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 1080 is a budget-friendly infrared thermometer with a listed range of -58°F to 1022°F (-50°C to 550°C).
- It has a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio, a laser you can switch off and a backlit LCD you can switch off.
- Emissivity is fixed at 0.95, so it is less accurate on shiny, reflective or translucent surfaces.
- Listed accuracy is ±2% or ±2°C, which is fine for most home, car and workshop jobs.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 is an inexpensive, easy-to-use infrared thermometer for checking surface temperatures around the home, garage, kitchen or light industrial work. Its high top temperature and 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio cover most everyday jobs, but its fixed emissivity limits accuracy on reflective surfaces.
This review is based on Etekcity’s listed specifications and features at the time of writing.
Listed specifications
- Temperature range: -58°F to 1022°F (-50°C to 550°C)
- Distance-to-spot ratio: 12:1
- Emissivity: 0.95 (fixed)
- Accuracy: ±2% or ±2°C
- Optimal measuring distance: about 14.17 inches from the target
- Display: backlit LCD, °F or °C
Features
Laser targeting you can turn off
A built-in laser shows where you are aiming, which helps on small targets. You can switch it off when measuring a broad surface or when you don’t want to distract people around you.
Note that the laser dot and the actual measurement spot are offset by about 2 cm. That won’t matter for most jobs, but keep it in mind when measuring a very small area.
Backlit display
The LCD can be backlit for reading in dim conditions, or you can switch the backlight off to save battery in daylight. Readings show in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Simple operation
Turn it on, aim and pull the trigger. That simplicity makes it easy for anyone in the household or on a team to use.
Range and distance
The 12:1 ratio means that at 12 inches away, it measures roughly a 1-inch spot. Etekcity lists 14.17 inches as the best measuring distance, though it can read at other distances too. If you need longer reach, the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 offers a higher ratio.
Limitations
Emissivity is fixed at 0.95, which suits most non-shiny surfaces. On reflective, transparent or translucent materials such as polished metal or glass, readings will be less accurate.
Accuracy of ±2% or ±2°C is good enough for most uses, but this isn’t the tool for jobs that demand precise readings. Also remember that an IR thermometer only reads surface temperature; for food safety you still need a probe thermometer to check internal temperature (see infrared vs probe thermometers).
What it’s good for
- Home and car maintenance
- Smoker, grill and oven surface temperatures
- Light industrial and workshop jobs
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- High top temperature of 1022°F
- Laser and backlight can each be switched off
- Reads in °C or °F
- 12:1 ratio beats many lower-ratio budget models
Cons
- Lower distance-to-spot ratio than more expensive thermometers
- Fixed emissivity, so no adjustment for reflective or translucent surfaces
- Accuracy of ±2% or ±2°C is typical, not exceptional
- Laser dot is offset from the measurement spot
Bottom line
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 is a straightforward, low-cost IR thermometer with a wide temperature range and useful switchable laser and backlight. If you need different features, compare other models in the line, such as the Lasergrip 774 or Lasergrip 630. If a reading ever seems off, our guide on how to reset an infrared thermometer may help.
FAQ
What is the temperature range of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080?
The listed range is -58°F to 1022°F (-50°C to 550°C).
Can you adjust the emissivity on the Lasergrip 1080?
No. Emissivity is fixed at 0.95.
How far away should I hold it?
Etekcity lists about 14.17 inches as the optimal distance, with a 12:1 distance-to-spot ratio.
