Tool Review: Mastercool Infrared Thermometer with Dual Laser

Feb. 9, 2012

Shop owner Mike Steptoe tests out the Mastercool Infrared Thermometer with Dual Laser.

The Mastercool Infrared Thermometer with Dual Laser, No. 52224-C, features an enhanced backlit LCD color display and an expanded temperature range of -76 degrees F to 1,022 degrees F. The dual laser spot target indicator provides more targeted temperature readings with a 12:1 field of view, with a response time of 1 second. This unit powers off automatically after 15 seconds of idle time. Accessories include two AAA batteries, an instruction manual and plastic molded carrying case.

The review

Mike Steptoe, owner of Reliable Auto Repair in Fort Atkinson, WI, tested out the Mastercool Infrared Thermometer with Dual Laser.

Along with giving a digital readout of the current temperature reading, Mike really liked the tool's ability to store the maximum and minimum temperatures read when using the unit, and keep the information handy right on the screen.

"It’s easier than sometimes, when you’re scanning something, to remember where the max actually was," says Mike.

Mike used the tool for a number of different jobs:

"We use it for radiators and cooling system overheating problems, air conditioning temperatures on lines and duct temperatures. I think I used this one one day to detect misfires."

Other features Mike commented on were the backlit feature for the screen, and the ability to read in Celsius.

Mike says there were really no other features to improve this tool. It was easy to use, and quickly provided him with accurate information.

His favorite feature was the laser pointer. "You actually know the area where you’re taking the temperature from," says Mike.

"This (tool) does make it a little easier to be farther away, yet still get the right item you’re trying to test, with the laser pointer feature."

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.