Do you know How to use an infrared thermometer, an infrared thermometer, sometimes called a laser thermometer, is a useful tool in a commercial kitchen, allowing you to quickly and accurately determine surface temperatures from a distance.
This can be handy for checking griddle surface temperatures or verifying when an open deck oven is prepared to bake. Infrared temperature guns also are an excellent choice for frozen foods, which may be impossible to penetrate with probes.
Because there is no contact with the food products, it’s not necessary to clean and sanitize the thermometer between uses, though the handle should be cleaned if used by a cook who just handled potential cross-contamination sources.
The ease of use makes this type of thermometer ideal for most food safety checks. To urge an accurate reading, it’s important to use an infrared thermometer properly.
Infrared Thermometer
An infrared thermometer, also known as a non-contact thermometer or temperature gun, is a device used to measure the temperature of an object or surface without making physical contact with it. It works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the object, which is then converted into an electrical signal that is displayed as a temperature reading.
Infrared thermometers are commonly used in industrial, medical, and scientific applications to measure the temperature of objects that are difficult or dangerous to access, such as moving machinery, electrical components, or human body temperature. They are also used in cooking and food preparation to measure the temperature of hot liquids, meats, and other food items.
One advantage of infrared thermometers is that they can provide fast and accurate temperature readings without the need for direct contact, which can be particularly useful in situations where hygiene or safety is a concern. However, it’s important to note that infrared thermometers can be affected by environmental factors such as air currents or reflections, so it’s important to use them correctly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Use Infrared Thermometer
Using an infrared thermometer, also known as a non-contact thermometer, is a simple and convenient way to measure the temperature of an object or a person without making physical contact. Here are the steps to use an infrared thermometer effectively:
Prepare the Infrared Thermometer: Ensure that the thermometer is clean and free from any dirt or debris that could affect its accuracy. Insert fresh batteries if required, and ensure they have sufficient power.
Power On the Thermometer: Turn on the infrared thermometer using the power button or switch if it has one. Some thermometers may have a trigger button that you press to activate the device.
Set the Temperature Mode: Many infrared thermometers allow you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Select your preferred temperature scale if necessary.
Aim the Thermometer: Point the thermometer at the object or surface you want to measure from a reasonable distance. The distance may vary depending on the model, but it’s typically between 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15 cm).
Trigger the Measurement: If your thermometer has a trigger button, press it once to initiate the measurement. If not, simply aim the thermometer at the target and press the measurement button.
Wait for the Reading: The infrared thermometer will emit a laser or LED to indicate where it is measuring. Keep the thermometer steady, and wait for a few seconds for the reading to stabilize.
Record the Temperature: Once the reading has stabilized, the temperature will be displayed on the screen. Write down or remember the reading for your reference. Some thermometers also have a memory function to store previous readings.
Power Off the Thermometer: Turn off the thermometer when you’re finished using it to conserve battery life.
Clean the Thermometer: It’s a good practice to clean the thermometer’s lens with a soft cloth or a cotton swab after each use to prevent any buildup that could affect accuracy.
Store the Thermometer: Keep the infrared thermometer in a safe and clean place for future use.
How Do Infrared Thermometers Work?
To understand why infrared thermometers are used differently than others, it is vital to know how they work. Infrared energy is a type of thermal radiation the thermometer can read from a distance.
Emissivity is how well the surface of an object radiates infrared energy. Organic materials, such as meat and plant byproducts, are rated at 0.95 emissivities, while shiny surfaces usually have much lower ratings since they reflect so much of the energy directed at them.
To address that issue, you can apply a thin layer of oil, an organic material, to any metal surface you need to measure by infrared thermometer before you bring it up to temperature.
However, some models will allow you to adjust the emissivity rating to get a more accurate reading from non-organic materials.
Why Use Infrared Thermometers?
Take Measurements from a Distance
Infrared thermometers are ideal for taking temperatures that require to be tested from a distance. They provide accurate temperatures without ever having to touch the thing you’re measuring.
This is ideal once you can’t insert a search into the item being measured, if the surface is out of reach, or if you’ve got to stay your distance because of high heat. You might use an infrared thermometer to live objects that are:
1. Fragile
2. Dangerous
3. Impenetrable
4. Moving
5. Out of reach
Infrared Thermometers Measure Surface Temperature
Infrared thermometers are great for checking surface temperature; however, they do not measure the interior temperature of an object.
Their speed and relative ease of use have made infrared thermometers invaluable public safety tools in the food service industry, manufacturing, HVAC, asphalt & concrete, labs, and countless other industrial applications.
Limitations of Infrared Thermometers
Infrared thermometers can be very useful when used in the right way and put to task in the right applications. However, before you can develop confidence in their ability to give fast temperatures, you need to understand their limitations.
Using an Infrared Thermometer
The most important thing to understand about using this sort of thermometer is its best uses.
Additional Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Infrared Thermometer
1. Do not look directly into the beam – the laser can cause permanent eye damage
2. Stir all liquid and soft foods before measuring temperatures
3. Sudden ambient temperature changes can make it difficult for the thermometer to get an accurate reading. If you would like to record temperatures during a walk-in cooler.
Place the thermometer within the cooler 20 minutes before you begin taking measurements to make sure more accurate results.
4. Remove all covers, such as glass doors and plastic film, before taking the temperature of a product. There should be no barriers between the thermometer and the product
5. Regularly clean the thermometer, especially the lens, to ensure accurate readings
6. When checking the temperature of a griddle or pan, add oil to the surface and allow it to come to temperature before taking a reading
(FAQs)
Q. Can you use an infrared thermometer on humans?
A. To measure human temperature, you ought to only use infrared thermometers that are FDA-approved. Being FDA-approved means the device has been tested and approved to make sure that it’s safe to use on both infants and adults.
You can inspect one of the simplest non-contact infrared thermometers by ANU here.
Q. What is normal body temperature with an infrared thermometer?
A. NCITs could also be wont to reduce cross-contamination risk and minimize the danger of spreading disease.
Q. Can I take my temperature with an infrared thermometer?
A. Can an infrared thermometer measure the temperature of an object? Yes, most infrared thermometers are often used for monitoring the temperature of both bodies and objects.
With a one-touch button, you’ll adjust the settings to urge accurate readings whenever you’re measuring the temperature.
Q. How do I use an infrared thermometer on my forehead?
A. Aim the probe of the thermometer at the centre of the forehead and maintain a distance of less than 1.18in (3cm) away. Do not touch the forehead directly. Gently press the measurement button to start measuring.
Conclusion
Using an infrared thermometer can be an effective way to measure the temperature of objects and people without making physical contact. Overall, an infrared thermometer can be a useful tool for measuring body temperature and other objects. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use the device correctly to get accurate readings.
