AR550 Mini Infrared Thermometer Review

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Rugged, back lit, holds max temp. I've used it on everything from engines to HVAC to windows to milk for my baby. I use it several times a day every day. After a year, it's still on it's first set of batteries.

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I have a Raytek (RAYMT6) MT6 Mini Temp Infrared Thermometer, which I love, and which seems to be the same thing as the Fluke 62, but for a lot less money. See my review for the MT6, which should be applicable to this item as well. I prefer the look of the Fluke version, but if I can save $35, I'll deal with having one that's black and gray.

Note that when I did some research I found that the ±1% stated in the description is misleading. Fluke's own specifications state that the 1% is only valid between 50-86ºF. The complete specs are:

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)

This is still good, but since the 1% is only valid over a 36º range of temperatures that aren't really that interesting, the 1.5% is more realistic.

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I bought this to assist me in honing my chocolate tempering skills as regular candy thermometers are such an amazing pain to use, but it ended up improving my cooking even further by alerting me to the fact that the thermostat on my oven was consistently off by nearly 40 degrees. I've no doubt it will come in handy the next time I think I have a fever, find some faulty weatherstriping or suspect an electronic component of overheating, too. It's well-built, accurate and its UI does pretty much everything right by default. My one complaint is that you have to open up the battery compartment to move the tiny little dip switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius--I personally think a recessed bubble switch on the housing would have been a wiser choice.

The package Amazon sent me was DUSTY beyond belief, so I have a feeling they don't sell too many of these, but everything inside the blister pack was in perfect working order.

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I purchased this for my business and it has come in handy several times. Its very easy to use and its interesting to know surface temp on just about anything. I pull cable for a living and it helps me to know how hot an area is (such as an atic) before going up there. Fluke is a name I can trust and that was the big reason why I purchased this.

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Works good at room & high temps.

Definitely doesn't work as well at below 0 degree F.

Compared with a higher end IR thermometer was within 1 degree F.

Good compact size with nice case.

Outstanding laser & backlight works great!