infrared thermometers

I want to buy my husband an infrared thermometer for his birthday and I'm wondering if anyone has any they particularly like/dislike. Thanks in advance!

Different models operate in different temperature ranges. It would help to know what the intended use is.

I bought an Extech IR thermometer in a (futile) attempt to figure out what my &^$%#%^&* ceramic cooktop is doing. It was about $55 on the 'net, has a laser pointer, range from -58 to 518F, and has run for a couple years on 2 AAA batteries; has an automatic-off. Seems a pretty decent gadget.

All it has proven so far is that, no matter what heat setting is selected, the GE Profile ceramic cooktop burners seem to run up to the highest capacity of upwards of 500 F. Had it inspected by a GE serviceman, who, after 45 minutes, said "it's working just like it's supposed to." He seemes embarrased and only charged us the minimum housecall fee.

Bill/SFNM wrote:Different models operate in different temperature ranges. It would help to know what the intended use is.

Mostly he wants it to measure the barbecue temperature. And then I think he'll probably point it at anything and everything because he thinks they are so cool!

bon2mic wrote:

Bill/SFNM wrote:Different models operate in different temperature ranges. It would help to know what the intended use is.

Mostly he wants it to measure the barbecue temperature. And then I think he'll probably point it at anything and everything because he thinks they are so cool!

These devices only measure surface temps - not internal meat temps, not air temps. Depending on the type of "BBQ" he is using, I can't see that one of these is particularly useful. But who said a toy has to be useful? They are a lot of fun.

Actually, surface heat can be a useful measure: Alton Brown uses them instead of his hand to check if his skillet is up to temp, and also if meat is cold enough in your fridge (as the outside surface is likely to be the warmest part.) Apparently surface temp is also sufficient if you're making candy, and not having to clean gooey mess off a thermometer is a real benefit.

I agree, though, for cooking meats or bbq, it's probably not appropriate.