Klein Tools has come out with a new compact thermometer, IR07, which features a temperature probe and IR sensor for non-contact measurements.
Klein describes the IR07 as a pocket-sized meter designed to provide air, liquid, and surface temperature measurements.
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General Specs
- -40 to 572°F (-40 to 300°C) temperature measurement range
- 0.1° display resolution
- Backlit display
- Hold, max/min, and temperature differential functions (for both IR and probe readings)
- Low battery and auto-power off
- Certified to IEC EN 61326-1:2013; EN61326-2-3:2013
- Powered by 2xAAA batteries (included
- Carrying pouch is included
- 6.6ft (2m) drop-tested
The Klein IR07 measures 5.82″ long x 1.67″ wide x 0.95″ height, and weights 3.60 oz.
Temperature Probe
- Temperature probe can measure air, liquid, and surface temperature
- Easy-open probe to prevent temperature transfer from handling
- Hands-free hanging hook for measure air vent and duct temperatures
- Stainless steel probe is FDA GRAS compliant
- Response time: <20 s
IR Thermometer
- IR thermometer with 8:1 distance to spot ratio
- IR sensor targeting laser doubles as a laser pointer
- Accuracy: 40 to 0° C: +/-2°; 1 to 300° C: +/- 1°C
- Response time: <500 ms
Price: $60
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Discussion
The form factor is interesting for an IR thermometer, and the probe gives it a lot of added functionality. I’m having difficulty finding any obvious downsides to Klein’s IR07 dual-function thermometer.
It’s a neat idea that the temp meter can be supported by the probe near its pivot, for some HVAC air vent temperature measurement applications.
It reminds me of the Klein MM500 digital multimeter, a now-discontinued rugged meter with limited but very convenient functionality.
As mentioned, Klein modestly describes the IR07 as a pocket-sized meter designed to provide air, liquid, and surface temperature measurements, and that’s exactly what it looks like.
I wouldn’t call it a game-changer, but it certainly looks convenient.
I do wonder how fast and accurate the probe will be in measuring air temperature. Klein’s specs say that the temperature probe measurement responsiveness should be less than 20 seconds, which seems reasonable.
What would you use this for?
Is this something you would like to see reviewed here?
Bruce says
I like the common battery size and the form factor is just slightly bulkier than a probe only model. Accuracy is crap but probably OK for quick checks. Not good enough to calibrate thermostats.
Nathan says
why do you say the accuracy is crap?
Nathan says
hit enter too fast.
So Klein site show 1degree C at 1-300 C. and 2degrees C at -40 – 0 C.
1 degree C is within accuracy of most thermostats I’ve ever used that weren’t lab spec or on a freezer. I think maybe my Ecobee says it’s accurate to 1F or 0.5C but still 1 C is within the display clarity.
Bruce says
Yes, 1 degree C is crap. 1F is what a human will feel and those are smaller than C degrees. And yes, 0.2F is what I look for in a serious thermometer.
Jon Brown says
To be completely honest my first thought was “that would be really convenient for my Blackstone griddle”. I am fully aware that this is not made for food prep and the internet will tell me if I use it for such a purpose I will die slowly and it will hurt the entire time. BUT, to have a tool that will tell me the griddle temp and internal food temp and take common batteries would make this really tempting even though it might take half a minute to get a probe reading.
csroc says
Thermoworks makes a thermapen that offers both as well. I have a couple of their non-ir thermapen and a chefalarm and they’re fantastic.
Corbin Dallas says
I love the basic Thermapen and have been eyeing their IR combo one but it seems much less water resistant. Have you played around with it?
fred says
If I had to guess – the addition of an opening to fit the lens (for the IR sensor to look out of) – might contribute to spots for water infiltration.
Our range has a flat top – which would be a candidate for checking temperature with an IR gun – but I got a Thermopen with a swiveling tip on it that you touch to the surface to let you know when I get up into the 350 to 375 range.
csroc says
I have not tried the Thermapen IR. I did look at it but wanted the water proof, backlit, rotating display, and other features of the Mk4 more. I also have a Thermapen classic that my dad gave me as a gift years back that’s still going strong.
Did need a new IR thermometer as well and eventually bought a separate one.
Not to say I don’t like the look of this Klein, it’s more than adequate for my needs I think (if I ever needed something like this) and is priced lower with a more convenient battery than the IR Thermapen.
Nathan says
Actually the listing says the probe in SS and FDA compliant. So uhm – while you might have a slow painful death it won’t be because of this.
Now your other vices – I can’t say.
Stuart says
I at first thought this was some kind of promo grilling meat probe.
I wouldn’t use this for meat or food, despite the FDA GRAS compliance. Equipment? Maybe. But for food, a unit designed for use with food will be better, and likely faster too.
Would you use a food probe for HVAC temp meaurements?
farid says
If it is Thermapen, yes. They are an industrial and lab equipment producer as well and their probes are very accurate and fast too (2-3 seconds for Mark 3 and 4 and 7 sec. for Pop – I verified both against our NIST traceable probes).
I would not do the opposite. 20 seconds is way too long on a grill. I like the 3 second probe, as my hands don’t cook in the process and I can check several pieces of meat and close the lid in no time.
Nathan says
I’m assuming the response time is either a typo or they will way undercut that.
If it really was say 15 seconds – then yes that’s a bit too long food or otherwise.
I already have a probe thermometer for meat but I wonder on it’s accuracy – I mean it was some 14 dollars at a restaurant supply store.
most food thermometers I’ve seen have a narrower range too – which again makes sense. I think in this case the FDA rating is more for the industrial use. IE testing and fixing machines that happen to need to be clean. etc.
Farid says
Thanss Natahn. 20 seconds is not unusual for these probes. Actually, probes from Thermapen have a much thinner tip designed for fast response and easy insertion. I doubt if they would stand up to industrial use, but I have used one that way. Unless you are checking the flame directly on a furnace, the range should be more than adequate for ventilation (e.g. Thermapen Mark 4 has a range of -58.0 to 572.0°F [-49.9 to 299.9°C]).
The one flaw I see with the Kline, in my opinion, is the probe length is a bit short. If you are probing an insulated duct, you want to get the probe into the laminar airflow region away from the duct wall for best results.
Most of the digital probes I have encountered are reasonably accurate. They don’t all have a suitable range and most are way too slow ( I have bought and returned 3 before settling on one). I mentioned Thermapen specifically, since I was familiar with Thermoworks, from my work, long before I even bought a kitchen probe and you can obtain a calibration certificate. I have seen the restaurant dial type vary way too much and I don’t trust those.
Matt J says
I had the same thought as well…the response time (on paper at least) blows away the Thermapen. I love mine, but I can’t justify shelling out another $140ish for the added IR, even though it’s cool. $60 is a little more tempting…I think the decreased accuracy might be the turn-off for me, though.
Nathan says
Now all that said – I like the idea and it answers 2 of my needs right now. so I think I’m going to buy one.
Thanks for the find.
OH and yes the 2nd thing I thought of was using it on my grill and smoker too.
Nathan says
Looking it up however I do see where the thermapen IR is something like 95 dollars and is basically better specs. so there is that
Andrew LB` says
Ok, i’m sold! I just ordered a Thermapen. Even my $20 weber probe is more accurate than that Klein.
kat says
You can buy these from chinese sites for like $5-$10 max.
This is basically the same thing but rebranded by Klein and then sold for 10 times the price!