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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.
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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.
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.
