The traditional approaches to measuring temperature tend to be invasive. The introduction of infrared thermometers changed this. They make it easy to take the temperature of multiple people while maintaining hygiene and limiting contact.
But they have applications other than being used for skin temperature scanning, such as cooking, finding heat bridges, mold affected areas, etc.
When it comes to the best infrared thermometers, the Parkside infrared thermometer is the first to come to mind. It is incredibly well-designed, works efficiently, and is backed by an excellent warranty and customer service.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more about the Parkside infrared thermometer.
Limitations
The Parkside infrared thermometer is overall a great product, but it's not perfect. It has some limitations you should be aware of. The primary ones include:
- Lacks memory function
- Doesn’t provide accurate body temperature
Unique Features
There are a plethora of infrared thermometers out there in the market.
So, what makes the Parkside infrared thermometer stand out from its counterparts?
Quite a few things actually! This unit has several unique features that contribute to its excellent performance. Here are some of them:
Design:
One of the key components of any thermometer is its design. This unit has an excellent small and handy design which is easy to hold and store.
It is constructed with an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) casing and a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handle. The handle has a soft-touch design and is made to be ergonomic.
The buttons are easy to press and clearly labeled with their respective functions.
This thermometer allows you to see results in your preferred unit of measurement (°C or °F). You can switch the units simply by pushing a button.
It is equipped with two infrared sensors that measure the infrared radiation emitted by a surface that the laser points to and measures its temperature.
The laser has eight dots and points at the measuring range, so the surface from which the radiation is acquired is easily visualized.
Easy to use:
This unit is convenient to use and quite intuitive. It comes with the battery required to operate it. Its design is simple and user-friendly.
Plus, it has an automatic shut-off feature that shuts the device after 60 seconds of no use to save the battery.
The display shows an icon when there’s a battery change required, so there’s no guesswork involved.
It comes with a user manual that is descriptive and quite helpful. Furthermore, it is best for locating thermal bridges and mold risk areas.
Display:
The display of this thermometer is great. It displays the temperature in big font, so it is easy to see. The display of the unit is covered by a protective film, which protects it from transport damage.
The display is backlit and shows temperature deviation as numeric values and different background colors.
Temperature deviation is essentially the difference between the previously established reference value and the temperature measurement.
It has three different colors. Blue light indicates that the measurement taken is colder than the reference value, red indicates that the measurement taken is warmer than the reference value and green light indicates that the measurement taken corresponds to the reference value.
Measuring Range:
Another important feature of infrared thermometers is their measuring range.
It's best to have a thermometer that has a wide measuring range so you can take the temperature of different surfaces.
This Parkside unit has an extensive range that goes from -50 °C to +380 °C. Thus, it allows you to measure the temperature of a variety of surfaces.
Comparing Parkside with Competitors
There are several infrared thermometers in the market, and the Parkside infrared thermometer is one of the best ones you can get your hands on.
It offers all the basic features one looks for in an infrared thermometer, and it is easy to use.
It is easy to handle or grip as it has a soft-touch rubber handle and overall has a sturdy construction overall.
It isn’t the most accurate thermometer, nor does it have the most features like some of its counterparts may offer.
With this unit, you’re getting a basic infrared thermometer with an intuitive design at an affordable price.
Most of its competitors that have more advanced features are more expensive.
Issues & Concerns
There’s a lot to appreciate in this thermometer, but there are some issues worth mentioning, so you get the complete picture.
These aren’t deal-breakers but nonetheless, they should be brought to attention. Let’s take a look at them:
Lack of Memory Function:
It is nice to have a thermometer with a memory function. A memory feature allows the device to store the previous few readings so you can go back and see what temperature you last measured.
It can be useful when cooking to remember what temperature you last took.
This is usually a feature found in advanced thermometers, and not everyone has use of it.
Thermometers with such advanced features tend to be more expensive than what the Parkside thermometer costs.
Accuracy:
Generally, infrared thermometers can be slightly inaccurate as they measure temperature by measuring the radiation emitted from a surface which can be mixed up with the heat of the environment.
However, this isn’t always the case. There is a possibility that you’re using the thermometer wrong.
This situation can be countered by waiting a few minutes and letting the thermometer get used to the environment before measuring the temperature.
Care and Maintenance
This device comes with excellent warranty service and has a sturdy construction.
The unit will last you a long time if it is cared for and properly maintained. Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips that you should follow:
- Clean the thermometer regularly with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- In case the unit is too dirty, clean it with a slightly damp cloth and mild detergent
- Make sure no water enters the device when cleaning
- No objects are to enter the opening of the infrared sensor when cleaning. It is only supposed to be cleaned with light compressed air, if necessary.
- Change the battery when the low battery symbol appears. A low battery can result in battery leakage and inaccurate measurement, so it’s better you change it as soon as the symbol appears.
- Don’t use the thermometer in extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Don’t use it in a dusty, steaming or smoky atmosphere
- The laser isn’t supposed to be pointed at reflective surfaces as weak reflected lasers still may cause eye damage.
Warranty
This thermometer comes with an excellent three-year limited warranty service.
Strict quality guidelines were followed when manufacturing this unit, and it has been meticulously examined before delivery to consumers.
Within these three years, it starts from the date of purchase. If the product displays any fault in manufacture or material, the brand will repair or replace (depends on your choice) without any additional charge to you.
To be eligible for the warranty service, you will be required to provide proof of purchase which is your original receipt of sale. Thus, don’t lose the receipt.
Furthermore, the warranty will not be applied if the product has been used for any other purpose than its intended usage.
It can be damaged in the process if it is improperly maintained. It isn’t meant for commercial or industrial use.
- Dimensions: approx. 18 cm. x 12 cm. x 4.2 cm.
- Weight: approx. 170 g
- Colored display
- Material: acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS casing)
- Measuring range: -50 °C to +380 °C (-58 °F to +716 °F)
- Laser: 8-point laser
- Operating temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C
- Automatic switch-off:
- Units: °C and °F
- Handle: thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
- Battery: 1 9V batteries
Where to Buy
You can get the Parkside infrared thermometer here.
