An infrared thermometer includes a probe and an infrared sensor. The probe with an infrared target absorbs thermal radiation to provide a substantially consistent source of infrared radiation and an aperture for preventing contamination of the infrared target while permitting the transmission of thermal radiation to the target. The infrared sensor is configured for sensing infrared radiation from the infrared target. The infrared target is positioned within the probe such that it absorbs thermal radiation that comes from the aperture and thereafter emits thermal radiation to the infrared sensor.
