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Klein Tools IR1 vs Wintact WT530 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)

Wintact WT530 Infrared Thermometer

$16.99 from Amazon
Klein Tools IR1 vs Wintact WT530 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Introducing the top contenders on our list of the best infrared thermometers: the Klein Tools IR1 and the Wintact WT530. These impressive devices have earned their spots thanks to their exceptional design and accurate measurements.

Let's start with the Klein Tools IR1. This thermometer offers decent measurement accuracy, earning a performance score of 7.9 out of 10 on our benchmark. Not only that, but it boasts robust and durable housing that can withstand whatever you throw its way. However, it's worth noting that the usability is slightly compromised by the puzzling design of the battery compartment, which is secured with a tight screw. You'll have to grab a screwdriver whenever you need to change the batteries. The sole control switch for the thermometer is hidden behind the screwed-in panel, allowing you to switch between °F and °C effortlessly.

Now, let's turn our attention to the Wintact WT530, a standout in terms of accuracy, with an impressive total performance score of 8.0. While its design is good, it doesn't quite reach the level of excellence seen in the Klein Tools IR1. However, what sets the Wintact apart is its inclusion of four different measurement modes, providing versatility for various applications.

In summary, if you prioritize a thermometer with a solid design, the Klein Tools IR1 is an excellent choice. It excels in the kitchen and fits perfectly in industrial or construction environments. On the other hand, if high measurement accuracy and a wider range of measurement modes are crucial to you, the Wintact WT530 will be the superior option.

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
  • Decently affordable
  • Very good measurement accuracy
  • Various measurement modes are available
  • Lower temperature tolerance than other IR thermometers on the market (±1.5°F)
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
  • The battery compartment has a very loose lid

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
L3.14 x W1.65 x H6.3 inches
Weight
6.8 ounces
4.3 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
0
4
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
-58°F to 986°F (-50°C to 530°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$31.58
$17.31
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot
$16.99 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
8.0

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.
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Wintact WT530, from 12 inches away, displays a temperature of 32.3°F on the screen.
The Wintact WT530, from 16 inches away, displays a temperature of 33.4°F on the screen.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
29.1°F
32.3°F
Temperature at 16”
30.9°F
33.4°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.7
7.7
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.
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Wintact WT530, from 12 inches away, displays a temperature of 369.2°F on the screen.
The Wintact WT530, from 16 inches away, displays a temperature of 362.1°F on the screen.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
361.8°F
369.2°F
Temperature at 16”
367°F
362.1°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.3
7.6

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 Wintact WT530 IR thermometer is lying on its side in the center of the frame. The printed cardboard shipping box is to the left, and the batteries and the user manual are to the right.

Dimensions

The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
The dimensions of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer. The length is 3.14 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
6.8 oz (193 g)
4.4 oz (124 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.1" (8.0 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.2 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 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.
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer is lying on its side on a dark grey concrete table top.

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 red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.0
6.5
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 Wintact WT530 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight on (left) and the backlight off (right). The screen currently displays 79.3°F.
The Wintact WT530’s display with the backlight on (left) and the backlight off (right.)
Display Type
Backlit LCD
Backlit LCD Panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18-inch

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 red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
4.5
8.1

Handling

9.0
8.0
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 Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer and a finger on the red trigger of the IR thermometer.
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer and a finger on the red trigger of the IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the indents on the handle of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.

Measurement Modes

0.0
8.0
Emissivity
No
0.8 & 0.95
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
Yes
Max Mode
No
Yes
Calibration
No
Yes
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
8.5