Best Thermometers For Human Temperature ( Updated For 2020)
Checking your body’s temperature with a thermometer is an easy way to see if you have a fever. A fever, which is a rise in the body’s temperature, is usually caused by an infection. Though fevers can be uncomfortable, they are a sign that the body is fighting off infection, so is important to know. (source)
There are many different types of thermometers you can use to measure temperature.
When using any kind of thermometer, make sure you read and follow the instructions that come with the thermometer. If your thermometer uses batteries, check them. You might notice that weak batteries give inconsistent readings.
What is a normal body temperature?
Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or 37 degrees Celsius (°C). Normal temperature often varies from 1° to 2°F (½° to 1°C). A normal temperature is usually lower in the morning and increases during the day. It reaches its high in the late afternoon or evening.
Type of thermometers used to take human temperature
Related: Best oral thermometers for adults
Related: Best non contact thermometers
Digital thermometer – A digital thermometer is the most accurate and quickest way to take a temperature. Digital thermometers are available in most drug stores and supermarket pharmacies. Be sure to follow package instructions while using any thermometer.
A digital thermometer can be used three different ways. These include:
- Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue.
- Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. This is mostly done in babies but can used in children up to 3 years of age.
- Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally(not very accurate).
Tympanic (ear) – This type of thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear by reading the infrared heat there. For best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the device about placing the tip correctly. For older babies and children, ear thermometers can be quicker and easier to use.
However, they are not recommended if your baby is three months old or younger. They should not be used if your child has too much earwax, or if they have an earache.
Temporal artery (forehead): Forehead thermometers are also used to measure temperature, but may not be as reliable as the digital thermometers and are usually more expensive. They are placed on the temporal artery of the forehead and measure the infrared heat that comes off of the head.
What types of thermometers aren’t recommended?
Some thermometers aren’t recommended due to their inaccuracy.
- Plastic strip thermometers only measure the skin temperature.
- Pacifier thermometers are not precise and are difficult to use correctly because they have to stay in the child’s mouth for long enough to record a temperature.
- Smartphone app thermometers. (source)
Best Thermometers For Human Temperature (Updated For 2020)
We reviewed a range of thermometers for human temperature available and we selected the best ones to share with you. The main points we looked at were price, quality and the accuracy of the temperature readings.
[wptb id=3426]
Dream Maker Oral Thermometer is the best oral thermometer for human temperature. This digital oral thermometer for adults display’s window is easy to read with large numbers, and only takes 60 seconds to get a temperature reading. This oral thermometer is very easy to use, and are Mercury-Free and safe to use in your home. The temperature readings maybe vary on different parts of body.
It also stores the last temperature records, it is easier for you track your temperature change. Has a a fever alert, so you will hear beep sound after finished the test, LCD will display Lo℉, if the measured temperature is below 89.6℉, or will display Hi℉ if the measures temperature is above 107.6 ℉
[wptb id=3428]
Non contact thermometers such as CocoBear Non – Touch Thermometer Medical Grade is the best one recommended for taking human temperature. It is suitable for taking body temperature as well as measuring the temperature of food, water and rooms. The unit is simple to operate and it has a large LCD screen that’s easy to read.
This thermometer gor human temperature has been clinically tested and found to be a fast and absolutely reliable gadget to use.
Measurement deviation ± 0.1 ℉ / ℃. It is actually more accurate than standard mercury thermometers.
This non touch thermometer is designed for all ages, adults, infants, and elders. It not only supports the forehead function but is able to take room/object temperature. ℃ and ℉ are easily switchable.It is equipped with a clear LED Digital Screen and large operating buttons.
[wptb id=3430]
Beitesi forehead thermometer comes with large display screen for easy reading temperatures. With back light, you can read temperature easily even in the night. Rapid response and measurements display, just within 1 second. It also have a fever alert to help you recognize fever immediately.
One-button operation, with user-friendly mode setting, you can setup and start to use it within few minutes. 3 color display, you can recognize fever directly. This product is just designed for adults, with one-button operation, even your kids could use it easily.
[wptb id=3433]
If your child is consistently picking up bugs and viruses on the playground, make sure you have a reliable and easy-to-use thermometer on hand, like this option from amazon. Say goodbye to the discomfort of under-the-tongue, inner ear, or rectal thermometers. Instead, this option takes the temperature by capturing the heat from the temporal artery through the forehead skin.
iProven Forehead Thermometer for Kids – gives you accurate readings time after time thanks to the advanced calibration technology and clinically accurate algorithm.
The iProven Forehead thermometer for Babies lights up in green, orange, or red. Helping you to decide if the temperature is completely healthy or if there’s something to worry about.
What to Look for in a Thermometer For Human Temperature
Features: Beyond simple temperature readings, some thermometers will store a history of your family’s temperatures, and some will even provide advice on when you should see a doctor. There are also thermometers that do double duty and can be used to check the temperature of things like baby formula. How many bells and whistles you want will depend on how often you use a thermometer, the size of your family, and your general preferences.
Ease of use: From cleaning the thermometer to getting a temperature reading no matter the circumstances (think squirmy and/or sleeping children), there are some thermometers that make the job a lot easier than others. Also, consider the battery life of a thermometer. There are few things more frustrating than someone spiking a fever in the middle of the night only to find that the thermometer is out of batteries.
Accuracy: The most important quality you want in a thermometer, of course, is accuracy. You want to be able to rely on the results to help you make the best health decisions for you and your family. While rectal readings are recommended for children under 3, for older children and adults, there are a variety of methods thermometers use to produce accurate results, including some models that don’t even have to touch the skin.
Karen Watson
Karen started writing about health to document her own journey. She fell into some very bad habits and knew things had to change. That’s why she joined us to help as many people as possible with their health issues.