Craftsman Infrared Thermometer

I’ve discussed infrared thermometers before, which can measure surface temperatures from a distance, and more recently thermal imagers. Basic non-contact IR thermometers can be found for under $20, but I generally don’t recommend testing and diagnostic tools from brands I don’t recognize.

This Craftsman IR thermometer is what I typically recommend for anyone looking for an inexpensive, compact, and easy to use model.

It measures temperatures as low as -4°F and as high as -500°F, and has a resolution of 0.1°F. Additional features include a fixed 0.95 emissivity that should cover most applications, a backlit display can be read in good or poor lighting conditions, and a min/max and data hold function. Power is supplied via a single 9V alkaline battery.

Accuracy at 20°F to 500°F is ±3% or reading or ±5°F, whichever is greater. Below 20°F, accuracy is ±7.5°F.

This IR thermometer also has a laser targeting pointer, which too many new IR thermometer owners confuse as the sampling area. The thermometer actually measures the temperature across a much larger area, which for this thermometer is dependent on a 6:1 distance:spot ratio. In other words, the spot size is 1″ at a distance of 6″, 2″ at 12″, 6″ at 36″, and so forth. In other words, from a distance the temperature reading you see is going to be an average measurement for a large area.

If you want adjustable emissivity for greater accuracy or a better distance:spot ration, you’ll want to consider a more featured model, such as the Dewalt IR thermometer we reviewed. But for casual use, fixed emissivity should suffice.

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Normal pricing for this model is $40, but I’ve seen it go on sale for as low as $27. It goes on sale for $30 a few times a year as well.

This model is most likely manufactured for Craftsman by Extech. If anyone knows better, please correct me if I’m wrong!