We hope you love the products we recommend. TheMeatHouseBlog.com may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from Amazon Associates or other vendors. Read more here.
An infrared thermometer can provide instant surface temperature readings for a wide range of cooking surfaces. These portable devices are popular with outdoor grilling enthusiasts and can ensure the BBQ heating chamber is at the recommended temperature level for preparing evenly cooked meals.
However, during testing, we found infrared thermometers were also useful for confirming the temperature on an indoor cooking surface. Older cooktops or oven thermometers can lose accuracy as they age, and infrared thermometers offer a reliable secondary testing method that can provide welcome reassurance.
There are many excellent options that can meet the needs of every chef. Read on for our picks for the best infrared thermometers.
Top 11 Best Infrared Thermometers Reviews
With the incredible range of features on this mini infrared thermometer, you could be forgiven for thinking it comes with a high-end price tag. We love that General Tools pack so much quality into a compact model, and while the temperature range is quite limited, it is sufficient for most household cooking surfaces.
You can carry this thermometer in your shirt pocket or your jeans, making it an excellent choice when heading to a campsite or tailgate party for a BBQ. You can use the RED LASER POINTER to identify the grilling areas where food rests, allowing you to know precisely when the grill is ready for cooking.
There is also an auto-shutoff feature that activates after 15 seconds of inactivity, ensuring you don’t run the battery down unnecessarily.
Who Should Get This?
You can use this model to get reliable and consistent temperature readings while preparing a meal. Perfect for those who insist on quality while shopping on a budget.
Pros
- One of the most compact models available
- Clear LCD screen
- 4:1 distance-to-spot ratio
Cons
- Temperature range is relatively narrow
Whether you work in the food industry and adhere to stringent regulatory requirements, or you are a serious cooking enthusiast, this model provides precise results for all your food preparation needs. The dual-laser sighting system narrows the target area down to a minute 0.87”, providing incredibly specific results.
There is also a powerful distance to spot size ratio of 16:1, ensuring you can take readings from 16” away from the cooking surface area. This feature reduces the risk of cross-contamination if you measure the temperature in several food preparation areas and also prevents condensation build-up on the lens, which could cause accuracy errors.
The readings are compliant with HACCP guidelines within the danger zones of between 40°F-140°F, and this model works equally well in hot and cold storage and cooking environments.
Who Should Get This?
This model provides the most accurate temperature readings for internal cooking chambers, whether at home or in a busy commercial environment. Ideal for professional chefs and hospitality business owners.
Pros
- Highly accurate target readings
- Suitable for use in food safety environments
- Contoured handle for improved grip
Cons
- Not everyone needs such a high-spec infrared thermometer
This model has a steeper learning curve than many other infrared thermometers due to the number of features packed into the unit. We liked the addition of a UV light with a one-touch operation, highlighting stains you can’t see with the naked eye. This function is particularly useful when using an outside grill and ensures it is clean before firing up the heat.
You can set a preferred temperature range, and the unit displays a visual alarm when the cooking surface heat level moves outside those limits. The clear LED screen displays a wealth of information such as dew point and surface temperature value, helping you choose the most suitable moment to begin cooking or cooling. The built-in red dot laser pointer allows you to take more accurate measurements from further away for added safety while cooking.
Who Should Get This?
While the priority for an infrared temperature thermometer is to provide accurate results, this model offers plenty of extra useful features for any cooking enthusiast.
Pros
- Multi-color LED provides crucial information
- Lightweight design for portability
- No assembly required for your convenience
Cons
- More complicated than many rival infrared thermometers
Our team loves innovative gadgets that make our lives more comfortable, and this infrared thermometer certainly fits into that category. Because this model is dust and splash-proof, there is no need to worry when it is on a side shelf beside an outdoor grill.
One of our favorite features was the addition of a magnet, allowing you to keep your thermometer on the side of the fridge until the next use. The precision infrared laser reads food surface temperature to within 2% accuracy, while the integrated meat probe is accurate to within 1%.
Despite the SLEEK DESIGN, we found the large digital display was easy to read, and it was simple to change the temperature reading between Fahrenheit and Celsius. This feature is especially useful when reading recipes from other countries that may use different measurements.
Who Should Get This?
For bakers and home cooks, this model makes it easy to read the heat levels on any cooking surface and allows for quick conversions between measurements to take the hassle out of reading recipes.
Pros
- Easily wipes clean after use
- Intuitive color change temperature system
- Comes with included meat probe
Cons
- Some users may prefer a larger model
Cuisinart is a legendary name in the cooking world, and their expertise is evident in this robust infrared thermometer. We found this model consistent with other industry-leading brands, whether measuring the heat level of a cooking grate, a pizza stone, or the surface temperature of a cooking chicken.
The backlit display was useful when grilling in the evening, allowing us to see the screen without the need for a torch. Because this model can read temperatures up to 716°F, it is ideal for use with most outdoor grills or kitchen countertop cookers.
The stylish black and grey color scheme also allows it to blend in with most surfaces, making it a popular model for the kitchen. The 9V battery comes in the package for your convenience.
Who Should Get This?
An infrared thermometer can be subject to accidental damage when used around a BBQ or a hot grill, but this model can withstand minor bumps and scrapes, making it perfect for busy pitmasters.
Pros
- Instantly identifies hot and cold spots
- LCD screen with backlit display
- Batteries included in the package
Cons
- Some users have questioned this model’s accuracy
This model from Sovarcate has a generous 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio so that you can take your temperature readings from a distance. This function is useful when measuring the heat level in compartments where there may be steam that could affect reading accuracy or when food is cooking at high heat and may spit juices or oil towards your device.
You can test the surface temperature in the fridge to ensure the meat is at an appropriate storage heat, and then check the grill’s interior to check it is ready for cooking.
The large LCD display is ideal for those who find reading smaller screens challenging. The multiple colors separate the numbers clearly, so you can quickly identify the relevant information. The 15-minute automatic shutoff is ideal for preserving battery life.
Who Should Get This?
It’s essential to have a crystal clear screen display when viewing your infrared thermometer to ensure you receive an accurate reading, and this model is ideal for those who need a bright screen.
Pros
- Measure temperatures accurately on various surfaces
- Red laser for accurate aiming
- Lifelong after-sales service
Cons
- Included meat thermometer lacks quality
A high-quality infrared thermometer uses state-of-the-art technology to provide precision temperature readings, but the operation doesn’t have to be complicated. This model from Greneric has a 1-touch laser light operation for fast and accurate results. The low battery indicator provides a timely reminder when your unit is running short of power.
The humidity measurement provides additional moisture information to factor into your outdoor grilling time, while the adjustable emissivity allows you to get more precise readings from different surfaces.
This thermometer uses only two AAA batteries and weighs only 0.3 lbs. , making it a lightweight model that is easy to carry around the home or commercial food premises. This model also comes with an 18-month warranty and reassuring lifetime customer support for your peace of mind.
Who Should Get This?
If you prefer technology that is uncomplicated and gets the job done with the minimum of fuss, then you’ll love this model that combines simplicity with accuracy.
Pros
- One-touch laser light operation
- Temperature data hold function
- Low battery indicator feature
Cons
- The distance-to-spot ratio could be longer
When we can, our team loves to grill outdoors. While a kitchen may be a clean area, dust and smoke can often gather on even the most well-kept outdoor cooking areas. This infrared thermometer has an ABS plastic handle that is easy to clean with a damp cloth, ensuring you can keep your unit in pristine condition.
It is easy to measure temperatures, vital for safe food preparation, especially heat levels below freezing or above boiling point. With a distance-to-spot ratio of 12:1, there is no need to come into contact with any cooking surfaces, helping you to stay safe and to keep your thermometer hygienic.
We also appreciate the flip-down cover that makes it easy to install a fresh 9V battery.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re using your infrared thermometer around a smoky or dusty BBQ or cooker, it can get dirty quickly. This model is perfect for keeping your unit in excellent condition.
Pros
- Improved safety when working with hot surfaces
- California-based office for quick customer service response
- Plastic cover keeps the battery dry
Cons
- May not be as durable as rival infrared thermometers
Buying an infrared thermometer is an investment in your food preparation processes, whether at home or work. Your commitment to ensuring meals meet high standards means that your thermometer is likely to be in daily use, and so you may want a stylish design to complement your cooking utensils.
With a striking red color scheme, this model also has a large handle for providing extra grip when handling the unit while wearing food preparation gloves. The backlit LED is bright and suitable for checking outdoor and indoor cooking surfaces’ temperature. The integrated laser allows for faster target acquisition, and you can choose to view the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
This model also comes with a 3-year warranty, which is considerably longer than offered by many rival models.
Who Should Get This?
An infrared thermometer can be both precise and stylish, and this model brings a touch of chic modernity to your kitchen or outdoor grilling area.
Pros
- Suitable for home and commercial use
- Oversized handle is more comfortable to hold
- 0.5-second response time
Cons
- The color scheme may not be to everyone’s taste
Because of the compact design and the ease with which you can carry this infrared thermometer on your person, it would be easy to use it to take your temperature when you feel a bit too warm or cold. However, this is not the best infrared thermometer for body temperature because it checks the heat levels on surfaces only.
This model has a convenient pocket clip, and it stores the last reading in its memory for your convenience. We were impressed at how accurate this model is, even without a laser guider, and the LCD display was easy to read despite the smaller size of the unit.
While the optimal testing distance is a short 30mm-40mm, this is still a formidable non-contact infrared thermometer.
Who Should Get This?
If you have a restricted grilling workspace or just prefer to keep your infrared thermometer on your person at all times, then this model is a superb choice.
Pros
- High-precision accuracy
- Last temperature memory feature
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Could be easy to lose as this model is petite
The Maverick laser infrared thermometer is suitable for use with all grill types, both indoor and outdoor. The temperature readings have an incredible range of between -44°F and 1022°F, allowing you to monitor the heat levels in numerous domestic and commercial environments.
The trigger-activated sensor responds quickly and provides accurate feedback, so you know precisely when to place your meal on the grill, in the oven, or on the cooktop. The slimline design ensures this model doesn’t take up much storage space, and Maverick stands by its product with a limited 90-day warranty for your peace of mind.
While this is our pick for the best laser thermometer, we must caution it is not for use on humans. We’re grilling experts and don’t give out medical advice. We’d suggest looking for the best infrared thermometer for medical needs or the best infrared thermometer for a fever.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re ready to invest in the best infrared thermometer for checking the heat levels in all types of cooking chambers, then this is the model for you.
Pros
- Check surface temperatures from up to 5 ft. away
- Trigger activated sensor with laser pointer
- Backlight for use in the dark
Cons
- One of the more expensive infrared thermometers
Final Verdict: Best Infrared Thermometers For Your Money
There are numerous infrared thermometers that provide precise temperature reading results, allowing chefs to prepare meals through to perfection. You can choose miniature models that fit in your pocket, or larger devices that offer larger carrying handle surface areas.
When buying an infrared laser thermometer, you can choose a model that is outstanding in one or two aspects, or you can pick this superb all-around performer. With four buttons that allow you to quickly operate the backlight, laser, temperature format, and battery on/off, you can promptly get hassle-free precise heat level readings.
While there are many excellent models available, we found one device exceeded all expectations. Providing CONSISTENT AND RELIABLE convenience with fast button operation, and a practical distance-to-spot ratio, our choice for the best IR thermometer is the General Tools IRT3 Thermometer Detector.
