The best infrared cooking thermometer lets you check your food’s temperature from a safe distance. It is a crucial cooking tool in those situations wherein it would be impossible or difficult to insert a probe into the food to get an accurate temperature reading. You can point the thermometer a few inches away from the food, and it will display the temperature reading on the screen. 

If you are looking for an infrared thermometer to add to your cooking arsenal, you have come to the right place. Use this guide to find the best infrared cooking thermometer that fits your needs. 

How to Choose the Best Infrared Cooking Thermometer

Buying an infrared thermometer for cooking seems straightforward. Please note a few essential factors to consider when purchasing one to make it worth your investment. 

1. Ratio of Distance

The distance ratio is the distance between the infrared thermometer and the spot or food whose temperature you want to measure. Some infrared thermometer models have a 12:1 ratio, meaning you can measure the temperature of the food a foot away. The farther you are from the food, the less accurate the temperature reading becomes. 

Distance matters in an infrared thermometer because the measured area is larger at greater distances. Remember that the infrared thermometer takes data from the surface of the food and the surrounding environment when determining the reading. You must be as close as possible to the food or surface to get the most accurate reading.

It pays to check this feature so that you know how to use the infrared thermometer. The best infrared cooking thermometer offers a longer distance ratio, so you don’t have to get too close to the surface to measure the food’s temperature. It is helpful when cooking food on an extremely hot surface, and you don’t want to get too close.

2. Accuracy

Accurate readings are a must when using an infrared thermometer for cooking. Probe thermometers are the most precise cooking thermometers since they allow you to insert the probe into the meat and take its internal temperature. 

Therefore, you must find the best infrared cooking thermometer that delivers accurate readings to achieve superior cooking results. To help you find this thermometer, always check the model’s specs sheet before you buy. You can use the accuracy rating to determine how accurately a specific thermometer model measures food temperature. 

3. Emissivity

Emissivity is an essential factor to consider when choosing the best infrared cooking thermometer. It refers to a surface’s capacity to emit thermal radiation.

Since an infrared thermometer does not need to be in contact with the object being measured (food), the surface must emit adequate thermal radiation. Most infrared thermometers have a fixed emissivity setting of 0.95. At this setting, it can measure the temperature of any high-emissivity surface. 

A fixed emissivity setting can pose a problem, especially when dealing with reflective surfaces. The most significant risk is that you may get false readings, as you cannot adjust the thermometer’s emissivity settings based on the surface type you are measuring. 

When looking for the best infrared cooking thermometer, make sure you go for one with adjustable settings. This type of thermometer offers a more accurate reading once it is calibrated for the specific surface being measured. 

4. Cost

Cost is another factor to consider when choosing the best infrared cooking thermometer. The prices of various models of infrared cooking thermometers on the market vary significantly. Therefore, it is vital to research the different models at varying price points. The most expensive model is not always the best; cheaper models can be a good option. 

Consider the price against the features available for that infrared cooking thermometer model. That is how you can get the best value for your money.

5. Temperature Settings

Various temperature units are used for measuring food temperature, depending on where you live. Consider the ability to switch the temperature unit between Celsius and Fahrenheit when you buy an infrared cooking thermometer.

This feature is something that you might need to consider when buying one. However, it is essential to achieve accurate results when cooking. Choosing the right temperature setting will make it easier to achieve your desired outcome by helping you monitor your food’s temperature.

6. Ergonomics

Consider the grip and the weight of the infrared cooking thermometer when buying one. This factor is often overlooked, but it can be significant for someone experiencing challenges with hand grip. 

7. Accessories

Various infrared cooking thermometer accessories, such as belt clips and tripods, are available. However, you can use as many or as few accessories as you need, depending on the intended purpose or the type of meat you are cooking.

You should focus on the basic features when choosing the best infrared cooking thermometer.

8. Extra Features

The extra features add value to the infrared cooking thermometer. However, they neither make nor break your decision on which model to buy. 

A common extra feature in some infrared cooking thermometers is a laser—the laser points directly to the area being measured by the thermometer. Therefore, you know exactly what the thermometer reads and can adjust the position to match the reading. 

The Bottom Line

Several models of infrared cooking thermometers are available on the market. If you want to get your hands on the best one, compare the features thoroughly against your intended use. Cooking thermometers come in various shapes and sizes, so there are many options. If you want a non-contact thermometer, the above features can help you pick the best one for the job.