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SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

$34.98 from Amazon(+2 more)
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The Sovarcate HS960D and the Klein Tools IR1 are top performers in our database.

Regarding measurement accuracy, the Klein Tools IR1 takes the lead, earning an impressive 7.9 out of 10 in our benchmark. In comparison, the Sovarcate HS960D scored 6.7 out of 10, primarily due to its underwhelming performance in the hot test involving cooking oil.

However, the Sovarcate HS960D quickly catches up to the Klein Tools IR1 in the design department. With its rugged construction, colored LCD, and bright laser emitter, our benchmark awards the Sovarcate an impressive design score of 9.5 out of 10. On the other hand, the Klein Tools IR1 only achieved a score of 8.3 out of 10 in this category.

Usability is where the Klein Tools IR1 falls behind. It lacks additional measurement modes and a speaker. Plus, its rugged design, while sturdy, isn't user-friendly. The battery compartment lid is secured with a screw, and the control switch for the thermometer's measurement unit (°C or °F) is also hidden behind the panel.

If you're searching for a rugged, basic, and accurate thermometer, the Klein Tools IR1 is suitable. However, if you prioritize versatility and ease of use, the Sovarcate HS960D is the better option.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Decently accurate and reliable performance
  • Rugged and well-built housing
  • Bright, single-dot laser emitter
  • Brightly-lit colored LCD VA screen panel
  • Has a speaker
  • Textured handgrip and tactile trigger make the thermometer easy and comfortable to use
  • Rugged, industrial-grade design
  • Quality IR sensor provides decently accurate readings
  • Bright laser emitter
  • Bright backlit LCD display panel
  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes
  • Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
  • The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L4 x W1.77 x H5.9 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
6.8 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
1
0
Audio cues
Yes
No
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)
-4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$24.03
$31.58
$18.99 at Amazon
$34.98 at AmazonCheck Price on Klein ToolsCheck Price on Homedepot

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
7.9

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
6.7
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 30.2°F.
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 30.7°F.
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.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
30.2°F
29.1°F
Temperature at 16”
30.7°F
30.9°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
8.7
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 12 inches away. The screen reads 373°F.
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 369°F.
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.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
373°F
361.8°F
Temperature at 16”
369°F
367°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
8.3

In the Box

The Sovarcate HS960D in the center of the frame. To the left of the IR thermometer are the user manual and the batteries, and to the right is the plastic packaging.
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.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sovarcate HS960D. The height is 6.3 inches, the length is 4.3 inches, and the width is 1.81 inches.
The Klein Tools IR1 standing upright on its handle on a slate grey concrete table.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
6.8 oz (193 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.9" (15.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
9.0
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Build Quality video
The Sovarcate HS960D lying on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
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

9.5
9.0
The bright red single-dot laser beam of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer in a dark room.
The bright red single-dot laser beam of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer.
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.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.5
6.0
The colored LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS960D. The screen reads 27.3°C and is in HOLD mode.
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.
Display Type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18

Battery Compartment

The battery compartment of the Sovarcate HS960D is opened. The user manual is to the right of the IR thermometer. Both are lying on a slate grey concrete table top.
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
AAA
9V

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
4.5

Handling

9.0
9.0
The SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer in the gloved hand of a reviewer against a blurry blue backdrop with a pitcher.
The SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer in the gloved hand of a reviewer against a blurry blue backdrop with a pitcher.
The indents on the textured handgrip of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer.
The black, textured plastic backside of the Sovarcate HS960D’s handgrip.
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

Measurement Modes

3.0
0.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
No
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
No
No
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

9.0
0.0
The control panel and the speaker holes on the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer. The button reads “°C/°F”, “EMS”, and symbol for the laser light.