Infared thermometer usage

[LarryH]

would like to see a discussion of surface temps, especially with grillgrates, using infared thermometer.

[MBMorgan]

Welcome from Colorado. This one is popular around here (and it's on sale): https://www.thermoworks.com/IR-Gun

[Mr. Bones]

That's th very one I have, an I love it, use it a lot!
Makes a superb cat toy, as well!

[Attjack]

I would like to see my off brand compared to the thermoworks unit.

[EdF]

It's a good one!

[LarryH]

Thanks Mb, I have the gun but need info about surface temps when grilling. Few temps provided by grillgrates but lacking overall info for different grill items. Steaks ok but pizzas, burgers, chicken, chops etc. still a bit fuzzy.

[Nate]

Welcome from Indiana

[DWCowles]

Welcome LarryH

[RonB]

Welcome to The Pit Larry.

[Steve B]

I have one through Snap On. A Blue Point that seems to work very well.
I don’t have any grill grates but I use it all the time on my BlackStone. It’s almost necessary.

[Oakgrovebacon]

Welcome to the pit from Southern Illinois

[Huskee]

Seems like I read 350-400 for a flat-top when cooking breakfast, and I wanna say 700 is popular with GtillGrates for searing steak. I don't know specifics beyond that, I don't use GrillGrates myself.

[MBMorgan]

Thanks Mb, I have the gun but need info about surface temps when grilling. Few temps provided by grillgrates but lacking overall info for different grill items. Steaks ok but pizzas, burgers, chicken, chops etc. still a bit fuzzy.

Ah ... I misunderstood what you were asking. OK, so here's a data point for pizza:

On my gasser, I use a baking steel for pizza. Temperature: 500 deg F. as measured using the IR gun (steel preheated for 30 minutes); Cook time: 7 minutes

[Meathead]

IR therms are not good at measuring something like the wire on a grill grate or anything reflective. They are not useful for meat temp either. But they are great for pizza stones.

[Steve B]

So you don’t think IR thermometers are good for griddle surfaces?
I feel that they are necessary to get,at least, an idea of what temp you’re cooking on.
450-500* is necessary to get a good crust on a burger. But that would be way too hot to,say, cook shrimp.
Without an IR thermometer you can’t tell what temps your griddle is at.
Just my thoughts.

[Dr ROK]

He didn't say they weren't good for griddles????? Yes, they work very well on griddles.

[LarryH]

Thanks for the welcome and grilling info. Been smoking and grilling for about 45 years in northern CA. Newest grilling equip is/are Grillgrates. Very hot at surface and easy to move things around. Trying a paella tonight. We will see...