Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer In-depth Review
Overall Verdict
Compared to the positive reviews we saw on Amazon, the Smart Sensor AS530 was a letdown. The unit we received failed one of the two most critical accuracy tests. We recommend looking elsewhere if you expect an accurate infrared thermometer that can help you in the kitchen or any other measuring application.
The only thing going for the Smart Sensor AS530 is that it comes with a separate meat thermometer, and its design isn’t so bad. If not for its bad performance, the AS530 could’ve easily been one of the front runners!
Things We Like
- Well-built and rugged design
- Textured handgrip for easier handling when hands are wet
- Tactile trigger
- Very bright laser emitter
Things We Don’t Like
- Bad measurement accuracy
- Doesn’t come with extra measuring modes
Sold under the Sovarcate brand umbrella and bundled with a meat thermometer, the Smart Sensor AS530 may seem good on the surface. However, our tests have shown that — for the price — this IR sensor isn’t all that good, after all. Its accuracy is among the lowest of all infrared thermometers we’ve tested. The total performance score of the AS530 amounted to a failing score.
We’re also not quite happy about the usability of the thermometer. It notably lacks extra measurement modes, such as averaging, which could make it useful outside of the kitchen, like in the garage.
See our full test report here for more details.
7.0 Performance
Compared to the positive reviews we saw on Amazon, the Smart Sensor AS530 is a letdown. The unit we bought comes very close to failing one of the two critical accuracy tests. We recommend looking elsewhere if you expect an accurate infrared thermometer that can help you in the kitchen or any other measuring application.
On the flip side, the Smart Sensor AS530 comes with a separate meat thermometer, and its design is solid. If not for its notably underwhelming performance, the AS530 could’ve easily been one of the front runners!
5.9 Cold Test with Ice
The Smart Sensor AS530 has easily the worst results that we’ve recorded out of this test. In reading the temperature of an ice bath stabilizing at 32°F, the thermometer yields respectively 37.9°F and 39.2°F from the 12 and 16-inch distances.
For 6 to 7°F off the mark, our calculation gives the Smart Sensor AS530 a 6.7 out of 10 as its average score and a penalty of 0.8 for the deviation between the readings. This equates to a final score of 5.9, which is barely above the cut score at 5.
7.7 Hot Test with Cooking Oil
The Smart Sensor AS530 scored slightly better in the hot oil test, with temperature readings of 372°F at 12 inches and 366.6°F at 16 inches, which is considerably off from the 361°F reference point. Our benchmark rates the AS530 at an average score of 8.4 out of 10 for these readings; when stability is factored in, the end score for the test is 7.7.
8.6 Design
The Smart Sensor AS530’s compactness and light weight make it easy to store and use one-handed. The build is solid, with a textured handle for a secure grip and well-constructed parts. Its laser emitter is exceptionally bright and provides a single-dot pattern, allowing easy tracking even in well-lit environments. The backlit LCD display panel is decent, with a bright backlight for reading in dark conditions, although the viewing angle is limited.
Overall, the build quality is great for the price. Besides the LCD panel's bad viewing angle, we have a few complaints.
In the Box
The Smart Sensor AS530 comes in a plastic bag alongside a meat thermometer. You'll get complimentary batteries and the user manual by opening up the hard plastic packaging, other than the thermometer itself.
Dimensions
In terms of dimensions and weight, the Smart Sensor AS530 is just about average. It won’t be difficult to store, and most people will have no issue holding and using the thermal gun one-handed.
8.5 Build Quality
The Smart Sensor AS530 is nicely-built. It’s constructed entirely from plastic, but, fortunately, it doesn’t feel cheap. The handle is textured to make it easier for the user to grasp the thermometer, even with wet hands. All parts — including the battery compartment’s door — are well-built.
Overall, we have no complaints about the thermometer’s build quality.
9.5 Laser Emitter
The laser emitter of the Smart Sensor AS530 is among the brightest we’ve tested, hands down. The laser dot is clearly against a white background and can be tracked easily, even under harsh studio lighting.
8.0 Display Panel
The backlit LCD display panel of the Smart Sensor AS530 is decent. The bright backlight lets the user read the data points even in dark environments. However, we noticed that the screen's viewing angle is very bad. The screen becomes blurry at 45° or greater, becoming more difficult to read until it’s completely illegible at 10° to 20° relative to the screen.
Battery Compartment
The Smart Sensor AS530 uses triple-A batteries. Free batteries are provided in the box. You only need to pop out the front handle, put in th batteries, then press the trigger to start using it.
5.8 Usability
The Smart Sensor AS530 has received positive feedback from our reviewer with regard to handling. It has an easy-to-grip handle featuring textured indents and a satisfying click trigger. The textured handle allows the thermometer to be easily used, even with wet hands.
However, the device lacks additional measurement modes such as emissivity, average mode, min mode, max mode, calibration, and alarm mode. However, it does come with a speaker that emits a loud beep when transitioning to HOLD mode after completing a scan session.
8.5 Handling
Our reviewer rates the Smart Sensor AS530 as “a joy to use.” The handle has indents on the handle, and the front section is textured. All this makes the AS530 easy to grip, even with wet hands. The trigger makes a satisfying click when you press down on the trigger. It makes the experience more tactile.
0.0 Measurement Modes
The Smart Sensor AS530 doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode.
8.0 Audio Cues
The Smart Sensor AS530 has a speaker. When the thermometer has finished a scan session and switches to HOLD mode, it will let out a loud beep.