Small Pocket infrared thermometer recommendation for kitchen use - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2017, 09:55:38 am
content: 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 pointerRange: -30 to 270 °C OR -22 to 518 °FResolution: 1°CResponse time: < 1 secondBasic accuracy: +/- 2% OR +/- 2 °C OR +/- 4 °FDistance to spot size ratio: 6:1Emissivity: fixed at 0.95Powered by: 2xAAA batteriesUser selectable °C or °FBacklit LCD displayAutomatic data holdLow battery indicationMade in China* Amazon link:https://www.amazon.com/Supercool-Pocket-Infrared-Thermometer-Pointer/dp/B00F7RXX5A/2) Sealey VS909 - Pocket Infrared Laser Digital Thermometer 9:1Detects energy emissions in the infrared spectrum and converts into a display of temperatureFeatures a laser pointer, data hold and auto power offTemperature is displayed on an LCD back lit display for use in low light areasTemperature can be shown in either °C or °FPocket sized design allows the thermometer to be on hand when needed by the userPowered by a single AA battery (supplied)Focal ratio: 9:1Temperature range: -33°C to 500°C OR -27°f to 932°FAccuracy: +/-2.0%Dimensions: 150mm length x 25mm Width x 30mm ThickWeight is listed at 0.138kgSeller 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/B01M25FIA03) Amprobe IR-450Distance 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°CBest Display Resolution: 0.5°F / 0.2°CResponse Time: 500 msEmissivity: 0.95Laser Wavelength: 630 nm to 670 nmSpectral Response: 6.5 ?m to 18 ?mRepeatability: ±1°C or ±0.5% of reading, whichever is greater.Display Hold: 10 secondsOperating Altitude: Up to 2000 metersBattery: One 1.5V AAA batteryBattery Life: 20 hours (Alkaline typically)Storage Temperature: -40°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) (without battery) ? 85% RHDimensions (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 60825-1EMC Compliance: EN 61326-1Certification: CELaser Safety Info: 100% FDA CompliantLaser 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.pdf4) Fluke FoodPro and FoodPro Plus Food Safety ThermometersBoth have the following main features:Infrared temperature range from -30 to 200 ºCHACCP check lights for instant recognition of safe/unsafe temperaturesLED target illumination highlights the entire measurement spot for accurate targetingHand 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=562235) V&A VA6510Features & specification:Single dot laser targetingBack lightAmbient temperature(TAMB) measurementC/ F display selectionHold functionLow battery indicationMeasurement range: -20?C ~ 270?C; - 4?F ~ 518?FTAMB measurement: 0?C ~ 50?CResolution: 1?CField of view: 6:1Typical Distance to Target: up to 1mEmissivity: 0.95Over range indication: "OL" or "- OL"Auto power off: 20s* Product website:http://www.mastech.com.cn/en/products/Environmental-testing-instrument/Infrared_thermometer/2015031637.html6) NTE Electronics ECG DIT-205 Digital Infrared Thermometer, Fahrenheit/Centigrade Switchable, LCD Display, 0.1 Degree Resolution, 2% AccuracyTemperature Range: -27° to 428°F (-33° to 220°C)Accuracy: ±2% of reading or ±2°C0.1° resolution for accurate readingsSelectable temperature units F/C1:1 Optics (distance-to-spot size ratio)Emissivity preset to 0.95LCD displayNon-contactDoes not use a laser beamMetal alloy caseLithium batteries (2 LR44 included typically provide for 180 hours of continuous operation)Low battery indicationAutomatic power OFF after 15 secondsRoHS Compliant1 Year WarrantyDurable 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.pdf7) Testo 103 - Food foldable thermometer (immersion and penetration only)Temperature (NTC) and general technical dataMeasuring range: -30 to +220 °CAccuracy: ±0.5 °C (-30 to +99.9 °C) and ±1.0 % of mv (+100 to +220 °C)Resolution: 0.1 °CReaction time: t99 = 10 sDimensions: 189 x 35 x 19 mm (Probe folded out)Operating temperature: -20 to +60 °CHousing: ABSProtection class: IP55Length probe shaft: 75 mmLength probe shaft tip: 22 mmDiameter probe shaft: 3 mmDiameter probe shaft tip: 2.3 mmSwitch on/off: With folding mechanism (approx. 30°) / Auto off after 60 mins.Standards: EN 13485Battery type: 2 lithium batteries (CR2032)Battery life: 300 h (typical)Display type: LCDDisplay size: one-lineDisplay lighting: non-illuminatedStorage temperature: -30 to +70 °CWeight: 49 g* Official website:https://www.testo.com/en/testo-103/p/0560-01038) Testo 104-IR - Food safety foldable thermometer (immersion and penetration + IR)Temperature - NTC:Measuring range: -50 to +250 °CAccuracy: ±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 °CTemperature - Infrared:Measuring range: -30 to +250 °CAccuracy: ±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 sInfrared resolution: 0.1 °CGeneral technical data:Operating temperature: -20 to +50 °CHousing: ABS / TPE / PC, diecast zinc, stainless steelProtection class: IP65Laser spot: on / offMeasurement value: Temperature °C / °F / °RMeasurement mode: Hold or auto hold (immersion probe)Dimensions (probe folded out): 281 x 48 x 21 mmDimensions (probe not folded out): 178 x 48 x 21 mmStandards: EN 13485Battery type: 2 AAA micro batteriesBattery life: 10 hDisplay type: LCDDisplay size: one-lineDisplay ligthing: illuminatedStorage temperature: -30 to +50 °CWeight: 197 g (incl. batteries)* Official website:https://www.testo.com/en/testo-104-ir/p/0560-10409) 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. DT8230 Mini Digital Pen LCD Non Contact IR Infrared Thermometer -50 to 230? Temperature Checker Thermometer Infrared for Motor ESC EngineOk 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.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2017, 01:48:23 pm
content: 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=56223User manual for the Foodpro Plus is herehttp://assets.fluke.com/manuals/foodpro_umeng0100.pdfThe 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 itif 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.FraserUK

author: brucehoult
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2017, 02:01:39 pm
content: 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

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 01:23:16 pm
content: 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.

author: brucehoult
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 05:40:46 pm
content: Quote from: jancelot on November 18, 2017, 01:23:16 pmI 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.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 05:56:56 pm
content: 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

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 09:34:25 pm
content: Quote from: brucehoult on November 18, 2017, 05:40:46 pmYou 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:

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 09:40:40 pm
content: Another great video:

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 10:30:16 pm
content: 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.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 10:57:36 pm
content: Emissivity of tap water = 0.98Emissivity of cooking oil = 0.96Most cheap IR thermometers use an Emissivity setting of 0.96Fraser

author: brucehoult
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2017, 11:42:48 pm
content: Quote from: jancelot on November 18, 2017, 09:34:25 pmI 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: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.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2017, 09:32:36 am
content: Added two more thermometers: Testo 103 and Testo 104-IR.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2018, 12:07:55 pm
content: 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.