Review on Industrial Infrared Thermometer for Non-Human Use - Laser IR, Non-Contact Temperature Gun for Extreme Ranges (-58℉ to 1202℉) by Mark Cole

This is a nice little gadget once you know its limitations. As far as determining the surface temperature of something, it's pretty accurate and easy to use. When I want to reverse sear a steak I've cooked over low heat and make sure my cast iron skillet is completely done, it works great. However, if you want to buy it for smoking or grilling outdoors, there are a few things you need to consider first. Labnique does not market it as a grill. But that hasn't stopped other brands from marketing their laser thermometers as useful for grilling. It's just useless for grilling. If you point it at the inside of a smoker or grate, it will only tell you the temperature of that surface. Not the ambient temperature where your meat goes. You actually need a thermometer that can measure the ambient temperature, not a laser. Or just do a hand trick. That means keep your palm about three inches above the grill grate. How many seconds before you take your hand away? For seven to nine seconds you are at 250° to 300°F (low heat). Six to seven seconds you're in 300° to 350°F, which is medium-low. Four to five seconds is an average. Two to four is medium high. And a second or two goes from 450° to 500°F, which is a high number. Not as accurate as a thermometer, but it works. Three more quick deductions. I like that it already comes with a battery (there are no similar ones). And I love that they actually have a picture of a battery compartment opening. The last one I had was from a different brand, it took me about a minute to figure out where the battery compartment was in the first place. And that third thing isn't really a negative, but keep it away from children. It has a red beam laser, like those little laser pointers on keychains. It can injure someone's eye if they shine the beam into it, so don't leave it to chance that the child won't look at the beam if he finds it lying nearby. Should I buy this thermometer? If you need to check the surface temperature of something, do this. Just note that it is suitable for pans and flat surfaces when cooking. And not really suitable for smoking or traditional grilling.