The best angle to measure water or any surface with an infrared thermometer is to hold the device directly perpendicular. This angle will create a tight circle around the border of the object being measured.
The Bottom Line
There are several practical uses and applications for an infrared thermometer, whether in or out of the kitchen. If you use it for measuring liquids in cooking, it’s essential to know the device’s limitations and follow the best practices recommended above.
If you need to get a precise temperature reading for water or any liquid for your cooking process, turn to other thermometers instead. They will help you produce a more accurate reading when you get to submerge the probe sensors into the liquid rather than taking the surface temperature, which is the case with an infrared thermometer.
