The Top 8 Laser Thermometers of 2020

Uses for Laser Thermometers

Laser Thermometers, commonly known as Infrared or IR thermometers, allow you to measure surfaces touch-free. This benefit is needed when reading the temperature of a surface that's hot, moving, must be kept sterile, or located in a difficult-to-reach place. Professionals who work in industries like construction, manufacturing (food and non-food production facilities) or laboratories have this need often.

If you need a new laser thermometer for your workplace or you just like checking out gadgets, Instrument Choice has done something to help. Our scientists reviewed thousands of devices to compile a list of the top laser thermometers of 2020, then carefully sorted them by their defining features, benefits and specifications.

Here is the fruit of their labour and the key factors they considered to get their results.

Laser Thermometer Specifications

Understanding the important specifications of laser thermometers allows you to properly compare "apples with apples" and make sure a device is right for your application. Here are the variables our scientists considered.

Hack Opportunity: Why not use these criteria yourself when evaluating products?

1. Range - refers to a thermometer's lowest and highest possible measurement value. 
   Scientist's Tip: Make sure a device's range matches your intended application.
2. Accuracy – quantifies how close a laser thermometer's sensor(s) will measure to a specific value. 
   Scientist's Tip: Generally, the higher the accuracy, the higher the cost, so try to find a thermometer that strikes the right balance between performance and your budget.
3. Laser Pointer - not all laser thermometers offer a visible laser guide to the area you wish to measure. So what are the options?
   1. Pointer free thermometers - have no visible laser guide
   2. Single point devices direct you to the centre of a measurement area; and
   3. Dual and multi-point laser pointers either highlight the outer edge or the entire zone you need to measure.
   Scientist's Tip: Feel free to talk to an Instrument Choice Scientist about the pros and cons of these options.
4. Distance to Spot Ratio: The Distance-to-Spot Ratio compares the size of the area measured against the thermometer's distance from the sample. This ratio will determine how much a measured area grows or shrinks as the distance between your device and the measured object increases or decreases. For example, if you intend to measure small areas from a distance, find a device with a high distance to spot ratio. For close-range samples, a lower distance to spot ratio will suit your needs. 
   Scientist's Tip: to quickly understand the Distance-to-Spot Ratio, think of the difference between a telephoto (high distance to spot ratio) or wide-angle camera lens (low distance to spot ratio).
5. Adjustable Emissivity: Emissivity is the measure of an object's ability to emit infrared energy. Many items fall within the emissivity range of 0.95, so most infrared thermometers have a default emissivity setting of 0.95. However, there are times when emissivity needs to be adjusted to suit particular applications. 
   Scientist's Tip: If this applies to you, check each laser thermometer's specifications for adjustable emissivity. If you need advice on this topic, reach out to an expert .

The Top 8 Laser Thermometers of 2020

1.  Mini Non-Contact IR IP67 Thermometer
Product Code: IC7218TM

Ultra-compact (8.2cm x 1.7cm) and easy to use, the IC7218TM is suitable for basic surface temperature measurements in industrial and laboratory applications.

Specifications

Range: -33°C to 110°C

Accuracy: ±2.5°C

Laser Pointer: None

Distance to Spot Ratio: 1:1

Emissivity: Not Adjustable

Best Applications: Great for general close-range surface temperature measurements in industrial and laboratory environments.

2. Non-Contact Thermometer with 12 Dot Lasers for Target Area 
Product Code: IC7424

The main features of the IC7424 are the built-in laser guide that produces 12 laser points to indicate the 12:1 distance to spot ratio and adjustable emissivity setting. Other useful features include both low and high limit alarms, a fast measurement time and a large colour LCD screen.

The IC7424 allows you to see what you measure at all times – and results are accurate and repeatable.

Specifications

Range: -50 C to 600 C

Accuracy:-50°C to 0°C± 0.3°C and 0°C to 600°C± 1.5% of reading + 2°C

Laser Pointer: Multi-point laser

Distance to Spot Ratio:12:1

Emissivity: Adjustable from 0.1 to 1

Best Applications: The IC7424 is accurate and versatile – so it's handy to have around the home (say a kitchen or outdoor pizza oven), and in professional settings – like in construction and industry.

3. IR Thermometer, 1 point laser, calibration, alarm 
Product Code: 0560-8311

Ideal for measuring the surface temperature of food in the home kitchen and professional environments. This HACCP certified 0560-8311 thermometer many features include audible and visual alarms, fast readings and an ergonomic pistol design. It's terrific to use.

Specifications

Range: -30°C to +400°C

Accuracy: ±1.5°C or 1.5 % of mv (+0.1°C to +400°C) 
±2°C or +-2 % of mv (-30°C to 0°C)

Laser Pointer: Single Laser Pointer

Distance to Spot Ratio: 10:1

Emissivity:Adjustable from 0.2 to 1.0

Best Applications: We recommend the 0560-8311 thermometer for measuring the surface temperature of foods in home kitchens, restaurants, supermarkets and food processing environments.

4. Waterproof Infrared & Probe Thermometer 
Product Code: IC-0560-1040

Take food safety to the next level with the IC-0560-1040. This laser thermometer is IP65 rated waterproof and is HACCP compliant. The unit also features a built-in food temperature probe so that you can take surface and internal temperature measurements with the one instrument.

Specifications

Range: 30 +250 °C

Accuracy: ±2.5 °C (30.0 to 20.1 °C) ±2.0 °C (20.0 to 0.01 °C) ±1.5 °C or ±1.5 % of the measuring value (+0.0 to +250.0 °C)

Laser Pointer: Dual point laser

Distance to Spot Ratio: 10:1

Emissivity: Adjustable from

Best Applications: A dual point laser for a wide range of environments and tasks you'll encounter in the food sector – like production lines, food service, and quality spot-checking. Great for measuring liquids, pastes and semi-solid materials.

5. Pro High-Temperature Non-Contact Thermometer with K-Type Probe Support and USB 
Product Code: ICQM7430

The ICQM7430 is a professional, non-contact thermometer that provides fast, easy and accurate readings of surface temperatures. The defining features of this laser thermometer are its impressive range, 30:1 distance to spot ratio and a rapid 150ms sampling time.

Specifications

Range: -50 to 1650 C

Accuracy:+/- 1%

Laser Pointer: Dual-laser

Distance to Spot Ratio:30:1

Emissivity:Adjustable from 0.10 to 1.0

Best Applications: The extensive temperature range, speed and precision of this laser thermometer make it useful in challenging industrial environments, workshops and construction work.

6. Tempmate IR 30 Professional USB Infrared Thermometer 
Product Code: IC-400030

The IC-400030 is a professional grade laser thermometer with USB connectivity via USB. The detailed LCD screen allows users to view surface temperature information as well as minimum, maximum, average and differential readings at a glance.

Specifications

Range: -30 C to 1650 C

Accuracy:+- 1.5% or +- 1.5 C

Laser Pointer: Single-laser

Distance to Spot Ratio: 50:1

Emissivity: Adjustable from 0.1 to 1.00

Best Applications: USB connectivity and a wide measuring range make the IC-400030 the perfect tool for industrial environments—especially to measure surfaces from a significant distance.

7. FLUKE 62 MAX+, IR Thermometer 
Product Code: FLUKE-62-MAX-PLS

The Fluke-62-Max-Pls is very popular for a wide range of uses. It takes precise measurements and yet it's rugged enough to withstand a 3-meter drop! Whatsmore, this laser thermometer is lightweight and compact, so it's highly mobile, clipping easily on your tool belt or belt loop or fitting snuggly in your toolbox.

Specifications

Range: -30 C to 500 C

Accuracy: +/-1.5 C or 1.5% of reading, whichever is greater,-10 C to 0 C: +/- 2.0,-30 C to -10 C: +/- 3.0

Laser Pointer: Dual laser

Distance to Spot Ratio: 12:1

Emissivity: Adjustable from 0.10 to 1.00

Best Applications: For builders, workshops, warehouses and home handyman where work happens "on the go".

8. IR THERMOMETER 
Product Code: IC-FLUKE-568

The IC-Fluke-568 is the ultimate in professional laser thermometers. An outstanding feature of this unit is the intuitive menu with three-button navigation – which allows users to quickly navigate advanced features such as emissivity adjustment, start data logging, or to turn alarms on and off. There's also an input for a standard type-K thermocouple (included), so you also have the option to take contact surface measurements from the day your thermometer arrives.

Specifications

Range: -40 °C to 800 °C

Accuracy: < 0 °C (32 °F): ± (1.0 °C (± 2.0 °F) + 0.1°/1 °C or °F);> 0 °C (32 °F): ± 1 % or ± 1.0 °C (± 2.0 °F), whichever is greater

Laser Pointer: Single laser

Distance to Spot Ratio: 50:1

Emissivity: Digitally adjustable from 0.10 to 1.00 by 0.01

Best Applications: The accuracy, reliability and versatility of the IC-FLUKE-568 make it well-suited for use in heavy, diversified, technical, industrial, electrical, building, HVAC, and mechanical environments.

Conclusion 

Laser thermometers provide a convenient and safe way to measure the temperature of nearly any surface. Our list of the top 8 laser thermometers of 2020, is provided to help you find the best thermometer for your needs.

Should you have any questions about any of the product mentioned above, or couldn't find what you need, speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! We're here to help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].