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Infrared thermometers serve you the purpose of taking the temperature of an object without you having to touch it. In the times like we are going through now, i.e. a pandemic, thermometers help you tell your body temperature from a distance. These thermometers do not only have a medical significance but also, they prove to be useful from various industrial purposes to simple household cooking pots. During such a time, you want nothing but the best Infrared Thermometer to serve your needs. This device helps you in measuring with no heat exchange, which means you do not influence any of the temperature reading. 

Best Infrared Thermometers In 2020

Currently, there are several products on the market, but we have taken out some remarkable models for you to decide for yourself and save yourself some time on deciding what model to purchase. Infrared thermometer devices come in handy in many applications. Some of their features include diagnosing vehicle problems, they also come in handy when customers want to monitor their food, monitoring the grill if it is ready to cook the perfect plate. The Infrared thermometer is valuable in many such situations that require precision.

Editor’s Picks: 3 Of The Best Infrared Thermometers In 2023

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5 Best Infrared Thermometers In 2023 Reviewed

1. Nubee 8380H Thermometer Temperature Gun

Nubee 8380H Thermometer Temperature Gun is the first product on our list and is one of the finest thermometers in the market right now. The Nubee 8380H is considered ideal for many applications like kitchen cooking, mechanical equipment, car cooling systems, electrical equipment, hot spots, oven temperature, barbequing and more. The thermometer is considered very reliable for the customers. It can measure temperature precisely at the one-inch diameter spot. The distance to spot ratio stands at 12:1. You can measure the temperature from the range of 50°C to 380°C or -58°F to 716°F. 

The results displayed are instant and it is light in weight. From what we have researched, it seems to be decently accurate. Although it says it can be used for cooking, that is only if you are looking for an external temperature of a food item and not the inside or centre temperature. 

The users just have to point and shoot at the object, and up comes a reading. The laser is bright on light-coloured items while being dimmer on dark items, especially at greater distances. Switching on the laser merely takes less than two seconds. The size of this device makes it quite a standout to the other devices. A solid option to consider.

PROS:
  • Ideal for safe and accurate measurements
  • It has the trigger pulling mechanism
  • Different results for different materials
  • The red laser pointer makes aiming more precise
CONS:
  • This device lacks durability

2. Klein Tools IR07 Dual Infrared (IR) and Probe Pocket Size LCD Digital Thermometer

The Klein Tools IR07 Dual Infrared (IR) and Probe Pocket Size LCD Digital Thermometer is a non-contact thermometer that delivers your readings without having to touch the object. Now, this feature makes the device very flexible to detect cooling system issues, engine setbacks, A/C performance and much more. The device comes with a laser pointer that helps with accuracy towards the target. The backlit simultaneously keeps displaying readings along with the maximum reading. Furthermore, Klein has a boot that aids the device to have increased durability. The award-winning ergonomic design makes it the best model to carry infrared measurements for dangerous objects or substances. The Klein has a great build quality and a rugged design that helps the device even when it slips and gets dropped down a few times. 

The Temperature probe can measure the temperature of air, liquid and other surfaces. It comes with a hands-free hanging hook that helps the customers for measuring air duct and vent’s temperatures. The average response time recorded is less than 20 seconds. It offers excellent accuracy and can measure temperature in Celsius as well as Fahrenheit. It is pocket-sized and very portable, and it has a distance to spot ratio of 12:1 and comes in a beautiful storage pouch, which makes it easier to carry. 

This device can measure temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. It is also very pocket-sized, portable and comes with a storage pouch that makes it more convenient to carry.

PROS:
  • Quick response time.
  • Pocket-sized and portable
  • Laser pointing that helps the accuracy
  • Spot ratio of 12:1
CONS:
  • Cannot give readings when measuring human temperature

3. Fluke 62 Max Plus Infrared Thermometer

Fluke is one of the most trusted brands in the world when it comes to thermometers. Their thermometers deliver accurate temperature readings from a safe distance on a wide range. The Fluke 62 Max Plus Infrared Thermometer is the first thermometer we want to credit in our list. Fluke is a user-friendly infrared thermometer having straightforward controls, which are easy to set up in a matter of seconds. This device is a non-contact thermometer that has dual lasers that allow the customers to measure the temperature and obtain the data on the thermometer. 

This device is called a non-contact thermometer because this device comes in handy to read the temperature from a distance without having to contact the different objects. Close to Fluke’s other devices, one of the standout features of this device is that it can measure temperatures ranging from -22 to +1202°F with a precise accuracy rate. This device trends among people who desire to differentiate the temperature between two different objects close-by.

This device uses two AA batteries, which are found to be quite budget-friendly. Being cheap, it also allows its users to recharge their batteries. On to the display, the display screen is observed to last for about 5 seconds. To obtain accurate temperature data readings, the user is advised to set the thermometer emissivity correctly. The large backlit display makes it easier to read data, even in the areas where there is minimal light.

PROS:
  • The lightweight and small size make it easy to clip
  • Best to use in monitoring mechanical, electrical, automotive, and HVAC systems
  • Displays all maximum, minimum, and also the difference between the temperatures of the two different objects
  • Certified IP54 for protection against water and dust
CONS:
  • Display sleeps after 5 seconds

4. EnnoLogic ET650D Temperature Gun Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer

The EnnoLogic ET650D Temperature Gun Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer is the best all-rounding infrared thermometer (laser temperature gun) in the market right now because its features outperform the other devices, and it comes with a 10-year warranty as well. The ET650D comes with a dual laser infrared thermometer that is perfect for measuring the temperature of an object from a distance by sensing its radiated infrared energy. 

EnnoLogic ET650D Temperature Gun Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer is one of the finest infrared thermometers out there with its numerous exceptional features. That being said, it can efficiently serve multiple industrial and home applications including grilled food, cake-baking, refrigeration, food safety, automotive, soap making, pool, HVAC, A/C, and much more.

A customer revealed that he got reliable readings from about 2 – 2,5 feet away. He added that his readings had all fallen within +-1% as promised by the company, which makes it one of the most accurate IR thermometers on the market. The maximum temperature is about 200°F higher than other thermometers that fall in this price range. So that makes it 1202°F as its maximum measurable temperature. If you hold down the trigger, the device continues to display the measurement reading, this feature puts you in an advantage of solving insulation problems on the roof. This device is one of the best on the market.

PROS:
  • Quick power-up and response time
  • Backlit makes it easy to read the measurement
  • Temperature ranges between -58°F and 1202°F (-50°C to 650°C)
  • Laser point for better and precise accuracy
CONS:
  • Does not give effective readings when measuring human temperature

5. Amprobe IR-708 Infrared Thermometer with 8:1 Spot Ratio

The Amprobe IR-708 is the final infrared thermometer on our list. This thermometer is designed to point and shoot at the objects for easy and accurate temperature measurements. It comes with a slick gun design. This tool is a part of the Amprobe IR-700 series and this series is designed with complete high-performance features for its customers. 

This thermometer can be used for automotive, electrical, fire prevention, thermal leak detection, industrial maintenance, residential, AC units, ventilation, bearings, motors and transformers for overheating, bad electrical connections and fuses and much more applications for what the customers may want it for. The thermometer comes with a rather bright backlit LCD that shows all minimal, maximal and the current temperature. Like the other products, this device also works on a non-contact temperature measurement purpose, which means the user can read the data without having to contact the object. 

Furthermore, the Amprobe IR-708 Infrared Thermometer also has a distance to spot ratio of 8:1 with a fixed emissivity at 0.95. The device measures temperatures from 0°F to 716°F (-18°C to 380°C). The user can select in which centigrade they want to see the data, whether in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

PROS:
  • The thermometer has been tested under vigorous conditions to give proper results
  • Customize temperature between Celsius and Fahrenheit according to one’s need
  • Precise and easy temperature measurements
  • Durable
CONS:
  • Comes with fixed emissivity at 0.95

What Are Infrared Thermometers Used For?

Infrared thermometers are to measure surface temperatures of objects in industries and applications such as:

  • Automotive:

Mechanics and automotive enthusiasts can use a digital infrared thermometer to diagnose and solve overheating issues and perform routine spot checks on many components, including, brakes, tires, radiators, and engine timing.

  • HVAC

Heating and cooling professionals use infrared thermometers to perform equipment checks and to diagnose, duct leaks, insulation issues, malfunctioning coils, and other heat-related HVAC problems.

  • Electrical systems and circuit boards: 

IR thermometers can be used when working with electrical systems by checking for hot spots, diagnosing potential problems and preventing equipment failure.

  • Cooking: 

An infrared thermometer gun allows you to verify that your grill or stovetop is the correct temperature before you put that precious short rib on top.

  • Food safety: 

Chefs and food service managers in commercial kitchens use infrared thermometers for continuous monitoring of food to ensure temperatures are compliant with food safety standards.

  • Manufacturing: 

In industrial and manufacturing applications, infrared thermometers are used to monitor products for quality assurance and perform routine temperature audits of equipment to schedule repairs and prevent expensive equipment breakdowns.

What Are Infrared Thermometers Used For?

  • Medical Set up: 

For measuring the body temperature of humans and animals. Being in the pandemic, it makes so much sense to have a thermometer.

  • Domestic use: 

There are many uses for an IR temperature gun around the home, such as checking for poor insulation and heating and cooling problems, working on vehicles, cooking on the grill, crafting beer, making soap and with many other hobbies or home improvement jobs.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Infrared Thermometer

Thermometers were first used only for industrial purposes until someone finally cracked one into the household objects. It trends these days for both medical setups and industrial setups, however, one must understand what to keep in mind when purchasing an Infrared thermometer. Here is the list of something you need in your buyer’s manual: 

  • Temperature Range ( For household and other applications )

Temperature is the most basic go-to point when a customer wants to purchase an infrared thermometer. Customers can get one device with a range of -58° to 1022° Fahrenheit.

For household applications, this tool is essential because of its no contact feature that allows the users to not have any touch with the object and read the temperature. For example, if you plan to use your infrared laser thermometer when working with some mechanics, or using an industrial setup, higher temperature range thermometers may be more reliable. On the contrary, for the household applications, like grills, or air conditioning, the customer may not need a wide temperature range. 

  • Distance to Spot Ratio

The circle of the measurement zone, which is the distance to spot ratio, is an indication of the area from which the user gets his temperature measurement data reading. The distance away from the spot determines the wideness of the object that will be read by the infrared thermometer.

Most of the Infrared thermometers you will find in the market might have a distance to spot ratio of around 12:1, which is a distance of twelve inches and a measurement zone of an inch. It means that when you increase your distance five times, the distance will become 60 inches and the measurement spot will be 5 inches. A key point to remember is, the closer you are to the object, the more precise readings you will get. 

  • Budget:

If you need a thermometer for domestic / household use, you might want to purchase a cheaper model that will serve just right for domestic purposes. For an Infrared thermometer with superior features, you should be ready to splash a few more bills into it.

If the device does not hold much work in your day to day life, you might want to consider buying a cheaper model. Of course, it will have its drawbacks of having limited features like limited accuracy, a bit varying temperature readings, fixed emissivity etc. On the contrary, if what you need is an infrared thermometer that is more required for professional use, like industrial setups, then you have all the more reason to spend in a higher quality infrared option that will show you your worth of money. 

A budget should not decide the quality of your products, but these are a few points that should help you get going and invest in these products. 

  • Warranty:

Every Infrared thermometer comes with a warranty by the manufacturer, and this is another key point that will help you determine your purchase. This is easy to overlook but if you need assurance that you are purchasing the Infrared thermometer that is worth your money then the warranty is a good indication of the quality product you are purchasing. 

  • Accuracy And Speed:

An Infrared thermometer is considered best when it can deliver accurate and precise temperature reading within a short time. Accuracy, in this case, plays a vital role in ensuring there is no mistake of measuring temperature. More advanced infrared thermometers, deliver more readings with its adjustable emissivity and higher quality infrared sensors.

Concluding the review of thermometers, the professional model of infrared thermometers provides temperature readings that are ±1% accurate, while the cheaper infrared thermometers are accurate to within ±2%.

  • Emissivity:

Emissivity is the level of reflectiveness of surfaces. We should know that every material carries emissivity. To achieve the actual measurements of the temperature an IR thermometer should be tuned to the correct emissivity. It gives more precise results to the customer.

If you are a professional in temperature testing, then you should get an infrared thermometer that has the feature of adjusting the emissivity. Many of the high-end model thermometers offer emissivity adjustment between 0.10 – 1.00 adjustments. That being said, these features only come with big bills to spend. However, before spending a lot of money on big brands, it is noteworthy for the customers to check what adjustable emissivity does the particular infrared thermometer provide. 

Most infrared thermometers are normally designed with an emissivity locked at 0.95, which is ideal for getting the temperature reading of solid surfaces like metals and pipes. A few of them are on our list too. However, the disadvantage of these kinds of infrared models is that it becomes impossible for the customers to scan other materials like glass, liquids, and oily surfaces without being able to adjust the emissivity of the infrared thermometer. 

  • For what it is needed:

Infrared thermometers may be used for different purposes, for instance, it can be used for medical purposes while some of them can be used for industrial setups. It is mandatory to check if the thermometer you are purchasing applies to your motive. Some thermometers on our list do not favour the medical scenario, and hence we recommend you to take a look at their description.  

  • Unit of measurement:

While all of our recommended thermometers have an adjustable unit of measurement, many other infrared thermometer models do not provide such features to the customers. It is not a mandatory key point, but it is always good to have it in your mind whether your thermometer is reading the measurement in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

  • Response time:

Average response time for an infrared thermometer ranges from 2 seconds and a maximum of 5 seconds. Do check out if your model can display your measurements within these time ranges or otherwise lookout for other models. All the IR thermometers in our list have an average of two seconds and hence are more preferred to be purchased. 

  • Brand:

When choosing an infrared thermometer, it is always positive to look at the brand. The well-known trending brand tends to be more durable and affordable than the new ones. It is, therefore, important for customers to purchase from someone who has a reputed name in the market. Some of the common brands include Fluke, Klein, and Dewalt. These names are already mentioned in our list. However, you should not only base your argument with one brand, but other key features could also be more convenient to your comfort, so this helps you slim your options thinner to a brand or two. 

  • Design:

The design is also a good feature to keep in mind when purchasing an IR thermometer. Make sure you are getting a design that is rugged so when there is a mistake and a slip up of the tool, it does not damage the thermometer and give abnormal readings or stop working altogether. A lot of thermometers in the market these days tend to have the rugged feature design so it must not be a huge issue for you to classify them based on their design. 

  • Backlit Display:

All the IR models we recommended in our list come with this feature. A thermometer needs to have a backlit display for there are chances when the lightning conditions may be worse than normal and hence reading becomes a tad bit difficult. Hence, it is good to have the feature of a backlit display on your thermometer. 

  • Memory function:

This feature is a bit negotiable. This feature comes quite handy to its users when the user wants to record the temperature. For instance, in medical set-up, it would be beneficial if you could record the temperatures in the cases of people catching a cold, or having a fever. It helps maintain track of your body temperature in addition to the one you might have measured a few days back. 

  • Data logging: 

The data logging feature is quite a bit similar to the memory function. Some infrared thermometers have the storage capacity to log and save readings. This feature allows you to compare fluctuations overtime or return to the readings if you neglected or forgot to record it at the time. However, a lot of thermometers do not have this feature inbuilt, because they do not serve many purposes in day to day life.

How To Use An Infrared Thermometer?

  1. Turn on your infrared thermometer gun. Select the option on whether you prefer your measurement to be recorded in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
  1. Read the instruction manual to ensure you are familiar with the D:S ratio of your device. This will provide better accuracy when taking measurements. As a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to a surface, the more precise the measurement. However, bear in mind that it may not be safe to get too close to extremely hot objects.
  1. If your IR thermometer gun is emissivity adjustable, go ahead and change the emissivity to the optimal setting for the surface you are trying to measure.
  1. With the guidance of the laser, that will help your accuracy for precise results, point your IR thermometer at the object you want to measure and pull the trigger to view the temperature on the display. Try to opt for a spot on your surface that is not too close to other objects who are having very different temperatures.
  1. Do not use your infrared thermometer to measure items that have reflective surfaces or shiny surfaces without adjusting for the emissivity. Do not try to use your IR thermometer to measure objects behind smoke or glass as the thermometer will measure the temperature of the smoke or glass instead as it reads the measurement on what’s in the front. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the maximum distance I can make measurements from the target?

It depends on which product you are purchasing. This is a function of the optics in your thermometer. The model’s description will tell you the distance-to-size ratio and the diameter of your target to determine the maximum distance you can be from the target. Many models of the IR thermometers have a maximum measuring distance of approximately 100 feet (30 meters), depending on atmospheric conditions.

Q. What is emissivity?

Emissivity is the level of reflectiveness of surfaces. We should know that every material carries emissivity. To achieve the actual measurements of the temperature an IR thermometer should be tuned to the correct emissivity. It gives more precise results to the customer. This feature is adjustable with each model, but sometimes in less expensive models, these are not adjustable.

Q. Can You Use an Infrared Thermometer for Cooking?

IR thermometers only measure surface temperature, so that they cannot gauge the internal temperature of the food being cooked. However, an infrared thermometer gun is beneficial for measuring the surface temperature of hot oil, a cast-iron skillet, a pan, or your barbecue grill. Just remember when taking the temperature of a grill, the thermometer will factor in the temperatures of the surfaces that are visible. The accurate reading is achieved if a solid plate is somehow placed under the grill. Wait and adjust for the proper emissivity and proceed to measure the temperature.

Q. What is the best way to clean an Infrared thermometer?

The IR thermometers must always be kept clean. To clean it accurately, a soft cloth or cotton swab with water or medical grade rubbing alcohol is recommended to have. Proceed to carefully wipe first the lens and then the body of the thermometer. Allow the lens to dry completely before using the thermometer. Never use soap or chemicals and do not submerge any part of the thermometer in water.

Q. Do infrared thermometers see-through clear plastics, glass, and liquid substances like water?

When the thermometer is pointed at a clear plastic or glass, the thermometer will take the temperature measurement of the surface of the plastic and glass for you. If you were hoping to measure the temperature of something that is inside a glass or plastic container, then you should not invest in a tool like an infrared thermometer.
The same is the situation with fluids like water. The thermometer will only help you measure the surface temperature of the liquid.

Q. Does the angle of holding the thermometer while measuring matter?

The customer should always try keeping the thermometer perpendicular to the surface of the object they are about to measure. This will ensure that the small area that the lens is looking at is only consisting of your object’s surface.

Q. How Do You Calibrate an Infrared Thermometer?

Regularly checking the accuracy of any measuring instrument is vital to ensure that your tool is in good working order and reliable for measuring. 
The easiest way to calibrate an infrared thermometer is to make a crushed ice and water mix in a bath. You want this to be in a uniform consistency to ensure that you’re going to be measuring a uniform temperature that will be as close to 0°C as possible. Then measure the ice and water mix to check your infrared thermometer’s accuracy to check whether the IR device is precisely measuring or not.

An alternate solution is to use an infrared comparator cup. A comparator cup provides a solid matte black base with a high emissivity rating for accurate readings. You can use the cup to compare the measurements from the infrared thermometer with another thermometer, to use it as a reference that has been calibrated to check if everything is accurate.

A Final Word

A digital infrared thermometer is always a useful tool in any workshop or factory floors or any commercial kitchens because it can help you measure surface temperatures quickly, accurately and safely from a distance. Infrared thermometers serve you the purpose of taking the temperature of an object without you having to touch it (also called the no-contact feature). This feature is important because a non-contact thermometer enables you to get the temperature of moving targets or services that are extremely hot. Thermometers help you tell your body temperature from a distance. So now with us doing all the important research for you and narrowing down the list, the only thing you have to do is save your time, fire up your smart device and order one of the infrared thermometers that you found the most convenient from our list and go ahead to make the purchase.

On an ending note, we personally recommend you to buy:

 It is one of the best-infrared thermometers because it is an accurate and robust all-rounder with a broad measuring range, a 12:1 D:S ratio, adjustable emissivity settings, and dual lasers to help you pinpoint the edges of the measurement area.

Last update on 2023-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API