Best Infrared Thermometer Reviews Guide For 2018

Infrared thermometers also commonly referred to as a Laser Thermometer are an excellent tool for chefs, mechanics, and anyone else who needs to quickly know the temperature of something without having to physically measure it.

If you are looking for the best professional infrared thermometer to allow you to more quickly, safely, and efficiently do your job, then this guide will take you through the step by step process in choosing the perfect infrared temperature gun for you. If you need some other tool please don’t hesitate to check Contractor Culture, our other website with more guides for different tools.

Cheap infrared thermometers for nonprofessional use and brands such as Etekcity can be found here

If you don’t have time to read the entire guide, take a look at the one model below deemed the best, based on our infrared thermometer reviews.

What is the Best Infrared Thermometer?

With its versatile design and accurate measurements, the Fluke 568 Duel Infrared Thermometer, -40 to +1472 Degree F Range, Contact/Non Contact is the best infrared thermometer for your professional or serious amateur thermometer needs. The Fluke 568 provides not only a spot ratio of 50 to 1 to measure temperatures at great distances, but also offers a contact thermometer that can measure liquids or moving substances. This rugged thermometer can hold up to whatever use you put it to, whether you are working in the architectural, electrical, or industrial fields. This Fluke Infrared thermometer can measure places that are too hot or dangerous for you to approach.

Whether you want to check the temperature of motors, pipes, insulation breakers, or radiant heating and environments, this thermometer can do the job. Even the most complex measurements are easy for you to understand and record with the intuitive design of this infrared laser thermometer. Advanced features are easy to navigate quickly so you can set your thermometer like a pro for the perfect measurements no matter the substance you are measuring.

The Fluke 568 allows you to log data so that you can record measurements and keep track of changes over time. Alarms can be turned on or off with a push of a button so you can easily set the temperatures to be alerted to so you will never be surprised, even if you are not paying attention to the thermometer.

Best Infrared Laser Thermometer Comparison Chart

Fluke 568	50:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 572-2	60:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 566	30:1	Check Price	Our Review
Klein Tools IR3000	30:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 62 MAX Plus	12:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 64 MAX	20:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 561 HVAC Pro	12:1	Check Price	Our Review
Milwaukee 2278-20 M12	12:1	Check Price	Our Review
Dewalt DCT414S1	12:1	Check Price	Our Review
Fluke 62 MAX	10:1	Check Price	Our Review

What is an Infrared Thermometer?

Specifically, an infrared thermometer is a special type of thermometer that infers temperature from the amount of thermal radiation that an object is emitting. Also called laser thermometers, it can measure this temperature from a distance rather than having to be in a very close proximity to or touching its target.

This non-contact type of thermometer is used for things like heating and air conditioning, checking mechanical equipment or electrical equipment for hot spots, checking meat temperatures during grilling, measuring cooking temperatures, and even checking forehead temperatures without touching them.

They have a number of industrial uses by doctors, fire fighters, HVAC Technicians, Electricians, engineers, and even automotive mechanics.  Professionals like handheld infrared thermometers because they promote safety and accuracy.

Types of Infrared Thermometers

There are three different types of infrared thermometers, which are spot infrared thermometers, infrared cameras, and infrared line scanning systems. These sections will describe each type in depth, but if you aren’t satisfied, you can look for more detailed information online on other pages.

• Spot Infrared Thermometers

Also called an infrared pyrometer, these types of infrared temperature guns measure the temperature at one spot on a surface, which is a relatively small area.  Typically, they will point a red dot on the area being measured, and aren’t used as much professionally as the other two types of IR thermometers.

Most spot thermometers are used as household tools to measure anything from ovens and fridges to air conditioners. A great example is the Fluke 561 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with laser targeting.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars.  With over fourty reviews, that’s a pretty solid showing by this spot thermometer.  It has the ability to measure from -40º to 1022º Fahrenheit and has a spot ratio or twelve-to-one.

Specifically, it measures hazardous or inaccessible objects, moving targets, and targets with high temperatures.  The Fluke weighs 2.25 pounds, and it is powered by AA batteries.

• Infrared Cameras

Infrared thermal imaging cameras measure the temperature of several points over a large area to create a two-dimensional thermogram, where each pixel represents a temperature.

Compared to spot or scanning thermometers, infrared cameras are used more for bigger areas and is more processor- and software-intensive.  Another difference is that they are much more expensive than spot thermometers.

IR cameras are used for perimeter monitoring by the military or security guards, inspecting and quality measuring of manufacturing processes, and monitoring enclosed spaces with extreme temperatures for safety and efficiency.  The FLIR E4: Compact Thermal Imaging Camera with 80 x 60 IR Resolution and MSX is one of the best thermal imaging cameras on Amazon.  It is an expensive little tool, but with a four and a half star out of a five star review, the quality that comes with the price makes it worth every dollar.

It has a 3” 320 x 240 color LCD display that shows the thermal areas that are targeted, it has a 640 x 480 digital camera for storing images, and it has a range of -20º to 250º C, or -4º to 482º F.  It also has a four hour battery life sourcing from a swappable Li-ion battery.  Overall, this is one of the top rated infrared cameras on Amazon.

• Infrared Line Scanning Systems

Infrared scanning systems scan bigger areas than spot thermometers, but not quite as large as that of infrared cameras.  These types of infrared thermometers are basically spot thermometers pointed at a rotating mirror.

Manufacturing companies involved with conveyors, such as producing glass or metal sheets by sending them through an oven, especially use infrared line scanning systems.  Generally, they are the largest physically of the three different types of infrared systems, and they are typically used for keeping tabs on factory conveyor lines and very hot or very cold sectors of the factory.

Our Top Ten Infrared Thermometer Reviews

1. Fluke 572-2 Review

This good looking Fluke temp gun offers the largest range of temperature as well as the greatest distance to spot ratio of any of Fluke’s IR thermometers. Dual laser sighting on the Fluke 572-2 allows you to clearly see the diameter of the measurement area so you can be a hundred percent confident of your meetings.

The maximum temperature is 900 Degrees Celsius or 1652 degrees Fahrenheit, so even if you are working in an industrial environment in which you need to measure extreme temperatures for petrochemical, power utility, metal smelting and refining, cement, glass or many other things, this thermometer will get the job done for you.

The excellent distance to spot ratio of this laser thermometer will allow you to measure temperatures even in the most unreachable places with ease.

Pros

• Largest range of temperature as well as greatest distance to spot ratio of any of Fluke’s IR thermometers
• Dual laser sighting allows you to clearly see the diameter of the measurement area
• Maximum temperature is 900 Degrees Celsius or 1652 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

• Old-fashioned software for downloading data
• May be overkill for some users
• Food probe will cost you more

Product Specifications

• Multi-language interface
• Measures in Fahrenheit or Celsius (Range: -22℉~1652℉ / -30℃ to +900℃)
• 60:1 distance to spot ratio with dual laser sighting (Included)
• Select an emissivity manually from 0.10 to 1.00, use the K-type probe to match the IR reading with the contact reading, or use the built-in common materials table
• Infrared and thermocouple temperature on backlit display
• High and low temperature alarm
• Record up to 99 infrared temperature readings for later download

Review

With its great temperature range and excellent distance to spot ratio, this Fluke is an excellent thermometer for any professional or serious home use. The 60 to 1 distance to spot ratio allows you to measure temperatures even in difficult to reach places. Even if you need to measure the temperature of an air duct far on the ceiling of a warehouse, or something on top of power pole, these dual lasers will show you the diameter of the area you are measuring clearly so you can be certain that your measurement is accurate.

This temperature gun can save you time and allow for long-term accurate record-keeping with the onboard memory. 99 infrared temperature readings can be recorded and downloaded later to your computer using a USB cable.

2. Fluke 568 Review

The Fluke 568 provides both a contact and non-contact thermometer so that you can have your thermometer needs covered no matter what industry you work in. This tough thermometer can stand up to industrial, architectural, and electrical environments with ease and accurately measure temperatures. Measure hot, electrically energized, moving, and hard to reach objects instantaneously.

This is a great thermometer to check insulation breakers, motors, pipes, radiant heating, and many other things. The digital laser thermometer makes even the most complex measurements easy for you to understand and record. The advanced features are easy to navigate quickly. You can adjust emissivity so that you can measure any surface no matter how transparent or opaque, as well as log data for future consideration and recording.

Turn alarms on or off with just the push of a button so that you can feel confident that you will be alerted to any extreme temperatures even if you are not paying attention to the thermometer.

Pros:

• Contact and non-contact thermometer
• Measure hot, electrically energized, moving, and hard to reach objects instantaneously
• Makes even the most complex measurements easy for you to understand and record
• Advanced features are easy to navigate quickly

Cons:

• Does not come with external calibration
• Data must be manually exported to computer

Product Specifications

• Measures in Fahrenheit or Celsius (Range: -40℉～1472℉/ -40℃～800℃)
• Spot ratio of 50:1
• Confidently measure a wide variety of surfaces, with the adjustable emissivity feature, including a built-in material table
• Compatibility with all standard mini connectors

Review

This excellent thermometer by Fluke gives you the versatility to measure the temperature of anything you may need to measure, whether you want to make contact or not. The duel infrared and thermocouple design provides for this non-contact or contact measurement exactly and easily.

This handheld laser thermometer can measure a wide range from -40°C to 800°C /-40°F to 1472°F. The 50 to 1 infrared distance to spot ratio utilizes laser sighting so that you can pinpoint the area that you want to measure. Up to 99 points of data allow for extensive analysis and monitoring on your computer.

3. Fluke 566 Review

This efficient thermometer by Fluke allows you to measure a wide range of temperatures in an easy-to-use design. You can easily access even the most advanced features of this thermometer. The buttons are soft key so you won’t have to press too hard and the dot matrix display makes seeing what you’re doing easy. Even small objects can be measured from far away using this thermometer due to its distance to spot ratio of 30:1.

This Fluke 566 thermometer is compatible with all standard mini connector thermocouples so long as they are type K, so you can preserve your thermocouple investments. This Fluke infrared thermometer allows you to measure a wide range of surfaces with confidence using the adjustable emissivity and built-in emissivity table.

Pros:

• Compatibility with all standard mini-connector Type-K thermocouples
• Quickly and easily identify problems using the min, max, average and DIF functions
• Tough thermometer can stand up to any environment
• Visual and audible alarms to alert you to measurements outside of your limits

Cons:

• Temperature range is not as great as that of the Fluke 568
• Distance to measurement spot point is lower than the Fluke 568
• Only 20 points are stored as opposed to 99 points

Specifications:

• -40°C to 650°C / -40°F to 1202°F
• Spot ratio is 30:1
• Adjustable emissivity feature, including a built-in material table
• MIN, MAX, AVG, and DIF functions
• Compatibility with all standard mini-connector Type-K thermocouples

Review

This is an efficient little IR thermometer that can get the job done as long as you don’t have to measure higher than 1202 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a good thermometer for both contact and non-contact uses in industrial, mechanical, HVAC, and electrical industries.

Like the other Fluke IR thermometers in this series, this thermometer is compatible with standard mini connector type K thermocouples so that you can maintain your thermocouple investments. The adjustable emissivity allows you to confidently measure a range of surfaces. You can capture 20 points of data to store later, which is enough for many uses although not as much as offered by the Fluke 568.

This is an easy to use thermometer that utilizes a simple three button and screen menu interface that is programmable in 6 languages so that you can understand even the most complex measurements with ease.

4. Klein Tools IR3000 Review

This thermometer by Klein offers an ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a rugged exterior so you know you can take it anywhere you need to work. This thermometer can measure from -76° TO 1400°F so that you can feel confident that you are measuring the full range of temperatures for your project. The 30:1 one spot ratio enables you to focus accurately on your measurement area.

Dual laser targeting means that you will hit your target every time for accurate measurement. You can easily see the maximum, minimum, average, and difference when you look at the screen of this easy to use temp gun. The backlit display is easy to read in any lighting, while the auto shut-off will make sure you don’t waste power if you forget to turn off the thermometer.

This Klein IR3000 laser thermometer is equipped with an alarm for high and low temperatures so that you can feel confident that you will be alerted to extreme temperatures even if you are not actively paying attention.

Pros:

• Dual laser targeting
• Backlit display
• Alarm for high and low temperatures
• Ergonomic design

Cons:

• Calibration is accurate for only one year
• 30:1 spot ratio is not as high as some other models above
• Not as easy to use interface as some other infrared thermometers

Specifications

• -60°C to 760°C / -76°F to 1400°F
• Spot ratio: 30:1
• Emissivity:0.10 ~ 1.00 adjustable

Review

This good-looking thermometer by Klein Tools offers an ergonomic design that is easy to hold and is a professional quality infrared thermometer. The temperature range from -76° TO 1400°F, while not as wide as some other thermometers, provides you plenty of range to measure most temperatures in any industry. A distance to spot ratio of 30 to 1 allows you to focus accurately.

While not quite as strong as some other thermometers so, this distance to spot ratio is good enough to get most jobs done well. This thermometer allows for thermocouple input for your convenience, and also has an auto scan feature to make using it even easier. Features like the backlit display and the auto shut-off make this thermometer a breeze to use.

5. Fluke 62 MAX Plus Review

This ergonomic thermometer by Fluke is an infrared thermometer designed for measuring surface temperature without making contact. This is a good thermometer for use in monitoring mechanical, HVAC, automotive, and electrical Industries.

This IR thermometer can measure temperatures ranging from -30 to +650 degrees C (-22 to +1202 degrees F) so you can get accurate measurements in a wide range of temperature environments. A spot ratio of 12:1 enables you to focus accurately so you can pinpoint the measurement area utilizing the laser sighting. This thermometer can display the minimum, maximum, and difference between two temperatures as well as the average temperature so you can get a thorough measurement with each reading.

This Fluke 62 Max Plus thermometer is certified IP54 so you can feel confident that you have protection against the dust in the environments you work in and even against splashing liquids. This little thermometer is lightweight enough that you can easily clip it to your tool belt or your belt loop so it can go anywhere with you.

Pros:

• Alarms for high and low temperatures
• Large backlit display is easy to read even in the dark
• Design for natural hand fit
• Resistant to dust and water

Cons:

• Does not come with an emissivity chart

Specifications

• Measures in Celsius or Fahrenheit (Range: -30°C – 650°C / -22°F – 1202°F)
• 12:1 distance to spot ratio
• Drop tested to 3 Meters

Review

This is a nice little thermometer for the price, with a rugged design that is still ergonomic enough for you to comfortably use all day. If you want a portable thermometer that can hang on your belt loop and help you get your job done all day long while not breaking the budget in purchase price, this nice little Fluke 62 Max+ might be good for you.

Precise laser technology allows for accurate measurements with results that you can repeat. This thermometer is drop tested to 3-meters so you won’t worry about accidentally dropping it or having it fall off of your belt. The rugged design is resistant to dust and splashing so you won’t have to worry about this thermometer being on you no matter what environment you’re in.

The large backlit display is easy to read and makes programming this thermometer easy. If you are happy with the relatively limited temperature range and smaller spot to distance ratio of this thermometer for the advantages you get in size and price, this may be the right thermometer for you.

6. Fluke 64 Max Review

This efficient little thermometer can get the job done no matter your work environment. This thermometer can handle the dust of construction sites and the heat of hot days, as well as electrical environments. The ability to resist a splash of water and a 3 meter drop means that you can feel confident hanging this thermometer on your belt loop and going to work without worries.

This Fluke 64 Max thermometer can get the job done accurately without costing a paycheck. This thermometer can work even in harsh environments, even if you are not there to monitor it. Precise Laser Technology gives you accurate measurements that can be repeated and a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display will allow you to see clearly even in dark environments.

This infrared thermometer is rated IP54 for extra protection against airborne contaminants. 99 data point logging will allow you to store and transfer data for long term consideration.

Pros:

• Precise laser technology
• Resistant to dust, water, and airborne contaminants
• 30 hour battery life
• 99 data point logging

Cons:

• Temperature range is not as great as some competing thermometers
• 20:1 spot ratio is not as good as it could be

Specifications:

• Ranges -22°F to 1112°F / -30°C to 600°C
• Spot ratio: 20:1
• Emissivity: 0.10 to 1.00

Review

This handy thermometer is small enough to easily go in your toolbox or hang from your belt loop, but is equipped with the kind of precise laser technology that can get the job done accurately. 30 hours of battery life on a charge can let you know that your thermometer will get the job done without needing a battery change.

This thermometer allows you to set time as well as the desired interval between measurement so auto capture can capture spot temperatures without you needing to be there to watch it. High and low alarms can also rapidly let you know if measurements go outside of your set limits.

This unit is powered by a single AA alkaline battery so replacing the battery will not be an important financial consideration. A three year warranty offered by Fluke can make you feel confident that this is a high-quality thermometer that’s built to last.

7. Fluke 561 HVAC Pro Review

The Fluke 561 HVAC Pro brings to the table a whole new set of standards that others struggle to compete with. This professional level thermometer comes with several accessories to aid in the temperature measuring process, and a hard case to house those accessories and the device itself. Being powered by AA batteries, spare batteries are never far off.

The temperature range provides a large area of application for this non-contact thermometer. You combine this with the accessories and their respective accuracies of measurement, and you have a device that you can confidently measure a temperature with when in a critical situation.

Pros:

• Durable hard-sided case
• -40 to 1022temperature range
• Available accessories

Cons:

• Many of the features may be excessive for common use

Specifications:

• Dual infrared and thermocouple thermometer for noncontact or contact temperature measurement in HVAC/R systems and manufacturing, electrical, and industrial environments
• Measures temperature from -40 to +550 degrees C (-40 to +1022 degrees F) with an accuracy of + or – 1 degree C (+ or – 2 degrees F) for the infrared sensor and an accuracy of + or – 2 degrees C (+ or – 4 degrees F) or 1% of the reading, whichever is greater, for Type K thermocouple input
• 12:1 infrared distance-to-spot ratio with laser sighting for pinpointing the measurement area
• Included Type K thermocouple pipe probe wrapped in flexible hook-and-loop fastener with a 20″ cable takes contact measurements from 0 to 100 degrees C (32 to 212 degrees F)
• CE mark indicates compliance with applicable EU directives

Review

This Fluke 561 thermometer isn’t for those who need to casually measure the temperature of the water in a pool, or the surface temperature of an oven. This thermometer system is intended for those who will be using it for applications where absolute precision is crucial.

The included accessories are a nice touch, and additional ones are well explained by the manufacturer to help you ensure you have the right tools for the job. This product is rated among IR thermometers as one of the most accurate infrared thermometers. The price is reflected of this, but once you consider the features incorporated, it far outweighs the price.

8. Milwaukee 2278-20 M12 Review

This powerful temperature gun by Milwaukee offers a crystal clear screen and fast scanning. This thermometer has excellent readability both outdoors and indoors and in a variety of lighting conditions. This infrared temperature gun will give you easy readings whether you are measuring temperatures for residential, commercial, professional, or industrial uses.

The high and low temperature alert system is simple to use and makes scanning both fast and easy. A seven-point reinforced frame and fully bumpered nose work with the shielded LCD to help this temperature gun survive drops of up to six feet. With this kind of durability, you can use this thermometer for a wide variety of applications without being concerned about it being damaged in a fall.

This Milwaukee 2278-20 M12 thermometer can measure temperatures from -22⁰F to 1022⁰F so you can feel confident that you’re measuring the right temperature even if it is in an extreme range. This thermometer is equipped with clear function buttons so that you can see what you need to do easily, and an over-molded grip so that holding the thermometer is comfortable.

Pros:

• The premium LCD display offers clear readings
• High and low temperature alerts that are user configurable
• The fully bumpered nose and shielded LCD help this thermometer survive drops up to 6 ft

Cons:

• 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio is lower than competing thermometers
• Trigger is not comfortable to operate
• Does not come with battery
• Can’t change emissivity

Specification:

• Temperature range: -30°C – 585°C /-22°F – 1022°F
• 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio
• 0.95 Fixed Emissivity

Review

If you are looking for a high quality infrared temperature gun that can capture temperatures up to 12 feet away with accuracy, and you are not concerned about changing emissivity, this thermometer may be right for you.

While the temperature range is not as great as some other competing thermometers, and the inability to change emissivity may be a concern for many users, if you are confident that you will be monitoring primarily ambient temperatures or objects that are opaque, this thermometers will meet your needs.

Features like the fully bumpered nose and shielded LCD allow this thermometer to survive 6-foot drops and can allow you to bring this thermometer anywhere with you without concern.

9. DEWALT DCT414S1 Review

This ergonomic thermometer by the trusted DeWalt name makes reading temperature easy with LED lights that are red for hot & blue for cold so you can quickly locate temperature changes. This thermometer has alarms loud enough to alert contractors even in noisy conditions.

This is an IR thermometer that can measure temperatures from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 930 degrees Fahrenheit. it can record maximum and minimum temperatures as well as averages and has a bright green backlit display so the recordings are easy for you to read. You can adjust the emissivity of this thermometer so that you can feel confident no matter what material you are measuring.

This Dewalt DCT414S1 infrared thermometer is powered by a 12 volt lithium ion battery that comes with a 40 minute charger so that your thermometer will always be ready to go. Because this thermometer utilizes non-contact technology and can store readings, you can operate this thermometer from a safe distance and still record all the readings you need.

Pros:

• Class II infrared laser
• Adjustable emissivity
• Backlit screen for easy reading
• Easy-to-read blue and red to indicate temperature change
• Loud audible alarm

Cons:

• Alarm is too loud for some people
• Does not work well in high temperature environments
• Battery rattles in chamber

Specifications

• Range:-30°C – 500°C -20°F – 932°F)
• Spot ratio: 12:1
• Emissivity is adjustable

Review

If you want an easy to use thermometer that lets you know temperature utilizing an easy-to-understand red and blue spot indicator design and features a loud alarm so that everyone in your worksite will know that the temperature has exceeded a limit, this DeWalt might be right for you.

While the spot ratio is not as large as some thermometers, so you will not be able to measure things very far away, if you are measuring within 12 feet of your target this is an accurate thermometer. You can adjust the emissivity so that no matter what you are measuring your measurements will be accurate.

The battery that recharges in under an hour allows you to transport this thermometer anywhere and use it with ease. You won’t forget to recharge it with the charging docking station.

10. Fluke 62 MAX Review

The Fluke 62 MAX is an excellent model for the hobbyist or someone who needs an accurate temperature reading in a simplistic way. This point-and-shoot laser targeting infrared thermometer has a sleek and non-intrusive outer case that isn’t going to stand out and look like it belongs in a workshop somewhere.

The 10:1 distance to spot ratio and a good temperature range add to the value of this device, making it both functional and fashionable. With response times of less than 1 second, you never have to wait long for an accurate temperature readings either!

Pros:

• Well built
• Accurate readings
• Backlit display

Cons:

• Manual is basically useless
• Does not come with a case

Review

Although not the best temperature ranges and spot ratio, this thermometer is still a great purchase because of its ease of use. It works straight out of the box and doesn’t require any calibration.
It makes a great infrared thermometer for HVAC, electrical, automotive and mechanical applications.

Having a thermometer that runs on one AA battery also is a plus, because you are assured of finding AA batteries more readily and cheaper than you can 9V batteries for other units.

Best Infrared Thermometer Brands

Fluke Infrared Thermometers

Fluke is the best infrared thermometer brands to be reviewed here at Thermometer Guru. Their thermometers consistently impress their customers, and leave them happy and satisfied with their purchases.  The Fluke 62 MAX IR Thermometer, Non Contact, -20 to +932 Degree F Range is one of the top rated Fluke thermometers on Amazon, with a four and half star review out of five stars coming from two hundred eighty-one reviews.

It has the ability to monitor electrical, HVAC, mechanical, and automotive systems ranging from -30º to 500º C, or   -20º to 932º F.  It has a ten-to-one ratio, and a neat application it has shows the maximum temperature, the minimum temperature, the difference in the two, and the average temperature of the target.  The Fluke 62 MAX has an IP54 certification for protection against dust or water.  With dimensions of 6.8” x 3.3” x 2.9” and weight of 9 oz. this tool is small but powerful.

Another highly rated Fluke infrared thermometer is the Fluke 59 Max+ Infrared Thermometer.  It has a backlit LCD display, a ten-to-one spot ratio, and has a temperature range of -30º to 500º C, or -22º to 932º F.  It also is IP40 certified against airborne contaminants.  On Amazon, it has a four and a half star review out of five stars, with eighty-five percent of reviews giving it a four star or higher review.  It follows suite with the rest of Fluke infrared thermometers, in that they may be small, but they are powerful, durable, and very accurate.

Kintrex Infrared Thermometers

Kintrex is another well-established company on Amazon that customers and reviewers love.  Their products aren’t expensive, and they perform efficiently and accurately. Take for example the IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars, and for seven hundred two reviews, that’s a pretty great rating.  It has a twelve-to-one spot ratio, and a temperature range of -76° to 932° F, or -60° to 500° C.  It even gives the user a display of the current temperature and the maximum temperature of the target.

It has a response time of one second, and it automatically shuts off after fifteen seconds of idleness, effectively conserving battery power.  The IRT0421 has dimensions of 9.4” x 6.7” x 1.5” and weighs 4 oz.  It can measure hazardous or inaccessible objects, moving objects, or objects with high temperatures.  An added bonus is that this type of infrared thermometer runs on two AAA batteries rather than the 9V battery typical of infrared thermometer.  Purchasing a Kintrex lets you know that you’ll find your target temperature in record time and as accurately as possible for a small price compared to other thermometers.

Etekcity Infrared Thermometers

This is a solid brand for those wanting a simple and easy to use infrared thermometer for around the house jobs.  They’re inexpensive yet still accurately display temperatures quickly.  The Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun -58℉~ 716℉ (-50℃ ~ 380℃), Yellow and Black is one of Etekcity’s top products.  In fact, on Amazon it is ranked as the number one best seller in the Diagnostic & Test Thermometer section.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars with one thousand seven hundred eighty reviews.  It has a range of -58° to 716℉ or -50° to 380℃, a built in laser for more precision, and a twelve-to-one spot ratio.  The Lasergrip 774 has a backlight display and an automatic turn off function to conserve its 9V battery.

Its dimensions are 7.3” x 3.9” x 1.4”, and unlike many other infrared thermometers, it comes with a two-year warranty.  Another outstanding example of this brand is the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Digital Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun Non-contact -58℉ – 1382℉ (-50℃ to 750℃), Yellow/Black.  It has a range of -58° to 1382°F or -50° to 750°C, a spot ratio of sixteen-to-one, and an auto shut off function to conserve battery, like the Lasergrip 774.  It also comes with a two year warranty like the Lasergrip 774.  It has an LCD display screen, dimensions of 8” x 4” x 2”, and has a cumulative battery life of about fourteen hours from one 9V battery.  All in all, Etekcity is probably one of the brands producing infrared thermometers.

Nubee Infrared Thermometers

Nubee, similar to Etekcity, is useful for around-the-house application, such as for the pool, ventilation, cars, and the oven or fridge.  The Nubee Temperature Gun Non-contact Digital Laser Infrared IR Thermometer, has a range of -50° to 380° C or -58° to 716° F, and a red laser for precision aiming.  It has an automatic turn off function after fifteen seconds to save battery life when it is not being used.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars with one thousand four hundred sixty-two reviews to back it up.  It has dimensions of 6” x 3” x 1”, weighs 6.4 oz. and uses a 9V battery.

Another great Nubee product is the Infrared Temperature Gun, Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer MAX Display & EMS Adjustable.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars, and it has had six hundred forty-nine Nubee infrared thermometer reviews.  It has a range -50° to 500° C or -58° to 932° F.  It uses a 9V battery, has dimensions of 6” x 3” x 1”, and weighs 6.4 oz.  Overall, Nubee is another excellent household brand that provides speedy results efficiently.

Dewalt Infrared Thermometers

Dewalt holds the higher-end and higher-quality infrared thermometers.  Their products are typically more used for more industrial jobs, like in a mechanic shop, in a laboratory, or at a fire station.  Dewalt offers the DCT414S1 12-Volt Max Infrared Thermometer Kit as one of Amazon’s top rated infrared thermometer guns.  It has a four and a half star review out of five stars.  It has a range of -20° to 932° F, a LED red and blue indicator for hot and cold trouble spots, and a three year limited warranty.   It has dimensions of 12.8” x 11.5” x 4.4” and weighs 4.6 lbs.
Also, the Dewalt DCT414B 12V Max Infrared Thermometer Baretool is another phenomenal product Dewalt has to offer.  It has a range of -20° to 932° F, and also has the LED indicator that the DCT414S1 has.  It has dimensions of 5.2” x 2.9” x 8.2”, weighs 14.4 oz. and has a three year limited warranty as well.  Both of these products are designed to be heavy-duty, durable thermometers that will accurately perform for years into the future.  Dewalt’s purpose is to bring quality and efficiency to the table, and it does just that.

How Do Infrared Thermometers work?

Infrared thermometers measure temperature without making contact with the object being measured.  They achieve this by taking advantage of a phenomenon called black body radiation.  Black body radiation is a measure of the vibration of the molecules in an object or substance.

Heat is a function of the movement of molecules, so the temperature of an object is a function of how fast its component molecules are moving.  As the molecules move, they emit infrared radiation, which functions much the same as visible light except that our eyes are not equipped to detect it.

To measure this type of radiation, we need an infrared thermometer. An infrared laser thermometer usually consists of three basic parts: a lens, a thermopile, and a detector.  When pointed at a source of infrared radiation, the lens focuses the infrared radiation being emitted onto the thermopile, which then converts the infrared radiation into heat.  The more infrared light is focused onto the thermopile, the more the thermopile heats up.  From here, the infrared thermometer works much like a household digital thermometer.  As the thermopile heats up, it converts this heat into electricity.  The electricity in turn is sent to a detector, which translates the electrical input it receives into a temperature for the object being measured and send this figure to a display which the user can read.

How to use an Infrared Thermometer

Most consumer application gun style infrared thermometers, like those used for home projects and cooking, will have the same basic functionality.  Turn the thermometer on, point it at the surface you want to measure, hold the trigger or read button, and it will instantly give you a temperature.  However, every infrared thermometer is going to be a little different in its operation.

As such, the best way to learn how to use a particular unit is a careful reading of the owner’s manual.  One thing to keep in mind that will be unique to each model of thermometer equipped with a laser guide is how the laser point relates to the area actually being measured by the optics.

With some guns, the laser indicates the center of the area measured, in others it is the top or the bottom.  Some models will have two lasers to delineate the top and bottom of the range. But with all laser aided models, the size of the area measured will vary based on the distance to the surface.

Another thing to keep in mind when reading infrared cooking thermometer reviews and deciding on which model best suits your needs is the optimal optic distance.  Knowing the optimal distance for your particular thermometer will allow you to get the most accurate temperature readings.  Also keep in mind that while they are a quick and convenient way to measure the temperature of food while it is cooking, even the best infrared thermometer for cooking can only measure the temperature on the surface of an object.

Depending on the thickness of what you are cooking, the surface temperature may or may not give you any insight as to the food’s internal temperature. However, for cooking temperature sensitive things like meat, the only way to be certain it is done and safe to eat is with a probe style meat thermometer.

Infrared Thermometer Applications

Because infrared thermometers are able to measure an object’s temperature from a distance, they are ideal for situations where the object being measured is sensitive, inaccessible, or dangerous to get close to.  Infrared thermometers are used by energy consumption experts to determine what parts of a structure – from a house to large corporate buildings – are the biggest loss points for heating or cooling energy.

Firefighters use them in determining what parts of a fire are burning hottest and therefore what points on a structure are most at risk of collapse and where they can safely enter.  Infrared thermometers are often used in industrial applications as well, monitoring the temperature of things which cannot safely be contacted, like molten steel, glass, and certain steps in the petroleum refining process.

Ear thermometers – like the ones usually used at doctors’ offices – are just one example of medical infrared thermometer.  A person’s ear drum maintain a temperature very close to that of the person’s core, and so is a reliable and easy way to measure temperature.  However, the ear drum is a very fragile and sensitive organ, and touching it to measure temperature would likely damage it.  Thus, an infrared thermometer – which although it gets very close does not need to touch the ear drum – is the perfect way to measure temperature in this setting.  The most common household application, though, is cooking thermometers.

Making The Decision

No matter your budget or intended purposes, there are plenty of great infrared thermometers on the market for you to choose from. In your search for the best infrared thermometer, pay close attention to its specs, pros and cons, and of course what others have had to say about it in infrared thermometer reviews. Then go out and buy a great infrared thermometer today!