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If you’ve ever wanted to check the temperature of a hot pan, a radiator, or an engine block without getting burned or taking something apart, an infrared thermometer is the gadget that makes it possible. These handheld devices measure surface temperatures from a distance using infrared energy, so you can point, pull the trigger, and get a readout in seconds. They’re fast, hygienic, and perfect for dozens of everyday tasks — from troubleshooting a boiler to checking the perfect sear on a steak.
Infrared thermometers are especially useful when you need speed and safety. Think measuring a roof tile from the ground, checking air vents, or verifying grill grates reach cooking temperature. Unlike contact probes, they eliminate the risk of cross-contamination in food prep and let you keep your hands clear of hot or moving parts.
At their core, infrared thermometers sense the infrared energy emitted by an object and convert that energy into a temperature reading. The device focuses infrared radiation with optics and then translates that signal into an electrical one a microchip can read. The result is a temperature value shown on the screen, usually in under a second — like having a tiny temperature radar in your hand.
Imagine sunlight warming a tabletop: infrared thermometers “see” that heat the same way your skin feels warmth without touching it. The device’s sensor acts like sunglasses that filter and measure the heat instead of visible light — clever, fast, and contact-free.
Adding a laser pointer to an infrared thermometer makes aiming far easier, which is why many hobbyists and pros prefer laser models. The laser isn’t measuring temperature — it’s just a guide that shows the spot you’re sampling. This is especially handy when you’re scanning tight spots on a car engine or a wall cavity and want repeatable, accurate targeting.
People sometimes worry the laser affects readings. It doesn’t. The laser simply helps you aim. What does affect readings is how far you are from the target and the surface emissivity — which we’ll cover next.
Not all infrared thermometers are created equal. If you’re shopping, pay attention to a handful of specs that determine whether a model will do the job for you: accuracy, temperature range, distance-to-spot ratio (D:S), response time, and emissivity settings. These determine how well the device performs on different materials and at different distances.
For most home and kitchen use you’ll want a thermometer that covers roughly -4°F to 716°F, though some industrial models go much higher. Accuracy is usually expressed as plus/minus degrees or percent. For reliable results, look for accuracy within a few degrees at common temperatures — especially for cooking or HVAC work.
D:S tells you how large an area the thermometer measures relative to your distance. A 12:1 D:S means that at 12 inches away the unit reads a 1-inch diameter spot. Higher D:S ratios let you measure small targets from farther away — handy when you can’t get close.
One model mentioned often is the Blomsterbergs Infrared Laser Thermometer Gray. It’s a typical entry-to-mid-level laser IR gun that aims to balance ease of use with practical features. If you’re curious about what a mid-range infrared laser thermometer can do, this model is a good example to consider.
Devices in this class usually include a backlit LCD, a laser aiming guide, a quick-read response time, and simple menus for switching between Fahrenheit and other common settings. They’re compact, lightweight — often under a pound — and built for general-purpose use around the house, in the kitchen, or for light workshop tasks.
If you’re comparison shopping, there are several reputable brands and models to consider depending on budget and need. Brands such as Fluke, Etekcity, ThermoPro, and Klein Tools offer models from basic to professional-grade. Fluke tends to serve pros with higher accuracy and ruggedness, while Etekcity and ThermoPro focus on value for home cooks and DIYers.
Budget models are great for occasional use — checking oven racks or finding a cold spot in a room. Pro models offer better D:S ratios, higher accuracy, and tougher housings for tradespeople who rely on repeatable measurements all day. Think about how often you’ll use it and whether you need industrial durability before spending more.
Infrared thermometers are surprisingly versatile. In the kitchen, they help you check whether your pan is hot enough for a perfect sear or whether baked goods have cooled enough to be handled. Around the house, they help track heat loss, identify cold drafts, or find an overheating outlet. In the garage, you can compare cylinder head and radiator temps, and in the workshop they’re great for checking bearing temperatures or electrical panels.
Remember: most infrared thermometers measure surface temperature only. For internal food temperature — like the center of a chicken breast — you’ll still need a contact probe. Use the IR tool for surface checks and a probe thermometer for internal doneness.
Getting reliable readings takes a little technique. First, know your distance and D:S ratio — move closer to measure a small spot, or use a higher-D:S model for long-range checks. Second, consider the surface material. Shiny metals reflect infrared and can skew results; rough or dark surfaces give better readings. Finally, allow time for the device to acclimate to the surrounding air if you move from a cold garage into a warm kitchen.
Emissivity is a measure of how well a surface emits infrared energy. Most infrared thermometers assume an emissivity around 0.95, which works for wood, painted surfaces, food, and most organic materials. Polished metals have low emissivity and may require a manual emissivity adjustment or a piece of black electrical tape stuck on the surface for a consistent reading.
To keep your infrared thermometer working well, store it in a clean, dry place and protect the optics from scratches. Clean the lens gently with a soft cloth and avoid harsh solvents. Many devices don’t need frequent calibration for home use, but if you rely on very precise readings (for professional tasks), consider an annual calibration check against a calibrated standard.
Do a simple field check by measuring the temperature of a black-painted metal surface at room temperature and comparing it against a contact probe. If readings differ by more than a few degrees, check emissivity settings or consider calibration.
People often treat infrared thermometers like wands of absolute truth, but misuse can lead to misleading numbers. Don’t use a non-medical IR gun as a body thermometer. Don’t measure shiny metal without accounting for emissivity, and don’t expect the device to read inside a closed oven or inside a sealed container.
Also avoid taking a single reading and calling it a day. Scan the area and take a couple of readings — surfaces aren’t uniform, and hot spots or cold spots tell the real story. Use the laser guide and make sure the target fills the spot you’re measuring.
If you’re buying your first infrared thermometer, decide what you’ll use it for most. For kitchen and occasional home use, an affordable model with a decent D:S and a backlit display will do. For HVAC, automotive, or professional trades, invest in a higher-accuracy unit with adjustable emissivity, a stronger D:S, and a rugged casing.
Accessories like protective holsters, wrist straps, or carrying cases extend life. Replacement batteries and a quick reference sheet for common emissivity values can be invaluable for new users. If you’ll measure small targets at distance, prioritize D:S ratio above a flashy feature list.
Infrared thermometers come with laser pointers; treat them like any laser device. Never point a laser at eyes. Also, avoid using industrial-grade IR guns in medical settings unless they’re specifically rated and calibrated for body temperature screening — clinical accuracy has different requirements than surface checks.
For food service, follow local food safety guidance: use IR thermometers for surface and equipment checks, and use calibrated probe thermometers for internal food temperatures. For construction and electrical work, use the right PPE and follow safety rules when measuring hot or live equipment.
Conclusion: Whether you’re a home cook, DIY enthusiast, or trade professional, an infrared thermometer is one of the most useful, low-fuss tools you can add to your kit. A model like the Blomsterbergs Infrared Laser Thermometer Gray demonstrates the common balance of affordability and functionality you’ll find across the market. Focus on the D:S ratio, accuracy, and emissivity features that match your typical tasks and you’ll get fast, safe, and repeatable results that save time and eliminate guesswork.
| Infrared Thermometers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Blomsterbergs Infrared Laser Thermometer Gray | £ 56,80 |
