Independent buying guidance · Ireland editionHow we work
Gearjury
Categories
All categoriesMeat thermometersAir purifiers
Best picksBest Meat Thermometers for Cooking, Roasting and BBQBest Digital Meat Thermometers for Cooking in 2026Best Instant Read Thermometers for Fast Cooking…Food Thermometer ReviewsBest Wireless Meat Thermometers for Ovens and BBQsWireless Meat Thermometer Reviews for 2026
Buying guideHow to Use a Digital Meat ThermometerHow to Calibrate a Food ThermometerHow to Read a Meat Thermometer CorrectlyHow to Use a Meat Thermometer CorrectlyHow to Use a Meat Thermometer in the OvenHow to Use a Meat Thermometer on a Turkey
Head to headNinja Meat Thermometers and Smart Cook Probe OptionsWeber Meat Thermometers Available in IrelandMeat vs Candy Thermometer
TrendingBest Meat Thermometers for Cooking, Roasting and BBQHow to Use a Meat Thermometer CorrectlyWeber Meat Thermometers Available in IrelandBest Wireless Meat Thermometers for Ovens and BBQs

Category hub

Infrared Food Thermometers for Cooking

An infrared thermometer is useful for checking a pan, griddle or oil surface without contact. It does not measure the centre of meat, so pair it with a probe thermometer.

An infrared food thermometer reads thermal radiation from a surface, making it a quick way to check a hotplate, pizza stone, griddle or the surface of cooking oil. The best infrared thermometer for cooking should state its distance-to-spot ratio, temperature range and whether emissivity can be adjusted.

Infrared Food Thermometers for Cooking

Our picks

Top picks

Compare them side by side →

Common questions

Questions before you buy

Can an infrared thermometer check whether meat is cooked?

No. It measures surface temperature, not the coolest point inside the meat. Use a clean probe thermometer for the centre.

Can I use an infrared thermometer for cooking oil?

It can check the oil surface if the instrument's range and instructions permit it. Steam, reflections and the oil's emissivity can affect the result.

What does distance-to-spot ratio mean?

It describes how large an area the thermometer reads from a given distance. A larger ratio lets you measure a smaller target from farther away.

Why does a laser food thermometer give different readings on metal?

Bare reflective metal has low emissivity and can reflect surrounding heat. Adjustable emissivity or a suitable prepared target can improve surface readings.