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Klein Tools IR1 vs Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer

$28.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 sets itself apart from other models in our database with its impressive 16:1 distance-to-spot (D:S) ratio. This means it can measure accurately from a greater distance than most other IR thermometers, typically having ratios of 12:1 or 10:1.

Now, let's talk about its performance in our tests. The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 scores 7.0 out of 10, while the Klein Tools IR1 scores higher at 7.9. We tested both thermometers from distances of 12 inches and 16 inches.

The Klein Tools IR1 scores 8.3, while the Etekcity scores 7.0. The Etekcity's battery compartment door is slightly loose, which explains its lower score than the Klein Tools IR1.

In terms of usability, both models receive low scores as they lack any extra measurement modes and do not include a sound speaker.

If you need an infrared thermometer that excels at measuring accurately from a distance, the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 is worth considering. However, if overall accuracy is your main priority, you'll be happier with the Klein Tools IR1. Additionally, the Klein Tools IR1 also offers a more robust design.

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Pros & Cons

  • Rugged, industrial-grade design
  • Quality IR sensor provides decently accurate readings
  • Bright laser emitter
  • Bright backlit LCD display panel
  • 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.
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • Don’t come with any extra measurement mode.
  • Loose battery compartment door.
  • Don’t have any speaker or audio cues.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L5 x W2.75 x H7 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
6.8 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD
Measurement modes
0
0
Audio cues
No
No
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58 to 1,382°F (-50 to 750°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$25.52
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$28.99 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
7.0

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
6.6
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 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.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
28.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
29°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
7.3
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 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.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
369.4°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
367.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
8.0

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 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.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The length is 5 inches, the width is 2.75 inches, and the height is 7 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
6.8 oz (193 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Build Quality

9.0
7.5
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Klein Tools IR1 showcasing its side profile, laid horizontally on a slate grey concrete tabletop.
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.

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 Etekcity Lasergrip 800’s laser emitter in a dark room.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.0
9.0
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.
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.
Display Type
Backlit LCD
Backlit LCD
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 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.
Battery Type
9V
9V

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
3.8

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 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.

Measurement Modes

0.0
0.0
Emissivity
No
No
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
No
No
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
0.0