La Crosse Technology IR-101 Infrared Thermometer

by La Crosse Technology

Product Features

• Easy, contact free temperature measurement
• Continual temperature measurements by holding button
• Continuous capture of MIN/MAX temperatures
• Great for temp measurements in hard to reach places
• Nylon neck strap and carrying case included

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 0.9 x 4 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001NL83E
• Item model number: IR-101
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #513,974 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Check the surface temperature of a griddle pan for precision cooking with this wireless infrared thermometer from La Crosse Technologies. Great for professional use in many technology and construction industries, in addition to home applications, the palm-sized thermometer uses an infrared lens to assess surface temperatures without any direct contact.

The user holds the thermometer over the surface in question at an ideal distance of 3 to 12 inches. For the best results, the measured object should be at least two times the size of the thermometer’s infrared lens. The user begins measurement by pressing the thermometer’s single button, conveniently positioned on the side for thumb pressure. On the digital screen, the thermometer relays the surface temperature. Readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius are available; double-clicking the button allows the user to toggle between the two. By keeping the button held in, the user benefits from continual assessment, and records and displays the minimum and maximum values. This function allows the user to identify cool and hot spots. For easy visibility of values, the LCD screen is constantly backlit while the thermometer’s button is depressed. The last temperature measured is stored by the thermometer for twenty minutes after the button is released. With 0.1 degree accuracy, the thermometer measures temperatures from -5 to +572 degrees F. The thermometer operates best with environment temperatures of 32 to 104 degrees F. Designed for use on surfaces only, the thermometer does not assess air temperatures and can’t measure through transparent materials, like windows. The thermometer comes with a removable nylon lanyard and soft carrying case for transportation and storage. Also, four alkaline button cell batteries are included. Covered by a one-year limited warranty, the thermometer measures 2-1/4 inches wide by 1 inch deep by 4 inches high.

Product Description

HRM W/PC DOWNLOAD
Extremely compact, handy infra-red thermometer for contact-free temperature measurement. Use for difficult to reach or inaccessible locations. Provides continual measurements of temperature by holding button. Instrument captures continuous minimum and maximum values for the quick evaluation of the hottest and coldest points with simultaneous display below the current temperature. Recommended operating temperature: 32 F to 104 F. Uses 4 alkaline button cell batteries. Size: 2.2" x .9" x 4.01".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful little gadget, January 26, 2006

By 

Dr. Stuart Cheshire (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: La Crosse Technology IR-101 Infrared Thermometer (Kitchen)

I just bought one of these, and it seems to work pretty well. To answer the criticisms raised by the other reviewers:
1. Yes, it would be nice if it used AAA batteries instead of four LR44 watch batteries, but you don't need to pay $3. I found LR44s at [...] at ten for $10.
2. Yes, it would be nice if the Amazon product description stated the operating range, but you can easily find this information on the La Crosse web site. You can download the manual from http://www.lacrossetechnology.info/pdf/spec_items/IR-101.pdf and it states: -5?F to 575?F.

23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Batteries are expensive, and very hard to replace, December 4, 2005

By 

BigConsumer - See all my reviews

This review is from: La Crosse Technology IR-101 Infrared Thermometer (Kitchen)

I liked this little unit when I first got it. I used it for a few weeks, then I set it aside for about 9 months. Understandably, the batteries needed to be changed when I went to use it again. Unfortunately, they use an LR44 watch/calculator battery, which my local electronics store wanted over $3.00 apiece for, and it requires 4 of those. So putting new batteries in it is 1/3 the cost of the thermometer itself! What's wrong with using a couple of AAA batteries?

Also, the batteries are exceedingly frustrating to replace. On my first attempt, the batteries weren't seated properly (which, again, is very difficult to do), so when the unit would not power on, I opened the battery compartment to try again, but found that the batteries were very hot. I finally got the batteries in correctly, but the battery life indicator showed that the $13.00 worth of batteries, that I just put in, were almost dead (shorting them together will do that). I just tried putting another set of batteries in, but after messing with it for a while, I decided that this thermometer is not worth my time. It is now sitting in the bottom of my trash can. Such a shame.

Now I start the hunt for a unit that uses inexpensive, AA or AAA, batteries.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great useful and fun, May 16, 2006

By 

Richard Hanson "Cooler than cool" (Denver Co.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: La Crosse Technology IR-101 Infrared Thermometer (Kitchen)

I have owned this fine product for over two years. Using the same batteries it came with. I use it professionally as we are manufacturers (www.cool-components.com) of cooling products for audio/Video, home theater equipment, equipment racks and rooms. I would be sad if I lost this device and would replace it immediately. I have recommended this product to literally hundreds of people in the industry. The people at Lacrosse Technology are Minnesota nice and make a great little product. It's the lowest cost piece of test equipment I have and one I use quite a bit! We may even use them on our trade show displays.