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Smart Sensor AS530 vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer

Check Price on Amazon

Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

$29.99 from Amazon
Smart Sensor AS530 vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Finding the better option in this pair is not difficult, but there is one unfortunate reason: the Smart Sensor AS530 fell short of our expectations. If you must choose between the two, the Mecurate is the clear winner.

The Smart Sensor AS530 received the lowest scores in our performance test. In the cold test with ice, it achieved a disappointing score of 2.65 out of 10. Even in the hot test, it barely scraped by, scoring 6.17 out of 10. With an overall performance rating of only 4.8, it fails to meet our standards.

The Mecurate IRT600A, on the other hand, passed both tests and received a total performance score of 6.9 out of 10.

Consequently, if you require high precision from your IR thermometer, the Smart Sensor AS530 is not the one that will provide it.

Both models fare reasonably well in terms of design.

However, regarding usability, the Smart Sensor AS530 suffers due to its lack of extra measurement modes. As a result, its usability score plummets to just 5.85 out of 10. In contrast, the Mecurate offers three different modes for users to choose from and easily pass this criterion.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Well-built and rugged design
  • Textured handgrip for easier handling when hands are wet
  • Tactile trigger
  • Very bright laser emitter
  • 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
  • Bad measurement accuracy
  • Doesn’t come with extra measuring modes
  • Unreliable readings. Multiple continuous scans are required before the thermometer “re-calibrates” itself and output more accurate results.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.74 x W1 .61 x H6 inches
L3.75 x W1.75 x H5.5 inches
Weight
5.43 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Colored LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
0
3 (EMS, Average, Max)
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-26°F to 1,022°F (-32°C to 550°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$20.07
$25.61
Check Price on Amazon
$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
4.8
6.9

Cold Test with Ice

2.6
8.6
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an ice bath from 12 inches away. The screen displays 37.9°F.
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of the ice bath from 16 inches away. The screen reads 39.2°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”
37.9°F
30.7°F
Temperature at 16”
39.2°F
32°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

6.2
5.8
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an oil vat from 12 inches away. The screen reads 372°F.
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an oil vat from 16 inches away. The screen reads 366.6°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”
372°F
373°F
Temperature at 16”
366.6°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.6
9.5

In the Box

The Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer is in the center, with user manual and batteries to the left, and the plastic packaging to the right.
The content of the Mecurate IRT600A’s shipping box, which includes the IR thermometer, a meat probe, batteries, and paperworks.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Smart Sensor AS530. The length is 3.74 inches, the width is 1.61 inches, and the height is 6 inches.
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
5.4 oz (154 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
3.7" (9.5 cm)
3.8" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.6" (4.1 cm)
1.8" (4.4 cm)
Height
6.0" (15.2 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)

Build Quality

8.5
9.0
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The side profile of the Smart Sensor AS530, including the top section, the trigger, and the top half of the handle. An orange label with the product’s name is visible.
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

9.5
10
The red laser dot of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The red laser dot of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The IR sensor and the small laser emitter at the front of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer.
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

8.0
10
The backlit LCD screen of the Smart Sensor AS530. The screen currently reads 82.8°F.
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 Smart Sensor AS530 with the battery compartment door opened and two AAA batteries to the right.
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
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.8
7.9

Handling

8.5
9.0
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer to measure the temperature of a toaster oven.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer to measure the temperature of a toaster oven.
A close-up of the textured handgrip of the Smart Sensor AS530
A close-up of the textured handgrip of the Smart Sensor AS530
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

8.0
8.0