Editor’s note: Originally published December 2020. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
Quick answer
- The Etekcity Lasergrip 774 is a budget-friendly infrared thermometer for household and light-duty jobs such as checking ovens, smokers, engines and windows.
- Listed range is -58°F to 716°F (-50°C to 380°C), with ±2% or ±2°C/°F accuracy and a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio.
- Emissivity is fixed at 0.95, so it is less suited to shiny or reflective surfaces.
- It measures surface temperature only; use a probe thermometer for the inside of food.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 774 is an inexpensive, point-and-shoot infrared thermometer for everyday household and light industrial tasks. It reads surface temperatures from a distance, with a laser to help you aim, a backlit display and a reading hold.
This review is based on manufacturer information and the features listed at the time of writing. It covers what the 774 does well, where it falls short and who it suits. Not sure an infrared thermometer is the right tool? See our infrared vs probe thermometer guide.
Etekcity Lasergrip 774 overview
The Lasergrip 774 covers a wide enough temperature range for most jobs around the house. You can check an oven or smoker, look for heat loss at windows, check appliances, or measure your car’s engine.
Convenience features include a backlit LCD screen, a button to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, auto-off to save battery life and a low-battery indicator so you don’t head off to a job with a dying battery.
Listed specifications
- Temperature range: -58°F to 716°F (-50°C to 380°C)
- Accuracy: ±2% or ±2°C/°F
- Distance-to-spot ratio: 12:1
- Emissivity: 0.95 (fixed)
- Backlit LCD, °F/°C switch, data hold, auto-off, low-battery indicator
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- Built-in laser shows roughly where you are measuring
- Backlit LCD is readable in bright or dim conditions
- Reading locks on screen so you have time to record it
- Quick °F/°C switch without re-measuring
- Auto-off and low-battery indicator
- Good listed accuracy for a budget model
Cons
- Fixed emissivity: can’t adjust for reflective or translucent surfaces
- Laser sits slightly off the actual measuring spot
- No memory or data logging for transferring readings later
- Surface readings only; not for internal food temperatures
What the 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio means
An infrared thermometer reads the average temperature of a circular spot, and that spot gets bigger the farther away you stand. A 12:1 ratio means the spot is about 1 inch across when you are 12 inches from the target, and about 2 inches across at 24 inches.
For accurate results, get close enough that the spot fits entirely on the surface you want to measure. Etekcity listed the best accuracy at a distance of 14.17 inches from the object.
Accuracy and aiming
Listed accuracy is ±2% or ±2°C/°F, which is good enough for most home uses, but it is still a margin of error to keep in mind.
The laser is an aiming guide, not the exact measuring point. According to the manufacturer, the area actually being measured is about 2 cm below the laser dot. That rarely matters for general use, but allow for it when you are measuring a small or precise area.
When you take a reading, the result stays locked on the display, so you are not rushing to write it down before it disappears.
Fixed emissivity: the main limitation
Emissivity describes how well a surface gives off infrared energy. The 774’s emissivity is fixed at 0.95, which suits most matte, non-reflective surfaces such as food, painted surfaces, wood and plastic. Shiny or reflective materials, like polished metal, can give misleading readings, and you can’t adjust the 774 to compensate.
If you often measure metal or reflective surfaces, look for a model with adjustable emissivity, such as the Etekcity Lasergrip 630, or compare options in our guide to infrared thermometers under $100.
Who should buy the Lasergrip 774?
- Good fit: home cooks checking pans, ovens or smokers; DIYers looking for drafts or hot spots; light auto maintenance.
- Not ideal: anyone measuring reflective metals, needing logged data, or wanting internal food temperatures (use a probe thermometer and follow safe internal cooking temperatures).
Bottom line
The Etekcity Lasergrip 774 is a simple, budget-friendly infrared thermometer with a useful temperature range, decent listed accuracy and helpful extras like a backlit screen and reading hold. Its fixed emissivity and lack of data logging limit it for more technical work, but for everyday household jobs it covers the basics.
FAQ
What is the temperature range of the Etekcity Lasergrip 774?
The manufacturer lists -58°F to 716°F (-50°C to 380°C).
Can I use the Lasergrip 774 to check if meat is cooked?
Not reliably. Infrared thermometers measure surface temperature only. Use a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat.
Can I adjust the emissivity on the Lasergrip 774?
No. Emissivity is fixed at 0.95, which suits most non-reflective surfaces but not shiny metals.
