Ever burned a batch of pancakes on your Blackstone griddle because one spot was way hotter than another? It’s a common griddle frustration! Getting the temperature right is key to perfect smash burgers, fajitas, and more. But how do you know what’s really going on with your griddle’s heat?
Choosing the right infrared thermometer can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features, it’s tough to know where to start. Which one is accurate? Which one is durable enough to handle outdoor cooking? And which one won’t break the bank? Getting it wrong means uneven cooking and food that’s either undercooked or burnt to a crisp. That’s why finding the right tool for the job is so important.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the confusion. You’ll learn what to look for in an infrared thermometer for your Blackstone griddle. We’ll cover features, accuracy, and durability, so you can make the best choice for your needs. By the end, you’ll be equipped to confidently select the perfect thermometer and achieve griddle mastery. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to perfectly cooked meals every time!
Our Top 5 Infrared Thermometer For Blackstone Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Infrared Thermometer For Blackstone Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun 774
Rating: 9.1/10
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun 774 is a versatile tool for your home and outdoor needs. This yellow temperature gun lets you measure the temperature of various objects without touching them. You can use it for cooking, grilling, automotive work, and even checking your refrigerator. It’s a handy gadget to have around!
- What We Like:
- Versatile Applications: You can use it for meat, candy making, ovens, grills, cars, A/C, and refrigerators.
- Accurate Readings: The 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio helps you get accurate temperatures from a safe distance.
- Easy to Use: Simply point, pull the trigger, and read the temperature on the bright LCD screen.
- Clear Display: The large, backlit LCD screen makes it easy to read temperatures, even in dim lighting.
- Convenient Power: It uses 2 AAA batteries, which are included and easy to replace.
- Real-Time and Max Temperature: Shows the average temperature of the surface area and displays the maximum temperature for better insight.
- What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Humans: The thermometer is not safe to use on people or animals.
This Etekcity thermometer is a great addition to your toolkit. It is a convenient and accurate way to measure temperatures for a variety of tasks.
2. Blackstone Infrared Thermometer with Probe
Rating: 9.1/10
The Blackstone Infrared Thermometer with Probe is a handy tool for anyone who cooks, grills, or even works on cars! It lets you check temperatures quickly and easily, without even touching the surface. You can point the infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of a grill, engine, or pizza stone. Plus, the included probe gives you an accurate internal temperature reading for things like meat, ensuring they’re cooked perfectly every time. It’s a great way to avoid undercooked or overcooked food and get consistent results.
What We Like:
- It’s fast and easy to use. Just point and shoot for surface temperatures.
- The probe gives accurate internal temperature readings.
- It helps you cook food safely and consistently.
- You can use it for many things, not just cooking. Great for checking engine temps!
- It’s lightweight and easy to hold.
What Could Be Improved:
- The infrared reading can be affected by steam or smoke.
- You need to be careful to aim correctly for accurate infrared readings.
- The probe needs to be cleaned after each use.
- The display screen can be hard to read in direct sunlight.
In conclusion, the Blackstone Infrared Thermometer with Probe is a versatile tool that makes temperature taking quick and simple. It is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen or garage.
3. ThermoPro TP420 2-in-1 Instant Read Thermometer for Cooking
Rating: 9.3/10
The ThermoPro TP420 is a 2-in-1 instant read thermometer that’s like having two thermometers in one! It works as both a meat thermometer with a probe and an infrared (IR) thermometer. This makes it super handy for all kinds of cooking and even some household tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 thermometer, so you can measure both internal and surface temperatures. This saves you from buying two separate tools!
- The probe gives fast and accurate temperature readings within 2-3 seconds. It’s precise to ±1.8°F.
- You can measure temperatures from -58°F to 572°F. This wide range makes it useful for many different cooking methods.
- The IR thermometer lets you safely measure hot surfaces from a distance. This is great for grills, griddles, and pizza ovens.
- It’s not just for cooking! You can also use it for things like checking your pool temperature or working on your car.
- The probe folds away for easy storage and the large backlight makes it easy to read in any lighting conditions.
- The probe is waterproof, making it easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, mastering both the probe and IR functions might take a little practice.
- Some users might prefer a longer probe for larger cuts of meat.
The ThermoPro TP420 is a versatile and useful tool for any kitchen and home. It simplifies temperature taking, making cooking and other tasks easier and more precise.
4. ThermoPro TP30 Infrared Thermometer Gun
Rating: 8.9/10
The ThermoPro TP30 Infrared Thermometer Gun is a versatile tool for measuring temperatures. It’s not for taking human body temperature, but it’s great for cooking, working on your car, or fixing things around the house. This laser thermometer gun can measure temperatures from -58°F to 1022°F! It has adjustable emissivity, so it works accurately on different surfaces.
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What We Like:
- It’s highly accurate, with an accuracy of ±1.5%.
- You can adjust the emissivity to get the best readings on any surface.
- The response time is fast, giving you quick temperature readings.
- It has a wide temperature range, so it’s useful for many tasks.
- The display shows MAX/MIN/AVG temperatures from the last scan.
- The backlit LCD screen is easy to read.
- It uses commonly found AAA batteries.
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What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not designed for taking human body temperature, which could be a limitation for some users.
In conclusion, the ThermoPro TP30 is a reliable and useful tool for a variety of temperature measurement needs. It is a great addition to any toolbox or kitchen.
5. Digital Infrared Thermometer Gun for Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
This Digital Infrared Thermometer Gun is a handy tool for anyone who loves to cook, BBQ, or make pizzas in a pizza oven. It lets you quickly and easily measure surface temperatures without touching anything. With a wide temperature range from -58℉ to 932℉, it’s great for checking the heat of your grill, oven, or cooking surfaces. The built-in backlight makes it easy to read the temperature, even in dim lighting.
What We Like:
- Wide temperature range (-58℉ to 932℉) handles various cooking and grilling tasks.
- The LCD backlight makes it easy to read temperatures in dark areas.
- It has a simple ℃/℉ conversion function.
- Data hold feature locks the temperature reading on the screen after you release the trigger.
- Automatic shutoff saves battery life.
- Easy to use, just point and shoot to get a temperature reading.
What Could Be Improved:
- The preset emissivity of 0.95 may not be accurate for all surfaces, requiring workarounds for shiny metals.
- It is not suitable for measuring human body temperature.
- The instructions could be clearer about emissivity and how to adjust for different surfaces.
Overall, this infrared thermometer gun is a useful addition to any cook’s toolkit. It provides quick and convenient temperature readings for a variety of cooking applications.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Infrared Thermometer for Your Blackstone Griddle
Cooking on a Blackstone griddle is awesome! But getting the temperature right can be tricky. An infrared (IR) thermometer is a helpful tool. It lets you quickly check the surface temperature without touching it. This guide will help you choose the best one for your griddle.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an IR thermometer, think about these important features:
- Temperature Range: Make sure it can measure the high temperatures your griddle reaches. Look for one that goes up to at least 600°F (315°C).
- Accuracy: Accuracy is key! A good thermometer should be accurate within a few degrees. Check the product specs for its accuracy rating.
- Emissivity: Emissivity is how well a surface emits infrared energy. Some thermometers let you adjust this setting. For a Blackstone griddle, setting the emissivity to around 0.95 usually works well.
- Distance-to-Spot Ratio: This tells you how far away you can be from the griddle while still getting an accurate reading. A ratio of 12:1 means that at 12 inches away, you’re measuring a 1-inch diameter area.
- Response Time: A fast response time means you get a temperature reading quickly. This is useful when you’re busy cooking.
- Laser Pointer: A laser pointer helps you aim the thermometer at the right spot on the griddle.
- Display: A clear, easy-to-read display is important. Backlit displays are helpful for cooking at night.
Important Materials
Most IR thermometers are made of plastic. The quality of the plastic matters. Look for durable plastic that can withstand some heat. The internal components should also be well-made for accurate readings.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors can affect the quality of an IR thermometer:
Improving Factors:
- Durable Construction: A sturdy thermometer will last longer.
- Adjustable Emissivity: This allows for more accurate readings on different surfaces.
- Clear Instructions: Easy-to-understand instructions make it simple to use.
- Reputable Brand: Buying from a well-known brand often means better quality and support.
Reducing Factors:
- Cheap Plastic: Flimsy plastic can break easily.
- Poor Accuracy: Inaccurate readings are useless.
- Slow Response Time: A slow response time can be frustrating.
- Confusing Interface: A complicated interface makes the thermometer difficult to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
An IR thermometer is a game-changer for Blackstone griddle cooking. Here are some ways you can use it:
- Checking Griddle Temperature: Quickly and easily measure the temperature of different zones on your griddle.
- Cooking Evenly: Ensure even heat distribution for consistent cooking results.
- Avoiding Hot Spots: Identify and avoid hot spots that can burn your food.
- Cooking Different Foods: Cook different foods at their ideal temperatures. For example, sear steaks on high heat and cook pancakes on medium heat.
- Pizza Making: Check the temp of your pizza stone on the griddle.
- Safety: Check food internal temperature to make sure it is safe to eat.
- Easy Clean Up: Use it to see how long the griddle takes to cool down before cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is emissivity, and why does it matter?
A: Emissivity is how well a surface emits infrared energy. Different materials have different emissivity values. Adjusting the emissivity setting on your thermometer can improve accuracy. A setting of 0.95 is generally good for a Blackstone griddle.
Q: How do I use an IR thermometer on my Blackstone griddle?
A: Simply point the thermometer at the surface you want to measure and press the button. The temperature will display on the screen. Be sure to keep the thermometer within the recommended distance for accurate readings.
Q: What is the ideal temperature for searing a steak on a Blackstone griddle?
A: For searing a steak, you want a high temperature, around 450-500°F (232-260°C).
Q: Can I use an IR thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat?
A: No, an IR thermometer measures surface temperature. You need a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of food.
Q: How do I clean my IR thermometer?
A: Wipe the lens with a clean, dry cloth. Do not use water or solvents.
Q: What does the distance-to-spot ratio mean?
A: The distance-to-spot ratio tells you the area you’re measuring at a certain distance. For example, a 12:1 ratio means that at 12 inches away, you’re measuring a 1-inch diameter area.
Q: Is a laser pointer necessary on an IR thermometer?
A: No, but it helps you aim the thermometer at the right spot.
Q: What should I do if my IR thermometer gives inconsistent readings?
A: Make sure the surface you’re measuring is clean and free of debris. Also, check the battery level and ensure the emissivity setting is correct.
Q: How long should an IR thermometer last?
A: With proper care, a good quality IR thermometer should last for several years.
Q: Where can I buy an IR thermometer for my Blackstone griddle?
A: You can find them at most hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!