SpeakEasy said:
I guess the point of having the tool is to learn, and that's what you did: you learned. Now it's more or less internalized.
-Speak
Up until two weeks ago I didn't even know IR temperature meters existed, but then again I've been living in a tent in the desert for the past +5 years. So yes, of course I absolutely had to have one, being on sale and all. Primarily as you note, the idea was to learn a little more about what temperatures I was reaching given that the stove is a closed combustion type unit. With no easy means to meter, I needed to know if I was burning to hot, to cold, or just right... Alternately though I also utilized the IR temp meter to check the insulation around the house. Excellent for identifying cold areas and insulation problems around the new house. What I thought was a moisture problem in the bath has turned out to be a small cold spot.
So I continue to play and learn, but eventually I can see the meter as being just one more tool laying around the house. Thanks to the experience within this forum though, I've learned a great deal more information that has helped me to tweak my fires and burn just a little better.