Cheapo meter for measuring temperature of hot air station

[Nisei]

I want to measure the temperature of a hot air station. It doesn't have to be accurate to the degree, just checking if it's in the right region.
So will a sub $10 multimeter from China be any good for this or can the same money buy me a dedicated thermometer for measuring temps up to 500 degrees Celsius?

[Nisei]

Never mind.
Found the Aneng DT-838 with thermocouple for only $4
I hardly think the price can be beaten and it'll probably be OK for this purpose.

[stj]

that should work.
i used the aneng 8003 with supplied thermocouple with no issues.

as long as the thermocouple is a bead, not housed in a big probe, you will be fine.

btw, dont ever put that meter across the mains or use the 10A range.
it has 1mm clearance between the input connections, and the battery cable is passed under the 10A shunt! 

[Nisei]

Thanks stj
Holy crap, that's a dangerous board design indeed!
But I've ordered it solely to use for temps so no worries there.
Appreciate your response!

[Nisei]

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the TM-902C thermometer which is a dedicated K-Type thermometer that's all over eBay.
Just ordered one for $3.40 shipped.

[ogden]

Found the Aneng DT-838 with thermocouple for only $4

It will be OK indeed. To improve your confidence - you can measure 100oC temperature of boiling water. If you live high in the mountains - use calculator.

[SeanB]

Do the 0C/100C verification, though you will find it is up to 5C out at the high end, and assumes a 25C ambient temperature ( short out the terminals and you will generally see it read around 25C, irrespective of ambient actual), so it will be accurate to within 20C at 200C in most cases. Good enough for just seeing if you are within a ballpark, though if you have some proper 63/37 solder you can see if the melting point of it is roughly 183C where it gets pasty, 60/40 solder is close enough to eutectic to use, just has a slightly larger plastic range. Lead free solder you need to know the actual solder melting point, which is quite well controlled for name brands.