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Klein Tools IR1 vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

$29.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Compared to the Mecurate IRT600A, the Klein Tools IR1 has much better measurement accuracy. In our performance test, the Klein Tools IR1 received a decent score of 7.9 out of 10, while the Mecurate only got a 6.9.

But the former made it back up with a much higher score in the design and usability section. Usability, in particular, is where the Mecurate shines. It has more measurement modes and an easier-to-use control scheme than the Klein Tools IR1.

For example, with the Klein Tools IR1, you must remove the battery compartment’s lid (which is held tight to the handle by a screw) to find a hidden switch that allows you to switch back and forth between °C and °F.

This is the primary reason the Mecurate IRT600A’s total score (7.5) is close to the Klein Tools IR1 (7.6).

Still, considering how much more accurate the Klein Tools IR1 is, it should be a good buy if you overlook its fussy control.

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
  • Solid build quality.
  • Has several measurement modes.
  • Practical laser emitter with 13-point patterning.
  • Easy to handle with a clicky, tactile trigger.
  • Bright, colored VA display panel.
  • Comes bundled with a meat thermometer
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • Unreliable readings. Multiple continuous scans are required before the thermometer “re-calibrates” itself and output more accurate results.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L3.75 x W1.75 x H5.5 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Colored LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
0
3 (EMS, Average, Max)
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$25.61
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$29.99 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
6.9

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
8.6
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.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Cold Test with Ice Video
The Mecurate IRT600A is being used by a reviewer to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The display shows 30.7°F.
A reviewer using the Mecurate IR600A to measure the surface temperature of an ice water bath. The screen displays 32°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
30.7°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
32°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
5.8
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.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Mecurate IRT600A is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 12 inches away. The screen reads 373°F.
The Mecurate IRT600A is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 16 inches away. The screen reads 365°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
373°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
9.5

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 content of the Mecurate IRT600A’s shipping box, which includes the IR thermometer, a meat probe, batteries, and paperworks.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the Mecurate IRT600A. The height is 5.5 inches, the length is 3.75 inches, and the width is 1.75 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.8" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.8" (4.4 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.0
9.0
Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Klein Tools IR1 showcasing its side profile, laid horizontally on a slate grey concrete tabletop.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The side profile of the Mecurate IRT600A. The thermometer is lying on a dark grey concrete table.
The front profile of the Mecurate IRT600A while it’s lying on a dark grey concrete table.

Laser Emitter

9.0
10
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 Mecurate IRT600A laser dot pattern in a dark room.
The Mecurate IRT600A laser dot pattern in a dark room.
The Mecurate IRT600A is scanning the temperature of the top of its shipping box, showcasing the 13-dot laser emitter.
The large infrared sensor and the active laser emitter on the Mecurate IRT600A IR thermometer. The laser emitter is lit up.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
13-point
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.0
10
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 colored VA-type display panel at the back of the Mecurate IRT600A IR thermometer. The screen is showing 28°C.
The colored VA display panel of the Mecurate IRT600A displays data very clearly and vividly.
Display Type
Backlit LCD
Colored LCD VA
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.3

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 internal battery compartment of the Mecurate IRT600A thermometer. Two AAA batteries are already in place.
The battery compartment of the Mecurate IRT600A, with the batteries in place.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
7.9

Handling

9.0
9.0
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 Mecurate IRT600A is being tested by a reviewer. The IR thermometer measures the surface temperature of a dark grey table.
The Mecurate IRT600A is being tested by a reviewer. The IR thermometer measures the surface temperature of a dark grey table.
A close-up shot of the textured portion of the back of the Mecurate IR thermometer’s handle.
A close-up shot of the indents at the front of the Mecurate IR thermometer’s handle.

Measurement Modes

0.0
6.0
Emissivity
No
0.10-1.00
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
Yes
Max Mode
No
Yes
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
8.0