Before understanding how to use an infrared thermometer (IRT) in cooking, let’s quickly understand how this device works. An infrared thermometer, often called a laser thermometer, measures the accurate temperature of an object from a distance without making physical contact with it. Because of its properties, an IR thermometer is used in clinical and industrial fields, where objects are fragile, and it’s not easy to touch them. Moreover, the IR thermometer device quickly reads the results with precision and accuracy.
Every object contains atoms that are constantly in motion, especially when subjected to temperature. These kinetic molecules of the object radiate infrared radiation. IR radiation has a longer wavelength that makes it difficult for the naked eye to see. Still, the IR can be felt as a form of heat that is sensed by infrared thermometers to estimate the precise temperature of the object.
When the meat or any other edible is placed in the oven and grills, it radiates a certain amount of infrared radiation. A infrared thermometer for cooking can be used with edibles to measure and display the surface temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
If you are thinking that the use of IR thermometers is limited to meat meals, you might be wrong. Here are the applications of IR thermometers in cooking.
How many times have you felt confused about whether the oil in the pan is ready for cooking? Maybe more than 1000 times. The saddest part is that you can’t even touch it; otherwise, it can be fatal. However, you can always use an infrared thermometer to ensure the surface temperature of oils for frying or cooking.
An infrared thermometer can accurately assess the temperature of a cooking surface, such as skillets, pans, and grills. It helps the cook analyze whether the surface is adequately heated and ready for the next step.
If you are a baking lover, the infrared temperature can be really useful. You can determine the temperature of sugar syrups, melted chocolate, or cake without touching it.
You can also use IRT to measure the temperature of the fridge and adjust it according to your needs.
The last and most important application of the IR thermometer for kitchen is that it helps in measuring the heat distribution on the grills or inside ovens, allowing you to estimate the precise cooking environment.
Infrared thermometers have been used in commercial or personal kitchens for decades. Here are the applications of infrared thermometers in the kitchen.
One of the major benefits of IR thermometers in the kitchen is their easy operation. Other thermometers require direct contact with the food, and thus, you’ll need to clean them after every use. However, that’s not the thing with an IR thermometer. All you need to do is point the object to the device, and it will automatically display its accurate temperature.
If you use regular thermometers, you need to pierce them inside the food. For example, if you want to check the temperature of a piece of meat, you need to insert the temperature probe inside it; it will leave a permanent hole in the meat, ruining its external appeal. But since an IR thermometer doesn’t demand direct contact, you need not worry about it.
By eliminating the direct contact, the infrared thermometer eliminates the potential for cross-contamination. It also eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, which can possibly make you sick.
Although infrared thermometers can measure temperature without contact and are very practical, they also have some limitations. Understanding these limitations can help you make informed decisions when choosing a thermometer to ensure accurate and reliable temperature readings.
Surface Temperature Only
IR thermometers primarily measure the surface temperature of objects and cannot provide internal temperature data. This means they are unsuitable for situations that require internal temperature measurements, such as cooking meat. In this case, you can use a wireless meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature of food.
Reflective Materials Affect Accuracy
The reflectivity of different materials can vary, impacting the accuracy of readings from IR thermometers. For instance, smooth or polished metal surfaces may reflect infrared radiation, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Environmental Interference
Environmental factors such as smoke, steam, or dust can interfere with the infrared signal, affecting measurement results. This means that using IR thermometers in less-than-ideal conditions may yield inaccurate readings.
Distance and Field of View Limitations
IR thermometers have limited measurement distances, and measuring from too far away can result in inaccurate readings. Additionally, the field of view ratio (the ratio of the measurement area to the distance) can also affect measurement precision.
Ineffectiveness on Transparent Objects
IR thermometers cannot accurately measure the temperature of transparent objects, as they are unable to effectively capture infrared radiation. This limits their use in certain applications.
ThermoPro TP450 dual laser infrared thermometer is one of the best IRTs for residential and commercial kitchens for various culinary purposes. From ease of use to dual laser technology, here are the features that make ThermoPro TP450 a standout device.
The dual laser technology provides high accuracy. It improves the overall precision of the reading even from a distance. Plus, there is a feature of adjustable emissivity that enhances the accuracy while measuring surfaces with varying reflective indexes and textures.
It offers a wide temperature range from -58°F to 1022°F (-50°C to 550°C). Thus, it is suitable for various tasks, from monitoring the heat of a cold refrigerator to a heated grill or oven.
Even beyond kitchen use, the thermometer can be used to measure surface temperature of other objects, like pizza oven or griddle, home HVAC operations, perfect for home and industrial use; Moreover, the device features an easy-to-read display that ensures clear visibility even in low-light conditions.
As mentioned above, using a ThermoPro TP450 is quite easy. All you need to do is follow the simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Turn on the TP450 ICt by pressing the trigger.
Step 2. Point the laser at the targeted object whose temperature needs to be measured. If required, adjust the emissivity to match the surface material.
Step 3. Once you have aimed the object correctly, pull the trigger, and you will shortly receive an accurate temperature reading.
While using infrared thermometers in the kitchen, here are a few tips that can maximize your experience:
