Caring for Your Thermapen IR

The Thermapen^® IR has been built with the best materials and the finest engineering available for a professional instrument. With proper care, it should perform for many years without replacement or repair. Here are some simple things you can do to make sure your Thermapen IR stays in peak condition.

1. Avoid spills, splashes, rain, and snow.

Because the unit needs an opening to allow infrared wavelengths to fall upon the infrared sensor inside the housing, the Thermapen IR does not have the same Splash-Proof rating that other Thermapens have and should be kept away from splashes and spills.

The Thermapen IR should not be left outside and should be protected from rain or snow when used outdoors.

2. Store your Thermapen IR in a case.

For the same reason, it is particularly important to purchase and use a Thermapen case, like the Thermapen zip wallet or wall mount bracket. Storage cases will protect your Thermapen IR from inadvertent moisture or dust that could find their way through the infrared opening. (A magnetic, glow-in-the-dark silicone boot specially designed for the Thermapen IR is also available for additional protection.)

3. Clean the probe, body, and infrared lens of your Thermapen IR separately.

Like all instruments that come in contact with food, the Thermapen IR should be cleaned regularly. But, ideally, the three different parts of the Thermapen IR should be
cleaned in different ways.

• Clean the probe with a wipe.

The probe tip of your Thermapen IR should be cleaned after every contact with food. The probe itself is made of stainless steel and can be cleaned with an anti-bacterial wipe or even with soap and water. If using water, however, exercise caution to make sure no moisture splashes onto the infrared lens. After cleaning, dry the probe with a clean towel.

• Clean the housing with a paper towel sprayed with anti-bacterial spray.

The housing of the Thermapen IR should be cleaned at regular intervals, as well. But some anti-bacterial wipes contain isopropyl alcohol, which can make the clear plastic display of the Thermapen IR cloudy with repeated exposure. Instead, we recommend using a paper towel sprayed with anti-bacterial spray. Be sure to wipe all the edges of the Thermapen IR housing, including the notch where the probe tip is held.

• Clean the infrared lens with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

Whenever you clean the Thermapen IR housing, you should also take the time to clean the infrared lens on your unit. The infrared lens itself should not be cleaned with water or a wipe. Instead, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and debris from the lens.

4. Avoid exposing your Thermapen IR to direct heat.

While both the thermocouple probe and the infrared sensor on your Thermapen IR have extended ranges of measurement, the Thermapen IR housing itself is rated from -4 to 122°F (-20 to 50°C). Do not inadvertently leave your Thermapen IR on a hot grill or smoker lid. As a general rule of thumb, any temperatures—hot or cold—that are uncomfortable for your bare hand will be too extreme for your Themapen IR, as well.

If you have any other questions about caring for your Thermapen IR, feel free to contact our technical support team at techsupport@thermoworks.com or call 1-800-393-6434 and ask for Tech Support.

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