How to choose a pyrometer: top best for home, for production

It is necessary to measure temperature from a distance not only during technological processes, but also when setting up autonomous heating. Actual temperature readings are checked after installation and calculation of the specific power of devices that are intended for heating. With its help, you can obtain temperature indicators of hot or hard-to-reach objects. After all, there are situations when an item is dangerous to human health or it is in an inaccessible place.

For these purposes, it is best to use an infrared pyrometer.

What types of pyrometers are there?

A device designed to quickly determine surface temperature is available in several types. Pyrometers are usually divided according to the principle of operation and aiming, according to their design and measuring capabilities.

Optical

They compare the radiation emanating from a certain object with the light from a filament in their measuring lamp. Thus, a temperature difference is established.

Optical pyrometers compare radiation from an object with a standard

Color

Thermal radiation is measured in a certain spectrum, for example, infrared. They have high accuracy and are often used in everyday life.

Color pyrometers are the most popular, they are easy to use and give accurate readings

With laser sight

The temperature is measured non-contactly in an area clearly defined by a laser point. Mostly medical and household models belong to this type and demonstrate high accuracy.

The laser sight in the pyrometer allows you to measure the temperature at a specific point

Stationary

Such pyrometers are used in production; the devices are quite large in size, equipped with a protective casing and an additional cooling or heating system.

Stationary pyrometers are most often used in production

Mobile

Compact small models are most often used for household purposes and for measuring temperatures in hard-to-reach places. Accuracy depends on quality; good portable devices are as good as stationary ones.

Mobile pyrometers fit in your hand and weigh little

Text-digital

The measurement results of such pyrometers are displayed in degrees. Sometimes additional information may be provided.

Most pyrometers show the measurement results in degrees on the display

Graphic

The device generates an image on the screen showing temperature changes. The models are highly visible.

Some pyrometer models provide information about thermal radiation in graphical form

How to calibrate an infrared thermometer?

The IR thermometer must be calibrated in accordance with the instructions for the specific device.

The calibration process consists of measuring a person’s body temperature first with a regular mercury thermometer, then with a non-contact thermometer.

Next, we compare the readings; if the results on the IR thermometer differ, then we adjust it by the number of degrees by which it deviated.

Read more about calibration here

Periodic testing and calibration of the device will ensure accurate temperatures measured.

How to choose the right pyrometer

The choice of device depends primarily on where and for what purposes it will be used. Some models are better for measuring body temperature, while others are designed for culinary purposes.

Which pyrometer to choose for your home

The most popular in home use are portable infrared devices. A stationary device operating from the network is unlikely to be useful for domestic purposes, despite its high accuracy. When choosing a pyrometer for your home, you need to consider:

• temperature range, in everyday life there will be a sufficient range from - 50 to 380 ° C;
• accuracy, the error of the device should be no more than 3 degrees;
• range - pyrometers can be contact or non-contact; when using the latter, you need to take into account the optical resolution, or the required distance to the object;
• speed, in everyday life it is convenient to use devices with a response from 0.1 to 0.15 seconds.

Also, when comparing pyrometers and choosing the best one, you can take into account additional parameters. Some models can measure humidity. It is useful if the device is able to save the results of tests performed in the built-in memory.

Which pyrometer is better to choose for a pastry chef?

When choosing a pyrometer for baking in a workshop or at home, you can buy a non-contact device with a range from - 50 to + 400 °C. But models with a thermocouple perform best in cooking; they are connected to the main unit and measurements are taken using the contact method to obtain the most accurate results. Then the test is repeated remotely to compare the indicators; the difference usually reaches several degrees.

In cooking, contact pyrometers with a thermocouple remain the best

How to choose a medical pyrometer

Medical devices are often used instead of conventional thermometers. You need to select a device according to the following parameters:

• contact or non-contact action, devices of the first type are more accurate, although the second can be used for several people without disinfection;
• accuracy, for a medical pyrometer the minimum error is important;
• functionality, it is useful if the device is equipped with a sound signal and can indicate the completion of the measurement.

Important! The medical device does not require a large temperature range.

How to choose a non-contact infrared pyrometer

The best pyrometers for measuring temperature using a non-contact method are very popular in everyday life. Such devices demonstrate high accuracy and are versatile. They can also measure very hot, dangerous or hard-to-reach objects.

When choosing, you need to look at several characteristics:

1. Range. If you only need to determine body temperature and weak thermal radiation from surfaces, you can choose a device with small values. For culinary use, you need to buy a model with a wide range, and it is desirable that even very high temperatures are kept away from the maximum possible readings of the device.
2. Spectral sensitivity. It is better to choose a device that operates on short waves; it is suitable for most household measurements.
3. Chroma. Usually, single-color pyrometers are sufficient for home use. Two-color models should be chosen if you need to evaluate the temperature of very small and hot objects, as well as objects whose radiation is partially blocked by any contamination or obstacles.

When choosing a home pyrometer, first of all, you need to evaluate its thermal range.
Infrared devices equipped with a laser sight are considered the best. They help measure the temperature of an object at a specific selected point and thus reduce the likely error.

How to choose a pyrometer for measuring temperature

If the device is to be used instead of a thermometer, first of all you need to decide on its type - contact or non-contact. Devices from the last category are recommended for young children. But for adults and teenagers it is better to use contact pyrometers - frontal or ear. They give more accurate readings and are almost as good as mercury thermometers.

Are infrared thermometers safe?

New technologies often frighten people, including non-contact temperature meters. For example, many are interested in the question of what is the danger of IR thermometers and whether there is any.

Based on the design of these devices and the principle of their operation, it can be understood that an infrared thermometer does not pose any danger to humans and even to small children.

Safety in the use of non-contact thermometers is ensured by the device itself and its operating principle.

In rare cases, the plastic from which these gadgets are made may pose a potential danger, but even the cheapest material will not cause significant harm to health.

This is due to the fact that the device scans the surface of the human body, from which thermal radiation comes and is rarely used.

Important!

Thermal radiation comes from the person, and not from the device!

Thus, IR thermometers do not affect the body in any way, but only capture its heat, transform the received signal into electronic form, the result of which is displayed on the screen.

In addition, the safety of devices is stated in the instructions that come with each device model.

Hypothetically, the conditional danger may lie in the inaccuracy of measurements, which usually do not exceed 1-2 degrees Celsius.

This error is not critical, and therefore, by and large, even if it is present, there will be no harm from it.

To eliminate unreliable readings from the device, it should be periodically checked and calibrated.

Moreover, non-contact temperature measurement ensures the protection of healthy people.

When a healthy person does not touch a sick person, there is less risk of infection.

You can also take a small child's temperature while he sleeps so as not to disturb his sleep.

Which pyrometer is better - laser or infrared?

Pyrometers come in optical and infrared types. It is the latter that are usually used in everyday life; they are compact, have good accuracy and display the results in digital form.

As for laser devices, they are a type of infrared. We are talking about devices equipped with an aiming system. They are more convenient to use than devices that do not have a laser sight. The simplest models of pyrometers measure temperature “over an area” and do not focus on a specific point on an object. Laser-based devices evaluate infrared radiation over a selected small area and therefore exhibit increased accuracy.

Pyrometers with a laser sight are objectively better; they guarantee high measurement accuracy

What is a two-color pyrometer

Such a device appeared relatively recently. This is a more advanced model that can measure more than two emitted waves. Its advantage is that it can work in different color spectrums. Thanks to these indicators, it is possible to use this equipment in contaminated places, since the presence of foreign components (steam, gas, smoke and others) does not affect its operation.

This pyrometer is also indispensable when working with blackness indicators. It will accurately determine the temperature of a solid metal that turns into a liquid state.

Rating of laser non-contact pyrometers 2022

To understand which pyrometer is best to buy for your home, you should read the review of popular models. The most popular among buyers are non-contact devices with a laser sight.

ADA TemPro 700 A00224

A relatively inexpensive device from the professional category is suitable for detecting heat leaks in the house. Supplied in a durable case with a long handle, it is resistant to temperature changes and is characterized by highly reliable results. Equipped with a laser sight that allows you to take pinpoint readings.

Pyrometer ADA TemPro 700 can be purchased for 3,500 rubles

Testo 830-T1

The device is suitable for measuring low and high temperatures, and works not only with solid objects, but also with liquids. Thanks to the built-in laser, it can take readings from both large areas and small areas. Capable of taking measurements in the range from - 30 to + 400 °C.

Price Testo 830-T1 starts from 4000 rubles

Bosch PTD 1

The universal device determines the air and surface temperature, as well as the humidity level in the room. Used for technical purposes, helps identify heat leaks. Takes measurements from -20 to 200 °C on the surface, and as a room thermometer displays readings from -10 to 40 °C.

Reliable Bosch PTD 1 costs an average of 8,000 rubles

Rating of the best inexpensive and accurate pyrometers of 2022

Professional grade devices can be quite expensive. Budget models, which nevertheless maintain good quality and measurement accuracy, are of great interest.

CEM DT-608

The compact device is suitable for both measuring body temperature and assessing the thermal radiation of objects. Operates in the range of 0-60 °C, demonstrates good accuracy.

Advice! To obtain the most reliable results, users recommend taking measurements several times in a row and taking the average value.

Infrared CEM DT-608 costs from 2000 rubles

Megeon 16280

An inexpensive pyrometer with a laser sight takes measurements in half a second and shows accurate results on the display. Suitable for determining surface temperature - 32-280 °C, gives a minimum error of 1.5%.

The price of the Megeon pyrometer starts from 1400 rubles

Megeon 16400

Another good pyrometer for home use takes measurements up to 380 °C. It also detects negative temperatures down to -20 °C and is precisely aimed at the desired location using a laser. Measurements are carried out without contact with the surface, so the device is very durable.

Megeon 16400 can be bought for 1300 rubles

So, what factors affect the measurement accuracy of an industrial pyrometer?

Let's list a few main factors:

• accuracy of pyrometer adjustment on the blackbody at k = 1,
• accuracy of setting k-emissivity,
• cleanliness of the measurement surface, presence of moisture, dust, etc.,
• time factor affecting the aging of the optical system and electronics. components,
• presence of “light” from extraneous sources,
• correspondence between the diameter of the “spot” and the dimensions of the controlled surface (the diameter of the spot must be obviously smaller).

What is the actual measurement accuracy indicated in the documentation for industrial pyrometers in the mid-price range? +/-1% of the measured value, i.e. approximately +/-0.4°C when measuring the temperature of a surface heated to +40°C. Let's remember this meaning. We will need it later.

Top 10 best household pyrometers

Although professional devices have a high level of accuracy, inexpensive and universal household models are more often used for home purposes. Most of them are equally good at measuring body and surface temperatures.

Elitech P 350

A pistol pyrometer with a dot pointer is suitable for medical and household purposes. The maximum temperature for the device is 380 °C, the minimum is 50 °C.

You can buy an Elitech pyrometer for 1,700 rubles

ADA TemPro 550

A high-quality non-contact device with an LCD display and backlight is suitable for measuring the temperature of water, batteries, and the human body. It has a wide range - 50-500 °C, the error is very small - no more than 1.5%.

You can buy TemPro 550 from ADA for 2,400 rubles

CEM DT-8806H

A convenient home device for measuring the temperature of a person and surrounding objects. In the first case, the pyrometer operates in the range of 32-42.5 °C, in the second - from 0 to 60 °C. Displays results digitally.

Important! The device stores the last 32 measurements in memory - this can be useful when monitoring body temperature during illness.

The average cost of a CEM pyrometer is 2500 rubles

KBT MS6531

A home pyrometer with a convenient pistol grip body shape supports measurements from -50 to 550 °C. Displays values ​​on the screen in large font, is backlit, and has large buttons. Suitable for any measurements - medical and household, works with solids, liquids and gases.

The price for KBT MS6531 starts from 2200 rubles

Fluke 59 Max

The battery-powered household appliance is capable of measuring temperatures down to – 350 °C. Equipped with a laser pointer, the device response time is half a second. The error is 2%, the advantages include a durable shock-resistant case and a long operating time on a single charge - up to 12 hours.

Fluke 59 Max price starts at 4,200 rubles

Elitech P550

The easy-to-use device is suitable for determining heat flow from heating devices and for measuring body temperature. Operates in the range -50-550 °C, gives a very low error, supports power from an external unit.

The average price of Elitech P 550 is 1,700 rubles

CEM DT-8861

The budget household pyrometer demonstrates a high measurement speed and has a wide range; it can be used to determine temperatures from -50 to 550 °C. Equipped with a 2-point laser sight, providing the most reliable measurements. The device can be used both to check heat flow and as an alternative to a medical thermometer.

You can purchase CEM DT-8861 from 3900 rubles

Testo 805

The compact device operates with temperatures of 30-250 °C, while demonstrating very high accuracy. Equipped with a circular target designator, comes with a lithium battery that provides power for 40 hours. Suitable for non-contact measurements over short distances.

Attention! When working with heat flow emanating from powerful household devices, the limited range of the device must be taken into account.

The price of Testo 805 is quite high - from 7,000 rubles

Instrumax plRo-330

An ergonomic infrared device copes with measuring temperature in case of illness, suitable for testing the heating of water and hard surfaces. It operates within the range of - 50-330 ° C, is equipped with a laser and a reading recording system. If the temperature of any object is higher than the permissible limits for the device, the pyrometer will inform the user about this with a special indicator.

The cost of the Instrumax pyrometer is about 1900 rubles

RGK PL-12

The laser-guided infrared meter helps detect indoor heat leaks, monitor electrical equipment and estimate the surface temperature of liquids. The sight of the pyrometer consists of 2 beams, the maximum measurement threshold is 550 °C, and the minimum is 50 °C. According to user reviews, the device works best in a warm environment, but may malfunction in the cold.

On average, RGK PL-12 costs about 3,400 rubles

What non-contact thermometers are still worth paying attention to?

B.Well WF-5000 (from 2200 rubles)

B.Well WF-5000. Photo: B.Well

This time the model is without an explicit focus on measuring temperature in babies. Although it is great for family use. The manufacturer itself calls this a “3 in 1” device. It will measure not only body temperature, but also air and liquids. However, you can lean it against the surface of any object - it will also work. The device signals the correct distance to the measurement object. It also has a fairly wide range up to 100 degrees Celsius. True, the device cannot detect negative values.

The device is the most expensive and advanced in terms of characteristics from the manufacturer. Therefore, a few more optional, but nice features were added to it. The device has a memory for the last ten measurements. You can track the dynamics. The display is backlit. This is a really useful feature, since the screen here is liquid crystal, like in an electronic watch. You can't see him in the dark.

Main characteristics

Functional

Price

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Medisana FTN (from 4000 rubles)

Medisana FTN. Photo: Medisana

A good budget device that looks like a TV remote control. Sold complete with a transparent plastic case. Judging by the instructions, maximum measurement accuracy is achieved by pointing the lens that focuses infrared rays on the forehead - in the area of ​​the superciliary arch. Although the documentation indicates that it can also be aimed at the armpits or even used rectally. Can measure temperatures of liquids, air or objects. But before that, you should select the appropriate mode by moving the slider on the body towards the sign with the house.

The built-in memory is enough for 30 measurements. Wide range from 0 to 100 degrees Celsius. If a person has a high temperature, the device will give a characteristic sound signal. Powered by two AAA pinky batteries, they are included. Very light: weighs less than 50 grams including batteries.

Main characteristics

Compact

Loud sound and very bright backlight

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This is interesting

Choosing a reliable medical pulse oximeter

Geratherm GT 101 Non contact (from 3000 rubles)

Geratherm GT 101 Non contact. Photo: Geratherm

Another non-contact thermometer in the form of a remote control. Made in Germany. Positioned as another device suitable for families with small children. Measure the temperature of the mixture in the bottle, water before bathing - all these functions are available. There is a built-in memory for the last 30 measurements - again useful when tracking dynamics. If the patient’s temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, then the gadget will squeak hysterically as many as 10 times. And the screen backlight will turn from green to red. Measures in the range from 0 to 100 degrees Celsius.

An important note from the instructions: before the process, the patient and the thermometer must remain in a room with a constant temperature for at least 30 minutes. The set includes a special plastic stand. True, it has a purely decorative function. Although it would be an interesting solution to make exercise out of it. The thermometer is powered by two AAA little fingers. According to the manufacturer's tests, their charge is enough for 1000 procedures.

Main characteristics

Ease of use

Useless stand included

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7. Hartmann Thermoval Duo scan (from 11.5 thousand rubles)

Hartmann Themoval Duo Scan. Photo: Hartmann

Non-contact thermometer from a major manufacturer of medical equipment and consumables. The company promises highly accurate measurement. You can measure by holding it to your forehead or ear canal. Interestingly, in the first case the measurement process takes about three seconds, and in the second - a second. Although if you believe the instructions, this does not affect the accuracy. There is no need to switch modes. Before the start of measurement, a short signal is emitted, and after that another, but longer one. The indicators are displayed on a backlit LCD display. They are shown on the screen for one minute, and then the thermometer turns off on its own. Only the last measurement is stored in the device memory. There are two buttons on the case - one to turn it on and off, the second to start scanning.

By the way, the manufacturer says that the device is made of impact-resistant plastic. It is better not to deliberately throw it with force on the floor. But he will survive a theoretical accidental fall from a height. In addition, it is put away in a hard case with a clasp, inside of which there is a soft lining. The kit also includes a pair of disposable alcohol wipes for disinfection.

Main characteristics

Plastic quality

Price

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ELARI SmartCare (from 7,000 rubles)

ELARI Smartcare YC-E13. Photo: ELARI

New for 2022 from a young manufacturer of smart home appliances. True, this non-contact thermometer cannot be connected to a smart home and the data cannot be transferred to the server. The pistol-shaped device is equipped with a pleasant greenish backlight. Starts measuring at the click of a button under your index finger. The non-contact thermometer works at a distance of 3 to 15 centimeters. Interestingly, depending on the patient’s temperature, the backlight changes - to yellow if above 37 degrees Celsius, and red - from 38.1 degrees. If there are modes for measuring human body temperature and everything else. The device weighs a comfortable 80 grams. Runs on two AAA pinky batteries. The manufacturer does not put them in the box, although one could fork out for the sake of maintaining the image.

Main characteristics

Functionality

No certificates confirming medical use

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ENDEVER TEMP-03 (from 2500 rubles)

ENDEVER TEMP-03. Photo: ENDEVER

The device is from a manufacturer from China that specializes in budget household appliances. This device is also inexpensive, but due to its very affordable price, it can be difficult to buy. Made from good plastic. It can measure more than just body temperature. Some jokingly suggest using it when accepting a new apartment - holding it up to the windows to see if they are draughty. You can measure temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. There is built-in memory.

It’s convenient that for such a price the device was not only equipped with an unobtrusive screen backlight and a sound signal, but also the ability to disable both of these functions. Very often, in reviews of other devices, buyers complain that a child wakes up when his temperature is measured in a dream. It comes with two AA batteries. Some people swear that the battery compartment is too tight for a fragile lady to open. After the measurement, the device turns off within five seconds.

Main characteristics

Price

Tight battery cover

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Rycom JXB-182 (from 1500 rubles)

Rycom JXB-182. Photo: Rycom

This inexpensive non-contact thermometer is easier to order somewhere on Chinese online platforms for various sellers. But you can also find it in our stores, although for a price one and a half, or even two times higher. But there will be a RosTest certificate. The device is very light. True, this also affects its fragility. This is especially felt when you open up space for batteries. Inside, everything is done very primitively with protruding springs to secure the batteries. But the kit comes with a fabric bag - a nice bonus. Before measuring temperature, you need to select one of the modes: for the body, the surface of objects or the room. Do not neglect this function, otherwise the measurement will be incorrect. In body temperature mode, if the device shows more than 38 degrees, a signal will sound and the backlight color will change. The thermometer has 32 memory slots for storing measurements.

Main characteristics

Very cheap, can measure more than just body temperature

Poor build quality and materials

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Top 3 best pyrometers from AliExpress

Cheap but functional pyrometers can be purchased online through AliExpress. Although the reliability of such devices is considered lower than that of devices from branded stores, they usually cope well with everyday tasks.

Habotest HT650A

A convenient home pyrometer with a circular sight is suitable for determining not only temperature, but also humidity. The maximum threshold for the device is 380 °C; the infrared device operates on a non-contact principle.

The cost of Habotest is from 1400 rubles on AliExpress

Norm 400/600

The infrared device is capable of measuring temperatures up to 400 °C, suitable for any purpose - from medical to household. Despite its low cost, it has a small error of about 1.5%.

The cost of the Norm 400/600 pyrometer is about 4000 rubles

DT-8809C

A mid-budget device from AliExpress measures the temperature of a person up to 43 °C and of inanimate objects - up to 100 °C. It is highly accurate, easy to use, and measurements can be taken from a distance of 5-10 cm.

You can buy DT-8809C from 4000 rubles