Best Thermometer in 2022 [Ultimate Guide]

In many cases, you don't even think about buying a thermometer or replacing your current one. Until a pandemic breaks out and you understand the essence of it. Thermometers are indispensable nowadays. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is how important it is to have a good and reliable measuring device at home. But what is the best thermometer for you?

The first “modern” thermometer, the mercury thermometer, was invented by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1714. Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit also invented the alcohol thermometer in 1709. But don't worry. Since then, more advanced and safe thermometers have been developed. New technologies and algorithms make measuring your temperature a lot more accurate and easier.

Table of content

• Fever Symptoms 
• 3 Crucial Things to Look for in a Thermometer
• FDA
• Accuracy
• Fever Alarm
• 4 Thermometer Types
• 1. Digital Thermometer
• 2. Ear and Temporal Thermometer
• 3. Contactless Thermometer
• 4. Basal Body Thermometer

Fever Symptoms

With a thermometer, it is possible to measure your body temperature. Within a few seconds, you know if your temperature is high or at a normal range. A high temperature may be a sign you have contracted a virus or an infection. Your body produces antibodies to fight the infection, which increases your body temperature.

With a fever you may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Glowing cheeks
• Headache
• Muscle strain
• Fatigue
• To sweat
• Risk of dehydration

The symptoms and their severity might vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to monitor your body temperature and to seek advice from your doctor.

3 Crucial Things to Look for in a Thermometer

When choosing a measuring device, there is still quite a bit to consider. You are looking for the best thermometer, but there are so many options. Nevertheless, we believe that you should at least take the following 3 things into account.

FDA

It is crucial that a thermometer is cleared by the FDA. But what does FDA cleared mean? When a product is FDA cleared, you are allowed to sell the product in the US. A requirement is that the device is substantially equivalent to a device already on the market. When a medical device is cleared, this means it has undergone a 510 (k) submission, which FDA has reviewed and provided clearance. In basic terms, when a product is cleared by the FDA, it is safe to use.

Accuracy

A thermometer that is not accurate is worthless. After all, the purpose of it is to measure your body temperature and this must be extremely accurate. One of the factors determining the accuracy of a thermometer is the measuring method. It is important to understand how to measure the right way.

Fever Alarm

Yes, you do want to be aware of your body temperature. But what does a specific temperature actually say? One of the most important developments in the thermometer world is the fever indicator and fever alarm. All iProven thermometers have a built-in fever indicator that detects fever in seconds. 

• :) = Healthy temperature, <99.0ºF / <37.2ºC
• : | = Elevated temperature, 99.1-99.9ºF / 37.3-37.7ºC
• :( = Fever, > 100.0ºF /> 37.8ºC

Fortunately, you don't have to remember the temperatures above. Our smart thermometers do this for you.

4 Thermometer Types

Various types of thermometers have been developed in recent years. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. They differ in measuring methods as well. In the next 10 minutes, you will know which type of thermometer matches you best and which one to avoid. We will explain to you how to use the device so that you get an accurate and reliable measurement. 

1. Digital Thermometer

Digital thermometers are one of the most popular and best-selling measuring devices. Almost all households have one or more. A digital thermometer is suitable for oral, axillary and rectal use. Measuring via the armpits is a more hygienic method compared to oral or rectal measurements, but the measurements are less accurate. If you want an accurate result, it is advised to take an oral or rectal measurement.

It is easy to perform an oral measurement in adults. It will also be effortless for children. But it's a different story with babies. An oral measurement causes a lot of discomfort in babies. Therefore, it is better to take a rectal measurement. A rectal measurement is more accurate compared to other methods.

Tip: Don't forget to thoroughly clean and disinfect the thermometer. Consider using probe covers or have a separate digital thermometer for each family member. This way the chance of bacteria spreading is a lot lower.

Pros

• Accurate and reliable
• Ideal for babies, children and adults
• Affordable price

Cons

• Measurements can be experienced as uncomfortable
• Needs to be cleaned and disinfected every time after usage 

Recommendation

A reliable digital thermometer is the DTR-1221A. It has an optimized algorithm that allows you to take the most accurate fever measurements in just 10 seconds. The flexible tip provides convenience and makes every reading more comfortable. This digital thermometer is waterproof, has a built-in fever indicator and can be switched from Fahrenheit to Celsius. It can be used for adults, children and babies.

2. Ear and Temporal Thermometer

Ear and Temporal thermometers have become quite fashionable lately. You only saw these types of thermometers at your doctor or GP, but nowadays more and more households have one at home. Due to the convenience of an ear and temporal thermometer, they are mostly used for infants and toddlers but don't let this mislead you. This type of thermometer can be a great option for adults and the elderly.

An ear thermometer uses infrared technology. The sensor is in the shape of a canal. The probe must be inserted into the ear canal. When that is done, the infrared rays measure the temperature of the inside of the canal and this is displayed almost immediately on a screen on the handle. All these thermometers have a digital display.

At iProven we have dual mode thermometers in our range that have an ear and temporal measurement function. With our dual mode thermometers, you have two options in one. Of course, our dual mode thermometers have a fever alarm as well to eliminate all guesswork.

Pros

• Accurate thanks to the infrared sensor
• Chances of contamination are low with a temporal measurement
• Ear and forehead measurement function
• Built-in fever alarm
• Ideal for adults, the elderly, children and babies

Cons

• More expensive than a rectal or oral thermometer
• Takes up more space
• Less accurate than a rectal measurement

Recommendation

Are you looking for a thermometer that measures both via the ear and temporal? Then the DMT-489 is the thermometer you are looking for. With a swipe across the forehead, you have immediate results and thanks to its fever alarm you know whether you have a fever. The DMT-489 is clinically accurate, has a mute function and shuts off automatically. You can measure up to 3000 times with a set of batteries. Of course, the batteries are included in the box.

Also available on Amazon

3. Contactless Thermometer

Contactless thermometers weren’t very popular before the pandemic. Nowadays, they are used by millions. Because of its ability to measure from a distance, it is the safest thermometer to prevent further contamination.

Unlike traditional measuring devices, a contactless thermometer detects temperature without direct contact with the object. You are able to make a measurement with a distance of 0.4 - 2.0 inches. The result is displayed on the digital screen within 1 second. The LCD screen has three different colors to indicate whether your temperature is normal, high or elevated.

A contactless thermometer measures more than only the temperature of a person. By selecting the object mode, it allows you to check the temperature of a room and even the milk bottle of your newborn.

Benefits

• Most hygienic alternative
• Chances of contamination are very low
• Easy to use
• Results within 1 second
• Built-in fever alarm

Cons

• Less accurate than a rectal thermometer
• Pricey
• Takes up more space

Recommendation

Is hygiene the most important decision factor for you? If so, the NCT-978 is the best thermometer for you. This contactless thermometer is packed with the newest features and a bright LCD screen. The iProven NCT-978 is calibrated to be accurate to +/- 0.5 ℉ at a distance of 0.4-2 inches. Thanks to extensive clinical testing, this contactless thermometer is proven to be accurate and reliable.

4. Basal Body Thermometer

A basal body thermometer (BBT) is a thermometer that makes highly accurate measurements. This special type of thermometer is very similar to a digital thermometer but allows you to read the temperature down to 1/100 degrees Fahrenheit. This accuracy is required for women when trying to conceive. It takes longer to measure body temperature. In contrast to 10 - 15 seconds with a digital thermometer, it takes up to a minute with a basal body thermometer.

Pros

• Highly accurate
• For Ovulation Detection and Fertility Tracking
• Temperature in 1 / 100th degree.
• Memory function

Cons

• Takes longer to measure

Recommendation

Our BBT-113ai is your must-have basal body thermometer during your natural family planning adventure. No need to worry if you forgot to write down yesterday's measurement. With the built-in memory function, you'll be able to recall the temperature that was taken last.