Sign In

Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Kizen LaserPro LP300 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Kizen LaserPro LP300

$26.99 from Amazon

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon
Kizen LaserPro LP300 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

As part of our top percentile in terms of performance, the Sovarcate HS980E already has the edge over the Kizen LaserPro LP300 from the get-go. Our benchmark gives the Sovarcate infrared thermometer a 7.1 out of 10. Meanwhile, the Kizen gets a score of just 5.2.

As such, if you’re looking for accuracy in an ideal infrared thermometer, the Sovarcate HS980E will be the way to go.

But not only so, but the Sovarcate HS980E also ranks very highly in design and usability. With its rugged design, backlit LCD screen, and bright laser emitter, our reviewer gave it a score of 9.8 out of 10 — around 0.5 points higher than the Kizen, which is right behind at 9.3

The usability of the Sovarcate HS980E is also among the best we’ve seen yet, with a total score of 8.3. While the Kizen is also very good, it still trails behind the Sovarcate with a score of 7.2.

So, the Sovarcate HS980E will constitute a decent upgrade over the Kizen in every respect, from measurement accuracy to design and usability.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Quite affordable for what it is
  • Solid build quality
  • Laser emitter is bright and can be easily tracked
  • Display panel is decently bright and data points can be easily read in many conditions (under studio lighting, in the dark, etc.)
  • Handle is indented and textured for easier gripping
  • Loud speaker
  • 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
  • Mediocre measurement accuracy
  • Doesn't have many measurement mode
  • The backlight can't be turned off
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
Weight
4.86 ounces
5.5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
1
3
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to 1,122°F (-50°C to 600°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.95
$19.19
$26.99 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
5.2
7.1

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
7.0
KIZEN Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
A reviewer is using the Kizen LaserPro LP300 at a distance of 12 inches to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The screen reads 30.4°F.
A reviewer is using the Kizen LaserPro LP300 at a distance of 16 inches to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The screen reads 31.3°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
Temperature12
30.4°F
34.2°F
Temperature16
31.3°F
35.1°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

3.1
7.2
KIZEN Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
A reviewer is using the Kizen LaserPro LP300 at a distance of 12 inches to measure the surface temperature of a pan of hot oil. The screen reads 378°F.
A reviewer is using the Kizen LaserPro LP300 at a distance of 16 inches to measure the surface temperature of a pan of hot oil. The screen reads 374°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
Temperature12
378°F
370°F
Temperature16
374°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.3
9.8

In the Box

The Kizen LaserPro LP300 lying on its side in the center of the frame. To the left is the shipping box, to the right a pack of AAA batteries, and underneath are user manuals and paperwork.
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 Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, the width is 1.77 inches, and the height is 5.9 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
4.9 oz (138 g)
5.5 oz (156 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
9.5
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

9.0
10
The red single-dot laser from the laser emitter of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 on the wall of a dark room.
The red single-dot laser from the laser emitter of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 on the wall of a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer
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
The blue backlit LCD display panel of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer.
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 panel
LCD VA panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.37

Battery Compartment

The opened battery compartment of the Kizen LaserPro LP300, two AAA batteries have already been installed inside.
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
7.2
8.3

Handling

9.0
9.0
The Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer.
The Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer.
The textured handgrip of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 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

3.0
6.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
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

9.0
10
The speaker holes and the control panel of the Kizen LaserPro LP300 IR thermometer.
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.