Infrared thermometers are convenient and easy to use. That’s why they are popular tools in the kitchen: they are handy for cooking and for monitoring food temperature. You can use this thermometer to take temperature readings without touching or coming into contact with the surface being measured. But before you purchase one, take time to learn how to use an infrared thermometer for cooking to get the best results.

Part 1. Why Use an Infrared Thermometer When Cooking?

An infrared thermometer is an ideal tool for cooking and measuring food temperature because it allows you to take temperatures from a distance. It also delivers accurate readings when used correctly. Therefore, you can measure the temperature of any food product, even when in motion.

Measuring food temperature from a distance is ideal when inserting a probe into the food is not possible, or when it is too difficult to get close to the object.

Another reason to use an infrared thermometer is that it can measure surface temperature. For example, you can use it to check whether the grill or griddle is at the correct temperature before you put the meat on it to start cooking.

The infrared thermometer can take readings quickly. It only takes a few seconds to read the temperature, which is convenient for quick scans and checking food temperature. The only downside is that you won’t be able to use it for checking the internal temperature of food.

Part 2. Using an Infrared Thermometer When Cooking

An infrared thermometer works by measuring the infrared light and energy emitted by the object being measured. Any object or surface emits invisible infrared radiation. This energy is absorbed by the thermometer and converted into temperature readings that indicate how hot or cold a given food or surface is. Concentrating the infrared light on a detector called a thermopile allows the tool to measure temperature with the highest accuracy.

Using an infrared thermometer in cooking is very easy. All you have to do is point the thermometer gun at the object or surface you want to measure. Once you have locked on to the target, pull the trigger to display the target’s exact temperature on the display screen.

The following are the different ways that you can use an infrared thermometer in the kitchen and when cooking:

• Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of any cookware before using it. For example, you can measure the temperature of the skillet, pan, or pot before cooking. If you are not cooking with liquid, add oil or non-stick spray to the inside of the pan or skillet. Point the infrared thermometer at the oil and hold it until the temperature reading is on display.
• Use an infrared thermometer to measure the grill before cooking. Place the cast-iron cookware on the grill, then close the lid to heat it. Once the grill has reached your desired temperature, remove the cast-iron cookware and add oil to it. Point the gun at the surface of the cast-iron cookware. The oil will increase the skillet’s emissivity, making it easier for the thermometer to read the temperature. The temperature reading will be close to the temperature of the grill grates.
• Use the infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of any liquid, such as soup or stew. Stir the soup or stew thoroughly before ladling a small amount. Point the infrared thermometer gun at the liquid that is on the ladle or at the surface of the soup or stew. Wait a few seconds for the temperature reading to appear on the display.
• Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of a saute pan. Heat the pan like you usually would. Put oil or cooking spray on the pan surface to enhance emissivity. Once the oil has heated, point the gun towards the oil to measure the temperature of the saute pan.
• Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of a pizza oven. Begin by placing a pizza stone into the oven. Once it is heated, you can remove the pizza stone and point the gun at it. You can determine the temperature of the pizza oven based on the temperature reading displayed on the thermometer screen.

Part 3. FAQs on Using Infrared Thermometer in Cooking

Got more questions on how to use an infrared thermometer in cooking? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions, along with information to help you out.

1. Can you use an infrared thermometer to measure grill temperature?

Yes. Most grills have built-in thermometers that indicate the grill’s internal temperature, but these are not accurate or reliable. An infrared thermometer can check the temperature of the grates and the actual grilling surface. Therefore, it is a helpful tool when grilling specific types of meat that require varying grilling temperatures.

2. Can you use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of liquid?

No. Since you need a glass or some other container, this thermometer won’t give you an accurate temperature reading for a liquid. Instead, the thermometer will read the temperature of the container the liquid is in.

3. Can you use an infrared thermometer to check the food’s doneness?

No. Infrared thermometers only measure surface temperatures. It won’t be able to read the food’s internal temperature. Therefore, it is unreliable for checking food doneness.

4. Can you use an infrared thermometer to check the oven temperature?

No. While you can point the thermometer gun towards the oven, it will only measure the temperature of the oven walls. It won’t provide an accurate temperature of the stove itself.

5. Does the angle you hold the IR thermometer gun matter in measuring an object’s temperature?

Yes. You must hold the lens of the infrared thermometer directly perpendicular to the area being measured. This method of keeping the thermometer gun creates a tight circle around the area you want to measure.

6. How often should you clean your infrared thermometer?

It is essential to clean the infrared thermometer after each use to remove any scratches, stubborn dust, or dirt. Any obstruction on the thermometer lens can affect the accuracy of the reading.