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Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Both the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 and the Lasergrip GM400 performed below expectations in our tests.

According to our benchmark, the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 scored only 4.1 out of 10 for its overall performance. This low score is primarily due to its failure in the hot test with oil, where it received a sub-section score of 1.63.

On the other hand, the Lasergrip GM400 received a slightly higher score of 5.3. Although it also failed the cold test with ice, its readings were less inaccurate compared to the Lasergrip 1080. In the cold test sub-section, it received a score of 2.90.

If it’s measurement accuracy that you’re after, the Lasergrip GM400 is the one to go for.

Our reviewers rated the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 higher in terms of build quality and display brightness, giving it a total design score of 7.3. The Lasergrip GM400, on the other hand, received a score of only 6.1.

In terms of usability, the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 outshines the Lasergrip GM400 by offering three extra measurement modes, while the GM400 has none.

Considering all these factors, the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 provides better value for the money than the two models. However, it's worth noting that both models underperformed in our tests, and there are better options available within the same price range. We recommend exploring other alternatives before settling on either of these models. For more recommendations, you can check our database.

Ranking by
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Pros & Cons

  • The handle is textured and has indents that improve the user’s grip
  • Passable measurement performance in the hot test with cooking oil
  • One of the lightest IR thermometers in our database
  • Poor accuracy on the hot test with cooking oil
  • Metallic clicky sound in the trigger seems to suggest a manufacturing defect
  • Poor measurement accuracy in the cold test with ice
  • Lackluster build quality
  • Dim laser emitter
  • Lack of extra measurement modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.9 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
L4 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
Weight
4.59 ounces
4.36 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
2
0
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to 1,130°F (-50°C to 610°C)
-58°F - 752°F (-50°C - 400°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$26.13
$14.43

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
4.1
5.3

Cold Test with Ice

7.8
2.9
Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 33.4°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 34.3°F.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 38.3°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 39.2°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
33.4°F
38.4°F
Temperature at 16”
34.3°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

1.6
7.0
Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The reading of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 from 12 inches away from a hot pan of cooking oil: 374.7°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 381.2F.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 12 inches away. The screen reads 370.5°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 364.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
374.7°F
370.5°F
Temperature at 16”
381.2°F
364.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.3
6.1

In the Box

The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 is in the frame's center. The user manual and the warranty card are to the left, and the plastic packaging is to the right.
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in its plastic packaging on a slate grey concrete table top.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080. The length is 3.9 inches, the width is 1.57 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
The dimensions of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, the width is 1.57 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
4.6 oz (130 g)
4.3 oz (122 g)
Length
3.9" (9.9 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Width
1.6" (4.0 cm)
1.6" (4.0 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

7.0
6.0
The black-and-yellow Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 on its side on a dark grey concrete table top.
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer on a dark grey concrete tabletop against a blurry blue background.

Laser Emitter

8.0
5.0
The red laser dot of the laser emitter on the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 in a dark room.
The red laser dot of the laser emitter on the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080.
The single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Lasergrip GM400.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Bad

Display Panel

7.0
7.5
The backlit LCD display panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 with the backlight off (left) and on (right). The screen shows 78.9°F.
The LCD display panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 with the backlight off (left) and on (right.)
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right).
The Lasergrip GM400’s display with the backlight turned off (left) and on (right).
Display Type
Backlit LCD Panel
Backlit LCD panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18

Battery Compartment

The inside of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080’s battery compartment, with two triple-A batteries and a pull tab.
The Lasergrip GM400 with its battery compartment opened. To its right is one AAA battery.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.5
4.3

Handling

7.5
7.0
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.
The indents at the front of the handle of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.
The white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The ridges at the front of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer.
The handle of the Lasergrip GM400, with the patterning at the front of the handle in view.

Measurement Modes

6.0
0.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
No
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
Yes
No
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
4.0