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Klein Tools IR1 vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer

$10.66 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Between the Klein Tools IR1 and the Lasergrip GM400 is a performance rift so large it doesn’t take us long to make a recommendation in favor of the Klein Tools IR1 at all. Our benchmark gives the Klein Tools IR1 a total score of 7.9 out of 10. Meanwhile, the Lasergrip GM400 only receives 5.3, having failed the cold test with ice.

As such, without considering other factors such as design and usability, you’re better off with the Klein Tools IR1.

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
  • Passable measurement performance in the hot test with cooking oil
  • One of the lightest IR thermometers in our database
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • Poor measurement accuracy in the cold test with ice
  • Lackluster build quality
  • Dim laser emitter
  • Lack of extra measurement modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L4 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
4.36 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°F - 752°F (-50°C - 400°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$14.43
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$10.66 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
5.3

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
2.9
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.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 38.3°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 39.2°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
38.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
7.0
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.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 12 inches away. The screen reads 370.5°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 364.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
370.5°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
364.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
6.1

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 Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in its plastic packaging on a slate grey concrete table top.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, the width is 1.57 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
4.3 oz (122 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 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
6.0
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 Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer on a dark grey concrete tabletop against a blurry blue background.

Laser Emitter

9.0
5.0
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 single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Lasergrip GM400.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Bad

Display Panel

6.0
7.5
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 Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right).
The Lasergrip GM400’s display with the backlight turned 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 Lasergrip GM400 with its battery compartment opened. To its right is one AAA battery.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
4.3

Handling

9.0
7.0
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 white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The ridges at the front of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer.
The handle of the Lasergrip GM400, with the patterning at the front of the handle in view.

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
4.0