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Wintact WT530 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Wintact WT530 Infrared Thermometer

$16.99 from Amazon

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon
Wintact WT530 vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Both the Wintact WT530 and the Sovarcate HS980E are among our top-performing thermometers. According to our benchmark, the Wintact WT530 achieves a performance score of 8.0, while the Sovarcate HS980E earns a respectable score of 7.1.

When it comes to measurement accuracy, the Wintact WT530 shines on paper. However, for kitchen applications, both thermometers will perform admirably.

Regarding design, the Wintact WT530 receives a solid score of 7.6. However, the Sovarcate HS980E stands out with its rugged housing, colored LCD screen, and bright 13-point laser emitter, earning an almost excellent design score of 9.8.

The real intrigue lies in usability. Although the Wintact WT530 offers more measurement modes (four compared to the Sovarcate HS980E's three), the Sovarcate HS980E surpasses it with a superior handling experience, thanks to its textured grip. Consequently, the Sovarcate HS980E achieves a higher usability score of 8.3, while the Wintact WT530 follows closely with 8.1.

Overall, if you prioritize measurement accuracy and versatility, the Wintact WT530 is your go-to choice. However, if you seek something user-friendly and durable, the Sovarcate HS980E should definitely make it onto your wishlist!

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Pros & Cons

  • Decently affordable
  • Very good measurement accuracy
  • Various measurement modes are available
  • Lower temperature tolerance than other IR thermometers on the market (±1.5°F)
  • 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
  • The battery compartment has a very loose lid
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L3.14 x W1.65 x H6.3 inches
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
Weight
4.3 ounces
5.5 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
4
3
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to 986°F (-50°C to 530°C)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$17.31
$19.19
$16.99 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.0
7.1

Cold Test with Ice

8.6
7.0
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Wintact WT530, from 12 inches away, displays a temperature of 32.3°F on the screen.
The Wintact WT530, from 16 inches away, displays a temperature of 33.4°F on the screen.
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.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
32.3°F
34.2°F
Temperature at 16”
33.4°F
35.1°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

7.7
7.2
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Wintact WT530, from 12 inches away, displays a temperature of 369.2°F on the screen.
The Wintact WT530, from 16 inches away, displays a temperature of 362.1°F on the screen.
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.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
369.2°F
370°F
Temperature at 16”
362.1°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.6
9.8

In the Box

The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer is lying on its side in the center of the frame. The printed cardboard shipping box is to the left, and the batteries and the user manual are to the right.
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.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer. The length is 3.14 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
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.
Weight
4.4 oz (124 g)
5.5 oz (156 g)
Length
3.1" (8.0 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.6" (4.2 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

7.5
9.5
Wintact Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer is lying on its side on a dark grey concrete table top.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

9.0
10
The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.
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.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
13-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

6.5
10
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight on (left) and the backlight off (right). The screen currently displays 79.3°F.
The Wintact WT530’s display with the backlight on (left) and the backlight off (right.)
The LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
Display Type
Backlit LCD Panel
LCD VA panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18-inch
1.37

Battery Compartment

The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The red dot from the laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.
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
8.1
8.3

Handling

8.0
9.0
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer and a finger on the red trigger of the IR thermometer.
The Wintact WT530 IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer and a finger on the red trigger of the IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the indents on the handle of the Wintact WT530 IR thermometer.
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.

Measurement Modes

8.0
6.0
Emissivity
0.8 & 0.95
0.10-1.00
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
Yes
No
Max Mode
Yes
Yes
Calibration
Yes
No
Alarm Mode
No
Yes

Audio Cues

8.5
10
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.