Do you know the IR thermometer? The best IR thermometer calculates the temperature based on the amount of thermal radiation emitted by the measured object. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to meet a range of needs.

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IR Infrared Thermometers are used by HVACR technicians, electricians, plumbers, building inspectors, manufacturing technicians, food processing inspectors, and homeowners.

The Common styles are gun-style IR thermometers, food-grade IR thermometers, and visual IR thermometers. Some models include temperature probe options for contact readings.

IR Thermometer

An infrared (IR) thermometer, also known as a non-contact thermometer or a temperature gun, is a device used to measure the temperature of objects or surfaces without making physical contact. It works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by an object, which is directly related to its temperature.

IR thermometers typically consist of an optical system that collects and focuses the infrared radiation emitted by the object being measured, a detector that converts the radiation into an electrical signal, and a display or readout that shows the temperature measurement.

The device may also include additional features such as a laser pointer for aiming, adjustable emissivity settings for different types of surfaces, and a memory function to store temperature readings.

IR thermometers are widely used in various applications, including industrial settings, food safety, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, automotive diagnostics, medical and healthcare settings, and home use.

They are particularly useful for measuring the temperature of objects that are hot, hard to reach, moving, or sensitive to contact, as they provide quick and non-invasive temperature readings.

However, it’s important to note that the accuracy of an IR thermometer depends on various factors, such as the distance to the object, the emissivity of the surface being measured, and the ambient temperature, and they may not be as accurate as contact thermometers for certain applications.

The 10 Best IR Thermometers for 2024

Infrared thermometers have become a favored choice for measuring temperatures without physical contact. They are widely used in various industries, including medicine, food, automotive, and more. With so many options available in the market, finding the best IR thermometer that suits your needs can be overwhelming. We have compiled a list of the 10 best IR thermometers available to make your search easier.

1. Fluke 62 Max Plus: Known for its durability and accuracy, the Fluke 62 Max Plus is designed to withstand harsh environments. It has a dual laser targeting strategy and a broad temperature spectrum, making it ideal for industrial applications.

2. Etekcity Lasergrip 800: This non-contact infrared thermometer offers a distance-to-spot ratio of 16:1, allowing for accurate temperature measurements from a safe distance. It also features a backlit LCD and a convenient auto-off function.

3. Klein Tools IR5: With a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio, the Klein Tools IR5 offers a reliable and accurate temperature measurement. It has a wide temperature range and rugged design, making it suitable for residential and commercial use.

4. Extech IR200: The Extech IR200 is a compact and easy-to-use IR thermometer. It features a built-in laser pointer, adjustable emissivity, and a large backlit show for easy reading. Its temperature range and accuracy make it suitable for various applications.

5. Flir TG165: The Flir TG165 is a unique IR thermometer that combines thermal imaging with spot temperature measurement. It allows you to visualize temperature differences and identify potential issues quickly. It is perfect for electrical, HVAC, and building inspections.

6. Amprobe IR-450: The Amprobe IR-450 offers a high distance-to-spot ratio of 50:1, allowing for precise temperature measurements from a distance. It has a built-in laser pointer, adjustable emissivity, and a large temperature range suitable for various applications.

7. Milwaukee 2267-20: Designed for professional use, the Milwaukee 2267-20 offers a wide temperature range and impressive accuracy. It has a durable construction and intuitive controls, making it a reliable choice for HVAC technicians and contractors.

8. General Tools IRT207: The General Tools IRT207 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality. It features a built-in laser pointer, adjustable emissivity, and a tight design that fits comfortably in your hand.

9. Raytek MT6: The Raytek MT6 is a versatile IR thermometer suitable for industrial and home use. It has a dual laser targeting system and a wide temperature range, allowing quick and accurate measurements.

10. Mastercool 52224-A: The Mastercool 52224-A is specifically designed for automotive applications. It features a dual laser targeting system, adjustable emissivity, and a rubber boot for protection. Its high accuracy and temperature range make it ideal for automotive technicians.

Choosing the suitable IR thermometer depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like temperature range, distance-to-spot ratio, accuracy, and additional features before purchasing. You can confidently measure temperatures accurately and efficiently with any of the 10 best IR thermometers mentioned above.

Types of Infrared Thermometers

This video demonstrates the Ex-tech 42511 Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer. It is just one of the IR gun-style thermometers available. It features adjustable impassivity, audible alarm alerts, and more.

Food Grade IR Thermometers: Food Grade IR thermometers meet GMPs and HACCP requirements set by the FDA. They are used to ensure food safety, quality, and consistency by measuring and logging food temperatures during cooking, serving, cooling, storage, transport, and reheating.

Visual IR Thermometer: Visual IR Thermometers combine the convenience of a spot thermometer with the visual advantage of a thermal imager, creating a brand-new tool category. They feature a troubleshooting camera with an infrared heat map that instantly identifies the exact location of the problem.

This video demonstrates the Fluke VT02 Visual IR Thermometer. It works by taking a visual image and applying a thermal heat map.

Choosing an IR Thermometer

The field of view is essential to obtain an accurate temperature reading. The target being measured should fill the field of view of the instrument.

A measurement error can occur if the background temperature is different from the object’s temperature. This is why the distance-to-spot ratio is important when selecting an IR thermometer.

The distance-to-spot ratio (D:S) is the ratio of the distance to the object and the diameter of the temperature measurement area. The larger the ratio number is the better the instrument’s resolution, and the smaller the spot size that can be measured.

For instance, an IR thermometer with a 50:1 ratio will accurately measure the temperatures of smaller objects than an IR thermometer with a 10:1 ratio. If the D:S ratio is 10:1, the measurement of an object 10 inches (25.4 cm) away will average the temperature over a 1-inch (25 mm) diameter area.

A ratio of 50:1 will measure a 1-inch (25mm) diameter area that is 50 inches (127 cm) away. When selecting an IR thermometer consider the distance from the target to be measured and select a model with an appropriate distance-to-spot ratio.

Temperature Range

When selecting an IR thermometer, a wide temperature range is important. Since these thermometers are used in applications with very high and very low temperatures, the thermometer must be able to accurately measure these temperatures.

This is especially important in food and beverage applications as well as applications that measure frozen materials.

Adjustable Emissivity: Emissivity is the ratio of energy radiated (invisible heat) by a material to the energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. It is the only type of heat that can be used to measure the surface temperature of an object. Reflected and transmitted heat cannot be used.

However, IR thermometers recognize reflected, transmitted, and emitted heat, so the device must be adjusted to read-only emitted heat to provide a surface temperature.

A black body will have an emissivity of 1 and objects will have a value between 0 and 1. The emissivity of common objects is generally available in the IR thermometer instruction manual or on the internet.

Better IR thermometers have adjustable emissivity settings. Others have a pre-set emissivity of 0.95. For better results with these 0.95 fixed models use emissivity tape, available from equipment, on the surface to be measured.

To learn more about emissivity tape, see the section “What is Non-Reflective Tape for IR Thermometers (Emissivity Tape)?” below.

Data Capture:  When selecting an IR thermometer, look at the data logging features. Many store dozens of reads and feature connectivity options that allow for easy recording and analysis. This makes the user’s job easier and more efficient.

Additional Features of IR Thermometer to Consider

Fast Response Time

1. A dual laser targeting system helps approximate the target spot size

2. Large backlit LCD

3. Automatic temperature “hold” when the trigger is released

4. Display and backlight turn off after 15 seconds of inactivity

5. Auto-power off after 60 seconds of inactivity °F and °C select-able

6. Lightweight

7. Thermocouple port

8. Min/Max. modes

9. High and Low-temperature alarm

10. Differential and Average Temperature functions

11. Low battery indication

12. Includes Certificate of Traceable Calibration

13. ROHS, CE, and WEEE approved

14. Meets GMPs and HACCP requirements set by the FDA.

15. HACCP check lights for instant recognition of safe/unsafe temperatures

16. Countdown timer to monitor cooking, cooling, and HACCP exposure times

17. Velcro pipe probe for superheat, sub-cooling, or other contact and ambient measurements

18. Easily trend and analyze data with the included software

19. See your data right away without leaving the site, using the USB and your laptop for “Hands-free” data logging

20. Built-in fold-out probe for measuring internal food temperatures

21. Quick hot and cold spot finders –  available in visual, infrared, and blended views

22. Almost invisible penetration hole due to special food probe  

Buying Guideline

Simply Point and Press

These amazing thermometers measure the temperature of an object without ever touching it. The temperature is instantly shown on a digital scale to a fraction of a degree in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

IR Thermometers determine temperature by measuring the black body radiation given off by substances above temperature. Black body radiation is a function of both the temperature and the emissivity of an object.

The instrument is set for an emissivity of 0.95 which is common for objects other than metals or shiny surfaces. Measure the temperature of metal requires aiming at a piece of black tape placed on the object.

Because temperature is decided quickly, without direct contact, these thermometers were wont to pre-screen travelers to prevent the spread of the SARS Virus!

Fun to Use!

Easily measure the temperature of:

Solids – very difficult with a daily laboratory thermometer!

Containers of liquids

Food & coffee in restaurants

The surface temperature of living animals

Sealed terrariums

Record temperature without changing it – No need for a heat capacity of thermometer calculation.

Safety

Best IR Thermometers are extremely safe! They avoid the hazardous glass, mercury, or alcohol found in regular laboratory thermometers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the best IR thermometer?

Answer: BTMeter BT-1500. Best infrared thermometer for high temperatures. Time to reading: 0.25 sec | Accurate Range: -50˚C to 1500˚C (-56˚F to 2,738˚F) | Accuracy margin: +/- 2% | Distance spot ratio: 30:1

Etekcity Lasergrip 774. Simple, cheap but effective pistol-grip ABS IR thermometer.

Q. Can you take your temperature with an IR thermometer?

Answer: It is not advisable to use a general-purpose infrared thermometer to live human forehead temperature. That’s because objects tend to emit infrared more efficiently.

Q. How does an IR thermometer work?

Answer: A handheld best IR thermometer typically uses a lens to focus light from one object onto a detector, called a thermopile. The thermopile absorbs the IR radiation and turns it into heat. The more IR energy, the warmer the thermopile gets.

Q. Can IR thermometers read through glass?

Answer: Infrared thermometers: don’t “see-through” glass, liquids, or other transparent surfaces – albeit light (like a laser) passes through them (i.e. if you point an IR gun at a window, you’ll be measuring the temperature of the windowpane, not the outside temp).

Final Thoughts

Our rugged infrared thermometers measure temperature for a variety of industries – from power utility to petrochemical. One handheld device can display temperatures for mechanical equipment, heating and ventilation systems, or electrical systems. We stock easy-to-use models with high accuracy in compact sizes.

These instruments use laser light technology to deliver safe, non-contact readings of the warmth given off by an object. You can order high-temperature best IR thermometers that provide the minimum, maximum, or average temperature.

Whether you need a standard thermometer for HVAC or an instrument for production applications, our outstanding products from Fluke will keep you on target.