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Klein Tools IR1 vs Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$15.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer

$24.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Right from the start, it's evident that the Klein Tools IR1 is the superior choice between the two options. Not only does it have a higher performance score according to our benchmark (7.9 compared to the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080's 4.1 out of 10), but it also boasts one of the most rugged and well-built designs.

Although its usability score suffers due to the battery compartment and the sole control switch being concealed behind a screwed-in panel, the Klein Tools IR1 remains one of the top infrared thermometers in our database.

On the other hand, the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 falls short with a low performance score and only average ratings for design and usability. Our benchmark rates it at 7.3 and 5.55, respectively.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Rugged, industrial-grade design
  • Quality IR sensor provides decently accurate readings
  • Bright laser emitter
  • Bright backlit LCD display panel
  • The handle is textured and has indents that improve the user’s grip
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • Poor accuracy on the hot test with cooking oil
  • Metallic clicky sound in the trigger seems to suggest a manufacturing defect

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L3.9 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
4.59 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
0
2
Audio cues
No
No
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58°F to 1,130°F (-50°C to 610°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$26.13
$15.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$24.99 at Amazon

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

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.9
4.1

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
7.8
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test with Ice Video
The Klein Tools IR1 measuring an ice bath from a distance of 12 inches, with the screen showing 29.1°F.
The Klein Tools IR1 measuring an ice bath from a distance of 16 inches, with the screen displaying 30.9°F.
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.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
33.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
34.3°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
1.6
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Klein Tools IR1 is being used by a reviewer to measure the temperature of a hot pan of oil from 12 inches away. The screen shows 361.8°F.
A reviewer is using the Klein Tools IR1 IR thermometer to measure the temperature of a hot pan of oil from 16 inches away. The screen displays 367°F.
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.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
374.7°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
381.2°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
7.3

In the Box

The Klein Tools IR1 is lying on its side in the center. To the left is the plastic packaging, to the right is the battery, the canvas holster, and user manual.
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.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
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.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
4.6 oz (130 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.9" (9.9 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.0 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.0
7.0
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Klein Tools IR1 showcasing its side profile, laid horizontally on a slate grey concrete tabletop.
The black-and-yellow Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 on its side on a dark grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

9.0
8.0
The red laser dot of the Klein Tools IR1 infrared thermometer gun’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The red laser dot of the Klein Tools IR1 infrared thermometer gun’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Klein Tools IR1 IR thermometer in scan mode. A red laser dot can be seen in the background.
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.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.0
7.0
A close-up of the backlit LCD panel at the back of the Klein Tools IR1 thermometer. The screen is displaying “84.9°F.”
The LCD panel has a backlight, but you can’t manually turn it off.
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.)
Display Type
Backlit LCD
Backlit LCD Panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18

Battery Compartment

The screwed-in battery compartment of the Klein Tools IR1 thermometer is opened, revealing the receptacle for the 9V battery and a switch.
When the battery compartment is opened, other than the receptacle for the battery, you’ll also find a hidden switch to change the measurement unit of the thermometer.
The screwed-in battery compartment of the Klein Tools IR1 thermometer is opened, revealing the receptacle for the 9V battery and a switch.
The 9V battery cell that comes with the Klein Tools IR1 laying on a concrete grey table. The thermometer itself is next to it. The battery compartment is opened.
The inside of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080’s battery compartment, with two triple-A batteries and a pull tab.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
5.5

Handling

9.0
7.5
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding the Klein Tools IR1 IR thermometer.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding the Klein Tools IR1 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the handle of the Klein Tools IR1, focusing on the textured handgrip portion.
The ridged patterning on the handle of the Klein Tools IR1 IR thermometer
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.

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
No

Audio Cues

0.0
0.0