Etekcity Line of Lasergrip IR Themometers ( 1022D, 800, & 630) compared to Klein IR1000
I am not a Professional HVAC or auto mechanic but I do a lot of work myself on my home and vehicles.. An IR thermometer has many uses
I bought this as a homeowner to verify hot/cold spots around my home. Also to measure temperature differences between my HVAC supply/ return vents. Also will be using it when grilling/smoking or cooking. My son & I like to build PCs and an IR thermometer comes in handy, the more i played with it the more uses i found..I wanted a tool that was moderately priced and performed well for my use.
I decided I would go with Etekcity Line IR thermometer based on Amazon Best seller Etekcity 774 (best seller most reviewed and priced very affordable at $16.88). After researching other Etekcity models I found many different options that offered different ranges, features, and spot/distance ratios up to 16:1 with 12:1 being the higher standard and what most higher end brands have.. spot/distance ratios range from 8:1 to 16:1 in this class of IR tool.
The Model #s of Etekcity do not indicate which models are higher end. Very confusing model numbering, one would think a model # of 800 or 1022 would be a higher end than a 630 or 774. Not the case with Etekcity. Combine this with lack of ability to side by side Compare on Etekcity website or Amazon . So I decided to narrow my options to 3 and test/compare myself.
I compared Etekcity Lasergrips thermometers 1022D, 800, & 630 against one another & with a Klein IR1000. Using spots next to my home thermostat and at fixed distances on specific spots/surfaces.
I will start by saying regardless of which IR thermometer you chose, Etekcity makes excellent products, more impressive was their customer service. I submitted a question to them through Amazon and Etekcity responded within the same day offering to call me , as I had a lot of questions..I was able to immediately open a chat conversation with Etekcity customer reps and they were VERY helpful in explaining to me the advantages / differences in all of their IR thermometers. A lot of higher end IR thermometers in this category are well over $50.00 and do and share the same specs/features & the quality of what I learned with Etekcity products.
Etekcity 1022D- $19.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 1022D Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Dual Laser, Blue
my first IR from Etekcity: I like the idea of Dual lasers & adjustable emissivity. You cant beat the price compared to same spec higher end products.
Features:
Dual Laser
Emissivity - Adjustable
12:1 Spot ratio
Range: -58'~1022'
This compact blue/grey tool looks nice with a bright backbit display and light feel although the lighter feel seemed less solid and a little cheap. The grip also seemed too short and less comfortable than the others. It is the smallest of the Etekcity IR thermometers I tested.
I was not impressed with the accuracy compared to the higher priced Klein IR1000,at times it was 4-5 degrees different.
Originally I had bought the Etekcity 1022 D for the dual lasers and adjustable emissivity. However, it seemed way off compared to a Klein 1000 that i was using as a baseline comparison. even pointing at exact spot next to my thermostat the Klein was consistent closer to my thermostat reading and a desk top thermometer nearby. the 1022D was off by 3-5degrees sometimes even more. .I liked the back light , Dual lasers and the grip of the 1022D/ however the inconsistency in the measurements even with adjusting emissivity was a deal breaker for me.
Etekcity 800 Lasergrip - $25.98 Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Non-contact Digital Laser IR Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun, Yellow/Black
Features:
Single Laser
16:1 distance to Spot ratio
Emissivity- FIXED at .95
Range: -58' - 1382'
After a disappointing test of the Etekcity 1022D I read reviews and decided to look at the 800, It features better accuracy at range with a 16:1 distance spot ration. the Etekcity 800 was a much better feeling IR tool , solid feel in the hand and was definitely more accurate, and again compared nicely within tolerance of .+/-of 5 to 2.0 degree different than the Klein and my thermostat. it is a solid tool with good solid performance. The build felt more solid, slightly bigger then the 1022D and seemed to be built better. Features a longer ergo grip. I like the grip on the 800 better than all of the Etekcity devices I tested.. The 800 is very reliable and with in targeted specs. it performed +/- .5 to 2.0 degrees tolerance It is worth the extra $6.00 for the better accuracy and build quality.
*** Etekcity 630 Dual Lasergrip - $29.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Dual Laser Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Gray and Black
First impression was how it was packaged in a nice solid cardboard box ( unlike the plastic blister packs of the others including the Klein. I can tell more thought & time was put into the 630 model. It felt soldi right out of its packaging.
Out of all 3 Etek IR thermometers I tested, the Etekcity 630 is the most feature packed ( menu /setting options) and was very accurate compared among all 3. I was very impressed with the choices on the menu and the functions. The dual laser combined with the 16:1 spot/distance ration makes this an awesome accurate tool for any home owner. It feel shigh quality good solid grip and looks nice with the Black/gray detail.
I opened a chat conversation with Etekcity customer reps and they were VERY helpful in explaining to me the advantages / differences in all of their IR thermometers. the 630 is the highest end IR thermometer Etekcity sells and it shows in the performance. The most features, options and in my tests most accurate ( accuracy is negligible between 800 & 630 both are well with in the +/- .5 to 2.0 tolerance)
Features:
Dual laser for better accuracy
16:1 Distance to Spot Ratio
Emissivity: ADJUSTABLE
Range: -58'~1076'
Multi function menu options ( MAX/Min temp setting, AVG and Diff/ TD)
I chose the 630 over the 800 mainly due to the extra menu options ( AVG, MAX, MIn , Diff) adjustable emissivity ,and dual laser aside form that the 800 & 630 perform identically.
the 1022D and 774 are priced well at under $20.00 but for more features and higher specs I think one will not go wrong with the Etekcity 800 or Feature rich Etekcity 630.
The price range for these products are all very competitive and for $29.99 the Etekcity 630 is an excellent value that will hold its own against Klein and probably even the brand names used by professionals. with Etekcity customer service I was very happy with my choice.
We purchased this infrared laser thermometer after a home energy audit found a possible leak in some of our ductwork. We had been thinking about getting one of these and after shopping around decided this one was worth the few $$ extra. We use it for so many things now. We are making wine and hard cider so we use this to test the room temp where we are fermenting and aging as well as the liquid fermenting inside the bucket or carboy. And our favorite use for it is to torment one of our dogs who loves to chase lights. We point it at our other dog's feet or body to get the other dog to try to get his feet! It's hilarious! Of course we could accomplish this entertainment with a much cheaper light, but when we already have it out for testing other stuff, why not?
Update: As mentioned above, we purchased this because we were experiencing issues with our duct work and wanted to record the differences in wall/ceiling temps in the area where we believed there was a leak. We'd had a whole new HVAC system installed and they were supposed to have replaced all of our ducts with new. We realized though that they reused some old ducts in our hallway and at the end of the hall was where the energy audit, and this temperature gun, were recording temps several degrees higher than the walls and ceilings just a couple of feet away. We insisted that the dealer return and run new ducts in the attic as that was what the contract stated and we had paid for. We also wanted to remove the old duct chase in the hallway to return it to the original 10' ceilings. When we tore out the sheetrock, we found that at some point one of the duct branches had been changed and, instead of sealing it off, the end was left open and was blowing heated air into the chase, the attic, and my closet! I took pics and sent to the dealer to prove what we had been telling him had been an issue. The additional LP gas that we went through cost us about $1,000 more than it should have. This temp gun made it possible to prove our point finally.
We use it constantly both as a tool and as a toy. Frying pan: 320. Heater vent: 73 (that's why that air feels cold coming out of it). I've used it reheating food and deep-frying. We took it to an unheated warehouse during the cold snap and "shot" the water pipes. 34; a little too close for comfort. We got a heater for the space. I did not realize I would use this as much as I do, and enjoy it so well. It is accurate across the range I can test. (Ice water 32, boiling water 211 - about right for my elevation). Shooting the inside of the oven matches my other oven thermometer. I like it!
The first time anyone gets an IR temperature probe there will be playing. I spent about an hour pointing it at things and letting my wife know what the reading was. She gave me that same exasperated "my husband is a nerd" look I've come to know and love.
I always wanted one of these but never got around to buying one because they were around $100 dollars for a long time.
Two features that I find invaluable with this type of device:
Backlit LCD display. If you're going to use this at night or in low light its a great feature. I leave that set to turn on when I squeeze the trigger all the time.
DUAL lasers in a pattern that crosses with one another. The further you are from the surface you are taking the temperature of the wider the spread of the IR sensor will be. The models that have 1 laser you have to guestimate the size of the spread. with the dual lasers it shows you perfectly the area you are measuring.
Some interesting things I measured:
Hookah coconut shell coals.. 1000 degrees F
My forehead when I was sick.. 95 degrees F
Different shelves in my freezer.. The meat in the middle of my freezer was -5 degrees and the icecream on the top shelf was 17 degrees.. That explains the frost/freezer burn my icecream was suffering from! I moved it to a middle shelf and it stopped.
Feature Product
- BETTER ACCURACY: The Distance to Spot Ratio is 16:1; Measure surface temperature ranging from -58℉~1076℉ / -50℃ ~ 580℃, meaning the Lasergrip 630 can assure greater accuracy compared with other thermometers with DSR 12:1 or 8:1
- TARGET QUICKER: Dual laser pointers ensure high precision and indicate ideal measuring distance; Adjustable emissivity improves measurement accuracy across different surface types, just regulate the emissivity of your 630 according to the instruction（0.1-1.0）
- MULTIFUNCTION: Thermometer with MAX/MIN/AVG temperatures function and Response Time: ≤500ms; The LCD screen is backlit, it also has an Auto-Off function and a low battery indicator to extend the battery life so you never accidentally run out of juice (battery included)
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Infrared Technology makes this thermometer handy to measure the surface temperature of various objects especially temperatures above boiling points and below freezing points; Use it for cooking, car maintenance, real estate, electrical engineering and more
- NOTE: For best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and object of measurement should approximately be 14.17 inches (36cm); Temperature readings from this devices are inanimate objects, the measured temperature for humans or animals will not be correct; FDA, FCC, CE approved; 1 year warranty (with the option to extend it by 1 extra year for free) by Etekcity
Description
Hazard-Free：The Lasergrip 630 gives you complete control to measure the temperature of virtually any surface with custom and refined accuracy. Measure temperatures ranging from -58°F to 1076°F from a distance without ever having to come into contact or proximity to hazardous elements. Measuring Guide：With dual lasers, there’s no more guessing on what the size of the surface area you’re actually measuring. With a high distance to spot ratio of 16:1, you have the control over how wide of a surface you wish to measure. The two laser pointers will act as a visual guide for your measurements as the Lasergrip will calculate the average temperature of the space between the two laser points. For best accuracy, stand at a distance where the two points overlap. This device also allows you to adjust the emissivity to compensate for different surface textures. Whether scanning the heat on an aluminum tray or concrete road, the Lasergrip will deliver the same dependable accuracy to get the job done. Features & Specifications: 1.Measurement Range: -58°F ~1076°F (-50°C to 580°C ) 2.Storage Temperature: -20°C to 50°C (-4 °F to 122°F) 3.Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 50°C (32 °F to 122°F) 4.Accuracy:±2% /±2°C 5.Adjustable Emissivity:0.1-1.0 6.Resolution: 0.1°F /°C 7.Distance to Spot Ratio: 16:1 8.Selected Thermometer units: °C /°F 9.Response Time: ≤500ms 10.Battery/ Battery Life: 9V / about 12 hours Package Included: 1x Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Thermometer 1x 9V DC Battery 1x User's Manual Note: 1. This thermometer cannot test the temperature of target objects through across the glass. Besides, the steam, dust, smog will lower the accuracy of testing. 2. To make better accuracy, cover the surface to be measured with masking tape or flat black paint.
We purchased Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Dual Laser Non-contact Digital IR Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun, Gray/Black to try and find leakage from ductwork as well as cool air coming in from the outside (Live in the mountains and nights get chilly). Easy to use out of the box as you just open the battery chamber and connect the 9-Volt battery (Included) and you are ready to use.
Right away, I was able to find temperature anomalies around the main level and basement and correct some of the issues. The largest leakage was coming from the back door not being tightly sealed so I was able to put expanding foam to help seal (I never would have pinpointed that area without the Lasergrip). With the dual lasers, it's easy to aim and see exactly what you are measuring. I've already used to check insulation, find drafty areas and seal them, and as a meat thermometer (Cut in the middle to expose the internal temperature). This tool has many uses and probably many others I haven't thought about!
I bought this to check the temperature of my forge, but have found so many more uses for it. Want to check the air temperature coming out of you AC or heat vents, just point the laser and get an instant reading. It says it doesn't work well on liquid, but it gives me a reading within one degree of my pool temp which is close enough. The laser also works great as a cat or dog toy and you know what the temp of the floor, couch or wall is as fluffy chases the laser around. I would avoid pointing it at your wife's forehead. While the reading was pretty accurate my wife was not amused. I told her she was hot. Still not amused.
This is the handiest thing ever! I bought it to use in the kitchen to accurately test surface temp of griddles, water for different temp requirements of teas, searing meat without over-searing, and more. I haven't fully utilized the emissivity feature yet. If and when I get the hang of that and it has a significant impact on my cooking, I'll post comments. Otherwise I'll continue to successfully use the Lasergrip without an emissivity setting.
Since having the Lasergrip I have found other uses and anticipate I'll find many more! If I can get my husband to let go of it! He took off with it and has been testing like a maniac.
Here was an unexpected benefit of having the laser. I received a prescription medication in the mail and the package was really warm to the touch. I wondered if it was subjected to enough heat to damage the contents. I whipped out my Lasergrip and the box measured 98, the plastic bottle 110, and the contents 113. I was told any temp under 120, and even 120, wouldn't significantly alter the medications effectiveness. Without the Lasergip I would have been left wondering.
Here is a handy cooking surface temperature guide I gathered from other sources on the internet and added my own touches.
Heat Term..............Temp F.....................Temp C
Warm/Low...............150F.........................70C
Simmer.......... ..........200F.........................95C
Fry/Medium-Low....250F.........................115C
Sauté.......................275F.........................135C
Medium...................300F.........................145C
Griddle/Pan Fry......325 – 350F.............165 – 180C
Medium-High..........350F.........................180C
Deep Fry..................375F.........................190C
Grill/Wok/High.........400 – 425F .............200 – 220C
Sear..........................425 – 450F .............220 – 230C
I bought this IR thermometer for general use around the house - heating, air conditioning, insulation, electronic devices, cooking, etc. I considered buying a much more expensive device made by a company that I like for their electronic test equipment but I decided to try the Etekcity unit and return it if I was disappointed. Well, I'm definitely keeping it. The readings are surprisingly accurate when compared with my Thermapens. For example, when measuring the temperature of an AC register from a couple of feet away the readings are consistently within 1 degree F compared with a Thermapen in the airflow. The dual laser guides are quite useful. They indicate the spot position with reasonable accuracy, indicating approximately 13:1 distance to spot ratio. The actual measurement area seems to be a little smaller, pretty close the specified 16:1.
Bottom line - For my purposes, I'm sure glad that I didn't pay more!
UPDATE Dec 28 2016: Although I had returned the product and got a refund, Etekcity contacted me and got me a free replacement. This one works like advertised. Increasing from 2 starts to 4. The review below is for the unit that did not work.
I found it to be very inaccurate under many circumstances. It also seems to be inconsistent. It is generally 2-3 degrees (F) lower than actual temperature. I compared this to two different Raytek models and a couple of other thermometers which are all within a 0.4 degrees of each other on hot surfaces.
I tested it with a block of ice from 2-3 feet away. Etekcity 630 says the temperature is around 28F. This block of ice is sitting on my countertop. All other thermometers say it is between 31.5F to 33F. The ice was made in an icemaker that drops ice into an un-insulated/un-refrigerated container with the ambient temperature in the container around 40F. So, 28F is way too inaccurate in my opinion.
I also checked various objects that should be 68F (my room temp) and the Etekcity is around 66F but my other thermometers say 68F. Similar thing with boiling water. My Rayteks report 211F or 212F. The Etekcity is all over the place and is below 210F. I am pretty close to sea level
It takes a second or two for the device to turn on.
Assuming I got a badly calibrated product, I like the feature-set. For that, I am giving two stars.