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Accuracy isn’t the only thing you should be focusing on when buying a thermometer. The best infrared thermometer should be fast and easy to read too. If you’re looking for a medical infrared thermometer, both iHealth PT-3 and Withings Thermo are good. If you’re looking for an industrial thermometer, we recommend the DeWalt DCT414S1.

iHealth PT-3 No-Touch Forehead Thermometer 

The iHealth PT-3 is one of the best infrared thermometers for adults and kids. You can point the thermometer at the centre of the forehead from 3cm/1-inch and can get an accurate reading in 1 second. After the reading is completed, it vibrates gently instead of any confirmation beep which can wake up your sleeping kids. The forehead thermometer is powered by 2 x AAA batteries which come inside the box, and it also has a distance sensor and environmental sensor to avoid wrong measurements. 

Design

The medical thermometer is pretty compact and measures 1.5 x 1.3 x 5.4 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. On the front, the device has a single button for a readout, the iHealth branding is on the bottom, the battery compartment is on the bottom half, and there is an easy to read LED-backlit screen. 

Performance

The device can get more than 100 data points per sec on the forehead to measure the temperature. To take the temperature point the thermometer at the centre of the forehead from 3cm/1-inch and press the button, after the reading is completed, it vibrates gently, and the reading is displayed on the LED display. If the device fails to read the temperature, the display shows dashes instead. The thermometer turns off after 8 seconds of inactivity. 

Withings Thermo – Smart Temporal Thermometer

The Withings Thermo is a smart thermometer with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that connects with your smartphone or tablet. The device uses 16 infrared sensors which help to measure accurate temperature from the arteries in the forehead. An Android/iPhone app is also available, which allows you to log your symptoms and read advice. The Withings Thermo has a memory for 32 readings, and the app is limited to 8 profiles which are enough for most families. It can also record measurements to pass on to health professionals. 

Design

It’s made of white (ABS) plastic, it measures 4.57 inches long and 1.31 inches around and weighs only 2.7 ounces with batteries installed. The thermometer uses two AAA batteries (included). The front has a button that activates the device, and a 20 x 5 pixel LED display which shows the name and temperature of the user, the screen turns off after 30 seconds of no use. Opposite the cap has a touch-sensitive control area, to scroll through users.

Performance

To measure the temperature, you have to remove the thermometer cap then press the button, scan your forehead from a distance of 1cm (0.4in). The thermometer will take your temperature in less than 0.5 seconds. It also has an indicator that lights red for high fever, yellow for mild, green for no fever. The Withings Thermo can be used with or without the app. 

As mentioned earlier, you can create user profiles in the app and monitor their readings. You can add the name, gender, and birthdate of the users and upload a profile picture to each profile. The app can also pull advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Boston Children’s Hosptial, and other sources.

Note: The device is FSA eligible so your FSA health plans can cover it without prescription.

Fluke 561 HVAC Pro Infrared Thermometer

The Fluke 561 is a dual infrared thermometer with a thermocouple sensor. It is best for measuring the temperature of hard-to-reach objects in HVAC systems and industrial, and electrical conditions. It is one of the most accurate thermometers, and it allows you to take both non-contact and contact temperature measurements. 

Design

This infrared temperature gun has a thermocouple pipe probe with a hook-and-loop fastener. The ergonomic shape makes it efficient and comfortable to use in the industrial environment. It also comes with a strong case for carrying and storage.  

Performance

The Fluke 561 has three emissivity settings which you can choose according to your needs. This dual infrared thermometer measures the temperature from -40 to 1022 degrees Fahrenheit. You can measure the temperature of electrically energized hot moving parts, check breakers, motors, pipes, wires, radiant heating, insulation, and other hard to reach objects and can scan ducts.

Bottom line

Overall, the Fluke 561 HVAC Pro is one of the best infrared thermometers, but it is also one of the most expensive thermometers. If you are on a limited budget, read other thermometer reviews on this page. 

DEWALT DCT414S1 12-Volt Max Infrared Thermometer Kit

The DeWalt DCT414S1 provides accurate non-contact temperature readings. It is one of the best infrared thermometers for plumbing and HVAC systems. It has an ergonomic design which makes it feel like an extension of your hand. The device includes a patent-pending LED alarm and an auto-off feature. It also has a wide temperature range of -20º F to 932º F, which is more than enough for most situations. The infrared temperature gun comes with a sturdy case, a 12V MAX battery, a charger, and a manual. DeWalt provides a 3-year warranty and 90 days money-back guarantee with 1-year free service. 

Design

As we mentioned, the temperature gun has an ergonomic design; the device has five buttons for changing emissivity (EMS), selecting Fahrenheit and Celsius and programming alarms. Above the buttons is a highly visible backlit LCD. The front of the gun has two holes, the bigger upper hole is the infrared reader, and the lower hole is the laser. 

Performance

To use the device hold the trigger for a few seconds to turn it on, the laser will turn on, and you can read any surface. The infrared has a D:S ratio of 12:1. Users can set a high/low limit temperature range with the alarm feature. It also allows you to choose audio or two LED lights to alert 

when the reading outside of the set range is detected. 

Etekcity Lasergrip 1025D – Dual-Laser

The Etekcity 1025D is a dual laser infrared thermometer; it is perfect for measuring the temperature of ventilation systems, attic heating, engines, and more. The device has adjustable emissivity to measure different surfaces and the distance to spot ratio 12:1. It uses a 9V battery which is included and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Design 

The device comes in yellow color with grey highlighting; the overall design looks pretty similar to other Etekcity thermometers. It has a decent display that provides temperature rating and has a low battery indicator, below the screen are four control buttons. The plastic is pretty sturdy and feels premium. 

Performance

This device has a temperature measurement range of -58°F to 1022°F You can also switch it to Celsius (-50°C to 550°C). It has non-contact voltage mode which lets you pinpoint live voltages from 90V to 600V; it makes a high-pitched sound while detecting the highest voltage. The emissivity can be adjusted from 0.1 to 1.0, which lets you measure multiple types of surfaces. The other features are automatic data hold, automatic shut off, maximum measurement hold.

Vigorun Forehead and Ear Thermometer

The Vigorun forehead and ear thermometer can be used by infants and adults of all ages and works with both ear and forehead measurements. The medical thermometer can take readings in both ℉ and ℃ and delivers results in just one second. It has a high-accuracy sensor that ensures temperature accuracy. This medical thermometer can store 35 temperature readings and has intelligent indicators. It also comes with 18 months replacement warranty.

Design

The thermometer is available in Grey and Navy blue colors. The top cap can be removed for ear temperature measurement, the device has memory function button (35 readings recall), above the button is an LCD which shows all the info, the power button is above the screen, and there is also an intelligent indicator which lights up red for high fever, orange for mild fever and green for no fever. 

Olangda Forehead Thermometer

If you’re looking for an affordable thermometer to keep track of your children’s temperature to watch any sign of illness, the Olangda forehead thermometer is a good choice. You can measure temperature from 0.5 to 2 inches away. It has indicators for high fever and can store up to 20 readings at once.

Design

The Olangda forehead thermometer comes in white color with grey highlighting. The device has a trigger button for taking temperature and three buttons for basic settings below the large LCD screen. The gun design makes it easy to hold the device and also has a decent grip. This thermometer is small so, you can easily take it with you anywhere you go.

Performance

From 0.5 to 2 inches away, the thermometer can measure your temperature quickly. It shows a green light when the temperature is between 4.8 degrees Fahrenheit to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Above that, it displays a red light. This thermometer is designed for all ages, adults, infants, and elders. With its 20 Readings storage, it can effortlessly recall the previous readings.