May I suggest an infrared thermometer?  I broke down and got one from
Harbor Freight.  Just squeeze the trigger, point the laser sight at the
item of which you are measuring the temperature, and in a few seconds
you have a reading.  It works great on a number of things, such as
finding a misfire in an engine and measuring coolant circulation in
various devices.  I have also used it to check for refrigerant
blockage.  Good thing to have.

Jim Cook