15 Best Infrared Thermometer – Reviews & Buying Guide for 2022

The most common use a thermometer has is measuring your temperature for sickness. However, a thermometer is so much more than that. You can use infrared thermometers to measure the temperature of your dishes and even the engine of a machine. However, finding the best-infrared thermometer can be a daunting task since there are so many variants of a thermometer on the market. Different thermometers have different features that make it the best in a particular field; and, you will find that the best thermometer for a different person might just not be the best for you. If you want to find the best one for you, nothing is better than consulting an expert or reading a complete buying guide online. Here, you will find a list of the Top Quality infrared thermometers in the market and the key features that you need to understand and look out for.

Our Top Picks

Fluke 561 HVAC Pro Infrared Thermometer

Coming first on the list is the Fluke 561 HVAC Pro Thermometer, not only because it is reasonably priced, but also because it is incredibly versatile and has lots of features to look forward to. You can easily use it to measure body temperature, and more than that, you can use it to measure the temperature of different objects since it can measure a broad range of temperatures. With all the features, this just might be the best infrared thermometer on the market right now.

The best thing about the Fluke HVAC Pro is its range since the infrared thermometer can measure temperature from -40 to +1022-degree Fahrenheit, or -40 to +550 degrees Celsius. Even more than that, the thermometer is accurate to ±1 degree C or ±2-degree F for the infrared sensor and ±2 degree C for the type K thermometer input.

Another great selling feature of the tool is its versatility as it has a dual infrared and thermocouple mode for non-contact and contact temperature measurement. You can use it for HVAC/R systems, as well as in manufacturing, electrical, and industrial areas. You can even use it to measure body temperature; however, since the range of the thermometer is so great, buying it just for regulating body temperature might be an overkill.

It is more so accurate since it has a 12:1 infrared distance to spot ratio with a laser sighting to point to the area to measure accurately.

The tool has a long battery life if 12 hours. It also has a good and sturdy build, and it is further backed by a lengthy 2-year warranty. All these features make the tool incredibly dependable.

Pros

• It has dual infrared and thermocouple mode for better industrial and commercial usage.
• It has reliable and accurate readings.
• It has an excellent range and is good for industrial use since you will not always be able to get close to your subject.
• It can support a broad range of temperatures. (-40 to +1022-degree F)

Cons

• Thermal Imaging cameras are a lot better since you can see the exact hotspot.

Solution – However, thermal imaging cameras are expensive, and you can easily do the same thing with this thermometer if you investigate your subject a bit further.

• This is expensive to have if you view it from a domestic front.

Solution – This is more of an industrial and commercial thermometer, and using it at home will be an overkill. However, if you want versatility and accuracy, this is well worth the price.

Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Non-Contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer

You can say that the Etekcity 744 is a toned-down version of the Fluke 561 as it has almost all the features of the previous tool; however, at a lower price. Compared to the 561, it can measure temperature as low as -58° F. While it is better on the lower range, it falls short on the high since it can only measure temperatures up to 716° F. Find out more about the infrared thermometer below.

The best thing about the tool is its incredible price range even though this is an industrial tool; in fact, the 774 is not even 10% as expensive as the Fluke 561!

Even though it is an affordable thermometer, it has a great range from -58 ° F to +716° F. However, you get a tradeoff in case of accuracy since it is accurate to ±2° C. You can clearly see that this accuracy makes it unusable for measuring human body temperature.

Another useful feature of the thermometer is that it has a quick unit conversion button that allows you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius for your convenience.

Most of all, the best thing about the thermometer is that you can measure the temperature of your subject at a great distance with high accuracy. The distance to spot ratio is 12:1, making this incredibly affordable device as good as those costing over 200 USD!

Pros

• It is an affordable infrared thermometer.
• It has a great temperature range from -58° F to +716° F.
• It has a quick unit conversion button.
• It tells you as “HI” and “LO” if the temperature is beyond the scope of the tool.
• It has a great response time of 500ms.

Cons

It is not accurate enough for measuring human body temperature.

Solution – Since this is not a tool for home use, you cannot use it for measuring body temperature; however, for immediate and urgent use, you can do so since it is accurate to ±2° F.

Infrared Thermometer Gun Human Body Digital Laser Non-Contact

Now this here is the first infrared thermometer on the list that is truly more home use. While this is more expensive than the previous thermometer, it is for a good cause. The thermometer is insanely accurate. However, since this is more of an "at-home" thermometer, its measuring range falls short of the previous two.

The measuring range of the thermometer is good enough for measuring your body temperature. However, this thermometer does not only measure body temperature as you can also use it to measure the surface temperature of different objects. You can measure body temperature ranging from 32° C to 42.9° C (89.6° F to 109.2° F). You can also measure the temperature of different objects from 0° C to 100° C (32° F to 212° F).

Since this thermometer is a home tool, this is very accurate, as you need to be when measuring your body temperature. The readings are accurate to ±0.2°C or ±0.4°F. Also, in the case of objects, it is correct to ±1.0°C or ±1.8°F.

Apart from being accurate, this thermometer is also very dependable. More so, this is a non-contact thermometer, and therefore, you can use it on multiple people consecutively. Last, of all, this is a long-lasting device that can easily last you over five years!

It has a high precision infrared sensor and microprocessor chip with a good memory chip and power supply. The build materials give you a dependable device that gives quick and precise readings.

Pros

• This is a very accurate device that is precise to ±0.2°C or ±0.4°F.
• This is very versatile since you can measure the temperature of your body, and you can also use it for your home.
• It is a long-lasting device that will last you more than five years.

Cons

• **No noteworthy bad features.

Non-Contact Digital Infrared Forehead Thermometer

The Non-Contact Digital Thermometer is very similar to the Thermometer-01, and both are home thermometers. They differ quite a lot when it comes to the build and design; however, most of the core features remain the same, and that also means that this is also a great contender for the home use.

The best thing about thermometer is its range and accuracy. Range aside, this is hands down, the most accurate thermometer in the market, period. You can measure temperature ranging from 32°F to 212°F (0°C to 100°C), and it is accurate to ±0.1° F!

There is no question that this is the most accurate thermometer you can find on the market. However, with accuracy, comes even speed as it can deliver you the result within 1 second!

The non-contact system, along with the ability to mute all your sounds coming from the thermometer, makes this a great device to have around toddlers and young children who are sleeping or get scared quite quickly due to sudden noises.

Last, of all, it has a color mode that shows you how much your body temperature matters. It has three color modes; green shows you that you have a normal body temperature; yellow shows that you have a slight fever, and red is for concerning states.

Pros

• It has color modes, and that makes it convenient to check the temperature in the dark.
• You can mute/unmute sounds coming from the thermometer, and that is great around children who do not like sudden noises.
• It is swift and accurate to ±0.1° F!
• It is a versatile tool to have at home since you can use it to measure body temperature, and you can use it for cooking.

Cons

• It loses accuracy in long-distance measures.

Solution – Since this is a home thermometer, you actually have no scenario when you need to use it from a distance. In close range, no thermometer is more accurate.

Fluke 62 Max Thermometer

The Fluke 62 is a thermometer that is exceptionally renowned for its accuracy, speed, versatility, and durability. The Fluke 62 Max and the Max Plus is everything the 62 is, and so much more. You have a better range, accuracy, and dependability all round. The only backside is that the thermometer is not as great as the 561 HVAC Pro, however, considering that this is less the half the price of the former, this more than makes up for it.

The thermometer has a great range from -22° F to +932° F (-30° C to 500° C). This range is almost the same as that of the 561, however, at less than half the price. Although the Plus version is indeed as good as the 561, however, so is the price.

With the impressive range, comes impressive accuracy up to ±1.0° C or 1% of reaching. The latter means that the closer you get to your subject, the more accurate the result will be. However, since the ratio of distance to spot is 10:1, you can measure your temperature from a great distance. In the case of the Plus version, that distance ratio goes up to 12:1!

Even though this is an affordable thermometer, its dependability did not take a hit at all. It has an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, and it can easily take a drop from 3 meters of height. Moreover, as an icing on the cake, it also has a 3-year warranty period.

Unlike other thermometers, this has a large backlight display that is clear and easy to read even in dark areas. Moreover, it has a HI and LO alarm system for readings that are out of range of the thermometer.

Pros

• It is worth the price you pay for it.
• It has good accuracy and speed.
• It has good build quality.
• It is water and dust resistant, making it perfect for industrial areas.

Cons

• It does not come with a clear user manual.

Solution – While the user manual is not that good, their website clearly shows how you can use the thermometer. Also, it is an easy device to use and should not be hard to master.

Fluke 64 Max Infrared Thermometer

Now here is a product that you definitely want to take a look at. The Fluke 64 Max has everything that you can ever need in an industrial-user thermometer. It has great range, accuracy, speed, and durability. In fact, even at the same price, it is superior to the 561 HVAC Pro. All in all, if you have the money to pay for it, this can be the best thermometer for you.

The tool has a greater measuring range than most of the thermometers on the list ranging from -30° C to +600° C (-22° F to +1112° F). However, unlike most other thermometers that have less accuracy with a higher range, this one actually is more accurate. Since the accuracy is up to ±1°C, you can say that it is perfect for industrial uses.         

The distance to spot ratio is also the best you can get on any thermometer at 20:1!

It has a good spectral response ranging from 8 to 14 micrometers.

You get different types of modes such as HI, LO, min, max, and avg. However, the HI and LO are more of an alarm system that tells you that the range you want to measure is out of the thermometer’s capability to measure.

It has an accurate laser pointer for guidance.

Unlike most other thermometers, this one has an auto-capture mode for time and interval settings.

Pros

• It is worth every penny you spend behind it.
• It has a great range from -30° C to +600° C (-22° F to +1112° F).
• It is accurate to ±1° C, and 1% of the reading distance. However, since the distance to measure ratio is 20:1, it is insanely accurate, and you can be well away from your subject to get the temperature.
• It has great durability and has a good warranty period.
• It has 30 hours of battery time!

Cons

• It does not come with a good user manual.

Solution – While the user manual is not good, you can easily bypass that by searching YouTube or Fluke's website, which is good enough.

Infrared Thermometer Forehead Thermometer

The Infrared Thermometer Forehead Gun is more affordable than most of the devices on the list. Note that this is a home thermometer, and you cannot use it for industrial purposes at all. However, even though this is more affordable than the previous home thermometer, this one has a greater range and quicker measuring time.

The infrared thermometer has a great range than most home thermometers ranging from 32.0°C to 42.9°C (89.6°F to 109.2°F). In case of objects, the range is a lot bigger, ranging from 0°C to 118°C (32°F to 244.4°F). The greater range not only makes it an excellent device to measure body temperature, but it is also great to have at hand when cooking.

The accuracy of the device is great when measuring body temperature since it is accurate to ±0.2°C or ±0.4°F. However, when you measure objects, it is accurate to ±1.0°C or ±1.8°F. At such an affordable price, it is natural that efficiency decreases when the range increases.

While this cannot be a viable option when you consider industrial environments, it can, however, stand harsh medical environments. Its effective non-contact range is about 5 – 15 cm. Also, its effective application environment should be between 10°C to around 40°C, with less than or equal to 80% humidity. Last of all, you can store it in places where the temperature should not exceed 55°C or go below -22°C.

The readings and microchip of the thermometer are excellent. You can measure temperature within one second, and it does not make any kind of sound in the process; this is great when you have a sleeping baby with you. Also, to make things easier, it has three different color modes that tell you whether your condition is good, concerning, or severe.

Pros

• It is an affordable thermometer.
• It gives a precise and accurate reading, and it is fast!
• It has a one-year-long warranty period.
• It is silent and easy to read.
• It is hassle-free as you only need to press one button to start your operation.
• It has three different backlights to tell you about your condition.

Cons

• It is not FDA approved.

Solution – It does say that it is FDA approved, but it is not; however, they rested it themselves.

• It is not accurate for animals.

Solution – This is actually accurate in many cases; however, if it is not, use the warranty.

Non-Contact

The Non-Contact Thermometer is like any other home thermometers on the list. There are no significant differences that stand out; however, the price is lower than what you will find on others. It has good enough range, accuracy, and speed. Moreover, it has a good distance to spot ratio for home thermometers. If you are looking for an affordable thermometer that does a good and quick job of giving you results, then this is it.

Since this is an affordable thermometer, its range it just good enough for you to measure body temperature, it has a range from 32 to 42°C or 89 to 107°F. If you read the reviews above, then you will note that this has two degrees of temperature less than those; however, you certainly do not need them when measuring human body temperature, and considering the price, it is worth the sacrifice.

This thermometer is also very accurate to ±0.3°F. Now the accuracy here definitely makes it better than the previous two home thermometers, even at a lower cost.

It has a large body, and screen so that you do not have any problems looking at the readings. Moreover, it has ample light to let you use it during the day or night.

Since this is an infrared thermometer, there is no danger of it breaking and leaking mercury, which is a hazardous element.

You have to keep in mind that this does not have any IP certifications; therefore, you cannot expose this to water or dust too much, and you also have to make sure that you do not expose the thermometer to sunlight for a long time.

For an accurate reading, keep in mind to allow a one-minute interval between two readings.

Pros

• It is very accurate, and the readings are speedy.
• The lights are bright enough that you can use it in any environment.
• Even though it is bulky and rugged, it is effortless and comfortable to use.
• It has a large display.
• It is straightforward to use, and you can take measurements with just a push of a button.

Cons

            ** No apparent negative features to worry about.

Digital Infrared Forehead Thermometer

The Digital Infrared Forehead thermometer is like the Rolls Royce of home infrared thermometers. Even though this costs quite a lot when you compare it to standard home thermometers, it is for a good cause. First of all, this is very easy to use, and to the point that you do not even need a user manual to understand it. Moreover, even though this is a premium home thermometer, it is not that expensive.

This is a one of a kind thermometer that does not require you to use any kind of button. Also, this is almost 300% faster than most other thermometers in the market.

Unlike many home thermometers that only give you the option to choose between °C or °F, this thermometer is adjustable, and you can use either one. You can switch between the two in a matter of seconds.

Since this is a premium thermometer, it is CE and FDA certified; this means that the thermometer is both hygienic and non-toxic. Therefore, this thermometer is safer than most thermometers in the market.

There are three different backlights for different scenarios; green means you a perfectly healthy, yellow is a warning, and red means that you have a severe fever.

The device has a good range for a home thermometer, ranging from 34.5°C to 41.9°C. Moreover, the tool is also accurate to ±0.3°C.

The test distance should not be more than 3 to 5 cm if you want to get a good reading.

You need two AAA batteries to run the thermometer, and it runs at 30mW.

The thermometer automatically turns off after 15s to save battery.

Pros

• It is dependable and is a premium tool that is worth every penny.
• It has good accuracy at ±0.3°C and has good reading rage from 3 – 5cm.
• It has three backlights that are convenient in dark places.
• You can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit in a matter of seconds.

Cons

• It does not come with a clear user manual.

EnnoLogic Temperature Gun

Now here is a thermometer that is for industrial usage but is very affordable without being a failure. Like all industrial thermometers, you have to keep in mind that its accuracy is completely inaccurate to measure whether you have a fever. However, since this is an inexpensive thermometer, you can easily use it at home if you are cooking.

The measuring range of the thermometer is insanely impressive since it is comparable to thermometers that are over 200 USD. The range is from -58°F to 1202°F or -50°C to 650°C; this kind of range clearly is an insane bargain for thermometers that costs the same as home thermometers.

The readings are accurate to ±1% of reading plus 1°C or 2°F; or, you can just say that it is accurate to ±2°C or ±3.5°F.

Another premium feature that comes with the thermometer is the Min, Max, Avg display that is available in premium industrial thermometers like the Fluke HVAC Pro.

You get two built-in laser pointers to help you accurately identify your subject from a long distance. Since the distance to spot ratio is 10:1, the lasers become very convenient at maximum distance.

There is a large display that is very clear to read, and you can change the backlight very easily.

You get the option to choose between Fahrenheit and Celsius; you can also turn off the backlight and toggle the laser at will. All these features carry over to your next use, and you do not need to change them every time.

It comes with a huge 10-years warranty period! This clearly tells you that the product is a dependable one since no company will give you a warranty period that long if the product is not a good and long-lasting one.

Pros

• It has a long 10-years warranty period!
• It has a good range from -58°F to 1202°F or -50°C to 650°C.
• It has a good 10:1 distance to spot ratio.
• It has adjustable emissivity that provides good accuracy for different products.
• It has a large and clear display, which is also bright.
• It is an affordable industrial infrared thermometer.

Cons

• It is sometimes inaccurate.

Solution – You need to know the emissivity of an object's surface to get an accurate reading.

Amprobe IR-730 Infrared Thermometer

The Amprobe IR-730 is a juggernaut that anyone wants in their home and in a workspace. Even though its specs are some of the best you will see on the list, its price is surprisingly low, and that is because Amprobe is not a well-known brand for thermometers. However, make no mistake that is one beast of a device to have at hand, whether for industrial purposes or for cooking at home. You just have to keep in mind that this is not suitable for measuring human body temperature.

The Amprobe IR-730 has the largest range amongst all the thermometers yet; it ranges from -26°F to +2282°F or -32°C to 1250°C! This kind of range not only makes it a great tool to have at home, but it also makes it a great thermometer for all kinds of industrial purposes.

The range of the thermometer makes it incredibly versatile since you can use it for many purposes such as cooking, outdoor grilling, automotive testing, HVAC/R service, electrical maintenance. You can also use it for industrial maintenance, fire prevention, and hobbyist applications!

The thermometer is also very fast and responsive. It is also accurate to ±1.8% of the distance. It is even more accurate than most premium thermometers since it has an adjustable emissivity system from 0.1 to 1.00.

It has a large and bright LCD display that is convenient in both dark and bright spaces.

It has a 10 hours battery life, and you extend it to 30 hours if you do not use the backlight.

You can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit with just a push of a button.

Like all industries, this has a laser pointer to pinpoint your subject accurately. The laser here is even more accurate and robust since the distance to spot ratio is 30:1!

Pros

• It is a premium infrared thermometer at an affordable price.
• It has a large measurement range from -26°F to +2282°F or -32°C to 1250°C!
• It has an insane distance to spot ratio – 30:1.
• It has a large and bright LCD display.
• It has a built-in laser pointer for accurate measurement.
• It has a long 10 hours battery life!

Cons

** No apparent negative features to worry about.

Kizen LaserPro LP300 Infrared Thermometer Non-Contact

The Kizen LaserPro LP300 is another infrared thermometer that is an excellent device for industrial purposes. The biggest reason for this to be on the list is that this is even more affordable than most home thermometers on the market. However, the LP300 is as good as some of the best premium infrared thermometers on the market. It has a good measurement range, accuracy, and speed. If you are looking for an affordable infrared thermometer that does all your jobs perfectly, then this might be for you.

It has a good measurement range from -58°F to +1112°F or -50°C to +600°C. While the upper range is something that is not out of the ordinary, the lower range is certainly something that you do not even see in premium thermometers.

Since this is an industrial infrared thermometer, you cannot use this to measure body temperature since it is not that accurate; however, since it is accurate to 1.8% of the distance. Moreover, the distance to spot ratio is 12:1, and while it is not extraordinary to any extent, it is enough for almost all purposes. To get the best result, make sure to stand within 14 inches or 36 cm away from your object.

The distance to spot ratio, together with the adjustable emissivity, will make sure that you get the most accurate result possible. You can adjust the emissivity from 0.1 to 1.0; however, you have to know the emissivity of the object first since the wrong number can give you inaccurate results.

This particular thermometer is faster than most other thermometers since its response time is less than 500ms!

You can easily toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit within seconds.

The biggest reason to purchase the device is its 100% cashback lifetime warranty that Kizen provides! This easily proves that the thermometer is the most dependable one in the list.

Pros

• It is very affordable.
• It provides a 100% cashback lifetime warranty.
• It is insanely fast with a response time of less than 500ms.
• It has adjustable emissivity and is very accurate.
• You can toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit in seconds.
• It is very versatile.
• It has certifications from CE and RoHS.

Cons

• It is complicated to use if you do not read the manual.

Handheld Forehead Gun Infrared Body Temperature Gun Thermometer 

The Handheld Forehead Gun is probably the most affordable thermometer on the list. The main selling point of the gun is its price, as there is nothing that stands out about the device. However, even though the measuring range is short, it is enough to measure body temperature, and its accuracy is good enough for hospitals.

The thermometer has a measuring range from 32 – 42.9°C or 89.6°F – 109.2°F. While this is not the most extensive range you will find on the market, there really is no need for a thermometer to exceed that range since fevers usually are no that extreme at home.

While the range is nothing special, the accuracy more than makes up for it since it is accurate to ±0.1°C. There are only a few infrared thermometers in the market that is this accurate, but none are at this price range.

The distance to spot ratio is less than that of industrial thermometers, but that is true for all home thermometers. You need to be around 5 to 10 cm from your subject to get an accurate reading.

The thermometer has the latest thermal detection system because of the infrared lens technology. The new system allows you to get even the minimal temperature change in your body.

Unlike most other home thermometers that take more than five seconds to give you a result, this device will give you your reading in one second! At such a price point, this is worth every penny you pay for it.

Pros

• It is very fast and accurate.
• It has a good distance to spot ratio for a home thermometer.
• It has the latest infrared lens technology to detect even the slightest of changes in body temperature.
• It is very affordable.

Cons

• This has the shortest range amongst all the thermometers on the list.

Solution – While this has a short range of measurements, it is still enough for measuring human body temperature as the limits are well within the range of what is possible for a human.

Vendun Non-Contact Thermometer

The Vendun Non-Contact Thermometer is the cheapest thermometer on the list and has the least features available of all. However, it does a fairly good job of measuring your body temperature. However, you have to keep in mind that this is for those who are on a very tight budget since this is not versatile at all, nor is it very dependable since you do not get any warranty with the device.

This is not an industrial thermometer, nor is it a medical one, you can use it to measure water temperature, food temperature, milk temperature, food temperature, and such. Make sure that if you take human body temperature, you can treat is only as a reference since the accuracy is not good enough for medical judgment.

Unlike most other thermometers, this has a surface model and a body mode for versatility. Since you can measure the temperature of different objects, this is necessary. For example, the surface temperature of the water is often very different from what is under.

To get an accurate reading, you need to be within 3 – 10 cm of the object you are measuring.

There is a temperature alert for high and low temperatures. For the default setup, the alarm is set at 37.5°C.

You can easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit with just a push of a button.

You can see the scope of error with each reading you take, and you can compensate for that error by taking it into account.

While the measurements are not accurate enough for medical purposes, it is, however, fast.

You can measure body temperature from 32°C to 42.9°C, and you can measure the temperature of an object from 0°C to 100°C. However, you have to keep in mind that the working environment should be around 10° to 40°C for the thermometer to work properly.

Pros

• It is an affordable thermometer.
• It is fast and accurate for measuring the temperature of objects.
• You can change between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• There is an alarm system for custom temperature ranges.

Cons

• You cannot use this to measure the temperature of the human body.

Digital Thermometer Non-Contact Infrared

The last one on the list is the Digital Thermometer Non-Contact Infrared Household Temperature Gun. Although it is last, it certainly is not the worst, and that cake goes to the previous one. However, the main reason this comes last is because this thermometer does not come with anything except the thermometer itself, and not even any batteries. However, aside from that alone, there really is no negative sides at all. In fact, given the price, it is surprisingly versatile.

The measuring range of the thermometer is 0°C to 100°C. You will see that this range makes the tool very versatile since you can measure the body temperature of both humans and animals to a very accurate degree. Moreover, the range is also good enough for you to use it when cooking dishes.

This thermometer is also very unique since there are no other thermometers on the list that has a memory that backs up your previous data at such a price point.

The thermometer is also very fast and accurate. The measurement deviation is ±0.2°C, and you can take measurements with just the push of one button.

The LCD display is large and bright, and the entire thermometer has strong adaptability to different environments, making it very easy to use it in different conditions.

Unlike most other thermometers, it can automatically adjust the distance from the subject. However, the best distance you should be to get accurate results is from 3 to 15cm.

The thermometer is lightweight and sturdy, and it can survive a fall. However, even though it is a sturdy device, there are no IP certifications. Therefore, you do not want it anywhere near deep water.

Pros

• It is affordable, yet very versatile.
• It is very fast and accurate to ±0.2°C.
• You can use it to check the body temperatures of your pet, and you can use it when cooking.
• It has a large and bright display with clear to read words.
• It has a large range of measurement.
• It has a good distance to spot ratio for a home thermometer.

Cons

• It does not come with any user manual or battery.

What to look for before buying an Infrared Thermometer

Temperature Range

Temperature Range is one of the most important things you can think about when buying an infrared thermometer. You will see that in normal cases, the broader the range is, the lower the accuracy will be. Premium thermometers have ranges that are from -40°C to +550°C or -48°F to 1250°F.

However, when it comes to home thermometers, the premium ones usually have a range from 0°C to 100°C. They usually have switch modes that shorten it to 89.5ׄ°F to 110°F. Although these are abundant in the market, few are as good as they say, and these are better if you look at brands here. Moreover, you will also find thermometers that can only measure temperature from 89.5ׄ°F to 110°F; and these are pretty affordable, and you will find them everywhere. 

Brand

A brand is partially important when it comes to infrared thermometers since there are hundreds on thermometers in the market that are brandless, yet very good, even as good as some of the best thermometers on the market. However, that said, there are some brands out there that are indeed very good, and some of them are – Fluke, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Etekcity, and Cuisinart.

Even though these brands produce some of the best-infrared thermometers in the market, they are not the only ones. Our list contains many thermometers that are brandless, yet dominate premium tools, and these come at a fairly reasonable price.

Accuracy

Accuracy is very important when it comes to home thermometers or medical thermometers. These home or medical thermometers usually have an accuracy of ±0.1°C or ±0.2°F. However, industrial thermometers are usually not this accurate, and they average around ±1.5°C. Even though this might sound too much, if you consider that industrial thermometers have ranged from -50 to +1250 degree C, this amount of inaccuracy is acceptable.

Also, keep in mind that speed has nothing to do with accuracy since there are many thermometers with a response time of less than 500ms that have insane accuracy.

Energy Efficiency

Almost all thermometers run on batteries, and they are more or less equally efficient. The thing here is that if you choose random thermometers on a similar price and genre, their energy efficiency will be nearly the same. You can also increase energy conservation if you turn off the backlight.

Emissivity

Emissivity is a very important thing to note if especially if you are looking to buy an industrial thermometer. The surface of every object has some reflectiveness that your IR thermometer needs to adjust to if you want to get the most accurate result possible. Most professional-grade thermometers have adjustability between 0.1 – 1.0. All you need to do is a figure about the emissivity of your object, and you will be set. Most thermometers have a default value set at 0.95. While this is good enough for most cases, you will not be able to measure the temperature of liquids with that number accurately.

DS or Distance to Spot Ratio

Distance to Spot Ratio does not matter if you are planning to buy a home or medical thermometers since you will do the measurements up close. However, this is always not the case when you take into account the industrial measurements. There will be times when you will not be able to get close due to intense heat, and this is where the distance to spot ratio matters the most.

The DS ratio refers to the area in front of your thermometer, and it refers to the area you will take the reading from. The most common DS ratio is 12:1, and that refers to a distance of 12 inches, and a measurement zone of 1 inch. The closer the distance to spot ratio is, the more accurate your readings will be.

Warranty

Warranty is always an important thing to note since that will help you fix your issues without any cost. Many brands give out excellent warranty periods, and there are those who do not offer any warranties at all. You will find that most companies offer 90 days warranty while in rare cases some even offer lifetime warranties!

Your Budget

This is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when buying an infrared thermometer since there is a large selection to choose from. If you are looking for a home thermometer, then just one with a lower price range will suffice, and without sacrificing any crucial features. However, the best professional-grade thermometers cost around 200 USD, and a low budget plan will not be sufficient. If you are looking for an industrial-grade thermometer that is fast and accurate, then you must have a healthy budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use an Infrared Thermometer?

Infrared Thermometers are incredibly easy to use. You just need to point your thermometer at the person/object you want to measure the temperature of and press the measure button. However, keep in mind the distance to spot ratio since that directly relates to the accuracy.

What is an Infrared thermometer used for cooking?

You cannot use medical or most home thermometers for cooking since the temperature range is pretty low.

You can use an infrared thermometer in multi ways when cooking; you can check the temperature of an oven or of a fridge. You can also check the optimal temperature of your dish when on the stove, and check whether your dish or beverage is in the perfect temperature for serving.

How does an infrared thermometer work?

An infrared thermometer detects light from an object, and these types of devices are called thermophiles. Now, a thermometer absorbs the infrared radiation and converts it into numbers that are similar to heat energy. Therefore, you can say that the greater the infrared radiation is, the higher the temperature will be.

Is infrared thermometer accurate?

Mainly, there are two types of infrared thermometers, and they are – medical/home or industrial-grade thermometers. Now, medical or home thermometers are always more accurate than industrial thermometers. Most medical thermometers are accurate to ±0.1°C, whereas the best industrial thermometers are accurate to ±1.0°C or more.

How does an infrared thermometer sensor work?

The sensor of an infrared thermometer focuses on the infrared radiation that emits from the surface of an object or a person.

What type of thermometer is the most accurate?

Traditional mercury thermometers are generally the most accurate, but they are quite hard to read. Therefore, if you want speed and accuracy together, then consider an infrared thermometer that can measure temperature from your ear as those are the most accurate.

Are infrared thermometers safe?

Normal IR thermometers are very safe since they emit almost no radiation for your skin to feel that burning sensation. However, laser IR thermometers are harmful, and you should never use them on babies.

Will an infrared thermometer work on water?

An infrared thermometer can only check the surface temperature of the water and not its depth, even though the laser can penetrate the surface, and the temperature of the water is not even across a full container.

How do you calibrate an infrared thermometer?

• If you follow these few steps, then you can properly calibrate your thermometer.
• Fill a large glass with crushed ice.
• Now, add very cold water until you reach about 1 inch below the ice surface at the top.
• Stir the mixture for a minute or two and let it sit.
• Now, create open water where there is no ice floating.
• Now, check that your thermometer has the emissivity settings to 0.95.
• Hold your thermometer very close to the water surface perpendicularly. (N.B. You must do this exactly as stated.)
• Take extra care that the thermometer’s field of view is inside the glass and calculate the temperature.
• Now, if the thermometer shows 0.0°C or 32.0°F, your reading is correct.

N.B. If ice floats to the top of your glass, then the ice bath is warmer than 0°C.

Can infrared thermometer measure air temperature?

Yes, however, only HVAC IR thermometers can properly measure air temperature.

What are some uses of an infrared thermometer?

There are several uses of an infrared thermometer; however, you cannot use one thermometer to do them all. Accurate thermometers can properly measure the temperature of living beings for medical purposes; however, they have a limited range of measurements.

However, industrial-grade thermometers can measure air temperature, air temperature, motor/car temperature, and many more. You can also use most home thermometers to measure your optimal temperature while cooking.

Are infrared thermometers harmful to kids?

No, home thermometers emit almost no IR radiation to be harmful; however, be careful never to use Laser IR thermometers since they are most certainly harmful.

Can I use a general-purpose infrared thermometer to measure human forehead temperature?

Normally, you cannot, since general-purpose thermometers are usually accurate to ±1.5°C; and this is not accurate for medical purposes at all.

What are the limitations of an infrared thermometer?

The biggest limitation of an infrared thermometer is that it cannot take measurements of air or liquid. More than that, it also cannot take accurate measurements in very high or low temperatures and in high humidity. Also, thermometers with special features like HVAC/R are very expensive.

How does distance affect an infrared thermometer?

Home/Medical thermometers are extremely bad when you use it from a distance and will give readings that are not accurate at all since the distance to spot ratio is so low. However, industrial-grade thermometers are a little better that way since they have a high distance to spot ratio. However, the one constant thing is that distance will always decrease accuracy.

How safe is the infrared thermometer?

IR thermometers are safe since they emit almost no IR radiation. However, keep away from a Laser IR thermometer as they are harmful.

What happens if I point an infrared thermometer at the sun?

It will not get the result you desire since the sun is very far away. The best-case scenario will be that you get an HI or error message. However, most thermometers will give you a reading that is 99% of the space in front of you, and only 1% will be that of the sun.

How accurate are infrared thermometer? How are they used?

Home thermometers and medical thermometers are generally accurate to ±0.2°C. In contrast, industrial-grade thermometers are way above that, usually around ±1.5°C.

Are industrial type thermometers safe to use on humans?

Industrial thermometers are safe to use if you turn off the laser pointers; however, they are not safe enough for medical judgments since they are very inaccurate.

Is there any side effect of using an infrared thermometer daily?

There are no side effects from using an infrared thermometer daily since they emit almost no radiation at all. While you should not use laser pointers on babies, they do almost on harm to you since they point to a very small part of you. So even if you use it for a year straight, you will see no notable difference.

Editor’s Pick

Best Industrial-Grade Thermometer – Fluke 561 HVAC Pro

The Fluke 561 HVAC Pro is the Rolls Royce if all industrial-grade thermometer since it can do everything you need from one. It has the HVAC system for measuring air temperature as accurately as possible, and that helps massively with air conditioners. You also have a good enough measurement range from -40°F to +1022°F. Also, the distance to spot ratio is 12:1, and that lets you use it from a good distance away from the subject in question if the temperature of your surroundings is very high. Moreover, it has a battery life of 12 hours, and that is with the backlight on. To top it all off, you have a long 2-years warranty that will help you in trouble.

Now, this thermometer here is something you never see every day. This multi-functional infrared gun is probably the most versatile thermometer you will find on the market, especially since it has a high measurement range but also a high level of accuracy. You can switch between two modes that let you measure body temperature and enables you to use it when cooking! This feature permanently removes the disadvantage of having a high measurement range. Apart from this exceptional feature, it is also fast, has a reasonable warranty period, and has a long battery life!

Conclusion

With this, we bring this adventure to an end, and we sincerely hope that this will help you gather insights on Infrared thermometers. The list contains all the best home and industrial thermometers in the market, and the guide later contains all the essential features an infrared thermometer has. Put all the information together, and it will help you completely understand the ins and outs of an infrared thermometer. With everything here, we hope that you find the best infrared thermometer out there for you!