Small Pocket infrared thermometer recommendation for kitchen use

[jancelot]

I'm in the hunt for a small/pocket infrared thermometer, so use it in the kitchen. The idea is to check oil and beverages temperatures, and also things from the fridge/freezer. These are the best options that I've spotted so far:


1) Supercool 13517 - Pocket Infrared Thermometer with Laser Pointer:

• Laser pointer
• Range: -30 to 270 °C OR -22 to 518 °F
• Resolution: 1°C
• Response time: < 1 second
• Basic accuracy: +/- 2% OR +/- 2 °C OR +/- 4 °F
• Distance to spot size ratio: 6:1
• Emissivity: fixed at 0.95
• Powered by: 2xAAA batteries
• User selectable °C or °F
• Backlit LCD display
• Automatic data hold
• Low battery indication
• Made in China

* Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Supercool-Pocket-Infrared-Thermometer-Pointer/dp/B00F7RXX5A/

2) Sealey VS909 - Pocket Infrared Laser Digital Thermometer 9:1

• Detects energy emissions in the infrared spectrum and converts into a display of temperature
• Features a laser pointer, data hold and auto power off
• Temperature is displayed on an LCD back lit display for use in low light areas
• Temperature can be shown in either °C or °F
• Pocket sized design allows the thermometer to be on hand when needed by the user
• Powered by a single AA battery (supplied)
• Focal ratio: 9:1
• Temperature range: -33°C to 500°C OR -27°f to 932°F
• Accuracy: +/-2.0%
• Dimensions: 150mm length x 25mm Width x 30mm Thick
• Weight is listed at 0.138kg
• Seller claims: a quick test in the workshop showed a 2% difference in temperature at a distance of 400mm

* Official website: http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.asp?id=20&method=mViewProduct&productid=19787
* Instruction manual PDF: http://www.sealey.co.uk/pdfs/instructions/VS909.pdf
* Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-VS909-Infrared-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B01M25FIA0

3) Amprobe IR-450

• Distance to Spot Ratio (D:S): 8:1 (calculated at 80% energy)
• Temperature Range: -30°C to 500°C (-22°F to 932°F)
• Accuracy at 23°C ±2°C, <80%RH: -30°C to 0°C (-22°F to 32°F): ±2°C (±4°F)
  AND 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F): ±1.5°C (±3°F)
  AND 11°C to 100°C (52°F to 212°F): ±2°C(+/-4°F)
  AND 41°C to 500°C (106°F to 932°F): ±1.5°C (±3°F) or ±1.5% of reading, whichever is greater.
• Best Accuracy: ±2°F / ± 1°C
• Best Display Resolution: 0.5°F / 0.2°C
• Response Time: 500 ms
• Emissivity: 0.95
• Laser Wavelength: 630 nm to 670 nm
• Spectral Response: 6.5 ?m to 18 ?m
• Repeatability: ±1°C or ±0.5% of reading, whichever is greater.
• Display Hold: 10 seconds
• Operating Altitude: Up to 2000 meters
• Battery: One 1.5V AAA battery
• Battery Life: 20 hours (Alkaline typically)
• Storage Temperature: -40°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) (without battery) ? 85% RH
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 100 x 20 x 29mm (3.94 x 0.79 x 1.14in)
• Weight    Approximately: 50g (0.11lb)
• Safety Compliance: EN 61010-1, EN 60825-1
• EMC Compliance: EN 61326-1
• Certification: CE
• Laser Safety Info: 100% FDA Compliant
• Laser Safety Class: Class 2

* Official website: http://www.amprobe.com/amprobe/usen/hvac-tools/infrared-thermometers/amp-ir-450-infrared-thermometer.htm?pid=74757
* Datasheet PDF: http://content.amprobe.com/DataSheets/IR-450%20Pocket%20Infrared%20Thermometer.pdf
* Users manua PDFl: http://content.amprobe.com/manualsA/IR-450_Manual.pdf

4) Fluke FoodPro and FoodPro Plus Food Safety Thermometers



Both have the following main features:

• Infrared temperature range from -30 to 200 ºC
• HACCP check lights for instant recognition of safe/unsafe temperatures
• LED target illumination highlights the entire measurement spot for accurate targeting
• Hand washable (IP54 sealed)

The differences between them are that the FoodPro Plus has also a physical probe to stick into the food, weighs a 50% more, is slightly bigger, can measure wider temperature range, has backlit display, better display resolution, has a timer, holds maximum displayed temperature and runs on 1x9V instead of 1xAA.



* Fluke products website: http://www.fluke.com/fluke/vnen/thermometers/food-pro.htm?pid=56223

5) V&A VA6510



Features & specification:

• Single dot laser targeting
• Back light
• Ambient temperature(TAMB) measurement
• C/ F display selection
• Hold function
• Low battery indication
• Measurement range: -20?C ~ 270?C; - 4?F ~ 518?F
• TAMB measurement: 0?C ~ 50?C
• Resolution: 1?C
• Field of view: 6:1
• Typical Distance to Target: up to 1m
• Emissivity: 0.95
• Over range indication: "OL" or "- OL"
• Auto power off: 20s

* Product website: http://www.mastech.com.cn/en/products/Environmental-testing-instrument/Infrared_thermometer/2015031637.html

6) NTE Electronics ECG DIT-205 Digital Infrared Thermometer, Fahrenheit/Centigrade Switchable, LCD Display, 0.1 Degree Resolution, 2% Accuracy

• Temperature Range: -27° to 428°F (-33° to 220°C)
• Accuracy: ±2% of reading or ±2°C
• 0.1° resolution for accurate readings
• Selectable temperature units F/C
• 1:1 Optics (distance-to-spot size ratio)
• Emissivity preset to 0.95
• LCD display
• Non-contact
• Does not use a laser beam
• Metal alloy case
• Lithium batteries (2 LR44 included typically provide for 180 hours of continuous operation)
• Low battery indication
• Automatic power OFF after 15 seconds
• RoHS Compliant
• 1 Year Warranty
• Durable pocket clip

* Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/DIT-205-Thermometer-Fahrenheit-Centigrade-Switchable/dp/B000S604XO
* Website product: http://www.nteinc.com/infrared-thermometer.php?a=31
* Datasheed PDF from official website: http://www.nteinc.com/ecgproducts/pdf/DIT205_web.pdf

7) Testo 103 - Food foldable thermometer (immersion and penetration only)




Temperature (NTC) and general technical data

• Measuring range: -30 to +220 °C
• Accuracy: ±0.5 °C (-30 to +99.9 °C) and ±1.0 % of mv (+100 to +220 °C)
• Resolution: 0.1 °C
• Reaction time: t99 = 10 s
• Dimensions: 189 x 35 x 19 mm (Probe folded out)
• Operating temperature: -20 to +60 °C
• Housing: ABS
• Protection class: IP55
• Length probe shaft: 75 mm
• Length probe shaft tip: 22 mm
• Diameter probe shaft: 3 mm
• Diameter probe shaft tip: 2.3 mm
• Switch on/off: With folding mechanism (approx. 30°) / Auto off after 60 mins.
• Standards: EN 13485
• Battery type: 2 lithium batteries (CR2032)
• Battery life: 300 h (typical)
• Display type: LCD
• Display size: one-line
• Display lighting: non-illuminated
• Storage temperature: -30 to +70 °C
• Weight: 49 g

* Official website: https://www.testo.com/en/testo-103/p/0560-0103

8) Testo 104-IR - Food safety foldable thermometer (immersion and penetration + IR)



Temperature - NTC:

• Measuring range: -50 to +250 °C
• Accuracy: ±1 °C (-50.0 to -30.1 °C) and ±0.5 °C (-30.0 to +99.9 °C) and ±1 % of mv (Remaining Range)
• Resolution: 0.1 °C

Temperature - Infrared:

• Measuring range: -30 to +250 °C
• Accuracy: ±2.5 °C (-30 to -20.1 °C) and ±2.0 °C (-20 to -0.1 °C) and ±1.5 °C or ±1.5 % of mv (Remaining Range)
• Measuring rate: 0.5 s
• Infrared resolution: 0.1 °C

General technical data:

• Operating temperature: -20 to +50 °C
• Housing: ABS / TPE / PC, diecast zinc, stainless steel
• Protection class: IP65
• Laser spot: on / off
• Measurement value: Temperature °C / °F / °R
• Measurement mode: Hold or auto hold (immersion probe)
• Dimensions (probe folded out): 281 x 48 x 21 mm
• Dimensions (probe not folded out): 178 x 48 x 21 mm
• Standards: EN 13485
• Battery type: 2 AAA micro batteries
• Battery life: 10 h
• Display type: LCD
• Display size: one-line
• Display ligthing: illuminated
• Storage temperature: -30 to +50 °C
• Weight: 197 g (incl. batteries)

* Official website: https://www.testo.com/en/testo-104-ir/p/0560-1040

9) Chinese and cheap infrared thermometers from eBay, banggood, dealextreme and similar.

Examples I've found have a Distance to spot size ratio of 1:1.

• [banggood] DT8230 Mini Digital Pen LCD Non Contact IR Infrared Thermometer -50 to 230?
• [banggood] Temperature Checker Thermometer Infrared for Motor ESC Engine

Ok so, which one do you think it's the recommended?
- The Sealey VS909 is the biggest by far, the NTE DIT-205 has long battery life however D:S is only 1:1 so I must be very close to the object.
- The Supercool 13517 looks small but not a very well known brand at least for me.
- I think the best bet is the Amprobe IR-450, although a review on the official website says that it's more than 20 degrees off. I think it may be because the user may be measuring a surface with low emissivity which does not correlate with the calibration. Tell me your thoughts.[/list]

[Fraser]

Professional or home use ?

I have a dedicated food thermometer made by Raytek. It is called the Foodpro Plus and contains both an IR and penetration probe thermometer. It actually indicates the safe and unsafe temperature ranges as well. Designed for professional use so sadly it is expensive. There is a standard Foodpro IR only unit available as well. The basic IR only Foodpro costs around £50 under the Comark branding. It is £158 under the Fluke branding !

The Fluke web site provides further details of the units......

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/vnen/thermometers/food-pro.htm?pid=56223

User manual for the Foodpro Plus is here

http://assets.fluke.com/manuals/foodpro_umeng0100.pdf

The Foodpro Plus is available under various brands including FLUKE who now own Raytek. Pictures attached.

I do not actually need my Foodpro Plus unit (I am not a chef!) so I am open to offers on it if you are serious about food safety, it's the tool for the job. Mine is in superb, undamaged condition as it was just a salesmans demo piece.

Fraser
UK

[brucehoult]

I have one that looks exactly like this, except no maker or model number on it anywhere. Works great for cooking (up to at least the smoke point of avocado oil 270 C), general room temperature checking difference between floor/walls/ceiling, and checking the temperature of things out the window e.g. the building opposite, the ground etc at temperatures between -28 (last January .. ugh) and +32.

https://www.amazon.com/VA6510-Pocket-Size-Non-Contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B000FNTGB6

[jancelot]

Thank you both @Fraser and @brucehoult for noticing two more thermometers. I've added them to the list on the first post.

The FoodPro and FoodPro Plus are great quality, however I find them too big. Finally made up my mind and bought the Amprobe IR-450. It's quite small, like a big usb pendrive, and love using it. The buttons are a little bit small and wiggle a little bit on its position but it's fine I'm very happy with it.

[brucehoult]

Thank you both @Fraser and @brucehoult for noticing two more thermometers. I've added them to the list on the first post.

The FoodPro and FoodPro Plus are great quality, however I find them too big. Finally made up my mind and bought the Amprobe IR-450. It's quite small, like a big usb pendrive, and love using it. The buttons are a little bit small and wiggle a little bit on its position but it's fine I'm very happy with it.

I don't understand why the specs for mine say "Typical Distance to Target: up to 1m". Why would there be a distance limit? It certainly works fine for things hundred of meters away. Big things, of course. An entire building for example. Or comparing the temperature of a bare rock hillside to a forest covered hillside.

[Fraser]

The accuracy drops with distance. The OEM has decided that 1M is the limit for measurements complying with the specification. Many IR thermometers at the lower end of the market lack any form of lens and so provide variable performance betond a few metres due to the 1:1 Distance to spot size ratio. The atmosphere between the sensor and target also effects the accuracy of readings. Thermal cameras have an option to set the distance to target in order to compensate for path losses.

Fraser

[jancelot]

Thank you both @Fraser and @brucehoult for noticing two more thermometers. I've added them to the list on the first post.

The FoodPro and FoodPro Plus are great quality, however I find them too big. Finally made up my mind and bought the Amprobe IR-450. It's quite small, like a big usb pendrive, and love using it. The buttons are a little bit small and wiggle a little bit on its position but it's fine I'm very happy with it.

I don't understand why the specs for mine say "Typical Distance to Target: up to 1m". Why would there be a distance limit? It certainly works fine for things hundred of meters away. Big things, of course. An entire building for example. Or comparing the temperature of a bare rock hillside to a forest covered hillside.

You have to be as much close as possible, up to a point of course. Watch this video carefully (there are also much more information on youtube and websites). At 1min 08sec explains to be close to the object:

[jancelot]

Another great video:

[IanB]

I think the accuracy of infrared thermometers depends on the emissivity of the surface, with a default calibration for even, matt surfaces. As such I think that infrared thermometers are not ideal for measuring liquids like water or oil. An immersion probe would be better for those (there are many electronic food grade thermometers designed for that use).

I have a pocket infrared thermometer (a cheapy from Harbor Freight). It works fine, but I need to hold it very close to the measured surface for good readings as it has a wide measurement cone. I am sure more expensive ones may have a narrower cone angle.

Another thing to consider is that surface temperature may not be as relevant as interior temperature. So once again a probe type of thermometer that you can insert would seem to be better.

[Fraser]

Emissivity of tap water = 0.98
Emissivity of cooking oil = 0.96

Most cheap IR thermometers use an Emissivity setting of 0.96

Fraser

[brucehoult]

I don't understand why the specs for mine say "Typical Distance to Target: up to 1m". Why would there be a distance limit? It certainly works fine for things hundred of meters away. Big things, of course. An entire building for example. Or comparing the temperature of a bare rock hillside to a forest covered hillside.
[/quote]
You have to be as much close as possible, up to a point of course. Watch this video carefully (there are also much more information on youtube and websites). At 1min 08sec explains to be close to the object:
[/quote]

He's talking only about the spot size. Which I already allow for -- it's size is about 1/6th the distance from the object in the case of the device I have. If I'm 300m away then the spot is 50m across etc. I'm well aware of that, and explained about it in the part you quoted.

[jancelot]

Added two more thermometers: Testo 103 and Testo 104-IR.

[jancelot]

Finally bought both the Amprobe IR-450 and the Testo 103. The one I use almost always is the Testo, since is penetration type and faster to read. Also has ingress protection so you can take it to the shower, pool, etc. Also it's always accurate regardless of the body emmisivity.