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Klein Tools IR1 vs Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun

$14.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun

Overall Verdict

Choosing between the Klein Tools IR1 and the Helect infrared thermometer is tough. Both models have impressive performance scores, with the Klein Tools IR1 scoring 7.9 out of 10 and the Helect scoring 8.0 according to our benchmark. You can expect accurate results from either option.

When it comes to design, both models are on par with each other. They both feature rugged designs and well-built components such as a backlit LCD screen and laser emitter. The Helect receives a design score of 8.0, while the Klein Tools IR1 slightly edges ahead with a score of 8.3.

However, where the Klein Tools IR1 noticeably falls behind is usability, mainly due to its restrictive design. It only has a single control button hidden behind a panel screwed into the housing. This button allows you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. The battery compartment is also concealed behind this panel. So, if you need to interact with the thermometer beyond taking measurements, you'll need to grab a screwdriver.

On the other hand, the Helect offers a more user-friendly experience. All control buttons are conveniently located below the screen and easily accessible. Opening the battery compartment is quick and simple, requiring only a gentle pry.

Overall, both models provide good value for the money. However, considering the Helect's higher measurement accuracy (at least on paper) and its less cumbersome design, we are more inclined to recommend the Helect over the Klein Tools IR1.

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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
  • Affordable
  • Accurate IR sensor that produces very good readings
  • Decent build quality
  • Bright, single-dot laser emitter
  • Loud speakers
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • The thermometer itself feels quite cheap
  • Lacks many measurement modes
  • The display panel is dim

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L4 x W1.7 x H6 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
5.73 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
0
0
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58 to 1,022°F (-50 to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$19.32
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$14.99 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
8.1

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
7.5
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.
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Cold Test with Ice Video
The Helect IR thermometer measuring temperature of an ice bath from 12 inches away. The screen displays 33.4°F.
The Helect IR thermometer measures the temperature of an ice bath from 16 inches away. The screen displays 34.5°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
33.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
34.5°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
8.4
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.
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Helect IR thermometer measuring the temperature of boiling from away 12 inches away. The screen displays 367.5°F.
The Helect IR thermometer measures the temperature of boiling oil from 16 inches away. The screen shows 361.6°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
367.5°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
361.6°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 Helect IR thermometer in the center, with its plastic sleeving to the left, manuals and battery to the right.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the Helect IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, width is 1.7 inches, and height is 6 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
5.7 oz (162 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.7" (4.3 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)

Build Quality

9.0
8.0
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Klein Tools IR1 showcasing its side profile, laid horizontally on a slate grey concrete tabletop.
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Build Quality Video
The Helect IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table, presenting its full side profile.

Laser Emitter

9.0
9.0
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 Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer. The thermometer is in scanning mode and there’s a laser dot in the background.
The laser emitter on the Helect IR thermometer is very bright and can be easily tracked even in harsh studio lighting.
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer. The thermometer is in scanning mode and there’s a laser dot in the background.
The red laser dot of the Helect IR thermometer gun’s laser emitter in a dark room.
A close-up view of the laser emitter and the sensor head of the Helect IR thermometer.
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 LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned off. The screen reads 28.7°C
The Helect IR thermometer’s screen with the backlight off.
The LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned off. The screen reads 28.7°C
The LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned on. The screen reads 28.7°C.
Display Type
Backlit LCD
LCD
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.25

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.
A view into the open battery compartment of the Helect IR thermometer. Inside is a label with the print “9V 6F22.”
The open battery compartment of the Helect IR thermometer.
Battery Type
9V
9V

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
5.3

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 Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer.
The bulbous handle can be uncomfortable to hold for people with smaller hands.
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer.
A close-up of the curved, bulbous grip of the Helect 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
8.0