Wintact WT530 Infrared Thermometer In-depth Review
Overall Verdict
Overall, the Wintact WT530 is one of the best IR thermometers we’ve tested so far as of May 2023. It offers great measurement accuracy and achieved good scores in the cold test with ice and the hot test with cooking oil.
Alongside decent build quality and user experience, it’s a great candidate worth writing to the top of the list for anyone seeking the best infrared thermometer.
Things We Like
- Decently affordable
- Very good measurement accuracy
- Various measurement modes are available
- Lower temperature tolerance than other IR thermometers on the market (±1.5°F)
Things We Don’t Like
- The battery compartment has a very loose lid
The Wintact WT530, an infrared thermometer produced by the Wintact Shenzen group, stands out as one of the most accurate devices in our extensive database. It excelled in our performance tests, impressively passing the cold test with ice and the hot test with cooking oil. Moreover, during our comprehensive evaluation, the thermometer received high marks in design and usability.
For a detailed report on the exceptional performance of the Wintact WT530, read on below.
8.0 Performance
The Wintact WT530 performed slightly better in the cold test than in the hot test. However, it still received excellent scores in both test segments.
Combining the scores from all individual tests, the Wintact WT530 received an impressive total score of 8.0 out of 10, making it one of the highest-rated infrared thermometers we have tested thus far.
8.6 Cold Test with Ice
During the ice chest test, we conducted measurements with the Wintact WT530 at two distances: 12 inches and 16 inches. Once the temperature of the ice chest stabilized at 32°F, we recorded readings of 32.3°F and 33.4°F at the respective distances. The result at 12 inches was impressively close to the reference temperature, earning the thermometer a near-perfect score. At 16 inches, the temperature was approximately one degree higher.
Our benchmark gives the Wintact WT530 an outstanding average score of 9.15 out of 10. Further taking into account the stability variable, the total score for the thermometer in the cold test with ice amounts to 8.55 out of 10.
7.7 Hot Test with Cooking Oil
The test is started by heating a pan of cooking oil on the stovetop until the temperature stabilized at 361°F. We then measured the temperature using the Wintact WT530 from distances of 12 and 16 inches, resulting in readings of 369.2°F and 362.1°F, respectively.
These readings were considered good based on our benchmark. The thermometer received an impressive average score of 8.68 out of 10 for its performance. When factoring in the stability variable, the Wintact WT530 received a total score of 7.66 out of 10.
7.6 Design
Despite the labeling stating the serial number as "Wintact WT530," the received model had the serial "Eventek WT320." However, it will be referred to as the Wintact WT530 based on the box for simplicity.
The thermometer weighs 4.36 ounces and has dimensions similar to other models in our database. Overall build quality is decent, although the battery compartment lid is loose, greatly impacting its final score in the build quality assessment.
In the Box
The thermometer comes in a printed cardboard box. Inside is the thermometer in a plastic sleeve, a pack of AAA batteries, and the user manual.
However, despite the box and labeling stating the serial number as "Wintact WT530," the model received through Amazon had the serial "Eventek WT320." No record of a model with the WT530 serial was found. To avoid confusion, we will refer to the thermometer as the Wintact WT530 based on the serial mentioned on the box.
Dimensions
The Wintact WT530 weighs the same as the Lasergrip GM400 and the Eventek IR thermometer in our database, potentially due to sharing the same OEM. Their dimensions are very similar to one another, as well.
Compared to the rest of the models in our database, the Wintact WT530 is about average. Most people will be able to use it one-handed and not have trouble finding a place to store it, owing to its compactness.
7.5 Build Quality
The build quality of the Wintact WT530 is decent but not the best we’ve seen. Notably, the door of the battery compartment is quite loose. We only need to push the lid lightly for it to spring out of place.
Besides the issue with the lid, we didn’t find any other problem with the thermometer.
9.0 Laser Emitter
The laser emitter of the Wintact WT530 is very bright. We can track the single-dot red laser against a white background and under harsh studio lighting.
6.5 Display Panel
The Wintact WT530 features a backlit LCD panel that offers excellent readability even under studio lighting conditions. Additionally, it includes a backlight specifically designed to assist in reading the screen in dark environments.
Battery Compartment
The Wintact WT520 is powered by triple-A batteries. However, one aspect affecting its overall build quality score is the loose battery compartment lid, which tends to spring open even with a light touch. This issue prevents the thermometer from achieving a higher build quality rating.
8.1 Usability
The Wintact WT530 provides a good handling experience with its comfortable grip and a textured surface for better usability even with wet hands. It offers four measurement modes, allowing you to set the emissivity at 0.8 or 0.95 and display minimum and maximum temperature readings. The thermometer also has audio cues that are loud enough to be heard in a noisy kitchen.
8.0 Handling
The handling experience of the Wintact WT530 is rated by our reviewer as “Good.” The indents on the handle mold themselves to the user’s hand, effectively providing a more comfortable user experience. The grip is also slightly textured, which makes using the infrared thermometer with wet hands easier.
8.0 Measurement Modes
The Wintact WT530 comes with four different measurement modes. You can set the emissivity setting of the IR sensor at either 0.8 or 0.95. However, unlike several other IR models in our database, there is no ability to select emissivity values in-between these two options.
In addition to emissivity settings, the WT530 allows you to display both the minimum and maximum temperature readings. You can also set the thermometer to recalibrate the sensor, ensuring more precise and accurate temperature readings.
8.5 Audio Cues
The Wintact WT530 infrared thermometer has a speaker. When you release the trigger, it gives off a loud beep, and the thermometer switches from SCAN to HOLD mode. The sound is loud and can be heard across the room. You most likely won’t have any issue hearing the beep of the thermometer in a loud kitchen.