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Sovarcate HS960D Digital Infrared Thermometer In-depth Review

Well-built, accurate, and versatile, the Sovarcate HS960D is a worthy companion to every home cook needing a good infrared thermometer!

By , , and ·Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
The SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer standing upright on its handle on a turn table against a blurry blue backdrop.

Overall Verdict

The Sovarcate HS960D is identical to the Sovarcate HS980E in almost every single way, saving for the lack of extra measurement modes. The unit is well-constructed and performs well in our measurement accuracy tests.

Overall, this infrared thermometer will be a good fit for anyone. Home cooks may find it useful for measuring the temperature of cookware and food and other tasks around the house, like fixing the HVAC.

Things We Like

  • Decently accurate and reliable performance
  • Rugged and well-built housing
  • Bright, single-dot laser emitter
  • Brightly-lit colored LCD VA screen panel
  • Has a speaker
  • Textured handgrip and tactile trigger make the thermometer easy and comfortable to use

Things We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes

The Sovarcate HS960D shares nearly identical hardware with the Sovarcate HS980E — which most members of our team consider among the best infrared cooking thermometers. If it’s not for the difference in the paint scheme, it would be hard to distinguish between the two IR thermometers at first glance (there are subtle differences in the housing design that you have to pay close attention to find.)

But while the design is almost the same as the HS980E, the Sovarcate HS960D is a notch below its counterpart in terms of performance.

Check out our performance report for more details!

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
1
Audio cues
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)

Where to Buy Price at publication $24.03

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Compared to Other Infrared Thermometers

Ranking by
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Analysis and Test Results

6.7 Performance

The Sovarcate HS960D’s performance is mediocre compared to the rest of the models in our database. It received a very high score in the cold test with ice, but its total performance score was dragged down by lackluster performance in the hot test with cooking oil.

9.5 Design

The Sovarcate HS960D dimensions and weight of the HS960D are average for infrared thermometers. It boasts excellent build quality with durable construction. The laser emitter features a single-dot pattern, and the LCD VA panel display is bright and viewable from various angles.

All in all, the design quality of the Sovarcate HS960D is excellent.

7.2 Usability

The Sovarcate HS960D is highly reviewed for its textured and indented handle, clicky trigger, and responsive control panel. The only drawback we found is that it only offers a single measurement mode for adjusting the emissivity setting. The thermometer has a speaker emitting loud beeps when switching between SCAN and HOLD modes.

Behind the review

Headshot of Matthew Lee
Matthew LeeReviewer

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.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

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.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

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.

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