Infrared Thermometer for Grilling

Some cooking methods require accurate and precise temperature readings. A slight temperature difference can significantly affect the grilling results of your meat or other foods. An infrared thermometer for grilling is what you need to ensure accurate readings and achieve the best-tasting food with the right doneness and texture.

Part 1. Why Use a Thermometer for Grilling?

Many so-called grilling experts prefer to use tools other than specialized ones, such as thermometers, for grilling. Most of them would eyeball the meat to see if it was done or ready to eat. However, grilling can be tricky when working with large cuts of meat, such as brisket. It’s more challenging to visually check whether the meat is safe and ready to eat. You need a thermometer that can measure the meat’s temperature and tell you when it is ready to serve.

An infrared thermometer for grilling is the best tool for this purpose. If you haven’t used a thermometer for grilling yet, now is the best time to get started. It will remove the guesswork from your cooking and ensure you get the perfect temperature for the meat. Using a thermometer not only ensures the meat is safe to eat but also prevents it from being overcooked.

Part 2. Reasons to Use an Infrared Thermometer for Grilling

An infrared thermometer measures the meat’s temperature during grilling by detecting thermal radiation emitted by the meat. It does not need to come into contact with the meat to produce an accurate reading. 

A traditional grill thermometer requires you to insert a probe into the meat. The probe must be inserted deep enough to reach the center of the meat. This method might give you an accurate reading, but it can also degrade the meat’s quality. Poking the meat while grilling allows some of the juices to escape. When the juice hits the charcoal, it ignites the charcoal, causing the flame to shoot up and significantly increasing the grilling temperature. At the same time, the juice that escapes from the meat also means you are losing flavor from the meat.

An infrared thermometer does not just use the temperature of the meat to provide a reading. It also considers other factors, such as the skillet, grill, and meat surface temperatures. 

Part 3. Factors to Consider When Choosing an Infrared Thermometer

An infrared thermometer is a must-have in any kitchen for the best barbecue and grilled dishes. But to make that happen, you need to find the best infrared thermometer that meets your needs. The following factors are essential to consider when choosing the best infrared thermometer for grilling.

Application

Not all infrared thermometers are the same. Make sure to consider the intended application of the thermometer you plan to buy to ensure it fits the purpose. Think of thermometers as tools. When a tool is designed for a particular purpose, it is equipped with capabilities that match that purpose. 

For example, there are different types of infrared thermometers, such as those used in the medical field and for mechanical applications. If you want one for grilling or cooking, make sure to look for specific models for this purpose to find a tool with the functionalities you need.

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Investing in an infrared thermometer lets you accurately measure food temperature. If you had to second-guess the reading, what’s the point in investing in this kitchen tool?

You should choose an infrared thermometer that delivers accurate readings. Most thermometer models will list their accuracy rating using a plus-or-minus percentage. Check this data when selecting an infrared thermometer for grilling to be more confident in its use.

Temperature Range

An infrared thermometer is a multifunctional tool that allows you to measure a wide range of temperatures. Check the ideal temperature range for a thermometer to choose a suitable model for grilling. For example, some thermometers can read temperatures from -20 degrees to 70 degrees.

Ease of Use

An easy-to-use infrared thermometer is a valuable investment for the kitchen. Most thermometers require a steady hand to accurately read the temperature of the meat you’re grilling. Point the thermometer at the meat, and it will give you a reading in seconds. This tool should not require any additional steps to get the temperature reading. 

It does not hurt if the thermometer offers nifty features, such as saving the previous temperature reading. This feature allows you to cross-reference the last reading, making it easier to monitor the meat’s cooking progress. 

Part 4. FAQs on Infrared Thermometer for Grilling

Are you looking for more information to help you pick the best thermometer for the job? Use the following information as an additional guide when shopping.

How accurate is an infrared thermometer?

It differs from model to model. Therefore, you need to check the accuracy rating on the specific model to ensure that it is suitable for grilling. Look for an infrared thermometer with an accuracy rating of 2% or less.

Which infrared thermometer is best for grilling?

Several models of infrared thermometers are available online and in local stores. Use the list of factors above to pick the model that delivers the best grilling results.

Can you use an infrared thermometer to check the doneness of food?

No. An infrared thermometer for grilling measures only the surface temperature of the meat. It won’t let you measure the meat’s internal temperature. Therefore, you must rely on something other than this tool to check meat doneness, especially for meats that must be brought to a specific internal temperature before consumption. 

Food doneness is best measured by taking the internal temperature. You can use this tool to monitor the cooking progress instead.