Thermometers Buying Guide

Some like it hot, but not when it comes to body temperature.   If you want to be able to tell if you or a loved one--especially your child --has a fever,  you need to have a reliable thermometer at home.   So check out some of the different options available before raiding your local drug store. 

Things to Consider

As with any new purchase, you want to consider how well the the product works and how it can best suit your needs.  When it comes to thermometers, consider these important features before buying:

• Accuracy. You want your thermometer to give you an accurate reading every time so you can monitor  temperature if you're already sick, or so you can distinguish between a low grade fever and something more serious that warrants a doctor's visit.
• Ease of Use. If you can't read your thermometer or have trouble operating it, it may be best to opt for a simpler model. If you don't have an absolute need for extra bells and whistles, they may just be distracting.
• Speed To Read. While a speedy read out on a thermometer is more useful if you're, say, cooking meat, the principle still applies for body thermometers too. The quicker the read out, the more comfortable you or the "patient" will be. This is an especially important feature if you have young children or babies who often fidget.

The Models on the Market

Digital Ear Thermometers  Ear thermometers are becoming much more popular than oral, especially for use in children.  They are said to be faster and more accurate than oral or rectal--not to mention more comfortable.  Many baby specific models come with a pre-warmed tip for added comfort.	Digital Oral Thermometers  Quickly becoming the old standby, the digital oral thermometer offers a quick, accurate reading.  Many digital thermometers come with tip covers to avoid the spread of germs, and they are also beginning to use colour indicators to make telling if you or a child has a fever more simple.  Oral thermometers can also often be used rectally or under the armpit.	Temporal  or Forehead Thermometers  These products claim to be even more accurate than their ear directed brethren.  All it takes is a gentle stroke of the forehead to capture the naturally emitted heat from skin over the temporal artery.  This is also becoming popular with babies, as you can take their temperatures while sleeping.  And many people of all ages enjoy this, the least invasive option.	Baby Thermometers  These are often designed with comfort and ease of use as top priorities.  Some companies make baby thermometers in the form of pacifiers, which are familiar to the child and essentially kill two birds with one stone.  When it comes to baby thermometers, quick, accurate and painless are traits to look for.

Related Guides

Cooking Thermometers	First Aid Kits	Baby Thermometers

External Links

• AmazingRibs.com: Even though this site is aimed toward cooking thermometers, the good thermometer checklist still applies.
• Walmart.com : Thorough descriptions of the popular models.