Where to Buy a Laser Thermometer
Laser thermometers are the same as infrared thermometers, except a laser is used to show where you are pointing the thermometer. This type of thermometer is ideal when you want to know the temperature of something that is too hot to touch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Laser thermometers read the emitted energy of an object. Errors in the reading can occur when testing a shiny surface because the reflection will add to the heat the thermometer is reading.
At-Home Uses
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Laser thermometers are handy when cooking, particularly on the stove top, such as stir frying or making stews. On the other hand, the thermometer can also tell you when something is cold enough for your liking, such as a drink or something you just pulled off the stove. If you're working on your car, it can be used to check if the engine has cooled enough to use, particularly if you need to check your water or coolant. Similarly, use a laser thermometer to look for electrical hot spots if you suspect them in your home.
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Industrial Uses
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The laser thermometer has also been used in the industrial sector, such as working around metals, or with glass blowing. Rather than use your hand to check, the thermometer can be used to let you know an item is now safe to touch.
Types
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Laser thermometers come in a variety of sizes, but typically they have a handle, like a gun, with the laser pointing out. The temperature is recorded inside a screen just above the handle. The price will depend on the gun's range of temperatures it records, the speed at which it records, and whether or not it can handle rapidly changing temperatures.
Price
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For simple household needs, such as cooking or detecting hot spots, you can purchase a laser thermometer for under $50. However, for professional electricians, or those wishing to purchase a higher grade laser thermometer, it will be a good investment to purchase a laser thermometer that can handle a wider range of temperatures, and will deliver a much more accurate temperature. These thermometers can be upwards of $150, but they can handle a larger area, such as if you are working with metals, or in a hot studio such as a glass blower's studio. They will also allow you to adjust the way the thermometer reads depending on what your are testing, allowing you to adjust the settings for shiny surfaces.
Where to Buy
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Laser thermometers can be found at big name stores or on their web sites, such as Sears, Home Depot, and Lowe's. They can also be found online at large retail sites such as Amazon.com. If you prefer to pick one up in the store, call around to your local hardware stores and let them know your price range and what your needs are with the thermometer.
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