infrared laser thermometers

[Dutchoven]

Hi all!
Planning on purchasing a laser infrared therm. Just wondering what some of you think about what kind to consider purchasing. I am currently looking at a Craftsman thermometer that reads to 1000 degrees or a Microtemp that reads to 932 degrees. Dont know what direction to move and hoping for some feedback!
Thanks
Dutch

[jwnorris]

I beleive that either one will ultimately suit your needs. I have a Neiko that reads to 1022F.

While we all want that blazingly hot fire on its way to a white dome, the real use of the thermometer is in the working of the oven and the heat management.

A thermometer that reads to 932F is well within the working range of the oven. Beyond that, over temperature is still over and I am not sure that how much over realy matters. Go for the one with the better quality.

J W

Originally Posted by Dutchoven

Hi all!
Planning on purchasing a laser infrared therm. Just wondering what some of you think about what kind to consider purchasing. I am currently looking at a Craftsman thermometer that reads to 1000 degrees or a Microtemp that reads to 932 degrees. Dont know what direction to move and hoping for some feedback!
Thanks
Dutch

[DrakeRemoray]

I would look for features such as Average/Min/Max Temp recording. Also one that retains the temp reading on the display after releasing the trigger. That allows you to get a reading without sticking your head in the 700 degree oven...they may all do that, but it is sure important. I would say that the most important readings I do are when I am determining is the hearth is 650 or 750...and when I am cooled down to bread temps, is the dome 650 or 500...So the temp range of those thermometers seems perfectly adequate...

Drake

[james]

The one I have (and we sell) goes to 932ºF. Over that it says HI. When you are firing your oven that there is a lot of flame in the dome, it will read HI, but that's rare, and anything over 932 really is high.

Drew has it right that it's nice having the temp reading hold after you've "popped" the oven. I like a lot of traditional things, but in this case, I think they are pretty cool, and very helpful.

Kids love them.

James

[DrakeRemoray]

Hey, it's not just kids...my adult guests (men and women alike) will pretty immediately take the reading of the closest crotch...Classy...

[RTflorida]

Can't say I've aimed mine at anyone's crotch (I'm sure I will now) , but I play with mine all the time - I've aimed it at virtually everything inside and out of my house.....does pretty well aimed in the oven too

I do agree, in my brief experience heat management is the key, as long as it registers in that 500-900 range, your golden

RT

[wlively]

I found this one and I am drooling thinking about buying it right now.

Next Generation SUPERMETER® with Laser Sighting

I will have 3 K-type thermocouples imbedded in the dome and this does infrared and reads 2 thermocouples simultaneously, gives min, max, differential, ect. It definetely overkill, but I am an electronics tech/techno geek so.........

[Richie]

I bought mine on Amazon, seems to be working well. Goes to 1050 then goes to HI.

It's funny about the places people shoot them. I have to hide it now when we have parties ot the guests burn th batteries up just when I need it!

If you live where it is hot and use the AC a bunch, shoot all the vents in your house and you will be very surprised. I had one room blowing 66 and another blowing 76. Sure am glad I spent all that money on a new system.

One more thing, watch the C/F setting. I was cussing the oven last Sunday because it wouldn't heat up, kept adding wood, white ceiling, but it was like 400 or something, then it snapped, switched to F, bingo, Pizza ready!

[Archena]

Originally Posted by Richie

...
One more thing, watch the C/F setting. I was cussing the oven last Sunday because it wouldn't heat up, kept adding wood, white ceiling, but it was like 400 or something, then it snapped, switched to F, bingo, Pizza ready!

I gave a pumpkin pie recipe to a guy in Austrailia a while back - he freaked when it said 350! He had to look up the conversion when it finally dawned on him.

[Dutchoven]

I have ordered through Amazon...Neiko I believe...932 top temp with peak temp hold...also ordered a book called "Your Brick Oven"...will post reviews on both soon...thanks to everyone for their valued advice