By Adam Juniper
Contributions from Tom May
Take people's temperature quickly and easily, with the best infrared thermometers for shops, hospitals and industrial use
The best infrared thermometers let you take people's temperature from a safe distance. That's great for you (it protects you if they have an infection). That's great for them (it's lot less personal and invasive thana traditional thermometer). And it means you can quickly test a group of people, with the minimum of fuss.
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An infrared thermometer, aka non-contact thermometer or pyrometer, works by measuring infrared radiation (in that sense, it's a bit like a simplified version of the best thermal imaging cameras). That means it's not just useful for measuring people: you can also use them to take the temperature of objects, such as industrial freezers, cooking pots, kilns and running engines.
Note, though, that not all infrared thermometers are suited for all tasks. Specifically, industrial thermometers have a far wider measurement range than medical thermometers, so aren't accurate enough for using on people's bodies. On the other hand, industrial devices tend to allow their ‘emissivity’ compensation to be adjusted. Infrared temperature reading is affected by how reflective the surface is; forehead thermometers assume they’ll be working with human skin, while varied applications will need adjustment.
In this article, we look at the best infrared thermometers for both purposes. We'll look at the best infrared thermometers for medical use first, before moving onto the best infrared thermometers for industrial use.
The best infrared thermometers for medical use
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1. iHealth PT-3 Forehead Thermometer
The best infrared thermometer that's easy to use
Specifications
Time to reading: 1 sec
Accurate range: 15℃-42.9℃ (59℉-104℉)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.4˚C (0.3˚C in medical range)
Distance: 3cm/1-inch max
Reasons to buy
+ Ambient sensors boost accuracy Easy to use Gorgeous design
Reasons to avoid
- You need to get quite close
Looking for an infrared thermometer that's super-simple to use? This is the one. With a single button for a read out, you direct it at the centre of the forehead from about 2cm away (just under an inch), and you can get an accurate reading – without an annoying confirmation beep.
In a market swamped with just-good-enough packaging, it’s nice to find a quality document explaining you how best to use this kind of thermometer; specifically to measure the centre of the forehead, just above the nose, when dry. (Sweat alters the texture of the skin, which affects the measurement.)
The system algorithmically combines data from 100 readings, plus a distance measure and an ambient temperature thermometer,all of which boosts confidence in the reading. It's powered by two AAA batteries, which are included.
2. GE Trucheck TM3000
The best infrared thermometer for screening programs
Specifications
Time to reading: 1 sec
Accurate range: 32℃-43℃ (89℉-109℉)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.4˚C (0.3˚C in medical range)
Distance: 3cm/1-inch max
Reasons to buy
+ Ambient sensors boost accuracy Body and surface modes Mute function
Reasons to avoid
- Need to get quite close
The GE Trucheck isn’t the cheapest digital thermometer. But it comes from a brand associated with reassuring quantity of medical equipment, so you are getting a high quality product.
In their explanatory video, GE aren’t shy about the 30 second wait between use, or the potentially more frustratingly 30 minute wait you should observe when moving from one room to another (to allow the Trucheck to adapt to the ambient temperature). That said, the fact they're putting this limitation front and centre, rather than drowning us in marketing speak, feels reassuringly sincere.
Parents will appreciate that there is a mute option for taking the temperature of sleeping infants, and a surface check option for checking things like the temperature of a milk bottle. These modes are cycled through with a single key; the other steps back through the last 10 readings.
3. Withings Thermo
The best infrared thermometer with app support
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.5 sec
Accurate range: 35.5-42˚C (95.9-107.6˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.2˚C (Medical)
Distance: 1cm (0.4in)
Reasons to buy
+ Brilliant software Swipe-to-touch display
Reasons to avoid
- You need to get close Software allows for a limit of 8 profiles
A Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connected smart thermometer, the Withings Thermo doesn't just take accurate readings from the forehead; it records them too. So the main benefit here is the ability to pass on multiple measurements to health professionals, quickly and easily.
The 20 x 5 pixel LED display looks futuristic, and it doesn’t just show the read out; you can swipe up to select the family member. Oddly, the app is limited to eight profiles, but at least that’s enough for most families.
There is a memory on-board for up to 32 readings, which can be transferred to an Android or iOS device when convenient. And, thanks to the Wi-Fi, distance is less of an issue than with Bluetooth-only devices. US citizens can offset the high cost via FSA health plans without a prescription.
4. Extech IR200 non-contact forehead thermometer
The best infrared thermometer for reducing your risk of infection
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.5 sec
Accurate range: 2.0 to 42.5°C (89.6-108.5˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.5˚F, +/- 0.3˚C (Medical)
Distance: 5 to 15cm (1.9-Inch to 5.9-Inch)
Reasons to buy
+ Simple, pistol-type control Fast readings Measures from up to 15cm away from subject 32-reading memory
Reasons to avoid
- Bulky for the home user
Want to avoid standing to close to the people you're measuring? This is a great infrared thermometer for measuring the temperature of groups of people, such as students or colleagues, from a distance. The pistol-like design means that it is easy to use, and with a measuring range of up to 5.9in away (five times that of most pistol-grip thermometers), there is a greatly reduced risk of actually touching the person's forehead or transmitting infections.
Extech is a subsidiary of FLIR, which is the biggest name in thermal imaging, which should give some reassurance as to the quality of this product.It has big button controls, and a simple-to-read display, and promises accurate readings in just 0.5 seconds.
5. Braun Thermoscan 7
The best in-ear infrared thermometer
Specifications
Time to reading: 1 sec
Accurate range: 35.5 - 42˚C (95.9 - 107.6˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.15˚C (Medical)
Distance: 3cm/1-inch max
Reasons to buy
+ Accurate readings Easy-to-use fever warning
Reasons to avoid
- Disposable probe guards need replacing
This infrared thermometer uses an in-ear measuring technique, which does mean you will have to get in close to the person. But by pressing the probe into the ear, using a disposable plastic guard, you can push the accuracy of the measurement to +/- 0.15˚C. There are 21 probe guards in the box, and 50 compatible ones cost about the same as a large latte (or rather more if you want Braun own-brand ones). Environmentalists will understandably have some serious qualms about this approach.
This thermometer also uses Braun’s 'Age Precision' technology to remind you what is a ‘safe’ temperature: tap the button to cycle through ‘0-3 months’ ‘3-36 months’ and ‘over 36 months’ and, when you take a reading, you’ll get a color-coded backlight (green for OK, yellow for ‘elevated’ or ‘red’ for high. Especially with young kids it’s helpful to be reminded of when to worry and when not to!
6. iProven DMT-978
A good choice for large groups
Specifications
Time to reading: 1 sec
Accurate range: 35.5 - 42˚C (95.9 - 107.6˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.5˚C
Distance: 5cm/2-inch max
Reasons to buy
+ Easy to take measurement Good for large groups Audio and visual warnings
Reasons to avoid
- Lens needs cleaning
Simple but effective, and easy to grip, the IR200 stores up to 32 readings and so is a good choice to monitor groups such as a school class. A large backlit LCD display makes monitoring and recording temperatures quick and easy, and an adjustable alarm alerts you visually and audibly when the temperature exceeds the programmed limit. It offers a body temperature accuracy of ±0.3 degree Celsius/0.5 degree Fahrenheit.
7. Infrared Wall-Mounted Forehead Thermometer
The best infrared thermometer that's wall-mounted
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.5 sec
Accurate range: -32 to 43˚C (-89.6 to 109.4˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.2˚C
Distance: 5-10cm (2-4in)
Reasons to buy
+ Great for offices and shops Better range than a handheld Big display
Reasons to avoid
- Not portable
A wall-mounted digital thermometer is a great fit for cafes, stores and offices. It means you can directed people to take their own temperature with a polite sign, rather than have to do it for them.
Here's the best infrared thermometer of this type. While normal temperatures are met with a green light, there is a ‘fever alarm’ with beep-beep sound and red light. That might seem a little unsubtle, but otherwise operation is relatively painless.
This thermometer can be powered by USB-C lead, and one charge should last up to a week. Wall mounting is as simple as hanging on a nail or hook, though you might wish to take a little more care to prevent theft. The biggest challenge is choosing the right hanging height, especially if some of your visitors are children.
Best infrared thermometers for industrial use
8. BTMeter BT-1500
The best infrared thermometer for high temperatures
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.25 sec
Accurate range: -50˚C to 1500˚C (-56˚F to 2,738˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 2%
Distance spot ratio: 30:1
Reasons to buy
+ Great for industrial applications Huge temperature range Accurate at distance
Reasons to avoid
- Not suitable for medical use
The wide temperature range of this thermometer gun makes it suitable for a huge number of applications, from checking the surface temperature of a pizza in the oven through automotive to HVAC. The dual laser beams help target the right spot and mean you can get a reading at a safe distance, even in a furness or kiln. A case and battery are both included.
Professionals will also appreciate the Emissivity adjustment. The reflective properties of different materials affect IR thermometers, but experienced pros will find the ‘E’ toggle easy to use, as well as appreciating the ability to set max and minimum warnings. The LCD is adequate, too, though contrast could be better.Note that, like all industrial thermometers, it's not accurate enough for use on humans.
10. Etekcity Lasergrip 800
The best pistol-grip ABS IR thermometer
Specifications
Time to reading: under 0.5 sec
Accurate range: -50 to 750˚C (-58 to 1382˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 0.1˚C(+/- 2%)
Distance spot ratio: 16:1
Reasons to buy
+ Accessibly priced Useful tool for numerous tasks Laser pointer for easy aim
Reasons to avoid
- Fixed emissivity Not suitable for medical use
Ideal for use in electrical troubleshooting, HVAC, automotive and cooking and baking, this is an affordable IR thermometer which still boasts some of the features of pricier rivals.
You can take a continuous reading by holding the ‘trigger’, or release to lock the result on screen, and the IR pointer will always make it easy to see where you’re getting your reading from. While it’s a simple button press to flick from Celsius to Fahrenheit, the Emissivity is fixed at 0.95, and the accuracy is not medical grade.
As long as you work with that understanding – and can stay around 36cm / 14 inches from your subject –you’ll still be able to, for example, check the surface temperature and cook the perfect steak, or locate problems areas with your home’s insulation that, once fixed, could save you more than the price of entry in heating bills! The 9V battery is given a good life thanks to the seven-second auto shutdown.
10. AmazonCommercial DT-827V
The best multipurpose IR thermometer
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.15 sec
Accurate range: -50 to 760˚C (-58 to 1400˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 2˚C(+/- 2%)
Distance spot ratio: 12:1
Reasons to buy
+ Backlit reverse LCD is easy to read Dual lasers Adjustable emissivity
Reasons to avoid
- Not suitable for medical use Needs 9V battery
AmazonCommercial’s play for the practical tool market means you’re getting a lot of pistol-grip thermometer for a very limited investment. This system boasts not one but two laser-pointer style beams which are pointed so that – as you get the pistol at the right distance for the best possible measurement –they appear to converge.
The sensor is also faster than some, with a 150ms response time, with the ability to adjust the emissivity from 0.1 to 1 so you can work with different surfaces. Temperature scales can be changed too, of course, but that is common; many thermometers are fixed to a certain surface reflectivity (typically 0.95), making them less flexible. The reverse LCD display with backlight makes reading easier than some, too. We wonder, though, why Amazon isn't mixing things up a bit and using a more modern battery than the 9V.
11. Mestek 800C
The best multipurpose IR thermometer
Specifications
Time to reading: 0.5 sec
Accurate range: -50 to 800˚C (-58 to 1472˚F)
Accuracy margin: +/- 2˚C(+/- 1.5%)
Distance spot ratio: 12:1
Reasons to buy
+ Includes probe for physical tests Humidity sensor Laser to indicate testing area Multi-line display easy to read
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive than devices without probes Not for medical use Styling might not suit some kitchens
The Mestek 800C is a practical device powered by two AAA batteries in the handle (a set is included). These provide the backlight for the high contrast display which includes lines for ambient temperature (useful for comparison), humidity, and, of course, the main reading. Emissivity is easily adjusted with the blue buttons, too, but the real advantage this device offers against others is the K probe thermocouple. (The ‘K’ refers to the use Chromel/Alumel materials used in the sensor). In practical terms, this can be pushed into the turkey to measure the temperature, so a chef can get a surface and interior reading (both appear on screen at once). You won’t get a medical quality reading, but accuracy is good. The probe plugs in via a jack at the side, and will need to be kept safe at other times. Overall this might look a bit industrial for some kitchens, but it can help in the garage, oven and barbecue if you don’t mind the looks.
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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor
With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors…and, above all, drones.
Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones.
He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.
With contributions from
- Tom May
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