Independent buying guidance · US editionHow we work
Gearjury
Categories
All categoriesMeat thermometersAir purifiers
Best picksGood Meat Thermometers for Every Kind of CookBest Barbeque Meat Thermometers for Grilling in 2026Best Bluetooth Meat Thermometers for App MonitoringGood Digital Meat Thermometers for Everyday CookingBest Electric Meat Thermometers for Fast, Clear…Best Instant Meat Thermometers for Fast Cooking…
Buying guideIs a Candy Thermometer the Same as a Meat…How to Calibrate a Meat Thermometer at HomeHow to Clean a Meat Thermometer Without Damaging ItHow to Read a Meat Thermometer for a Reliable ResultHow to Use a Meat Thermometer in an Oven, Grill or…How to Use a Meat Thermometer Correctly
Head to headAlpha Grillers Meat Thermometers ComparedCHEF iQ Sense Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer RangeGovee Meat ThermometersINKBIRD Meat Thermometers and Wireless Cooking…Maverick Meat Thermometers for Barbecue and CookingMEATER Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer and Pro Range
TrendingGood Meat Thermometers for Every Kind of CookBest Wireless Meat Thermometers for Grilling and…How to Use a Meat Thermometer CorrectlyThermoPro Meat Thermometers

Category hub

Laser Thermometers for Cooking and Surface Checks

An infrared or “laser” thermometer reads surface temperature, not the center of meat. It is useful for griddles, pans and oil surfaces, but food safety still calls for a penetration probe.

A laser thermometer for cooking is really an infrared surface thermometer; the laser only helps indicate where it is aimed. It can check a griddle, pizza stone or oil surface without contact, but it cannot tell you whether the center of chicken, steak or a hamburger is safely cooked.

Our picks

Top picks

Compare them side by side →

Common questions

Questions before you buy

Can a laser thermometer check meat doneness?

No. It reads the exterior surface, while safe doneness is assessed at the coldest internal point with a penetration thermometer.

What does the laser do on an infrared thermometer?

It provides an aiming reference. The instrument measures infrared energy from a wider spot whose size depends on distance.

Can an infrared thermometer measure a frying pan?

Yes, but shiny metal can produce unreliable readings because emissivity is low. Follow the instrument's guidance for reflective surfaces.

How close should a laser thermometer be to food?

Use the model's distance-to-spot ratio and move close enough that the target fully fills the measurement spot. Never aim the laser at eyes.