Infrared Thermometer

[applianceking]

I was wondering if anybody uses an infrared Thermometer when diagnosing refrigerators?  I was looking to invest in one but have gotten some mixed opinions about it.... It seems to me that they would be fast accurate and efficient but a couple of guys I talk to who have been in the business for a while (30 + years) say the old thermometers  testing internal food temps in the fresh storage and putting it between frozen meats or in ice cream is more accurate.... I wouldnt want a repair man sticking his thermometer in my food...lol... i dont know where that thing has been.... Is this the opinion of old guys that are afraid of change and technology or is this wisdom that comes from experience?  I am tempted to buy one and start experimenting but I dont want to waist the money if they are correct...

[JWWebster]

I just used my IRT in the ice box. I had 11 in the ice in the freezer and 41 in the fresh side. Inconclusive if you ask me. It works well to see what the oil temp is in the fry pan though. Not so good in the dryer exhaust. I wouldn't waste my money if I was you. Get a plain Jane refrigerator thermometer from your parts supplier.

[apptech]

I use my IR daily.

[MajorApp]

You need the infrared thermometer. You get a quick good idea of the temps to let you know if there is a problem, unless you want to wait for a regular thermometer.

[RegUS_PatOff]

the IR themometers will measure the air temperature in the Freezer... could be -20F
could be the same temperature as the air entering the Fridge Damper

[haroldsappliance]

I use mine daily. They are not 100 percent accurate but sometimes after i do a repair I can see that temp is coming down. Example: just repaired unit and hit the back wall of freezer at 58 degrees and five minutes later it's 47, then I know it's coming down. It's a good tool to have on your truck. I use a fluke.

[AJ]

Use mine all the time too.

[AJ]

You buy one yet?

[applianceking]

yes.. bought the Ryobi inexpensive and cheaply made...light weight ...feels like a toy model... I am looking at the milwaukee.... it's three times the price but it has a larger range....  What Range or quality do you use /suggest? Any brands I should look into? I don't think I trust the reliability of this unit...

[RegUS_PatOff]

I use a cheaper one ...
Point it at some ice water 32F
Boiling water 212F
note ...  laser pointer is only used for aiming ...
need to check and understand the themometer's "distance-to-spot ratio"
 
 

[AJ]

The one I use is a old sears craftsman. Thinking it must be 15 years old now. 0-500 Deg. F.
Works just fine for what I use it for.

[JWWebster]

"distance-to-spot ratio"?