The Best Thermometers for Any Health Needs
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Exergen TAT-2000 Temporal Thermometer -
Braun Forehead Thermometer -
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer -
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer -
Geratherm Mercury for Temperature Measurement Thermometer -
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer -
OMRON Gentle Temp 521 Ear Thermometer -
Welch Allyn Braun ThermoScan Pro 4000 Thermometer -
Braun IRT 4520 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer -
Buyer's Guide
Body temperature is one of the four primary ‘vital signs’ that must be measured to ensure a patient’s health and well-being. Temperature measurement is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence as a part of the initial assessment in acute illness in adults, and a clinical fever (greater than 100.4 F) is often the first visible sign of an infectious or contagious illness.
Despite applying in all healthcare environments, wide variations exist on the methods and techniques used to measure body temperature. A person’s temperature can be measured by several methods: orally, axillary (under arms), rectally, and via forehead or temporal scanning. It is crucial to use the most appropriate technique to ensure that temperature is measured accurately. Inaccurate results may influence diagnosis and treatment, lead to a failure to identify patient deterioration and compromise patient safety. The list of the best thermometers in 2022 below is designed to help you find the right thermometer for your loved one who is feeling ill.
Best Thermometer of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Exergen TAT-2000 Temporal Thermometer - Best Thermometer Overall
The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is yet another thermometer that is not invasive, and therefore not distressing to ill babies. You just need to apply a light stroke of the forehead region to capture naturally dissipated heat waves from the skin over the temporal artery. It takes an amazing 1,000 readings per second to choose the one that is the most accurate. There are red LED lights and a beeping sound to alert you that a successful reading has been completed. This device has been thoroughly found to be very accurate in its measurements.
Braun Forehead Thermometer - Runner Up
Braun Forehead Thermometer FHT 1000: this device is quite easy to use, you just turn it once, apply to your forehead and with a quick swipe of the forehead region and several 'beeps' later it gives you a precise temperature measurement without poking or prodding your infant in any way (also fine to use on adults). The Braun brand denotes quality engineering, and its simplicity of use makes it a winner with consumers. Healthcare providers also tout this thermometer.
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer - Honorable Mention
The Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer (Model V934) is the superior product here. This device puts a premium on safety, as its short rectal probe truly minimizes any chance of accidental injury to the baby. It also has a uniquely designed ComfortFlex Tip, thus minimizing any distress to the child. It reads out the temperature in under 10 seconds, which is quite sufficient, and its soft-tone colors (baby blue and white) make it blend is perfectly inside the nursery. Its safety, accuracy, and value make it a must-have item for all parents.
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer - Consider
The Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer is a highly-reliable device that may be used rectally, orally, or via the axilla. It provides quick results: within 4 seconds orally, and within 10 seconds by rectal/axilla route. The Model features waterproof, stainless steel probe shaft and convenient storage housing for 25 probe covers. It is energy-efficient, in that it can take about 6,000 measurements with an initial set of batteries. The Welch Allyn brand is also one of the most respected brands within the medical device sector.
Geratherm Mercury for Temperature Measurement Thermometer - Best Rectal Thermometer
The Geratherm Mercury Free Rectal Thermometer LOOKS like the old-style mercury containing thermometer that everyone used in the 1970s, but there is one huge difference—it does not contain Mercury, so it is safe. It has a glass casing, and requires the ‘shake-down’ method before each measurement. Its best selling point is its accuracy: it is every bit as accurate as the old mercury thermometers, meaning it is the most accurate among in this category. It is also the most compact (great for travel) and lightest of all available rectal thermometers.
Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer - Consider
The Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 690 Electronic Thermometer is a highly-reliable device that may be used rectally, orally, or via the axilla. It provides quick results: within 4 seconds orally, and within 10 seconds by rectal/axilla route. The Model features waterproof, stainless steel probe shaft and convenient storage housing for 25 probe covers. It is energy-efficient, in that it can take about 6,000 measurements with an initial set of batteries. The Welch Allyn brand is also one of the most respected brands within the medical device sector.
OMRON Gentle Temp 521 Ear Thermometer - Best Ear Thermometer
OMRON's new Gentle Temp 521 Ear Thermometer is a super-fast, digital thermometer with a wide range of sophisticated features including a screen that lights up clearly. This means that it can be seen easily at nighttime, making it especially convenient for parent looking after young toddles or babies. The Gentle Temp 521 measures ear temperature, but can also be used to take surface temperatures, from a milk bottle for example, as well as giving readings for the room temperature. In addition, with a memory capable of storing up to 25 readings, it is possible to track temperature changes over a period of time to monitor trends; this is especially handy when communicating with the doctor's office. Temperatures can be displayed on the large LCD display in either degrees centigrade or Fahrenheit. It measures temp readings in 1-second (fast!), and has an automatic Power Off feature for energy savings.
Welch Allyn Braun ThermoScan Pro 4000 Thermometer - Best Ear Thermometer
This NEW Welch Allyn-BraunThermoScan Pro 4000 Thermometer comes with a preheated probe (very neat and unique feature) and sensor, which makes for less discomfort and distress in the winter. This model also has the ExacTemp Technology, which guarantees correct positioning, and greater accuracy of measurement. It is quite fast--delivering the temp reading within 3 to 7 seconds. It is also light in weight, and has a firm grip handle. It is relatively higher in cost compared to our other picks, and thus mostly purchased by medical professionals.
Braun IRT 4520 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer - Best Ear Thermometer
TheBraun Thermoscan Model Irt4520 Ear Thermometer is also a new product that blends accuracy and quality, with relative cost value (can purchase for under $60). This device also has a preheated probe tip and sensor, while its unique probe cover detection system assures precise 'Infrared Heat Transfer,' which results in highly accurate temp readings. It has an easy to read bold LCD display, and projects temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius modes. It also comes with an automatic 'Probe Cover Eject' button for quick, simple disposal of used covers.
Buyer's Guide
Thermometers are instruments that are used to gauge a person’s temperature whenever needed, and they display the results on a screen. A thermometer is a must-have in every home or office, whether or not you are a medical practitioner. It eases you of the stress of having to call up your doctor or visit a hospital when you experience fever and helps you to keep note of the fluctuations in your body temperature levels.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF THERMOMETETERS?
There are several different types and models of thermometers, and although they all perform the same function of measuring and displaying temperature levels, they carry it out it in different ways.
DIGITAL THERMOMETERS
These are the most convenient to use and one of the most popular types of thermometers. They gauge temperature from the armpit, beneath the tongue, or the rectum. Digital thermometers come with digital screens that display the results.
INFRARED THERMOMETER
An infrared thermometer also called a thermal gun or IR thermometer makes use of infrared rays to gauge the amount of heat released by the body. Infrareds are one of the most popular thermometers now because they are very easy and simple to use. Their main advantage is that they make no skin contact, therefore preventing the transfer of germs from one person to another, however, their results might not be so accurate and so they are not as reliable as digital thermometers.
PLASTIC STRIP THERMOMETERS
These are thermometers that can tell if a person has a fever, but they cannot give exact temperature measurements. They only serve as whistles to tell when there is an abnormality in a person’s temperature.
GLASS OR MERCURY THERMOMETERS
These are the old-fashioned thermometers that measure temperature when placed beneath your tongue. As they measure the temperature, the mercury rises and whatever point it stops at is usually taken to be your current body temperature. However, as a result of the dangers of mercury poisoning, these thermometers are not very advisable.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR WHILE SHOPPING FOR A THERMOMETER?
ACCURACY
The accuracy of the gauged temperature is the most important feature you should consider when shopping for a thermometer. Because the thermometer accuracy cannot be verified until it is used, it is important for you to go for trusted brands with high reviews from customers.
USAGE
There are thermometers made specifically to measure body temperature, while others are made to measure the temperature of objects. You should be sure to shop for the right one, depending on what you need it for.
CONVENIENCE
Using a thermometer should be a convenient and easy act, especially if it occurs a lot of times. The handle should be firm, the screen should be clear and the letters easy to read.
UNIT OF MEASUREMENT
Temperature can be measured in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. Ensure that you choose a thermometer with a measurement unit you’re familiar with or one that comes with an option to switch between both.
TIME OF RESPONSE
The amount of time between the measuring and the result display should not be too lengthy. Infrared thermometers, followed by digital thermometers, have the quickest display time.
MEMORY FEATURE
This allows you to save the results of your temperature check for a later time. It is useful because it helps you compare and decide whether your body temperature is rising or falling.
HOW TO USE AND MAINTAIN A THERMOMETER
The way you clean and disinfect your thermometer largely depends on the type of thermometer you have. If you are using a glass or mercury thermometer, you could get it cleaned up in a bowl of cool and soapy water, then you rinse well and properly shake off the water. You could make use of it while it is still wet, and then leave it to air dry later. It could also be cleaned up with a cotton bud soaked in alcohol, and then rinse off under running water.
The method used in cleaning a digital thermometer is different because immersing it in water would damage the electronics. You could either wipe the surface with alcohol while making sure to avoid the digital display, then repeat the process with cotton wool and clean water. Digital thermometers could also be wiped down with bleach wipes.
Because thermal guns are contact-free, they do not gather as much germs as the other types of thermometers, disinfecting them is not really necessary. However, they should be cleaned constantly to promote sanitary practices. To clean them, you should make use of cotton swabs, paper towels, and alcohol to wipe the surface. Ensure that you never use bleaches or ammonia-based cleaners because they affect the thermometers negatively.
PRICE RANGES OF THERMOMETERS
Getting a thermometer is not exactly a bank-account-wrecking act, as I would not classify them as one of the expensive products out there. Thermometers generally cost between $5 and $50. Further classification of prices is based on the type that you are going for. Infrared thermometers on average, cost between $20 to $35, while digital thermometers cost way less, between $5 and $20.
When shopping for a thermometer, one thing to put in mind is the quality of whichever product you’re going for over how much it costs. Go for trusted and secure brands, rather than putting in money on products of inferior value.
FAQs
Q: What is the required distance I should take from an infrared thermometer?
A: IR thermometers usually have a maximum measuring distance of thirty meters. The distance required could be less or more, depending on weather conditions.
Q: Is it dangerous to use a thermometer?
A: The use of a thermometer in itself is not dangerous at all. However, it could get dangerous when ideal health and sanitary practices are not upheld. Another dangerous thing is the usage of mercury thermometers, which are bad because of the dangers of mercury poisoning.
Q: What is the lifespan of a thermometer?
A: The lifespan of your thermometer would generally depend on the conditions under which it is used and kept. Nonetheless, under favorable conditions, a thermometer should last anywhere between three and five years.
