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Eventek ET312 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Eventek ET312 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The Sovarcate HS980E and the Eventek ET312 are the two leading infrared thermometers in our selection. The Sovarcate HS980E achieves a respectable total performance score of 7.1, while the Eventek ET312 surpasses it with an impressive score of 8.2.

Although both thermometers receive decent scores, it is clear that the Eventek ET312 provides more accurate readings, making it a reliable choice for precise measurements.

However, where the Sovarcate HS980E falls short in accuracy, it compensates with exceptional build quality. It features a ruggedized housing, a vibrant colored LCD screen, and a bright 13-point laser emitter, setting it apart from the Eventek's more simplistic design.

The total design score of the Sovarcate HS980E is 9.5, and the Eventek is 7.9.

In terms of usability, the Sovarcate HS980E emerges as the winner. Our reviewers commend its textured grippy handle and powerful sound speaker. While it offers three measurement modes compared to the Eventek's four, the Sovarcate HS980E still achieves a higher usability score of 8.3, outperforming the Eventek's 8.0.

In summary, if accuracy is your top priority, the Eventek ET312 may be the more compelling option. However, if you value a ruggedized design and excellent usability, the Sovarcate HS980E is well worth considering.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Great IR sensor that returns accurate readings
  • Well-built outer housing and parts
  • Bright laser emitter
  • Handling experience is decent
  • Decent complement of measurement modes for the kitchen
  • Loud speakers give off audio cues when the thermometer has finished scanning
  • 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
  • The product looks and feels cheap
  • The handle isn’t textured, which can make it slippery on wet hands
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.14 x W1.65 x H6.3 inches
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
Weight
4.36 ounces
5.5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD
LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
4 (EMS, average, min, max)
3
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-50 to 550°C (-58 to 1,022°F)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$14.66
$19.19

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.2
7.1

Cold Test with Ice

8.3
7.0
Eventek Infrared Thermometer Gun Cold Test with Ice Video
The Eventek ET312, from 12 inches away, displaying a temperature of 32.2°F on the screen.
The Eventek ET312, from a distance of 16 inches away, displaying a temperature of 33.5°F on the screen.
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”
32.2°F
34.2°F
Temperature at 16”
33.5°F
35.1°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.1
7.2
Eventek Infrared Thermometer Gun Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Eventek ET312 IR thermometer is displaying a temperature reading of 367.1°F at 12 inches away from the pan of cooking oil.
The Eventek G550 measures the temperature of a pan of hot oil from a distance of 16 inches away. The screen reads 363.3°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”
367.1°F
370°F
Temperature at 16”
363.3°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.9
9.8

In the Box

The Eventek IR thermometer in the center of the frame on its side. To the left is the box, and to the right is the battery and user manual.
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 Eventek ET312. The length is 3.14 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 6.3 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
4.4 oz (124 g)
5.5 oz (156 g)
Length
3.1" (8.0 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.6" (4.2 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

8.0
9.5
Eventek Infrared Thermometer Gun Build Quality Video
The Eventek ET312 IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete countertop.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

9.0
10
The red dot of the Eventek ET312’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

6.5
10
The backlit LCD screen of the Eventek ET312. The screen shows 81.1°F. The symbologies for HOLD and MAX are lit up.
The backlit LCD screen of the Eventek ET312. The screen shows 81.1°F. The symbologies for HOLD and MAX are lit up.
The backlight of the LCD screen of the Eventek ET312 is turned on.
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 Eventek ET312 IR thermometer’s opened battery compartment and complimentary battery pack to the right, on a slate grey concrete table top.
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
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.0
8.3

Handling

8.0
9.0
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding the Eventek ET312 IR thermometer. In the background is a toaster oven.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding the Eventek ET312 IR thermometer. In the background is a toaster oven.
A close-up of the Eventek ET312’s handle, with indents and the trigger.
A close-up of the Eventek ET312’s handle, showcasing its ridged patterning.
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

8.0
6.0
Emissivity
0.8-0.95
0.10-1.00
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
Yes
No
Max Mode
Yes
Yes
Calibration
Yes
No
Alarm Mode
No
Yes

Audio Cues

8.0
10
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.