Sign In

Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon

Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer

Check Price on Amazon
SOVARCATE HS980E Digital vs Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The SOVARCATE HS980E stands out for its remarkable accuracy in our performance tests. This accuracy, along with its many measurement modes, makes it a versatile choice for various kitchen and household tasks.

On the other hand, the Smart Sensor AS530, while well-built, falls short in terms of accuracy. It lacks extra measurement modes and doesn't perform as well overall, which may not be suitable for users who need precise measurements. So, if you want accuracy and a wider range of features, the SOVARCATE HS980E is the way to go.

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
  • Well-built and rugged design
  • Textured handgrip for easier handling when hands are wet
  • Tactile trigger
  • Very bright laser emitter
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.
  • Bad measurement accuracy
  • Doesn’t come with extra measuring modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
L3.74 x W1 .61 x H6 inches
Weight
5.5 ounces
5.43 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)
-26°F to 1,022°F (-32°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.19
$20.07
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.1
4.8

Cold Test with Ice

7.0
2.6
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.
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.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
34.2°F
37.9°F
Temperature at 16”
35.1°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.2
6.2
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.
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.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
370°F
372°F
Temperature at 16”
365°F
366.6°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.8
8.6

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 Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer is in the center, with user manual and batteries to the left, and the plastic packaging to the right.

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 Smart Sensor AS530. The length is 3.74 inches, the width is 1.61 inches, and the height is 6 inches.
Weight
5.5 oz (156 g)
5.4 oz (154 g)
Length
3.7" (9.5 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.1 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
8.5
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
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.

Laser Emitter

10
9.5
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 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.
Laser Pattern
13-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

10
8.0
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
The backlit LCD screen of the Smart Sensor AS530. The screen currently reads 82.8°F.
Display Type
LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD
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 Smart Sensor AS530 with the battery compartment door opened and two AAA batteries to the right.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.3
5.8

Handling

9.0
8.5
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 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

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