So, what is the best infrared meat thermometer? Well, that is actually a trick question, there isn’t one. It is a common misconception that infrared thermometers can take food temperatures. An infrared thermometer is a surface temperature tool only, end of story.
Sure, an infrared thermometer is a great tool to have around the house. I use mine all the time. The one I currently use is the Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Infrared Thermometer. It is quick and accurate and has a backlit display. It can be used inside and outside. I’ll use it for check the temperatures at the register when the heat is on or the air conditioner is on.
You can use if for some cooking and grilling applications, but just not to take internal temperatures. Since these thermometers only give you surface temperatures, they won’t tell you if your food is done. If you are looking to buy one of these don’t go into thinking it will let you know when your meat are done, because it won’t. Use it to check how hot your grill is, or your cast iron pan, but if you want to know the internal temperature of your meat, you need a instant read thermometer with a probe.
My choice in the best instant read digital meat thermometer is the Javelin Pro Duo. This will tell you your internal meat temperatures, and it will do it quickly and accurately. I like this one because it is bigger than the standard Javelin, and it also has a rotating, backlit display. It is a really nice meat thermometer for the price.
Just to reiterate, there is no best infrared meat thermometer, they only ready surface temperatures, so get yourself an instant read thermometer with a probe like this one.