Project Farm

Finally! A Cheap and Accurate Infrared Thermometer!

Todd's Picks

Best Performance

Top-tier accuracy and reliability

Fluke

Average Finish: 2.4

Purchased for: $245

Made In: China

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Top-tier at $245, wide temperature range up to 1022°F, spot ratio 12:1, excellent accuracy with minimal error, best performance.

$245

Best Value

Affordable with excellent performance

T600

Average Finish: 18

Purchased for: $17

Made In: China

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Affordable at $17, range -58°F to 1,112°F, accuracy with cumulative error of 1.5°F, no adjustable emissivity, excellent overall performance.

$17

Runner-up

High accuracy with adjustable features

Kaizen

Average Finish: 3.8

Purchased for: $30

Made In: China

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Mid-range option at $30, range -58°F to 1,112°F, spot ratio 12:1, adjustable emissivity 0.1 to 1.0, high accuracy on polished surfaces.

$30

Tools Tested

Viver

Average Finish: 0.1

Purchased for: $48

Made In: China

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Premium option at $48, range -40°F to 2732°F, dual laser, adjustable emissivity, top accuracy with minimal error.

Putt River

Average Finish: 1.2

Purchased for: $38

Made In: China

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Affordable at $38, range -58°F to 2876°F, spot ratio 30:1, includes flashlight, excellent accuracy.

Klein Tools IR10

Average Finish: 2.4

Purchased for: $104

Made In: China

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Premium model at $104, range -40°F to 1200°F, spot ratio 20:1, adjustable emissivity, high durability.

Fluke

Average Finish: 2.4

Purchased for: $245

Made In: China

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Top-tier at $245, wide temperature range up to 1022°F, spot ratio 12:1, excellent accuracy with minimal error, best performance.

Milwaukee

Average Finish: 2.6

Purchased for: $86

Made In: China

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Priced at $86, range -22°F to 752°F, spot ratio 10:1, clearer screen, faster scanning, good accuracy.

Kaizen

Average Finish: 3.8

Purchased for: $30

Made In: China

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Mid-range option at $30, range -58°F to 1,112°F, spot ratio 12:1, adjustable emissivity 0.1 to 1.0, high accuracy on polished surfaces.

Sarotti

Average Finish: 5

Purchased for: $19

Made In: China

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Priced at $19, range -58°F to 1,112°F, accuracy ±2%, spot ratio 12:1, moderate performance with some temperature errors.

Surer

Average Finish: 5.7

Purchased for: $50

Made In: China

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Priced at $50, range -58°F to 2552°F, spot ratio 30:1, accuracy ±2%, performance affected by low battery.

FKM

Average Finish: 6.3

Purchased for: $36

Made In: China

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Moderately priced at $36, range -58°F to 1,112°F, spot ratio 12:1, includes carrying case, adjustable emissivity.

AS

Average Finish: 9

Purchased for: $63

Made In: China

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Higher-end at $63, range -22°F to 212°F, spot ratio 20:1, adjustable emissivity, notable temperature error.

Klein Tools IR5

Average Finish: 10

Purchased for: $86

Made In: China

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Mid to high range at $86, range -22°F to 752°F, spot ratio 12:1, includes carrying pouch, moderate accuracy.

Sunot

Average Finish: 12.6

Purchased for: $9

Made In: China

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Least expensive temperature gun, $9, range -58°F to 932°F, accuracy ±1.5%, distance spot ratio 12:1, weight 12.52g, moderate accuracy with some errors.

Mestic

Average Finish: 13.8

Purchased for: $38

Made In: China

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Costing $38, broad range up to 1,472°F, spot ratio 12:1, includes carrying case, higher error in temperature measurements.

ThermoPro

Average Finish: 14.3

Purchased for: $19

Made In: China

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Cost-effective at $19, range -58°F to 1,112°F, accuracy ±1.5%, response time 500ms, struggles with shiny surfaces.

T600

Average Finish: 18

Purchased for: $17

Made In: China

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Affordable at $17, range -58°F to 1,112°F, accuracy with cumulative error of 1.5°F, no adjustable emissivity, excellent overall performance.

Showing 15 of 15 products.

Comparison of infrared thermometer prices.

Cumulative error across all temperature tests. Lower values indicate better accuracy.

Speed at which each thermometer takes a measurement. Lower values indicate faster performance.

Distance to spot ratio indicates the measurement area size relative to the distance. Higher ratios allow for measuring smaller areas from greater distances.

Rating of display visibility in direct sunlight. 1 being the best and 2 indicating challenges with readability.