergrip 1022D Digital Infrared Thermometer Temperature.
This device has the best overall combination of all the features, price, and customer experience, and we can safely say that it's probably the best infrared thermometer currently on the market.
Every single thermometer on this list will not make you regret your purchase. Order now and enjoy the perks of having this device.
- NOT FOR HUMAN: Temperature readings from this device are inanimate objects, the measured temperature for humans or animals will not be correct. Class 2 laser, optical power 0. 3-0. 49Mw
- BETTER ACCURACY PLUS ADJUSTABLE EMISSIVITY: The distance to spot ratio is 12: 1; Adjustable emissivity improves measurement accuracy across different surface types, just regulate the emissivity of...
- DUAL LASER PLUS TARGET QUICKER: Dual-laser targeting technology makes it easier to visualize the area being measured by an IR thermometer, resulting in higher precision versus a single laser; Measure...
- MULTIFUNCTION: 1022D features with maximum measure function; The LCD screen is back-light, it also has an auto-off function and a low battery indicator to extend the battery life so you never...
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Infrared technology makes this thermometer handy to measure the surface temperature of various objects especially temperatures above boiling points and below freezing points; Use it...