Laser IR Thermometers measure the amount of heat being put out by the food; the laser is used to help you point it to a specific spot to take a temperature. They only measure the surface temperature though. A laser thermometer has no way of reaching the internal portion of the meat where you need to measure the cooking temperature. Laser thermometers are great for measuring the temperature of liquids, soups, water, and pan surface temperatures for things like dry toasting herbs, seeds, chilies, and nuts. A probe thermometer, whether digital or manual, is required to get an accurate internal cooking temperature.