When you're cooking, it's important to ensure that food is cooked evenly and to the correct temperature. An infrared thermometer can help by allowing you to take the internal temperature of food without having to cut it open. This can be especially helpful when you're cooking a large pot of soup or stew, which can be difficult to test without taking it off the heat.

In general, infrared thermometers are a helpful tool in the kitchen, and can be used for both cooking and food safety. When used correctly, they can help ensure your food is cooked evenly and to the correct temperature.

What is an Infrared Thermometer?

An infrared thermometer is a handheld temperature detecting device used to measure the surface temperatures of an object or area without having to touch the object. The reason why it's non-contact is attributed to a built-in laser, which enables it to acquire the surface temperature of a particular object without contact with the object. After scanning an object or area, the infrared thermometer displays the temperature reading on the indicating screen.

How Do Infrared Thermometers Operate?

Every object containing atoms is constantly in motion. The rate of movement directly corresponds to the temperature. Molecules will move faster as the temperature rises. These kinetic molecules give off infrared energy as they rush about.

This radiation has a longer wavelength than visible light. As a result, it is not visible to the naked eye. If an item becomes too hot, though, the radiation may jump into the visible spectrum. One example is a heated metal that glows red or occasionally white. While we may not see infrared light, we can feel it as heat. Infrared radiation is the heat that comes from sunlight, a heater, or a fire. It's this type of heat that infrared thermometers sense in order to determine the temperature.

Foods, ovens, and other objects give off a certain amount of infrared radiation, which is measured by the infrared thermometer and displayed as degrees in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Limitations

Keep in mind that IRTs can't correctly measure the temperature of anything glossy, such as a dry steel pan.

Using an Infrared Thermometer in the Kitchen

Infrared thermometers have been used in construction and manufacturing for decades, but have become increasingly prevalent in commercial and household kitchens. Here are a few reasons why:

Fast and easy-to-use

Infrared thermometers are simple to operate. Most food thermometers require you to handle the food in order to insert the measuring prong, and after each measurement, you'll need to clean up. With an infrared thermometer, you can simply point at the item you wish to measure with an infrared thermometer, and then press a button - the temperature will be displayed on a digital screen.

Limited opportunity for contamination

Another advantage of using an infrared thermometer in the kitchen is that it eliminates the potential for cross contamination. If you want to check the temperatures of two different foods at close intervals, a typical thermometer puts you at risk of cross-contamination. This might impact taste, and it's possible your consumers could get sick. Because there is no physical contact with using an infrared thermometer, this hazard is eliminated.

Maintain the pristine look of the food

A regular thermometer might damage the food. For example, to acquire a temperature reading from a piece of steak, you'll need to poke the measuring prong into it which leaves a hole. It isn't essential for taste, but when you use an infrared thermometer to cook food, it gives it a better, and unpierced appearance.

Some other quick uses:

Verify oven temperature 

Most ovens stay fairly close to the displayed temperature on their digital readout or analog knob. However, accuracy can deteriorate with time. IRTs ensure you are cooking at the optimal temperature every time.

Ensure refrigerator and freezer are operating properly

Infrared Thermometers (IRTs) provide real temperature readings, unlike dials adjusted from 1 to 5.

Measure beverage temperatures 

The optimal temperature range for serving hot beverages, according to Dr. Fredericka Brown and Dr. Kenneth Diller, mechanical engineering professors at The University of Texas at Tyler, is between 125°F and 136°F. Their study reveals that although there are several preferences regarding the ideal temperature for beverage consumption, drinking a hot beverage outside of this range can reduce flavor quality and cause physical discomfort. An infrared thermometer ensures that your drinks will be a safe temperature and delicious.

Recommended Infrared Thermometers for the Kitchen

While there are many options to choose from when selecting an infrared thermometer, here are two suggestions:

  • Mini Infrared Thermometer - Perfect for cooking, and many more household tasks.
  • The IRT3 Non-Contact Mini Infrared Thermometer is ideal for spot-checking the temperature of substances and surfaces from a distance. The IRT3 measurement range of -22° to 482°(f), along with its premium features and specs, makes this useful for many household applications, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, cooking, and automotive.

General Tools Carries Infrared Thermometers and Other Specialized Tools

General Tools has been a leader in the design and creation of high-precision special tools for nearly a century, demonstrating their continual commitment to innovation and providing excellent customer service.
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