Which type of thermometer can read temperature without touching the item's surface?

The infrared thermometer is designed to measure temperature from a distance without any direct contact. It operates by detecting the infrared energy emitted by an object and converting that energy into a temperature reading. This capability makes infrared thermometers particularly useful in situations where food items are too hot to touch or when contamination needs to be avoided, such as in a commercial kitchen.

Other thermometer types require direct contact with the item to obtain an accurate temperature reading. For instance, probe thermometers are inserted into food to measure internal temperature, while liquid-in-glass thermometers must be placed in contact with the substance being measured to register the temperature accurately. Therefore, the unique non-contact feature of the infrared thermometer distinguishes it from the other types listed.