Infrared thermometers are increasingly becoming a popular device for many people. Mechanics, engineers, and medical professionals use them in their daily work to measure the surface temperatures of different tools or items. A homeowner can even pinpoint some problems in their house which might need some extra insulation or find out if their meat is cooked properly. What makes them different from traditional probe thermometers is its ability to perform without contact and the great working speed.
So if you are ready to purchase an infrared thermometer, check out our list of top 5 best infrared thermometers. We are happy to endorse these products after careful customer reviews and product research. We have also included some basic info to help you make an informed decision.
What Is An Infrared Thermometer?
An infrared thermometer is a temperature-sensing device which uses electromagnetic radiation to measure the temperature of an object without contact. It works by emitting and receiving an infrared beam from the object to figure out heat difference. Although this is a relatively complex technology, these units aren’t expensive to purchase. That’s why they are widely used in many environments and industries for quick temperature readings or where traditional sensors couldn’t be used.
A drawback of using an infrared thermometer is that it only measures the temperature on the surface, meaning that you won’t get the reading for its core or internal temperature.
Why Would You Need To Purchase An Infrared Thermometer?
The main benefit of an infrared thermometer compared to conventional devices is that you don’t have to be close to the items to measure their surface temperature. Instead, it is possible to measure objects from a safe distance precisely, thus minimising the risk of an accidental burn. That’s why it is widely used in many applications:
a) Professional use
Professionals from different industries use infrared thermometers for many tasks:
- Cooling and heating professionals use it for equipment checks and evaluations
- Firefighters use it to locate possible hot spots after fires.
- Food workers use it to ensure the products meet prescribed temperatures for safety standards.
- Electricians use it to check for potential problems and hot spots.
- Medical staff uses it to measure the temperature of the body.
- Mechanics use it to check for overheating issues.
b) Home use
Infrared thermometers aren’t only for professionals, a homeowner can also use them for the following applications:
- To measure animals and humans’ body temperatures
- To locate areas with poor insulation in a structure or home
- To help with mechanical fixes at home
- To find out air leaks in a structure or home
c) In the kitchen
A cook would also use an infrared thermometer in the following applications:
- To examine the temperatures of those spaces for food storage
- To check the temperatures on the surfaces of foods, pans, and oils
- To measure the temperatures before cooking temperature-sensitive foods or baking bread
What To Look For When Buying An Infrared Thermometer?
Since there is a variety of infrared thermometer models available on the market. It is not simple to choose the right one for your need. So before making a decision, make sure to consider the following factors:
a) Temperature range
In general, you will find infrared thermometers with a temperature range of from -50°C to 500°F. A device with a broader range can be used for more applications. But the decision will mainly depend on how you want to use it. If you are a homeowner who just needs to spot some structural problems in your house, then it might waste your money to spend on an expensive unit with an extended range. Professional technicians, on the other hand, should go for those models which can measure at both low-end and high-end temperatures to meet their needs.
b) Distance-to-spot ratio
This is simply a figure which allows you to know the distance and area of the surface that an infrared thermometer could meter. In other words, it will reveal the optimal distance for a precise reading. For example, a D/S of 13:2, means that the device could measure a two-centimetre wide area up to 13 centimetres away. It is important to note that the further you move from the object, the less precise your result will be. Most infrared thermometers on the market come with the D/S ratio of 12:1.
c) Emissivity
In addition to distance-to-spot ration, emissivity is another aspect which would determine the precision of an infrared thermometer. It is simply the reflectivity of an object, which can affect your reading. For instance, if you want to read the temperature of a stainless steel item, it is unlikely to get an accurate result as it isn’t so emissive. The solution is to choose a unit which allows you to adjust the emissivity.
d) Price
For infrared thermometers, quality does not necessarily deviate with prices a lot. On average, most homeowners can purchase a good model at £80 to £100. Professionals who need more accuracy when measuring should go for those models with advanced features, which would cost more than £100.
Leading Brands of Infrared Thermometer
i. Fluke
This is the world leader in measurement and test tools. They are well-known for ease-of-use, accuracy, safety, portability, and rigid quality standards. Their products are widely used in a variety of industry, such as electronic design, network troubleshooting, manufacturing, as well as medical, electrical, industrial, and calibration applications.
ii. Etekcity
Etekcity is a recognisable manufacturer and retailer of consumer electronics and home improvement equipment. With offices in 3 countries, they are devoted to delivering the highest-quality products at affordable prices.
iii. Black + Decker
This American manufacturer is undoubtedly one of the most popular brands in power tools, home improvement products, and accessories. With advanced technologies and an extensive supply chain network, they offer premium products on the market, including infrared thermometers.
Top 5 Best Infrared Thermometer
1. Fluke 62Max Class A Infrared Thermometer Review
The Fluke 62Max class A infrared thermometer is extremely accurate, easy to use, and small in size. It is IP54 rated to resist water and dust. Thanks to a lightweight and ergonomic design, you can easily fit it in the toolbox or clip to your belt loop. The device utilises advanced laser technology to allow for more precise and repeatable readings. The operating temperature ranges from -30 to 5000C, making it suitable for most professional and home use. There is also a large LCD to show the results.
Technical features:
- Temperature range: -300C to 500 0C
- Response time: 500 ms
- Weight: 255 grams
- Battery: 1 1.5V AA battery
Package included:
- 1 manual instruction
- 1 infrared thermometer
2. Black + Decker TLD100 Infrared Thermal Detector Review
With the temperature range from -300C to 1500C, the Black + Decker TLD100 infrared thermometer is ideal for identifying any problems with the insulation in your house. With an advanced sensor, it is able to respond within seconds with precise readings. The light indicator will shine red to indicate a warm drought and blue to show a cold drought, thus ensuring that you can make your house more energy efficient. It is easy to use the device thanks to a simple and intuitive design. You can simply set the measurement and sensitivity scale as Fahrenheit or Celsius to meet your needs.
Technical features:
- Temperature range: -300C to 1500C
- Response time: 1s
- Weight: 159 grams
- Battery: 9V Alkaline
Package included:
- 1 thermal detector
3. Fluke FL62MaxPlus Infrared Thermometer Review
If you are looking for a precise infrared thermometer with a wide range of temperature, then this device should be on your list. The unit can measure the surface temperature in an impressive range from -300C to 6500C, which is enough for a variety of professional and home applications. It can resist a drop from 3 meters and is IP54 rated to withstand water exposure. Thus, this is one of the most durable devices that can last for years. Thanks to a large, backlit LCD display, you can easily read the results, even in lowlight conditions. The package also includes 1 AA battery to operate the unit.
Technical features:
- Temperature range: -300C to 6500C
- Response time: 500 ms
- Weight: 278 grams
- Battery: 1.5V AA battery
Package included:
- 1 AA battery
- 1 infrared thermometer
4. Bosch PTD Infrared Thermal Detector Review
The Bosch PTD infrared thermometer is a versatile device which utilises the most advanced thermal technology to identify hidden mould risk places and thermal bridges. There is a laser circle which shows the measuring area to ensure accurate readings. In less than 1 second of automatic analysis, the device will give you a quick and precise result interpretation. The design is intuitive and simple to use with the illuminated display and keypad. Thus, you can easily set or adjust with the push of a button. In the Thermal Bridge Mode, it can find gaps in walls or window frames, thus improving energy efficiency in your house.
Technical features:
- Temperature range: -300C to 2000C
- Response time: Less than 1s
- Weight: 299 grams
- Battery: 2 1.5V AA batteries
Package included:
- 1 quick start manual
- 1 bag
- 2 AA batteries
- 1 infrared thermometer
5. Etekcity LaserGrip Digital Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer Review
With just a press, the Etekcity infrared thermometer can precisely read the surface temperature of any objects in around 0.8 second. It comes with a high distance-to-spot ratio of 16:1 so that you can measure a larger area at a longer distance. Thanks to a versatile design and wide range of temperature (from -500C to 7500C), it is an ideal option for barbequing, cooking, auto maintenance, home repairs, and other professional applications. The built-in laser allows you to point at the exact area, thus maximising the accuracy. Also, it has an auto-off feature to help extend its battery life.
Technical features:
- Temperature range: -500C to 7500C
- Response time: Less than 0.8s
- Weight: 210 grams
- Battery: 9V battery
Package included:
- 1 users’ manual
- 1 DC battery
- 1 thermometer
Fluke infrared thermometers typically offer a wide temperature measurement range, making them versatile tools for various applications. Some models are capable of measuring both high and low temperatures accurately.