Isn’t a thermometer an essential medical aid that should always be in our home? Yes, but do you think it is safe to use regular thermometers, especially in these pandemic situations? No. Hence we recommend best infrared thermometers which would allow you to predict the temperature from a safe distance.
An infrared thermometer which is also known as non-contact thermometers is known for its benefits. The best-infrared thermometer helps to reduce the spread of infection as there will be no contact with the person.
If you think the use of the best infrared thermometer for medical use alone, then you might be wrong. Similar to the persons, these thermometers allow you to predict the temperature of any object. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Whether you want to measure the food temperature before serving or you need to check the temperature while cooking, the perfect solution lies with the best-infrared thermometer.
When you search for the best infrared thermometer, you will find numerous options out there in the online market. It will be a quite overwhelming and frustrating process to find the ideal thermometer. Hence, to help you out of this situation, we made the list of best-infrared thermometers which is used for various purposes. Let us take a detail about the products with its features along with pros and cons.
Best Infrared Thermometer for Medical use
iHealth No-Touch forehead thermometer is the product from a most trusted manufacturer. This thermometer could be used for both adults and kids. Hold the device near your forehead, and then you will get the accurate temperature within no time. Once the machine gets the temperature, it will vibrate mildly without any annoying sounds. The three-chip ultra-sensitive IR sensors in the thermometer predict the temperature precisely and show it in the digital panel.
The heat energy can collect more than 100 data points within a second, and this best non-contact infrared thermometer could keep you away from the dreadful spread of infections. The LED display panel with XL font size could be easily noted even during the night time to the users. As this iHealth product function is based on 2 AAA batteries, you don’t need to reload the batteries often. They could work for an extended period. However, you will also be alerted whenever the battery is low with the help of inbuilt vibrations feature.
Once the device is switched off, hold on to the measurement button only for eight seconds, now, you will view the unit switching mode where the Celsius and Fahrenheit could flash at the same moment. The product comes with a 12 months warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Rapid and reliable results
- Sturdy and durable
- Excellent battery life
- Smart chip
- Good choice for infants
- Proved for clinical practice
Cons
- High price
- Shows accuracy level of 0.40 F
Vibeey Thermometer is well known for its safety usage when compared with the ordinary mercury thermometer. The device is used on people of all age ranges. Just tap on the switch will change the mode which allows the user to measure the temperature on both human and object. This best non-contact infrared thermometer could be used in the distance of 5 to 8 cm, which could prevent the infection. You should point the thermostat to the centre, and the temperature will be viewed on the reading panel.
The perfect display, along with the operating button in the device is simple to use for everyone. Unlike the mercury thermometer, this infrared thermometer will not break easily and is not at all dangerous. The advanced feature of backlight LCD ensures the person can view the readings even in the night time. The product is also transportable with its perfect handle with compact size.
The readings could also be accurate to the temperature of room, milk and any other objects available. The display is made with green, orange and red colours which indicate the normal, mild and high level of temperature respectively. Once the device predicts the heat of the human body, it will make a slight noise to indicate to the users.
Pros
- Available with Celsius and Fahrenheit unit of temperature
- Fast and reliable reading
- LCD feature
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Designed with memory feature for about ten last readings
Cons
- Closure of the battery is easily damageable as it is made with plastic material.
This digital infrared thermometer allows users to experience two types of modes. You can use it on both forehead mode and ear mode. You might use the device on the forehead directly by placing a few cm away from the forehead. If you need to convert it to ear mode, then you should remove the probe cover and put it in-ear with utmost care. The device is also featured with memory storage which could be helpful to remember your child’s last temperature readings. It could hold upon about 25 reading levels.
This thermometer is highly suggested by the professionals and is proved for its efficiency in various clinical trials. It is quite useful for all people from infants to older people. It is another option to maintain hygiene. The large bi-colour backlight LCD screen makes the users read the results effortlessly. The device is also loaded with various advanced features such as mode selection, type of degree measurement, indicator of low battery life and memory storage facility.
The product comes with a three-year warranty and efficiently works with 2 AAA batteries. Apart from measuring fever, it is also simple to measure the room temperature and the other objects such as water and milk bottles.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Perfect for kids as it doesn’t make any noise
- Bi-colour LCD screen
- Memory mode indicator which recalls the last 25 readings
- Efficient and sturdy
Cons
- Some customers reported that the device is not convenient to use.
Braun Thermometer 2 in 1 is one of the sturdy infrared thermometers which are made from the famous brand. As the name indicates, the product could be used to measure the temperature of the body either by touch or non-touch mode. In non-touch mode, you need to hold it in front of the person’s forehead while in the touch option; you can directly press it in the head of the person.
This digital thermometer is functioning with the presence of 2 AA batteries which come along with the package. They are also patented with age precision technology which ensures it could be used on both adults and kids. The main advantage of the feature is you can relate the temperature of the person based on their age once you insert the age. Hence it is quite simple for us to detect whether the person with an average temperature has a fever.
The device aids in detecting the right level of temperature. The process doesn’t make any sound which allows the children to sleep peacefully while you measure the temperature of them. The detected reading of temperature will be accurate and reliable.
Pros
- Available with dual-mode for convenient use
- Patented technology design
- Suitable for food and liquid mode
- Made with no sound while functioning
Cons
- Little bit expensive
The Thermoscan 7 IRT6520 thermometer is made by the premium manufacturer Braun. The package of the device is included with Thermoscan lens filters, batteries and protective case. The box contains 21 lenses to ensure safety and tidy. These lenses can be efficiently cleaned and require simple maintenance. The thermometer is made with superior ExacTemo technology which provides accurate temperature readings.
The colour-coded reading could predict the different stage of temperature level as per the selected age group. This benefit is due to the Fever guidance system in the device. This is the one which is highly used by expert professionals when compared with the other thermometers. This digital thermometer only requires 1 AA battery for functioning. The accuracy and the positioning decide the accuracy results, which could be predicted within seconds.
It is simple to use. Turn on the device and choose the age of the patient from the three options. They are babies under three months, between 3 and 36 months and those over 36 months. Position the probe in the ear and take care of the lenses filter present on the top. Now, click on the Mem button and once recorded, you will be notified with a quiet sound. Now you can read the temperature on display.
Pros
- Elegant and simple design
- The large illuminated display makes it easy to read the readings
- Quick and easy measurement
- Most accurate reading
- Recalls the past nine measurements
- Switch mode between Fahrenheit and Celsius
Cons
- Not available in affordable price
- Few customers reported that it is challenging to select the age of the patient before use
- The probe should be protected and should be kept away from water.
Best infrared thermometer for industrial and measurement (not for human)
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 774 is not for humans. Still, it has its applications by maintaining the surface temperature to cook the best steak, prevent the leakages or repair the problem in the home insulation. This device is one of the cheap and straightforward options with sufficient handle grip. The thermometer could not measure the internal temperature of an object, and so it is not suitable for human and pet animals.
You can measure the objects within a safe distance and could maintain the accuracy level. The measurement range is from a minimal level of -50 degree to a maximum level of 380 degree Celsius. It is friendly to operate and could be used to predict the internal electronic component and even the oven temperature level. The built-in laser extends the laser grip with a distance spot ratio of 12:1.
It is also simple to read the temperature in the black crystal LCD. The readings could behold for fifteen seconds. The UV paint coating of the device ensures durability and reduces the risk of damage and scratches. This infrared thermometer is used in various applications such as maintaining the home appliances like AC units or heaters along with the maintenance of electrical and automotive components.
Pros
- Available in affordable price
- Designed with a laser pointer
- The best option for mechanics and engineers.
- 9 V battery
- Quick reading
Cons
- Not used for measuring the temperature of the human body
- Fixed emissivity point at 0.95
The infrared thermometer is made from one of the best brands, Helect. It is not suitable for reading the temperature of the human body. But it is filled with various benefits including measurement of industrial temperature like cooking, refrigerating, steel, glass, plastic, food items and much more. The product has a precise aiming feature due to the presence of built-in red laser equipment.
The measurement has more excellent resolution with the distance ratio of 12:1. You don’t need to get near the hot temperature objects as it is possible to measure if from the safest distance. Hence, it is a hassle-free process to predict the temperature quickly. However, make sure the diameter of the substance should be larger than the laser spot size. The compact design makes it easily portable. The anti-slip design of the device makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes.
The measurement range of the device is -50 degree to 550 degree Celsius. You can switch to change the mode of the temperature between Celsius and Fahrenheit. You will get a notification once the battery gets low. The back-light LCD is perfect for reading in the night, and the power is saved with the auto power-off feature.
Pros
- 9 Volts battery
- Back-light LCD screen
- Precise aiming
- Built-in laser
Cons
- Less accuracy when compared with other thermometers
- Poor battery life
Best for body temperature & fever in adults & children
This Olanga forehead thermometer is one of the best non-contact thermometers suitable for both infants and adults. It is useful to prevent the spread of infection as the device could help to measure the temperature at least with four inches. No other equipment will measure the accurate reading like this forehead thermometer in this situation.
The thermometer is simple to use where it is possible to use it in the human model. The colour in the display indicates the level of temperature in the human body. The green colour on the screen shows that the temperature is average while the red one shows that the temperature is high and with fever symptoms. This product is also convenient to use for the children and will not disturb them. It shows results within seconds of the process.
Besides predicting the temperature of the human body, it also offers the chance to measure the temperature of various household objects. The measurement range extends up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The memory storage features help in recalling the past 20 readings. The device also supports the conversion of Celsius degree to Fahrenheit and vice versa. This best baby infrared thermometer also makes sure the users are maintaining the clean and hygiene environment.
Pros
● Designed with mute mode
● Easy to read with the presence of light indicators
● Promotes safe distance from the infected persons
● Excellent features.
Cons
● Opening and closing of the product is not easy
● Not packed with batteries
● Not suitable to measure room temperature
Health & Health Digital infrared thermometer is one of the best handheld infrared thermometers. It is used to measure the temperature of the human body, which is suitable, especially for adults. Besides this option, it is also beneficial in detecting the temperature of milk, water along with room temperature. The developed technology used in this best-infrared thermometer makes it more accurate to get reliable results within seconds.
The LCD digital screen could show the results bright even at night time. The buttons present in the thermometer makes the device easy to use. It is also designed with three different colours which indicate separate conditions. Green colour indicates the average temperature; yellow indicates the moderate temperate while the red one shows the fever with related symptoms.
The measurement range of the thermometer is 89.6 to 109.2 degree Fahrenheit. You can protect yourself from infection as the device could read the temperature at the safest distance. It is the perfect choice for indoor use along with offices, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other public places. Click on the start button to record the temperature. Hold and press the button near the forehead.
The memory storage remembers the last 50 recordings for future use. It is designed with fever detection and alarm system options. When not in use, it could go for auto-off to prevent energy consumption.
Pros
- Easy for transportation due to compact size
- Can use both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature.
- Digital screen with three colour indicators
- Memory storage for data analysis
Cons
- Not available in affordable price
- Not FDA approved
- Not included with the battery
Best Infrared Thermometer for Cooking and Grilling
Etekcity Laser grip 1080 non-contact digital laser is the best-infrared thermometer temperature gun which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is available for household purposes due to its impressive temperature range of -58 degrees to 1022 degrees Fahrenheit. When compared with other IR thermometers, it could easily measure the objects located in the greater distance. The product has the distance ratio of 12:1 with the laser grip 1080 could ensure the accurate reading of the temperature.
The back-lit LCD screen is designed with an auto-off option which prevents the wastage of battery lie and conserves it. The device is also fitted with a low battery indicator which would notify you at once. The thermometer is highly efficient for its usage in cooking and barbequing; the excellent design of the tool helps to measure the temperature of objects with both high boiling points and low freezing points. The other applications include auto-maintenance, home maintenance and other tasks.
It is possible to hold the predicted temperature for 15 seconds in the display to record them. Make sure the object is with a distance of 14. 17 inches. The thermometer is not suitable to measure the temperature for humans and pet animals. The product is not designed to detect the internal temperature of an object.
Pros
- Made with a two-year warranty
- Available in affordable price
- Excellent range of temperature
- Auto shut off option to preserve the battery life
Cons
- Constructed with fixed emissivity at 0.95
- Made with delicate plastic material
Amprobe is the best infrared thermometer gun manufactured from a trustworthy manufacturer. They are highly tested for the safety, accuracy, durability and other features by the experts in the lab. The product is known for its safety regulations and fantastic performance for years. The product is not only used as a diagnostic tool but also shows its exceptional use on HVAC/R, electrical, industrial maintenance, automotive, quality control, fire alert, thermal leak detection in-home and hobbyist uses along with much more.
You could use this Amprobe infrared thermometer within a safe distance and get the update twice in a second. The bright LCD black screen with dual role ensures to view the current body temperature along with the maximum or minimum temperature detected earlier. This option allows the people to measure the objects either hot or cold objects, including circuit panels or. Automotive engines. You don’t need to make contact at all.
The temperature could be viewed on both Celsius and Fahrenheit with the temperature range of -18 to 380 degree Celsius. This accurate measuring thermometer is available in a lightweight, compact size and is easy to use. The optics in the thermometer is emitted, then reflected and transmitted the energy. The energy will be collected and shown in the detector.
Pros
- Higher resolution with the distance 20:1 ratio
- 9V Battery
- Numerous applications
- Detect air leaks in doors and windows
Cons
- Available with fixed emissivity at 0.95
Uses of Infrared thermometer
Infrared thermometers are useful tools which have countless applications. This infrared technology is widely used in industries. As we mentioned before, Infrared thermometers are used to determine the temperature level quickly in the distance. They are easy to use, and it has an essential place in our every day’s life.
From daily use in the kitchen floor to its active role in industries, infrared thermometers provide an excellent measurement of temperature. Such high accuracy thermometer has various benefits including its primary part of medical use as checking for fever, and they are listed below,
Cooking: The majority of the people do not use the infrared thermometers for cooking purposes. The feature of these thermometers could be highly beneficial in spot-check the food items and also maintain the hot condition of your meals every time all over the day. Let us take a restaurant where the infrared temperature is used to ensure the temperature of the food items. Once the food is found to be cold or kept still for an extended period, this tool will notify you. While you are cooking, it makes sure the food is neither undercooked with bacteria nor overcooked with burns. It ensures the right temperature of 165 degrees.
Repair of Automotive: Another primary use of an infrared thermometer is automotive repair while you are struggling with your car, the inside parts of the engine will be hot, and so it is not possible to predict the precise temperature. Here, the infrared thermometer spots the temperature readings in the engine and helps in recovering the struggle. Determining the heat at first lessens the chance of removing the entire engine. Infrared thermometer acts as a diagnostic tool for automotive to detect temperature-related problems. It is also used in various things like HVAC, catalytic converters, engine misfires, tires alignment, intake air temperature regulation and many more.
Health industry: Due to the COVID 19 issue, health professionals mostly prefer infrared thermometers for rapid and reliable temperature readings. It is highly accurate than oral thermometers. The built-in forehead to oral is a perfect choice to maintain the health of your family. They are entirely secure to use as they could detect the temperature in a human body from a particular distance. Such features allow the maintenance of hygienic practices and environment. It also stops the spread of infections from one person to another person.
Backyard serving: Placing the infrared thermometer around the house is the best way to maintain the safety of your family members. Either a grill grates or filet mignon, the infrared thermometer has a significant role in security. It aids in preventing the burns or injuries which might be caused by the hot surfaces or high heat containing playground tools in the backyard. A vibrated alert from these infrared tools would help you to alert the hotness of the surfaces. It is suggested to the parents to detect the temperature of play surfaces of the children like slides, swings and others.
Prevent leaks around the house: the infrared thermometer is known to prevent the air leaks and check for the poorly insulated areas around the house. The right level of insulation can be detected by comparing the internal temperature of the house to the exterior wall of the same room. The weak insulation could be easily corrected when the difference between the mentioned places is massive. You can also check on the air leaks or air infiltration in the doors and windows. It would also notify you when there is any malfunction in your air conditioner or any other devices. You can determine the leakage area based on the difference in the temperature.
How does an Infrared thermometer work?
Generally, the infrared thermometer works away from a particular distance. Let it be miles or inches, and they can accurately measure the temperature level of the object or human. But how does it work? When you consider the liquid thermometers which are filled with mercury, you can see that the mercury needs to expand to show the readings as a response to the heat. But Infrared thermometers work based on a simple principle or a phenomenon. It is known as black body radiation.
The object or a surface above the zero contains free molecules inside it. The movement rate is based on the temperature, which means an increase in temperature would increase the speed of movement of particles. Due to such motion, these molecules will emit one type of electromagnetic radiation below the visible spectrum of light. With the increase in hot nature, they emit more and more infrared light which in one point turns into visible light emission. The infrared thermometer measures these radiations.
Similar to the visible light, infrared light can also focus, reflect and get absorbed. This thermometer has to focus infrared light from one object to a detector through the lens. The detector, which is also called thermopile, would absorb the infrared radiation and convert it into the heat. Higher the infrared energy, hotter will be the thermopile. Such temperature would be changed into electricity. The detector of the thermometer will receive the converted voltage.
Then the device will use the detector to measure the temperature of the object, which is pointed towards the thermometer. Here, the amount of electricity generated is converted into as temperature readings. In simple words, an infrared thermometer focuses the infrared light from the object, which turns to determine the energy of radiation from the surface of that object. This whole process will take seconds to display the reading accurately on the screen. It means the infrared thermometer has a significant role in reading the temperature level in different conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?
According to the expert physicians, thermometers used on the armpit, ear and forehead won’t be accurate. Hence they prefer the Rectal Thermometer to predict the precise temperature of the human body. Using this thermometer would be highly uncomfortable as it would be used in the rectal part.
While other physicians consider the oral and ear thermometer to be the best which should be placed under your tongue, however, it is not advised to use an old glass one as it contains mercury in it. The Armpit thermometer is the least accurate one.
Q2. Are infrared thermometers accurate?
Yes, Infrared thermometers are accurate to measure fever. Based on the research, it is proved that the best-infrared thermometers or no-contact thermometers are accurately similar to the rectal and oral thermometers when they are used with proper guidelines. Due to the current pandemic situation, this hand-held thermometer had become standard and accurate to detect the right temperature level of the human body.
The accuracy level of the best non-contact thermometer will be 97% while the negative predictive value is 99%.
Q3. Can you use an infrared thermometer on a person?
Yes, you can use an infrared thermometer on a person. However, you need the best one to detect the right level of temperature. According to medical professionals, the infrared thermometers used on the forehead with a distance will be more accurate. They are safe and easy to use with advanced features.
Q4. What thermometer is most accurate for adults?
Although rectal thermometers are considered as the most accurate, it is mainly for babies. But an oral thermometer is considered to be most reliable for older children and adults. More than using the normal ones, it is highly advisable to go for digital thermometers. These tools are perfect for babies, children and even for adults.
Q5. What is the average forehead temperature?
The average temperature on the forehead should be between 35.4 and 37.4 degree Celsius. The normal human body temperature is 37 degree Celsius. Measuring the temperature in the forehead is a comfortable way for people. The infrared thermometer detects the largest measured value while the other measures the ambient temperature. Considering both measurements, the temperature reading will be shown on the screen.
While checking fever in the human body using other thermometers, the medical professionals are more prone towards the infection, and the hygiene practises questionable in such a situation. Now, you should have understood the importance of having an infrared thermometer in your house. Hence, we recommend you to get one of the best-infrared thermometers as we mentioned above.
The technology used in these infrared thermometers has made it easy to predict the temperature on both the human body and object. These advantages were not even imaginable in the past, but we could dream of more in the future. Before purchasing the perfect choice of infrared thermometer consider some factors such as accuracy, emissivity, temperature range, reading speed, response time, design, back-lit display and warranty. Make sure the product takes care of your needs and satisfies your expectations.
2 Responses
Good consumer review. This is helpful, and it is true that not all thermals are created equal. Some are medical grade and used for body temperature, and some are used by tradesmen as the article points out to identify temperature anomalies to help trouble shot defects for their clients.
This is a technology that is growing due to the state of the world, and the cost of the products are becoming more and more affordable.
I regret buying myself this Fluke 566 thermal gun last year but just few days ago. I got mine for my new project and it is amazing.