How Accurate are Infrared Thermometers in Cooking?

Accuracy is the most crucial factor when choosing a cooking thermometer. Any misreading could be the difference between food that is safe to eat and that which is not. It’s too big a risk to put your health (or your customers) on the line. An infrared thermometer is one of several types of thermometers used in cooking. Is it accurate? How accurate are infrared thermometers in cooking?

This guide delves deeper into how infrared thermometers work and how to use them in the kitchen.

How Accurate are Infrared Thermometers when Cooking?

Infrared thermometers are a standard tool used in many kitchens. But how accurate is an infrared thermometer in cooking? It depends on what you are measuring.

Infrared thermometers are non-contact thermometers. You can use them to measure cooking surfaces, such as a pan or grill, or cooked food. However, they can only measure the surface temperature and not the internal temperature of the meat or food.

Infrared thermometers are accurate for measuring food surfaces and external temperatures. You can use them to check the heat of pans and griddles or the oven temperature. You can also use them to take a quick temperature scan of food to ensure that it is safe to eat (such as in buffet spreads) or for cold items, such as milk or butter.

Ensuring the accuracy of infrared thermometers when three factors impact cooking:

1. The measurement range of the reading, such as the distance between the infrared thermometer and the object (target).
2. The accuracy of the infrared thermometer reading is specified by its accuracy rating.
3. The surfaces’ emissivity was measured with an infrared thermometer.

Limitations on Using Infrared Thermometers

An infrared thermometer has many uses in modern kitchens. However, it pays to be aware of its limitations so you can use it more confidently and find ways to improve its accuracy.

• It is recommended for measuring surface temperatures ONLY, not for checking the internal temperature of meat or food.
• It is vulnerable to visual and external obstructions, such as steam, frost, moisture, smoke, etc.
• It is susceptible to rapid changes in ambient temperature. Make sure it reaches the temperature of its environment before using it.
• It won’t be able to measure the temperature of water or any transparent surfaces, such as glass.
• It requires frequent adjustments depending on the ambient conditions.

Tips to Get Great Results with Infrared Thermometers when Cooking

Infrared thermometers are a great tool to have in the kitchen. They allow the user to check the temperature of a food product remotely. Therefore, you don’t need to touch the object or food to get a temperature measurement. Some would say this method has significant drawbacks, especially regarding the accuracy of the temperature reading. While it is true, you can follow the tips below to get the best results with an infrared thermometer when cooking and improve the accuracy of your readings.

Take Note of the Distance-to-Spot Ratio

Every infrared thermometer has a distance-to-spot ratio that you should be aware of. This number indicates the diameter of the area being measured in relation to the distance of your target.

A distance-to-spot ratio of 12:1 means that you are measuring a one-inch spot from a distance of 12 inches. The accuracy of readings based on the distance-to-spot ratio varies from one thermometer model to another. Some high-end models can produce a more accurate reading at longer distances, while others require you to be more precise in targeting the area being measured for the best results.

Before you use an infrared thermometer in cooking, it is vital to get to know the tool you’re using. Every model is different, so you have to know how precise you should be in using the tool that you have. You can find the information about your thermometer in the manual. It will tell you exactly how to use the thermometer for the best and most accurate results.

Avoid Shiny Surfaces or Objects

One of the most important rules when using an infrared thermometer in the kitchen is to point it away from reflective or shiny surfaces. Any reflection can interfere with the thermometer’s reading, thereby enlarging the surface it reads. If you are working in a kitchen with reflective surfaces, make sure to cover them with non-reflective tape. This simple step will ensure that your readings from an infrared thermometer are accurate.

You must take this extra step because not all surfaces emit the same level of infrared energy. Shiny and reflective surfaces have a higher emissivity.

Check for Obstruction to the Optics

Another factor that can impact the quality of readings with an infrared thermometer is the presence of obstructions, such as steam or dust. For example, when steam obscures the line of sight for an infrared thermometer, it won’t be as effective at reading the temperature of its target.

The visual obstruction limits the infrared thermometer’s ability to measure the object’s temperature, leading to an inaccurate reading. Therefore, you should always clean the thermometer lens and ensure it is free of obstructions and scratches.

Stabilise the Thermometer’s Temperature

To ensure the most accurate temperature reading, you should refrain from using the infrared thermometer right away. Give it time to adjust to the kitchen temperature or any surroundings you intend to use to take the temperature. Ideally, you should allow it to stabilise for 20 minutes before using it.

Skipping this step would produce inaccurate temperature readings. The difference in temperature between where you store the IR thermometer and the area you are working on can cause inaccuracy.

Don’t be afraid to use infrared thermometers when cooking. As long as you use them properly, you should get accurate readings and make your cooking process more seamless and efficient.