Infrared thermometers

[cobblerdave]

Hi all
Looking in to by an infrared thermometer. Any input would be great I have looked in forno and have an idea what would be usable but any local input would be great
Regards Dave

[brickie in oz]

Re: Infrared thermometers

I bought a cheapy to start with but it failed.
Next I bought an expensive one off Epay, cost around the $150 mark.
Just make sure it goes up to the high heat reading that is required, I think mine maxes out at 900c

[Laurentius]

Re: Infrared thermometers

You can get great prices from Amazon.com, mine cost under $60 US

[Wiley]

Re: Infrared thermometers

I have the one sold by Harbor Freight. They claim it has "German technology" or some such. Mine has been in use for two and a half years on the same batteries and cost less than $30. Often one can find them on sale for something like $26 and change. I'm pleased with mine.

Hope this helps,
Wiley

[cobblerdave]

Re: Infrared thermometers

Hi all
found and brough an infrared therm from Dick smith rated 540 C ( 1000 F) for $69
Offer was a special there usually $100 . Offer was only on till 28/2 so what the heck I brought it. Arrived today ...There quite simple to use really, point, push the lazer button and the temp reads where the red dot touchs........ The red dot does however make the cat real nervous though....

Regards Dave

[nissanneill]

Re: Infrared thermometers

They either get afraid of the red dot or go bunters chasing them!
Also a good way to send the wife crazy if she doesn't know about the cat's reaction!

Neill

[heliman]

Re: Infrared thermometers

I bought mine from Jaycar. It goes up to 1000 C and was a bit pricey, but well worth it. I use it all the time to measure and monitor base and dome temps and I have been able to work out optimal temp ranges for the types of cooking I am doing.

This is the beast: Pro High Temperature Non-Contact Thermometer - Jaycar Electronics

[brickie in oz]

Re: Infrared thermometers

rated 540 C

540 is not enough, it will spend most of its time maxed out.

We exercise the dog with the laser he loves chasing it....

[Laurentius]

Re: Infrared thermometers

540C is more than 1000F, are sure thats not enough?

[brickie in oz]

Re: Infrared thermometers

Mine goes to 700c and more when Im cooking pizzas, not that it matters all that much, if the pizzas arent cooking add more fuel..

[heliman]

Re: Infrared thermometers

540C is more than 1000F, are sure thats not enough?

My optimum floor temp is around 410C for pizza and slightly higher for the dome. I just prefer having lots of range to play with as I have cranked the WFO up above 500C on occasion.

[david s]

Re: Infrared thermometers

The temp you are reading with an infrared is only on the surface. One inch into the refractory walls or floor and the temp will be considerably lower.If you place a thermometer inside the oven the temp reads lower. If the pizzas are burning its too hot, if theyre taking too long it's too cold, is a much easier method of temp measurement.

[brickie in oz]

Re: Infrared thermometers

The dog wont chase a stick but will the laser dot. So laser dot it is.

[heliman]

Re: Infrared thermometers

I am interested in the floor and dome temps because it allows me to determine, with a high degree of accuracy, if the WFO is ready to be used. This is particularly relevant when baking bread or scones. It doesnt make sense to burn a batch to gauge this info. The thermometer therefore has an important role to play in WFO oven use.

The temp you are reading with an infrared is only on the surface. One inch into the refractory walls or floor and the temp will be considerably lower.If you place a thermometer inside the oven the temp reads lower. If the pizzas are burning its too hot, if theyre taking too long it's too cold, is a much easier method of temp measurement.

[dmun]

Re: Infrared thermometers

For retained heat baking, a cheapo oven thermometer works fine.



For pizza, I just fire until just before complete carbon burnout.

Infrared thermometers are fun, but you don't need one to cook in a brick oven.