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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon

Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

$29.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Between the Sovarcate HS980E and the Mecurate IRT600A is a very tight race. The Sovarcate did slightly better in the performance test, receiving a total score of 7.1 out of 10. In contrast, the Mecurate IRT600A only received a total score of 6.9. This is still a very good reading, but — at least on paper — you’ll get more accurate results with the Sovarcate HS980E than with the Mecurate thermometer.

Both models did well in the design and usability tests. In these respects, it’s also a close race between these two models. Both feature colored LCD panels, both have very bright laser emitter, and the handling experience that our reviewers had with both were excellent. However, the Sovarcate HS980E did marginally better.

As a general consensus, you’ll find both models to be great infrared thermometers with accurate measurements and a good user experience. But if you must pick one, we recommend the Sovarcate HS980E over the Mecurate.

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
  • 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
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.
  • Unreliable readings. Multiple continuous scans are required before the thermometer “re-calibrates” itself and output more accurate results.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
L3.75 x W1.75 x H5.5 inches
Weight
5.5 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
LCD VA panel
Colored LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
3
3 (EMS, Average, Max)
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.19
$25.61
Check Price on Amazon
$29.99 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.1
6.9

Cold Test with Ice

7.0
8.6
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.
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”
34.2°F
30.7°F
Temperature at 16”
35.1°F
32°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.2
5.8
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.
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”
370°F
373°F
Temperature at 16”
365°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.8
9.5

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 content of the Mecurate IRT600A’s shipping box, which includes the IR thermometer, a meat probe, batteries, and paperworks.

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 Mecurate IRT600A. The height is 5.5 inches, the length is 3.75 inches, and the width is 1.75 inches.
Weight
5.5 oz (156 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
3.7" (9.5 cm)
3.8" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.8" (4.4 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
9.0
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
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

10
10
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 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
13-dot
13-point
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

10
10
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
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
LCD VA panel
Colored LCD VA
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.37
1.3

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 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
8.3
7.9

Handling

9.0
9.0
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 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

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

Audio Cues

10
8.0
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.