Customer Reviews

Actron CP7875 PocketTherm Infrared Thermometer

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I did a lot of web research on infrared thermometers, visited 3 manufacturers' web sites, and saw the Fluke 62 at Fry's before buying this Actron CP7875 (on eBay). Chose it because of lowest price and rated accurate enough for my needs (+/-2%). Initially wanted a laser but didn't want my kid playing with lasers.

Smaller than I expected, <4" long. Comes with CR2032 lithium watch battery installed. Very easy to use with auto backlight. Seems accurate enough, i.e. melting ice measured at 32F. While holding button, reads 2-3 times per second, displaying current and highest temp. When button is released, auto holds temp until button is pressed again or shuts off after 15 seconds.

Biggest downside is the 1:1 distance-to-spot ratio. Most others have ratios from 6:1 to 10:1, measuring a 1" circle at 6"-10". The CP7875 measures a 10" circle at 10" distance. This is not explained in the online description nor on the Actron web site, but is explained in the docs and illustrated on the back of the device. If if you an accurate temp on something small, hold the thermometer really close.

The small F-to-C conversion button is recessed and requires a pen, fork, or small fingers to push it (I couldn't push it with my finger or short fingernails). Okay with me as I will be measuring everything in F. Wish it used standard 9V battery but then it would be bigger and heavier.

Pros: Very small, least expensive, easy to read backlit display, intuitive one-button operation. Battery life rated 20-25 hours of use.

Cons: No laser, wide spot, no hold after shutoff, top range 428F, and have to buy replacement battery at electronics or camera store (like Radio Shack).

If you need an inexpensive way to measure temps without touching, get this one, especially if you want to carry it in your pocket and don't want a 12oz "gun" that needs a holster. If you need to measure small spots at a distance and/or want a laser, or need to measure temps >428F, get a Raytek or Fluke. Note that Fluke owns Raytek (see Fluke web site).

For pinpoint accuracy, get something else. However for everyday use, this little gadget is great. It's easy to use and takes up virtually no space. Expect a three or four degree variance - it usually registers low.

This is a 5 star little gizmo for the gadget freaks among us.

For anyone else a 3 or 4.

You will quickly run out of things to measure around the house -- but it's fun anyway.

Do be advised that for any consistent reading you must hold this at a precise distance from your target or the reading will vary greatly. Not a defect -- but just a fact of measurement.

A lot cheaper than other alternatives, probably because it's a lot smaller and not as fine a measuring tool. Seems useful for most applications: I wanted to use it for cooking and since it maxes out at 425 degrees that can be limiting. On the plus side, it's really easy to carry around in the toolbox.

There is a growing number of these gadgets out there. This one works as it was promised and is a convenient tool (and toy) for the gadgeteer. How much colder are the single pane windows than than the double panes? How cold is that floor in the bathroom? The speed at which you can make measurements is great. This unit is not as accurate as the precision it provides, but good enough. Incidentally, soon after it arrived I picked up "A Matter of Degrees" by Gino Segre at the county library - check it out.

Ok. I admit it. I have NO practical use for this thing, but it was on sale, and it seemed so useful at the time.

It's accurate enough, I've used it to check the temperature of my oven thermostat, check my AC vents at range and I even checked my own temperature (aiming it under my tongue reads 1 or 2 degrees below 98.6 consistently).

This has become my favorite desk toy. I "test" electronics, windows, all kinds of stuff.

This is a handy device that works well for the price. I find it is great for checking temperature of wine in the glass, quick ear-temp checks (which run lower than oral), and checking pan temps. It was also interesting to learn just how hots our bulbs burn (including compact fluorescent). It is small enough to fit in a pocket and has a handy auto-off feature.

It does have some limitations. Because of the conical surface area measurement, the size of the area being measured must be smaller than your distance from it. The max temp of around 450F sometimes limits its utility for cooking.

This thermometer is not fancy by any means, but its small size and simplicity is great for in the home. We use it mainly in candy making, but find other uses for it all the time.

This pocket IR thermometer is the perfect tool to keep around the home and the office. It's cheap enough that you can afford more than one. It works extremely well and is so simple to use. Just point and push the button. I found myself measuring the temperature of all sorts of things just because it is so easy.

I actually received one of these as a promotional item. I liked it so much, I bought several more for my engineering team to use in their work. Highly recommended!

I bought this after my last laser thermometer was caught in a rainstorm and died. I wasn't able to get another just like it, so I thought I'd try something cheaper. Right from the start this thermometer showed signs of being inaccurate and it got steadily worse. Now, after only using it 4 times, it's off by almost 25 degrees. Buy something else. This one's not worth it.