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ThermoPro TP-30 Digital vs Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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ThermoPro TP-30 Digital vs Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Although the ThermoPro TP-30 didn't perform exceptionally well in our performance test, receiving a total score of 6.3 out of 10, it still outshone the Smart Sensor AS530, which earned a failing score of 4.8 out of 10.

Measurement accuracy aside, the thing that sets the ThermoPro TP-30 apart is its numerous measurement modes. This makes it useful beyond the kitchen, whereas the Smart Sensor AS530’s lack of any measurement modes can make it a bit troublesome to use. Taking these factors into consideration, recommending the ThermoPro TP-30 as a thermometer of choice becomes quite straightforward, and we haven't even touched upon its design aspects!

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Pros & Cons

  • 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
  • Well-built and rugged design
  • Textured handgrip for easier handling when hands are wet
  • Tactile trigger
  • Very bright laser emitter
  • Overall measurement accuracy is mediocre
  • Handling experience could be better
  • Bad measurement accuracy
  • Doesn’t come with extra measuring modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.13 x W1.65 x H5.9
L3.74 x W1 .61 x H6 inches
Weight
5 ounces
5.43 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
3
0
Audio cues
No
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to -1,022°F (-50°C to 550°C)
-26°F to 1,022°F (-32°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$22.92
$20.07

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
4.8

Cold Test with Ice

6.8
2.6
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.
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”
34.9°F
37.9°F
Temperature at 16”
35.4°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

6.0
6.2
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.
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”
372.2°F
372°F
Temperature at 16”
368.4°F
366.6°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.9
8.6

In the Box

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.
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 ThermoPro TP-30. The length is 4.13 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 5.9 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
5.0 oz (142 g)
5.4 oz (154 g)
Length
4.1" (10.5 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.6" (4.2 cm)
1.6" (4.1 cm)
Height
5.9" (15.0 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)

Build Quality

7.5
8.5
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

8.0
9.5
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.
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
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

8.5
8.0
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)
The backlit LCD screen of the Smart Sensor AS530. The screen currently reads 82.8°F.
Display Type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18

Battery Compartment

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
5.0
5.8

Handling

7.0
8.5
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.
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

5.0
0.0
Emissivity
No
No
Average Mode
Yes
No
Min Mode
Yes
No
Max Mode
Yes
No
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

0.0
8.0