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Klein Tools IR1 vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

ThermoPro TP-30 Digital

$19.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The Klein Tools IR1 outperforms the ThermoPro TP-30 in almost every aspect. Our benchmark rates its performance higher (7.9 out of 10) than the TP-30 (6.3).

The design of the Klein Tools IR1 (8.3 out of 10) is also superior to the TP-30 (7.9). With durable housing, a bright backlit LCD screen and laser emitter, the Klein Tools IR1 is one of our most well-built models. On the other hand, while the TP-30 is decent, it doesn't quite measure up to the IR1.

The only area where the Klein Tools IR1 falls short compared to the ThermoPro TP-30 is usability. The IR1 has a single control button hidden behind a screwed-in panel, allowing you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius and access the battery compartment. This design requires a screwdriver to interact with the thermometer, making it the only IR thermometer we have tested with this kind of restrictive setup, which is unfortunate.

Overall, if you are comfortable with the control scheme, the Klein Tools IR1 would be a worthwhile upgrade from the ThermoPro TP-30.

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
  • Relatively affordable
  • Bright laser emitter
  • The display panel is bright and does a good job of displaying data
  • Comes with a variety of measurement modes
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • Overall measurement accuracy is mediocre
  • Handling experience could be better

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L4.13 x W1.65 x H5.9
Weight
6.8 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
0
3
Audio cues
No
No
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58°F to -1,022°F (-50°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$22.92
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$19.99 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
6.3

Cold Test with Ice

6.7
6.8
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 34.7°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 35.4°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
34.9°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
35.4°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
6.0
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 12 inches away. The screen reads 372.2°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 16 inches away. The screen reads 368.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
372.2°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
368.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
7.9

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 ThermoPro TP-30 stands upright on its handle on a dark grey concrete table top. To its left are the shipping box and user manuals named “ThermoPro” in front.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the ThermoPro TP-30. The length is 4.13 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 5.9 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.1" (10.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.2 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
5.9" (15.0 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.

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 single-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The single-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.0
8.5
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 ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right). The screen reads 84°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30’s display 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.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
5.0

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 ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The indented handle of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer being gripped by the white-gloved hand of a reviewer.

Measurement Modes

0.0
5.0
Emissivity
No
No
Average Mode
No
Yes
Min Mode
No
Yes
Max Mode
No
Yes
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
0.0