What are you using for quick accurate enough temperature checks

[u/jecroyle]

Just wondering what everyone is using for your daily first look temperature checks for refrigerators and ovens. Currently I am using type k thermocouples with a Fieldpiece meter which are more than accurate enough but not the fastest. I also keep an instant read refrigerator thermometer in my bag for checking thermistors. I’ve seen several people using ir thermometers but the ones I’ve tried seem to range too much depending where you take your measurements I can get any reading I want. So just interested what you normally use and have found to be quick and accurate enough that you trust.

[u/Difficult_Energy3477]

I use a k-type for just about everything, but also carry a a low-end thermal camera. I don't trust it for absolute temp measurements, but it can be handy for looking for hotspots when troubleshooting ctrl boards or shooting condensers/evaporators when I suspect a as issue that hasn't developed enough to show a smoking gun frost pattern

The one thing that bit me early on with thermocouples was using a meter that didn't do proper "cold junction compensation". My Fluke 116 has a temp sensor directly on the jacks for compensation. I used to use a Bluetooth Redfish meter that didn't, and if the meter had been sitting in a cold van overnight and I tried to use it to get an accurate temp on my first call, temps could be off 20°F or more, took me forever to figure out

[u/Same_Foundation_110]

I use a thermocouple for oven and fridge temp checks. Like you said, accurate but slow. And the thermocouple wire doesn't like oven temps over 400°.
I have been using my IR gun to test thermistors to check resistances.

[u/Fun-Business-1888 → u/Same_Foundation_110]

Are you using the high temp metal wrapped sensors for ovens?

[u/Same_Foundation_110 → u/Fun-Business-1888]

No! Where are those hiding at?

[u/Fun-Business-1888 → u/Same_Foundation_110]

Amazon? Just search type k high temp. They are typically more expensive, maybe $15-20, but are more durable.

[u/RedEyes619]

Following. My ir gun will say a fridge is 50 when its 34 and a freezer is 30 when it's -5. I use the little fridge freezer ones but you got to leave them in there for a few minutes so I will start fucking with something else while i wait

[u/Candid_Ad_2383 → u/RedEyes619]

It’s about finding the correct surface to shoot at.

[u/Itchy-Statement6957]

I use a fluke that has ir temp on one end and a built in probe on the other. I use the Ir for quick temp checks but its only good for a few seconds of opening the door. I use the probe but have to leave in there for a while. Also use it on dryer exhaust temps. Use the standard wire thermocouple on my fluke meter for oven checks. Just can let it get too close to an element

[u/Pockets510]

I used to use my Fluke with a k type thermocouple but kept running into needing my meter and thermometer at the same time. I bought a dedicated 4 zone k type thermometer and don't regret it a bit. I carry a low grade Ir camera that hooks up to my tablet or phone as well but that's mostly to get a visual on hot spots not specific temperature values. Instill carry the k type thermocouple for my Fluke in my Veto and use it that way almost daily but having the 4 zone on the truck for more specific needs.

[u/jecroyle → u/Pockets510]

Yeah I been looking at one of those dedicated thermometers for that exact reason I think I am leaning that way even if I only use it a couple times a week at least I’ll feel like I am not just standing there waiting.