Customer Reviews

Raytek MT6 Non-contact MiniTemp Infrared Thermometer

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Length:: 1:56 Mins

Quick video review showing the general operation of the Raytek MT6.

The ability to take a temperature reading instantly of pretty much anything without touching it is awesome. Some people will purchase this for professional use, but I got it because I believe knowledge is power, and because I just like to know stuff. ;-) All too often we make decisions based on assumptions that aren't valid, and I'd rather know the facts. For example, I installed extra insulation (R-19 fiberglass bats) over parts of my attic and wondered how much difference it really made. It took me about a minute to take several temperature readings by pointing my MT6 at different locations on my ceiling, and it looks like the areas with extra insulation were about 2ºF cooler today (92º outside) than those without. No guessing, no assumptions, no hoping I'll be able to detect a difference in my power bill. Very cool.

It seemed to work on everything I tried, including the water in my pool (the laser looked especially cool shining underwater ;-). Check the temperature of your roof, food, drinks, your freezer. Compare the effect of paint color on the exterior temperature of your house. I've had it less than a day and I've already found uses for it I didn't anticipate before I got it.

This device appears to be the same thing as the Fluke 62 Mini Infrared Thermometer with the exception of color and this one selling for a lot less. Both have the following accuracy:

10ºC to 30ºC (50º F to 86º F): ±1ºC (2ºF)
Outside 10º C to 30º C (50ºF to 86ºF): ±1.5ºC (3ºF) or ±1.5% of reading, whichever is greater.
Below -10ºC (14ºF): ±2ºC (4ºF)

Since the 1% accuracy figure is only valid over a 36º range of temperatures that aren't really that interesting, 1.5% is more realistic for most uses. Because it's not extremely accurate, I wouldn't attempt to use it to take someone's temperature or any other use where you need spot-on accuracy, but the readings seem to be very consistent from reading to reading, so measuring temperature differences with a high degree of accuracy seems like a reasonable expectation. It reads an area equal to 1/10 of the distance to the surface being measured.

The unit continually updates the displayed temperature as long as you keep the trigger depressed, and it displays the last temperature and maximum temperature recorded during that time for seven seconds after you release the trigger.

The unit uses a 9V battery (included) which the manufacturer claims will last 12 hours. Given that the MT6 will take a reading in less than a second, that should be a lot of readings (if you don't spend too much time playing with the laser ;-). It also comes with a nice zippered case that has three straps on it you could you to put it on your belt or somewhere else (I'm not sure when I use two of the straps).

All in all a very nice device that's easy to use, reasonably priced, and ToolTopia shipped mine very quickly. Very happy with this purchase.

The thermometer does not work on shiny surfaces as, for example, pots and baking trays and the manufacturer does not disclose that in the description. Point it at a pot with boiling water and you will get readings of 85, 125, 90, 110, all within a few seconds. If you call the manufacturer, they will explain that the reason is that the emissivity of the surface is fixed at 0.95. So forget about measuring the temperature of your pressure cooker, espresso machine, etc. It is good for relatively matte surfaces.

I bought this as a kitchen thermometer. I am on a quest to make perfect pancakes and could never keep my griddle at the perfect pancake temperature (360° F). I made the best batch of pancakes in my life after using this thermometer to adjust the surface temperature just so. And this morning, I made the best omelet I've ever cooked (at 325° F).

I chose this model as it claims to have better accuracy than comparably priced competitors (±1.5%, or ±1.5°C (±3°F) whichever is greater). This might not be good enough for medical applications, but for cooking, car repair, or home heating uses it's pretty good. Also, it claims a narrower beam than other products with a 10:1 distance to radius ratio, allowing more accurate scans at a distance. And, supposedly, one standard 9V battery will last 12 hours of use, which given that a single scan is typically 5 seconds might as well be for a lifetime.

I've been quite happy with this product. I like the scan feature, where you can scan over an area keeping track of the hottest temperature. It's also nice that the optics are well shielded deep inside the device, making it unlikely I'll get fingerprints on them, and allowing me to stuff it in my pocket if needed. And, I like the laser guide, which my son uses to play Buzz Lightyear (I'm very careful to not let him point it at his or my eyes).

I'm so happy with this product, I'm thinking of giving them out as Christmas gifts this year.

I can't vouch for its temperature accuracy (though it's pretty close to conventional thermometers at room temps), but the laser on my unit wasn't quite aligned and shot off to one side from center by about 6" at ten feet. Now I know that won't really matter at the distances you're supposed to use this thing, but this lax quality control did bug me. Also, the free case is nice, but gives off a strong "made-in-China" smell for a few days. Otherwise, the fit and finish and materials used are very good. The unit looks sturdy and built to last.

I was initially persuaded to purchase this item after extensive research for an economical, but quality unit - so boasted the accalades of one reviewer. For the money, one could not purchase a better unit, said another. It is possible that my new unit straight out of the blister pack is not operating according to specs. The included battery was tested and deemed to be in excellent condition; however, one of the digital segments is almost invisible for certain numbers until rotating the viewing angle of the LCD well below a normal viewing angle. Moreover, after comparing readings with other certified temperature sensors, I have discovered that the readings of my Raytek MT6 are significantly lower- as much as 150% for readings over 200 degrees F. Of course, one negative review cannot label a product as useless for all. I have no reason to doubt that the unit can be returned for a replacement.

I wanted one of these for a while so my wife encouraged me to get one for Christmas. First of all it is a great deal from Amazon at the current price. I initally wanted one of these to use on my pizza stone to (1) determine the heat of the surface and (2) see how long it would take to regain the original heat after making multiple pizzas. After receiving it on Christmas morning and playing with it measuring everything from the heat coming from the gas log fireplace to the amount of cold air coming in from poorly insulated doors and windows, I can see this instrument will have an enormous variety of uses. Build quality appears to be pretty good, plastic case with rubber feel for good grip. It also came with a 9 volt battery for operation. The only complaint I have so far is the belt case that was included with my unit is too small. You can try and stuff the unit in the case but I fooled with it for some time and never could get it in where I could zip the thing up all the way. The instruction manual (if you want to call it that) is nothing more than a sheet of paper with symbols in universal language (you know like a bucket of water with a circle and a diagonal line thru it, to represent "do not submerge in water") for proper/improper use. A real instruction manual explaining spot beam/distance/accuracy relationship and things like that would have been nice but for what it does and what it costs I give if a 4.5 stars.

I bought this product to measure any air leaks I have in my house. It works very well for that purpose. I'm not sure about the lower temperatures, but it seems pretty spot on at room temps (the accuracy is supposed to be within a degree). It was very close to the digital thermometers I have in my house (pointed directly at it). The only reason for the 4 stars is that the laser sighting is skewed to the right. Amazon is sending me a replacement and I'm hoping it's better this time. But if not, I'll live with it. You're not supposed to be that far away from the object anyway, even with the 10:1 ratio.

I've had this for about a month now and like it quite a bit. I haven't done anything to try and estimate its accuracy, but that hasn't stopped me from using it to measure items in the freezer (the primary reason I bought it), cooking oil (much cleaner and easier than a probe themometer), and lots more.

I have recommended it with confidence to several friends.

I got this to look for insulation problems with my house. It quickly helped me fine some small air leaks.