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SOVARCATE HS980E vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon

ThermoPro TP-30 Digital

$19.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS980E vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The Sovarcate HS980E excels in our performance tests, making it the ideal choice if you need maximum measurement accuracy. Its robust build and user-friendly interface add to its appeal, though, as expected, it’ll come at a higher price point than many other IR thermometers out there.

Conversely, the ThermoPro TP-30, while budget-friendly, falls short in accuracy. Its recordings are notably inaccurate when we use it to measure hot objects and surfaces. In return, the ThermoPro TP-30 offers a bright display and multiple measurement modes.

For precision and professional use, the Sovarcate HS980E is the superior choice, whereas the ThermoPro TP-30 serves well for casual kitchen applications where extreme accuracy is less critical.

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
  • Relatively affordable
  • Bright laser emitter
  • The display panel is bright and does a good job of displaying data
  • Comes with a variety of measurement modes
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.
  • Overall measurement accuracy is mediocre
  • Handling experience could be better

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
L4.13 x W1.65 x H5.9
Weight
5.5 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
3
3
Audio cues
Yes
No
Temperature range
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)
-58°F to -1,022°F (-50°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.19
$22.92
Check Price on Amazon
$19.99 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.1
6.3

Cold Test with Ice

7.0
6.8
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 34.7°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 35.4°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature12
34.2°F
34.9°F
Temperature16
35.1°F
35.4°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.2
6.0
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 12 inches away. The screen reads 372.2°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 16 inches away. The screen reads 368.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature12
370°F
372.2°F
Temperature16
365°F
368.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.8
7.9

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 ThermoPro TP-30 stands upright on its handle on a dark grey concrete table top. To its left are the shipping box and user manuals named “ThermoPro” in front.

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 ThermoPro TP-30. The length is 4.13 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 5.9 inches.
Weight
5.5 oz (156 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
3.7" (9.5 cm)
4.1" (10.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.5 cm)
1.6" (4.2 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.9" (15.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
7.5
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

10
8.0
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-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The single-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
13-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

10
8.5
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
The ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right). The screen reads 84°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30’s display with the backlight 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.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.3
5.0

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 ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The indented handle of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer being gripped by the white-gloved hand of a reviewer.

Measurement Modes

6.0
5.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
No
Average Mode
No
Yes
Min Mode
No
Yes
Max Mode
Yes
Yes
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
Yes
No

Audio Cues

10
0.0
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.