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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

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Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer

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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The SOVARCATE HS980E stands out for its excellent measurement accuracy. Combined with a rugged design and a multitude of measurement modes, the Sovarcate HS980E made it to the top of our listing quite easily.

On the flip side, the Lasergrip GM400 is a functional IR thermometer, but it doesn’t shine as much as the Sovarcate HS980E.  Its temperature readings aren’t as accurate, and its design isn't all that impressive. It also lacks extra measurement modes and features as the SOVARCATE HS980E.

In short, if you want reliability, user-friendliness, and a wide range of features, the SOVARCATE HS980E is the better pick. The Lasergrip GM400 does the job and will be a good pick for budget-conscious people who don’t need a lot out of their IR thermometer.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Fairly accurate and reliable temperature readings.
  • Rugged, industrial design
  • Extremely bright laser emitter
  • Color LCD VA screen panel
  • Comes with a good selection of measurement modes
  • Very loud speakers
  • Passable measurement performance in the hot test with cooking oil
  • One of the lightest IR thermometers in our database
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.
  • Poor measurement accuracy in the cold test with ice
  • Lackluster build quality
  • Dim laser emitter
  • Lack of extra measurement modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
L4 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
Weight
5.5 ounces
4.36 ounces
Display type
LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
3
0
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)
-58°F - 752°F (-50°C - 400°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.19
$14.43
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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.1
5.3

Cold Test with Ice

7.0
2.9
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring from a distance of 12 inches from the ice surface, producing a reading of 34.2°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 16 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 35.1°F on the screen.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 38.3°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 39.2°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
34.2°F
38.4°F
Temperature at 16”
35.1°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.2
7.0
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring the boiling oil from a distance of 12 inches. The reading is 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 16 inches. The screen reads 37°F.
Lasergrip GM400 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 12 inches away. The screen reads 370.5°F.
The Lasergrip GM400 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 364.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
370°F
370.5°F
Temperature at 16”
365°F
364.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.8
6.1

In the Box

The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer is in the center. The shipping box is to the left, and the right are the batteries and the user manual.
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in its plastic packaging on a slate grey concrete table top.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sovarcate HS980E. The length is marked as 3.74 inches, the width is 1.77 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
The dimensions of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, the width is 1.57 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
5.5 oz (156 g)
4.3 oz (122 g)
Length
3.7" (9.5 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.0 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
6.0
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer on a dark grey concrete tabletop against a blurry blue background.

Laser Emitter

10
5.0
The 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The bright red laser emitter and the IR sensor on the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The single, red laser dot of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Lasergrip GM400.
Laser Pattern
13-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Bad

Display Panel

10
7.5
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
The Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right).
The Lasergrip GM400’s display with the backlight turned off (left) and on (right).
Display Type
LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.37
1.18

Battery Compartment

The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer with its battery compartment opened and one of the AAA batteries slotted in. A spare battery is to the left.
The Lasergrip GM400 with its battery compartment opened. To its right is one AAA battery.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.3
4.3

Handling

9.0
7.0
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer from the side.
The backside of the textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The white-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Lasergrip GM400, with a finger on the trigger of the thermometer.
The ridges at the front of the Lasergrip GM400 IR thermometer.
The handle of the Lasergrip GM400, with the patterning at the front of the handle in view.

Measurement Modes

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

Audio Cues

10
4.0
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.