Average Rating:

Rating : - Small, inexpensive, and handy, but no laser and wide spot
I did a lot of web research on infrared thermometers, visited 3 manufacturers' web sites, and saw the Fluke 62 at Fry's before buying this Actron CP7875 (on eBay). Chose it because of lowest price and rated accurate enough for my needs (+/-2%). Initially wanted a laser but didn't want my kid playing with lasers.

Smaller than I expected, <4" long. Comes with CR2032 lithium watch battery installed. Very easy to use with auto backlight. Seems accurate enough, i.e. melting ice measured at 32F. While holding button, reads 2-3 times per second, displaying current and highest temp. When button is released, auto holds temp until button is pressed again or shuts off after 15 seconds.

Biggest downside is the 1:1 distance-to-spot ratio. Most others have ratios from 6:1 to 10:1, measuring a 1" circle at 6"-10". The CP7875 measures a 10" circle at 10" distance. This is not explained in the online description nor on the Actron web site, but is explained in the docs and illustrated on the back of the device. If if you an accurate temp on something small, hold the thermometer really close.

The small F-to-C conversion button is recessed and requires a pen, fork, or small fingers to push it (I couldn't push it with my finger or short fingernails). Okay with me as I will be measuring everything in F. Wish it used standard 9V battery but then it would be bigger and heavier.

Pros: Very small, least expensive, easy to read backlit display, intuitive one-button operation. Battery life rated 20-25 hours of use.

Cons: No laser, wide spot, no hold after shutoff, top range 428F, and have to buy replacement battery at electronics or camera store (like Radio Shack).

If you need an inexpensive way to measure temps without touching, get this one, especially if you want to carry it in your pocket and don't want a 12oz "gun" that needs a holster. If you need to measure small spots at a distance and/or want a laser, or need to measure temps >428F, get a Raytek or Fluke. Note that Fluke owns Raytek (see Fluke web site).