The 10 best thermometers to buy in the UK
When it comes to the health of a loved one, you don’t want to take any risks, which is why it’s worth buying the best thermometer possible for anyone with a fever. A good thermometer offers accurate readings, allowing you to know the extent of a running temperature and whether you need to act.
However, with so many products to choose from, it’s not always easy to find a quality thermometer for reading you or a loved one’s temperature. Check the buying guide below for how to choose the best thermometer.
What are thermometers?
A medical thermometer is used to measure a person’s body temperature. The best thermometers are now made digitally, with mercury thermometers no longer being used due the inherent risks of accidental mercury poisoning.
The tip of a thermometer is inserted into the tongue, armpit, or the rectum to get an accurate reading of a body’s running temperature.
Why should you buy a good thermometer?
Anyone with a running temperature for more than a few days may have some medical issues, so it’s always worth owning a thermometer to determine the extent of a fever and how bad it is. Not all thermometers offer accurate readings however, so it’s important to buy the best thermometer to ensure you have correct information regarding the health of a loved one.
How to choose the right thermometer in 2024?
Choosing the right thermometer depends on quite a few things, from who it’s being used on to the features it provides. Here are some things to consider that will help you choose the right thermometer:
- Response Time: The quicker you get a result from a thermometer the better, as it’s often difficult to get a child to sit still for long when trying to read their temperature. The best thermometers offer a response time of around 10 seconders or lower.
- Testing Method: The tip of a thermometer is traditionally inserted under the tongue or ear, although most modern digital thermometers are inserted into the latter. There are other testing methods however, including under the armpit, in the rectum, and even non-contact thermometers (usually held close to the forehead). Be sure to buy a thermometer that is age-appropriate. For instance, children aged three and under should be tested via the rectum for an accurate reading, while children above three should be fine with an ear thermometer. Adults may use any method they prefer.
- Features: While the most important thing about a thermometer is getting an accurate temperature reading, it may also help to have a few extras thrown in too. For example, a curved tip may offer comfortable insertion (ideal for kids that struggle to have it inserted in their ear), while a beeper can alert you to high fevers.
What is the best kind of thermometer in the UK?
There are a few types of thermometer to choose from, any of which may be preferable for you or your children.
- Digital Stick Thermometers: The best all-round thermometer and one of the cheapest available, digital stick thermometers are a great choice for most people. Try to go for a model that offers an LCD display for easier readings, while features such as audio beeps are helpful for determining the right position of the thermometer or whether there is a high fever reading. Various tips are available too, including flexible and rigid.
- Infrared Thermometers: Infrared thermometers are better for getting quick readings, which may be useful for parents that struggle to get their kids to sit still. It works by using infrared to measure heat emitted from the body and is typically used in the ear or on the forehead, making them more comfortable to use in most instances. However, infrared thermometers are more expensive than digital sticks.
Top 10 list of thermometers in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their thermometers. Which thermometer is the best?
- EASY TO USE: Accuracy made easy thanks to user-friendly, compact, intuitive design;…
- SAFE AND HYGIENIC: Includes 21 Braun Hygiene Caps that ensure device accuracy by…
- VISUAL AND AUDIO FEVER INDICATOR: Numeric results are displayed on a digital screen;…
- Complete Package with Warranty and Support: Your purchase includes the Anmeate thermometer,…
- Suitable for All Ages with User-Friendly Design: Crafted to be gentle and ergonomic,…
- 3 Backlight Indicators: (Green, Yellow, Red) for different temperature levels, turns…
- What's Included: 1 Touchless Infrared Thermometer, 1 User Manual, 2 LR03 Batteries.…
- Fever Alert with Backlight: Featuring a large LCD screen with 3 backlight indicators…
- 3-in-1 Infrared Thermometer: Utilizing infrared technology, it measures forehead…
- FLEXIBLE TIP: Features a small, soft, flexible tip that’s extra gentle so you…
- QUICK AND EASY TO USE: Braun Age Precision Digital thermometer provides a temperature…
- MULTI-SITE USAGE: 3-in-1 thermometer suitable for oral, rectal, or underarm use
- READY TO USE: Comes equipped with 2 AA batteries plus a protective cradle for safe…
- RELIABLE RESULTS: The ear is the best site to measure fever as it allows for more…
- EXACTEMP STABILITY INDICATOR: Accuracy made easy thanks to the user-friendly technology…
- Easy to Use: The streamlined non-slip handle design and simple and easy-to-use one-touch…
- 32 Groups of Memory Calls: The baby thermometer is equipped with an internal memory…
- Three-Color Alarm Reminder: 3 colors are displayed on the digital thermometer screen,…
- Included accessories - The analogue clinical thermometer from Geratherm is supplied…
- Guaranteed measuring accuracy - The Geratherm classic analogue clinical thermometer…
- 100% hygienic & hypoallergenic - The clinical thermometer is waterproof and easy…
- CLEAR, COLOUR CODED RESULTS: The digital thermometers results are displayed to 0.1°C,…
- IN-EAR, FOREHEAD AND SURFACE MODES: The OxiPro TH1 features four usage modes; In-Ear,…
- BABY THERMOMETER & ADULT THERMOMETER: The OxiPro TH1 is clinically validated…
- Order Today - and you’re protected by a 100 day, no-questions-asked money back…
- Clear Fever Indication - The digital display gives a clear fever indication in smileys.…
- Always Squeeky Clean and Hygienic - The ProFlex Temp DTR-1221R is waterproof for…
- Professional Certification Our infrared thermometer complies with…
- User Friendly Design This non-contact thermometer automatically switches…
- Fever alarm Four color LCD backlit display temperature display: White…
We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/06.