The ideal body temperature of a normal and healthy individual is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, depending on the environmental conditions, the temperature may fluctuate anywhere between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything less or more than these values is a cause for concern as it usually indicates that something is amiss. One of the best ways to measure body temperature is to use a thermometer. In this article, you will get to know more about this device, learn a few tips on how to get an accurate reading, and discover some of the best thermometers you can buy.
Comparison Table
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Thermometer FAQ
image source: Pexels
Before we go ahead and discover some of the best thermometers, let us first look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these devices.
1. What Is a Thermometer?
A thermometer is an instrument that is used to measure the current temperature of an object. The most widespread use of a thermometer is to measure the body temperature of an individual. There are several types of thermometers depending on the place of contact such as oral, rectal, multi-purpose, eardrum, and basal.
2. What Are Some Tips for Getting an Accurate Reading from a Thermometer?
In order to get an accurate reading of the body’s temperature from a thermometer, it is advisable to refrain from measuring the temperature right after a bath. Instead, give the body some time to normalize before using the thermometer. Also, if you’re using an oral thermometer, it is advisable to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after eating or drinking fluids.
3. What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Thermometer?
One of the main factors that you should consider before choosing the best thermometer is whether to opt for a contact or a non-contact instrument. Non-contact thermometers use infrared technology and do not require you to place the instrument on the skin of the individual. Another factor to consider when looking for the best thermometer is the suitability of the device as not all models are suitable for all age groups. The speed and the type of display of the thermometer are also two other factors that you might want to consider before making a purchase decision.
4. Where Can You Buy the Best Thermometer?
You can get some of the best thermometers from several online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Alternatively, you could also get the best thermometers from your local pharmacy or drug store.
How We Reviewed
In addition to conducting meticulous research on the internet, we also pored over several user reviews and opinions to form a list of the top 11 best thermometers. Once the list was compiled, our review team took each product and analyzed it on the basis of its features, pros and cons, price, suitability, and warranty. We then proceeded to compare and contrast each device with the others in the list to come up with a fair verdict on the best thermometer.
What We Reviewed
- Kinsa Digital Smart Ear Thermometer
- ANKOVO Digital Infrared Thermometer
- SANPU Digital Oral/Rectal/Armpit Thermometer
- Braun ThermoScan5 Digital Ear Thermometer
- Pac-Kit by First Aid Only Disposable Thermometers
- ALOFOX Baby Thermometer
- iProvèn Digital Medical Thermometer
- Summer Infant Pacifier Thermometer
- Equinox Non-Contact Digital Thermometer
- Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
- Welch Allyn 01690-200 SureTemp Plus Model 690
Kinsa Digital Smart Ear Thermometer
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Features
Sporting an attractive blue design, the Kinsa digital smart ear thermometer utilizes a contact infrared temperature measurement system that gives out accurate readings in just 1 second. The device features a large and easy to read illuminated digital display that makes it possible to view the readings even in the dark. When paired with a compatible smart device via Bluetooth, Kinsa records and keeps a track of the measurements, symptoms, and diseases of each individual in the family. The thermometer is also equipped with an easy clean probe that can be simply wiped down with alcohol once you’re done.
Pros
- Extremely quick readings
- Intuitive and easy-to-set-up app
- Backlit display
Cons
- Bluetooth pairing can be a hassle
- Needs multiple readings
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
Kinsa offers a one-year warranty on the Kinsa digital smart ear thermometer.
ANKOVO Digital Infrared Thermometer
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Features
Featuring a CE and FDA approved design, the ANKOVO digital infrared thermometer is a non-contact thermometer that can be used to measure the temperature on the forehead as well as in the ear. The device sports a built-in alarm system that not only beeps once the reading is taken but also alerts the user through rapid and short rings if the temperature goes beyond 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The backlit display of the thermometer helps you view the readings in the dark and also changes color from green to red depending on the temperature.
Pros
- Memory function
- Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion
- Fast reading
Cons
- Inconsistent readings
- Prone to minor inaccuracies
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
ANKOVO offers a one-year warranty on the ANKOVO digital infrared thermometer.
SANPU Digital Oral/Rectal/Armpit Thermometer
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Features
Approved by the FDA and CE, the SANPU digital thermometer is highly versatile and can be used to measure the temperature orally, rectally, or in the armpit. The large digital display of the thermometer is illuminated, making it easy to read the temperature irrespective of the ambient light. Featuring a unique high-temperature alarm function, the thermometer glows red instead of the usual green upon detecting temperatures higher than 99.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Switching from Celsius to Fahrenheit is also easy as it only requires you to press a single button. And unlike most other best thermometers, this device comes with a flexible tip and a waterproof design for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Accurate readings
- Flexible tip
Cons
- Slightly slower
- Comparatively noisy
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
SANPU offers a one-year warranty on the SANPU digital thermometer.
Braun ThermoScan5 Digital Ear Thermometer
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Features
Equipped with infrared technology, the Braun ThermoScan 5 is a contact ear thermometer that comes with an innovative pre-warmed tip that helps you get more accurate readings when compared with other alternatives. This device comes with 21 disposable lens filters that allow you to switch between individuals quickly, without having to clean the probe each time. This thermometer is also ideal for use on babies and kids due to its ability to display the temperature within seconds.
Pros
- Very quick readings
- Good battery life
- Great build quality
Cons
- Display is not backlit
- Low memory function
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
The Braun ThermoScan 5 digital ear thermometer comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
Pac-Kit by First Aid Only Disposable Thermometers
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Features
Ideal for stacking as part of a first aid kit, the Pac-Kit by First Aid Only is a contact single use thermometer that can be placed either under the tongue or under the armpit. Perfect for people who are constantly on the move, these disposable thermometers come with a space-saving and lightweight design. These devices are also highly versatile and feature both Celsius and Fahrenheit readings, thereby eliminating guesswork and conversion.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accurate results
- Perfect for backup and emergency use
Cons
- Difficult to read
- Can be used only once
Suitable for Use On
This device is suitable for use only on adults.
Warranty
These disposable thermometers don’t come with any warranty.
ALOFOX Baby Thermometer
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Features
The ALOFOX baby thermometer supports both contact and non-contact methods of measuring body temperature. Equipped with three different modes, the thermometer can measure the temperature of both individuals as well as objects. If left unused for a period of more than 10 seconds, the thermometer switches off automatically to help conserve battery life. Additionally, the digital display of the thermometer comes with a backlight that changes colors in accordance with the measured temperature to alert the user of abnormally high temperatures.
Pros
- Mute function for quiet operation
- Memory function
- Features three different modes
Cons
- Quality control needs to be improved
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
The ALOFOX baby thermometer comes with a one-year warranty.
iProvèn Digital Medical Thermometer
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Features
Equipped with a flexible tip, the iProven digital medical thermometer is a contact thermometer that can be used to measure the temperature under the tongue, in the rectal region, or under the armpit. No more guesswork or conversion is needed as the thermometer can be configured to display readings either in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is also easy due to the waterproof design of the tip which allows you to simply wash the area with alcohol.
Pros
- Quick and easy to use
- Waterproof tip
- Compact and robust build quality
Cons
- Inaccurate readings
- Built-in alarm is too soft
- Lacks a backlit display
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
The iProven digital medical thermometer comes with a one-year warranty.
Summer Infant Pacifier Thermometer
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Features
Perfect for infants and toddlers, the Summer infant pacifier thermometer is a contact oral thermometer that is shaped in the form of a pacifier. The backlit display of the thermometer helps with nighttime temperature readings and features a fever alert glow that changes the color of the backlight to red upon detecting high-temperature readings. Equipped with a memory recall option, the device can display the previous reading, allowing you to monitor the child’s temperature progress.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Switchable between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Cons
- Takes a long time to give readings
- Non-replaceable battery
Suitable for Use On
This device is suitable for use on babies.
Warranty
The Summer infant pacifier thermometer comes with a 2-year warranty.
Equinox Non-Contact Digital Thermometer
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Features
Powered by infrared technology, the Equinox non-contact digital thermometer comes with three different modes that allow you to measure the temperature of an object, the room temperature, and the temperature of the body via the forehead. The LCD display features large fonts and is backlit to enable you to read the values better in the dark. Due to the non-contact design, the thermometer is safe and hygienic and can be handled even by children.
Pros
- Instant readings
- Large display
- Mute option for quiet operation
Cons
- Inconsistent readings
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
Equinox offers an 18-month warranty on this thermometer.
Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
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Features
Equipped with a compact and simple design, the Vicks ComfortFlex is a contact digital thermometer with a large backlit display and a flexible tip. The display features three different LEDs, namely green, yellow, and red, that glow according to the measured temperature. The Vicks ComfortFlex also sports a waterproof tip that can simply be sterilized with soap and water, making cleaning an easy and effortless affair.
Pros
- Color-coded backlight display
- Auto shut-off feature
- Comes with a storage case
Cons
- Short battery life
- Inaccurate readings
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
The Vicks ComfortFlex digital thermometer comes with a lifetime warranty.
Welch Allyn 01690-200 SureTemp Plus Model 690
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Features
Sporting a removable probe well to prevent cross-contamination, the Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus Model 690 is a contact thermometer that is capable of measuring body temperatures through the mouth, the rectum, and the armpit. The innovative design of the device features a dedicated storage space at the back that allows you to store up to 25 probe covers. With the SureTemp Plus Model 690, you will also never have to guess or convert the readings as the device is capable of displaying the values in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Quick and accurate readings
- Long warranty period
- Safe and hygienic
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Lacks a backlit display
Suitable for Use On
This device can be used on people of all ages.
Warranty
This Welch Allyn 01690-200 SureTemp Plus Model 690 comes with a two-year warranty.
The Verdict
Based on our review of the best thermometers, the ALOFOX baby thermometer seems to come out on top as the finest option. Featuring both contact and non-contact methods of measuring temperatures, this device is highly versatile and can be used on people of all age groups. It is also loaded with plenty of useful features like a backlit display and a mute function. On the other hand, if you’re on the lookout for a full contact thermometer, the SANPU digital thermometer is a great and inexpensive alternative that you can consider.
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