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The Best Thermometer Guns of 2024
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A thermometer gun, also known as an infrared thermometer or laser thermometer, is a handheld device that measures temperature from a safe distance. It works by detecting infrared radiation emitted by an object and converting it into temperature readings. These devices are used in multiple fields like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), construction, food safety, and industrial settings. Industrial/environmental infrared thermometers are designed to measure surface temperatures from -50°F to 1100°F and medical infrared thermometers are designed for use on humans, measuring temperatures from about 90°F to 110°F. We researched the best thermometer guns and found the Helect Thermometer Gun had a measurement range of -58°F to 1022°F, laser precision aiming, and easy-to-understand settings.
Our Top Picks For Thermometer Guns
View all ContentsThe Best Thermometer Guns
Best Overall
The Helect infrared thermometer gun sits at the top of our list for a few reasons. It’s got a durable material quality to it, has easy-to-use controls, a simple yet intuitive interface, and is overall just great for the price that it comes in. It may not be meant for human usage, but it’ll definitely work in just about any other situation you want to use the device.
One of the main features of this thermometer gun is the included red laser. Like a red dot sight used in firearms, the laser pointer helps you figure out exactly where you’re aiming the thermometer gun. You can get a more accurate reading of the temperature by aiming at the desired location. Finally, the device can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit so anyone can use it regardless of preference.
Pros
- Durable frame quality
- With a red laser sight
- Can be swapped between Celcius and Fahrenheit
Cons
- The handle might be a little too slippery
Most Detailed Interface
Do you want to know as much information as possible about your thermometer gun? Then look no further, because the KIZEN infrared thermometer gun has you covered. It’s got a great digital interface that showcases the battery life, temperature, and other aspects of the gun at a glance. The interface also lights up in the dark, so you can use it without shining a flashlight on it for clarity.
With very precise readings, the infrared thermometer gun has the most accurate results coming from tests conducted 14” away from the source. The device is very simple and easy to use, and you can operate it in seconds to get the readings you’re looking for. Whether it be for your oven, car, radiator, or some other device, you can get accurate readings for all sorts of appliances.
Pros
- Easy to read interface that glows in the dark
- Great for getting as much info as possible
- Precise readings at 14” of distance
Cons
- Can look a little too clunky compared to other thermometer guns
Most User-Friendly
If you’re new to using thermometer guns or other similar appliances, it may be daunting for you to use one for the first time. Luckily, there’s no need to worry about difficulty in using thermometer guns when it comes to the Etekcity thermometer gun. You’ll notice right away that the device only has a handful of buttons and a relatively simple screen – this may be a dealbreaker for some, but it offers its own set of advantages.
You see, for novices getting into using these sorts of tools, complex layouts will only confuse and scare them. They won’t be able to get accurate readings if they don’t understand which button does what, what those numbers mean, and so on. Instead, by using a simple layout such as this one, the user will be able to focus on what matters, such as getting an accurate temperature reading.
Pros
- Simple controls for simple use
- Best for beginners and novices
- Available in three different colors
Cons
- Lacks some of the more advanced features in thermometer guns
Widest Temp. Range
One of the key factors in choosing the right thermometer for the job is the temperature range. This determines how high or low of a temperature the device can detect. In most situations, a very high or low value won’t matter too much, but when working with industrial-level devices such as car engines, you’ll need an accurate reading at high levels in order to make the right decisions based on the information provided.
This thermometer by PWWDADA is great in terms of temperature range alone. It can go from -50 degrees Celcius all the way to positive 400 degrees, or 752 degrees Fahrenheit. This lets you check the temperature of stoves and the like without necessarily going over the limit. It may not be able to check extremely high oven or car temperatures, but it’ll be useful for just about anything else as long as it isn’t related to humans.
Pros
- Huge temperature range
- Accurate readings even at high temperatures
- Works for multiple applications
Cons
- Comes with cheap batteries
Most Lightweight
While we praised one thermometer gun for a detailed interface, this one takes the cake for the best-looking interface design. This is all thanks to the various colors used to represent different parts of the device, including the range, temperature, and so on. You can easily separate temperature values from the other parts of the interface at a glance, making it great for quick temperature checks.
Aside from being able to detect the temperature of something, this device also comes with a unique alarm feature. When set, this device lets out an alarm signal whenever it detects a temperature that’s higher or lower than the values specified. If you’re looking for signs of overheating and the like, the alarm will make it so that you know immediately and can act on the information accordingly.
Pros
- Color-coded interface design
- The modern and robust look
- Alarm feature for warning about exceeding temperatures
Cons
- Feels a little too plastic-y to be premium
The Best Thermometer Gun Buying Guide
A thermometer gun can help you get the correct temperature readings of anything at home. Read on to find out more regarding temperature and thermometer guns.
What Are Thermometer Guns Used For?
Thermometer guns are just what the name implies – thermometers in the shape of guns, or at least are held like a gun. Thermometer guns work by aiming the device at the specified location and holding the trigger to get an accurate reading of the surface that the device is pointing at. Thermometer guns often use infrared technology to achieve this.
Thermometer guns are generally classified into two categories – those used on humans and those that aren’t. Thermometer guns that aren’t used on humans are instead used to check the temperature of ovens, cars, radiators, appliances, and the like.
Are Infrared Thermometers Safe for Humans?
Because infrared thermometers will sometimes label their products as “not for humans”, it can be scary for some people to attempt to use the device anywhere near their skin. After all, what if it causes radiation or something? In truth, the main issues surrounding infrared thermometers on humans have to do with accuracy over anything else.
Infrared thermometers aren’t exactly the most accurate when checking for temperature, and you’re more likely to get a better reading with a cheap thermometer designed for humans. So in other words, infrared thermometers are technically completely safe to use, they’re just not accurate enough to warrant use on humans.
Things To Consider When Buying a Thermometer Gun
Accuracy
It doesn’t matter how sleek the design is or how wide of a temperature range the device has – as long as the device is inaccurate, it’s not worth getting. At the end of the day, you’re only using the thermometer to get an accurate temperature, and if it’s too off, then it won’t be worth the trouble of getting it.
Thermometer guns are fairly accurate, especially when used properly, so don’t write their efficiency and accuracy off unless you’re able to check the temperature in the ideal conditions. For example, if the thermometer gun recommends getting a reading at 14 inches away, then try doing so to see if you get a reading that’s closer to the actual temperature.
Temperature range
Temperature range refers to how high or low of a temperature the thermometer gun can detect and read. Temperature ranges only matter when you don’t know the temperature reading that you’re going to get. If you’re trying to get the temperature of, say, a volcanic rock, then it may be better to get a larger and more widely-encompassing thermometer.
If you know what temperature you’re looking for, however, it’s a different story. Say that you got a temperature thermometer gun to get the temperature reading of a stove or oven. In this case, you already know the ideal temperature for the food you’re about to bake. As such, you won’t need to spend too much money on a thermometer gun – as long as the device has a range that includes the temperature you’re looking for, you’ll be good to go.
Grip
The grip of a thermometer gun matters when you’re using the device for extended periods of time. If you’re trying to get the underlying temperature of the area, then you’ll want to have something that’s easy to hold and comfortable in the palm of your hands. It should rest nicely when gripped semi-firmly and should not hurt when squeezed too tight.
There are two ways to improve the grip of a thermometer gun – by using better materials or improving the design of the gun. Using better materials, such as rubber, is perfect when you’re trying to get a more solid grip on the device in damp weather conditions or if you’re sweating on your palms. Alternatively, a better design will lessen the strain on your hand and make it feel less painful in the long run.
When getting a good grip for your thermometer gun, try finding one with solid padding and has an ergonomic design to back you up. That way, the only time you’ll feel fatigued holding the device is when you’ve grabbed onto it for too long.
Interface
Even if the device can produce the most accurate readings, it won’t matter if you can’t tell what the results are. The interface of the thermometer gun showcases some of the most important features of the device. Usually, the thermometer has the temperature reading as the largest part of the interface, with battery life and other metrics displayed on the side.
Clarity is an important subfactor when considering the interface, and this can be improved by either removing buttons and data (which leaves the device feeling too simple and rudimentary) or by color-coding the displayed data. The latter is often the better solution for higher-end thermometer guns as you’ll get a more accurate reading without the clutter.
Are Thermometer Guns Required for the Home?
This completely depends on what you intend on using the device for. If you’re doing some DIY work at home, cooking or baking food, and so on, you may be able to find a use for a thermometer gun every now and then. You’ll also likely use the device a lot when dealing with repairing your car.
In many cases, however, the thermometer gun will end up sitting and collecting dust on your shelf or drawer. Though they offer a unique benefit to your home, do know that, for the most part, it won’t see a whole lot of use outside of when it actually matters.
People Also Asked
Are thermometer guns safe for humans?
While infrared thermometer guns are technically safe, they do not always provide accurate readings for humans.
When should I get a thermometer gun?
If you need to check the temperature of appliances in your house for repair or proper use, then thermometer guns can really help with that.
Should thermometer guns be used as close to the object as possible?
This depends on the device used and where you’re checking for the temperature. Check your instruction manual to see if it has a recommended measuring distance when using the device.
