So how is this any different than a non-contact IR thermometer?

The most important difference between this and a non-contact IR thermometer is that once you read a base temperature you can set the device to give a visual representation of any temperature differences. The way it does that is by changing the color of a bright spot of light it projects on the surface you are measuring. That was important to me because I am in the energy conservation business and I can use it to show my customers where cold air is leaking in around doors or windows or where heat is escaping to the outside. The light will go from green to red or from green to blue depending on whether the temperature is going up or down. Nothing beats a visual indication of what is going on and this gives you that. The light registers when you first read a base temperature then when it changes it goes to blue for colder or red for warmer in 1-5-10 degree increments depending on where it is set. Personally I am no fan of Black and Decker products. I avoid them as being cheap foreign made and low quality. However, this thing works for me and I have had it for two years without any problem.

Does anyone know if this serves the same purpose as a kitchen thermal reader?

Similar! But accuracy/procedure different. One is infrared, kitchen temp,accurate is best attained by probe/gauge/ dial, the B&D leak detector? I have a $2,500.00 so called state of the art, professional contractors tool! And the B&D does almost as precision results! In closing, very good tool. Only down side/con: I attached a lanyard on the heel of its handle, long enough to hang around neck.or belt clipAs this review just came in, I'm using it right now at customers home. Being in business 51 years this is 5* J.R. Massachusetts

For years we have felt a cold draft coming from upstairs with no idea of it's origins. Will this product help me locate it better than "smoke."

yes it would help you locate your cold draft. I went around my house and could believe the places I found that was letting in the outside air. This works great. I was able the save on my heating cost and for the first time in over twenty years my 100 plus year old house feels warm. this will pay for its self.

Can this be used with things like an engine block or a grill? how high does the heat readings go?

This is a tool best tuned for houses. Definitely not wide enough range for a grill. I have an IR thermometer I bought for my car years ago that has a very wide temp range -- I'd recommend something not made for figuring out where your house is loosing heat if you want to use with grill and cars. I think my other one does up to like 900 or 1200F.

ASIN	B0044R87BE
Alarm	Audible
Brand	BLACK+DECKER
Built-In Media	1 x Black & Decker TLD100 thermal leak detector
Color	Black/Orange
Colour	Black/Orange
Customer Reviews	4.3 out of 5 stars 4,732 Reviews
Enclosure Material	Blend
Global Trade Identification Number	00885911106337
Item Dimensions D x W x H	6.7D x 10.9W x 25.3H centimeters
Item Type Name	Thermal Leak Detector
Item Weight	295 g
Item weight	295 g
Manufacturer	Other
Model Number	TLD100
Operating Humidity	50 percent
Power Source	Battery Powered
Power source	Battery Powered
Product Style	modern
Product dimensions	6.7D x 10.9W x 25.3H centimeters
Sensor Type	Non Dispersive Infrared
Style	modern
UPC	885911106337
Unit Count	1 Count
Upper Temperature Rating	150 Degrees Celsius

Black & Decker THERMAL LEAK DETECTOR (Conserve Cooling Atmosphere) cool

Details

Description

Specifications

Reviews

Common Questions