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Etekcity Lasergrip 800 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer

$28.99 from Amazon

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon
Etekcity Lasergrip 800 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Both the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 and the Sovarcate HS980E have received impressive scores in our performance benchmark. The Etekcity scores 7.0 out of 10, while the Sovarcate HS980E achieves a slightly higher score of 7.1. When it comes to accuracy, you won't notice any difference between them.

However, their designs set them apart. The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 has a straightforward design, earning a solid score of 8.0 from our reviewers. On the other hand, the Sovarcate HS980E stands out with its sophisticated design, boasting a colored LCD screen and a 13-point laser emitter, resulting in an impressive design score of 9.8.

In terms of usability, the Sovarcate HS980E takes the lead. It offers three measurement modes and features a loud sound speaker, earning a high usability score of 8.3. These features give it an edge over the Etekcity Lasergrip 800, which lacks these capabilities and only receives a score of 3.75.

Considering all factors, upgrading to the Sovarcate HS980E would be a fantastic choice. It offers enhanced design, improved usability and maintains high performance. It serves as an excellent upgrade from the Etekcity Lasergrip 800.

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Pros & Cons

  • A 16:1 distance-to-spot (D:S) ratio, which allows the user to measure objects from farther distances.
  • Bright laser emitter.
  • The display panel is brightly lit and readable even under harsh studio lighting.
  • Battery is included and already installed when taken out of the box.
  • Fairly accurate and reliable temperature readings.
  • Rugged, industrial design
  • Extremely bright laser emitter
  • Color LCD VA screen panel
  • Comes with a good selection of measurement modes
  • Very loud speakers
  • Don’t come with any extra measurement mode.
  • Loose battery compartment door.
  • Don’t have any speaker or audio cues.
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L5 x W2.75 x H7 inches
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
5.5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD
LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
0
3
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-58 to 1,382°F (-50 to 750°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$25.52
$19.19
$28.99 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
7.1

Cold Test with Ice

6.6
7.0
Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test with Ice Video
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip at a distance of 12 inches to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The screen reads 28.4°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 is being used by a reviewer to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath from a distance of 16 inches. The screen displays 29°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring from a distance of 12 inches from the ice surface, producing a reading of 34.2°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 16 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 35.1°F on the screen.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
28.4°F
34.2°F
Temperature at 16”
29°F
35.1°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.3
7.2
Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 to measure the surface temperature of a vat of hot cooking oil from a distance of 12 inches. The screen reads 369.4°F.
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 to measure the surface temperature of a vat of hot oil at a distance of 16 inches. The screen reads 367.4°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring the boiling oil from a distance of 12 inches. The reading is 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 16 inches. The screen reads 37°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
369.4°F
370°F
Temperature at 16”
367.4°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.0
9.8

In the Box

The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer lying on a dark grey table in the center, with its user manual to the left and its plastic box to the right.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer is in the center. The shipping box is to the left, and the right are the batteries and the user manual.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The length is 5 inches, the width is 2.75 inches, and the height is 7 inches.
The dimensions of the Sovarcate HS980E. The length is marked as 3.74 inches, the width is 1.77 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
5.5 oz (156 g)
Length
5.0" (12.7 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
2.8" (7.0 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
7.0" (17.8 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

7.5
9.5
A close-up view of the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the grip of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
The control panel with four buttons on the Etekcity Lasergrip 800.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

8.0
10
The Etekcity Lasergrip 800’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The bright red laser emitter and the IR sensor on the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
13-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.0
10
A close-up of the LCD screen panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The screen displays 84.3°F.
A close-up of the LCD screen panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The screen displays 84.3°F.
The LCD screen panel of the EtekCity Lasergrip 800 with the backlight turned on. The screen currently displays 81.9°F.
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
Display Type
Backlit LCD
LCD VA panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.37

Battery compartment

The door of the battery compartment is opened on the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer, revealing the 9V battery cell inside and connecting wires.
The IR thermometer comes with the battery pre-installed inside. The battery is a standard 9V cell.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer with its battery compartment opened and one of the AAA batteries slotted in. A spare battery is to the left.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
3.8
8.3

Handling

7.5
9.0
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer is pressing on the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer is pressing on the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the grip of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer from the side.
The backside of the textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.

Measurement Modes

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

Audio Cues

0.0
10
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.