As a rule, infrared thermometers are also highly suitable for measuring the temperature of foods in kitchens or catering applications. Providing you know some of the specific aspects associated with food measurement: For instance what you should pay attention to when checking the temperature of foods such as soups and sauces or for baby food in bottles. Or how the HACCP directives affect the catering sector. And why the use of pyrometers is not usually recommending when barbecuing.
Very simple in fact: Food or prepared meals are captured with the integrated laser pointer after which the thermometer determines the current temperature via its infrared sensor. That makes infrared thermometers like the BP15 from Trotec ideal measuring instruments for measuring the temperature of food and meals quickly and easily. The best feature is the contact-free measurement, as this prevents contact and potential combination during the measuring procedure. You can now read all about the right temperature measurement for foods, the special rules associated with catering and how to avoid measuring errors.
Using pyrometers for food
- When it comes to liquid foods such as soups, sauces or the slow heating of chocolate, the laser thermometer allows easy temperature monitoring. Important: Stir the liquid once again before measurement. If the foods are already prepared and arranged on a plate, you should take account of the different temperatures ranges and measure as close as possible to the object.
- When measuring the temperature of baby food and bottles too, the convenient use and short measuring time of the infrared thermometer makes preparation easier. Important: most liquid baby food should be stirred well before measurement.
- The infrared thermometer is only advantageous for use when barbecuing under certain conditions. This is because direct measurement of the barbecued food tends to be inaccurate owing to turbulence and soot particles above the hot embers. And devices with a low temperature range simply fail when measuring the glowing heat directly. But of course, the barbecued food can be measured directly on the plate.
Using pyrometers in catering
Infrared thermometers with penetration probes (for example with the BP2F or BP5F from Trotec) are used in catering to make regular temperature checks in accordance with the HACCP Directives (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), like during incoming goods inspection or for the regular measurement and recording of stored food. Infrared thermometers with penetration probes are useful wherever food is produced, processed and sold thanks to their rapid temperature capture both on the surface as well as the core temperature.
How to avoid measuring errors when using pyrometers
- The temperature of the food is falsified by food packaging such as cartons and shrink-wrapping film. You should therefore open the cartons and only measure film-wrapped meals at close-fitting areas without air bubbles.
- Water vapour, dust and dirt can adversely affect the measuring results. Measuring devices should therefore be cleaned regularly for a precise result.
- Pay attention to the appropriate measuring distance as the measuring range also increases when measuring the temperature from a large distance. That means you should measure as close to the food as possible.
Professional infrared thermometers from Trotec
The infrared and penetration thermometers from Trotec are brand quality devices that are just as precise as they are affordable.
- The BP15 pyrometer is ideally suitable for checking the temperature of baby food or other foods. Measure the surface temperature of the desired product – the quick and reliable way without contact. The measuring range lies between -30°C and 260°C with an accuracy of ±2 °C. A connectable optical target laser can be used to easily determine the measuring spot centre point.
Instead of £32.94 the BP15 is currently available for just £18.80
- The food infrared thermometer BP2F is ideally suitable for non-contact and contact temperature measurement of foods and cold chain monitoring. It determines the surface and inner temperature of foods via an infrared sensor or penetration temperature probe. The compact BP2F determines the core temperature from -40 °C to +200 °C and via infrared up to +280 °C. Thanks to the sturdy, washable IP65 housing, this is a reliable solution for food temperature inspection according to the HACCP standard.
Instead of £65.94 the BP2F is currently available for just £37.66
- The food infrared thermometer BP5F is the perfect test device for manufacturers, inspectors, transport companies, commerce or catering. The infrared and penetration thermometer in one device enables precise results with a measuring spot diameter of only 5 mm at a distance of 10 cm to the measuring object. With a core temperature measurement from -40 °C to +200 °C and non-contact via infrared up to +280 °C. Thanks to the sturdy washable IP65 design, the BP5F is the universal solution for food inspections according to the HACCP standard.
Instead of £89.50 the BP5F is currently available for just £47.08
Your overview of Trotec’s ‘infrared thermometers’
1/5 What you need to know for a precise temperature measurement
2/5 How to measure the temperature of foods
3/5 How to measure the temperature of liquids
4/5 How to measure the temperature in a terrarium
5/5 The ‘Mini Format’ – small, handy, quick
