Klein Tools IR1 Infrared Thermometer In-depth Review
The Klein Tools IR1 is precision meets ruggedness. This IR thermometer won’t just shine in the kitchen, but in any garage and workshop, as well!
Overall Verdict
The Klein Tools IR1 is a great IR thermometer, so long you temper your expectations. The thermometer is decently accurate when used on various surfaces and substances. It’s also built solid enough to withstand anything you throw at it, from shocks to high impacts.
But it lacks a lot of basic functions that other IR thermometers got, such as extra measurement modes and a speaker to emit audio cues.
Overall, if you’re looking for a dependable and rugged best infrared thermometer, then the Klein Tools IR1 can be a sensible choice.
Things We Like
- Rugged, industrial-grade design
- Quality IR sensor provides decently accurate readings
- Bright laser emitter
- Bright backlit LCD display panel
Things We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode
- The measurement unit switch and battery are hidden behind a screwed-in door
The Klein Tools brand has been around since as far back as 1857. They know a thing or two about building a good tool.
Besides having decent accuracy, the 10:1 D:S ratio of the Klein Tools IR1 thermometer ensures that it’s a versatile pick for an infrared thermometer — suitable for kitchen use and other tasks like engineering and DIY.
It’s not flawless: the IR1 does lack some additional measurement modes that could enhance its usefulness. Still, if you’re in the market for a good infrared thermometer, the IR1 should be pretty high on the list.
You can check out our full test report below for more information.
Key Specs
Where to Buy Price at publication $31.58
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Compared to Other Infrared Thermometers
7.9 Performance
Overall, the Klein Tools IR1 has very good measurement accuracy. The thermometer received a very good score of 8.66 on the hot test.
However, the Klein Tools IR1’s performance wasn’t quite as good as we had hoped during the cold test. While it received a decently high average score due to its inconsistent readings, the total score of the IR1 was clocked down to just 6.7 out of 10 by our benchmark.
But even with the setback, the Klein Tools IR1 is still one of the most performant infrared thermometers we have in our database (as of May 2023.)
8.3 Design
Notably, this infrared thermometer has a holster for more convenient storage.
Overall, the Klein Tools IR1 design is very good for the price. It weighs 6.3 ounces and has an average dimension for an infrared thermometer. It’s cast from plastic and seems to have excellent build quality. As such, we fully expect the thermometer to stand up very well to shocks and impacts.
Our only issue with the design of the Klein Tools IR1 is that it doesn’t come with any control buttons, and the battery compartment is screwed in.
4.5 Usability
The Klein Tools IR1 has a textured grip that allows easy handling but lacks control buttons. This is the biggest issue concerning the Klein Tools IR1’s usability. The only control on the IR1 is a hidden switch in the screwed-in battery compartment that allows you to switch the measurement unit back and forth between °F and °C.
The IR1 doesn’t come with any extra measurement mode and doesn’t have a speaker to give off audio cues.
Behind the review
Matthew Lee is a writer and editor for HealthyKitchen101. With over 8 years working for various outlets and agencies, specializing in tech review and other subjects of note, such as current affairs.
Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.
Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.