A thermometer is a small device used to measure temperature. They either have a mercury-in-glass element or an infrared sensor that detects a temperature change and gives that temperature a numerical value. This medical device is used daily in hospitals to monitor the body temperature and overall health of patients.
But, sometimes we may need to check the temperature level of someone at home who has taken to wrapping themselves up in blankets. A person’s body temperature can give you a quick indication of the condition of their health and the action you need to take next regarding medical advice.
The operation of each thermometer listed below does vary in terms of features however they all carry out the most fundamental and basic function of recording body temperature.
An infrared thermometer can convert a warm temperature into a numerical value of 22 degrees Celsius or 72 degrees Fahrenheit. That value lets you know whether you may need medical attention. Such a product has become more of a necessity in recent times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as fever is one of the main symptoms of this virus.
Thankfully there are a wide range of thermometer products available to order online in Ireland. In this article we will provide a list of reliable thermometer brands and models along with the factors you need to consider before purchasing the correct one for your home.
Where Can I Buy a Medical Thermometer?
While you can buy thermometers at your local pharmacy, you can find a wider choice on a site like Amazon UK. Thermometers bought online can be a bit more expensive but they have many extra features and give more accurate temperature readings.
Below we will outline the position of the best thermometers to buy in Ireland:
| Product | Features | Batteries Included | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 My Recommendation - Braun No Touch & Touch Thermometer | Touch & No Touch 2 Second Readings Paediatrician Approved | Yes |  |
| #2 Spire UK Professional Digital Thermometer | 5 methods of temp reading Suitable for all ages 12 month warranty | Yes |  |
| #3 Anthsania Forehead Infrared Thermometer | 1 second reading 3 methods of temp reading | No |  |
| #4 LPOW Digital Thermometer | 3 colour temp gage Stores up to 50 readings | Yes |  |
| #5 Easy@Home Infrared Thermometer | Colour coded readings 3 methods of temp reading | Yes |  |
Many people still use regular mouth thermometers, but we recommend using a non-contact infrared thermometer as they are proven to be a reliable source of temperature level in the home. Most importantly you can check the temperature level of a person without having to make contact between the skin and the medical device. Battery inclusion is an added plus with most of these thermometer brands as it saves you buying another product after delivery.
As the name implies, a non-contact medical device allows you to take temperatures without placing the instrument in someone’s mouth, ear, or armpit. Thus, you can check several different people’s temperatures without needing to sanitise after every single one, saving time and maybe lives.
Brand Accuracy Level
Typically with medical devices the more you invest in your order the more accuracy you get. Thermometers can be very sensitive in terms of reading body temperature and so investing in a higher quality product will give the user increased levels of accuracy. The choice listed below offers decreased risk of cross-contamination due to the non-contact feature of the medical device. Children can also have a calmer experience when getting their temperature taken at home using non-invasive products.
The same goes for other medical devices like pulse oximeters which measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels in the blood when placed on the finger. There are cheaper options of all these products available in pharmacies however their effectiveness and accuracy in times of illness could be questioned. A pulse oximeter is used to measure heart rate or oxygen saturation levels in the blood. The medical device is placed on the fingertip and a small screen provides rapid results.
So, do some research before making an order online or simply look at our guidance below where we cover factors like features, battery inclusion and even cleaning.
Non-contact & Infrared Options for Home
To give you an idea of what contact infrared thermometers can offer, here are some product reviews of our favourites from Amazon UK. Many of the features and pros are the same, but these are at least a few quality products you can choose from.
#1 My Choice – Braun No Touch & Touch Thermometer
- Dual use – No touch and touch forehead measurement options
- Colour-coded temperature display
- Backlit display for use in the dark and silent mode to avoid waking up a sleeping child
- Measurements in 2 seconds
- High temperature alarm feature
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No touch mode suitable for when your child is sleeping
- Different modes – foods and liquids
- Temperature memory recall
- Suitable for baby and adults
Cons
- Other models measure within 1 second
- More expensive than other models
#2 Spire UK Professional Digital Baby Thermometer
- 5 in 1 methods of measurement including object, room, liquid, forehead and ear temperatures
- High accuracy sensor probe
- Recommended for baby but can be used for adults, children and elderly also
- 35 readings stored in memory
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 12 month warranty from date of purchase
- 1 second readings
- Temperature warning system feature
- Mute mode option
- Batteries included
Cons
- More expensive than other models
#3 Anthsania Forehead Thermometer
- Measures temperature within one second
- Measures room, object and body temperature
- Different colours indicate normal, low fever, and high fever body temps
- High measurement accuracy within 0.1 degrees Celsius
- Clear display lets you easily read the temperature in the dark
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Handy for quickly checking temperatures anytime
- Read temperatures with just one push of a button
- Not as “in your face” as larger non-contact options
- It fits easily into your handbag or a small bag
- Suitable for use with adults, children and babies
Cons
- Comes without batteries – 2 AA required
- Setting up takes a little longer than other models
#4 LPOW Thermometer
- It uses three colours to indicate temperature severity
- Stores up to 50 temperatures to track changes
- A high-sensitivity infrared sensor works indoors and out
- Can read temperatures between 1 to 5 cm away
- Large LED display lets you see temperatures at a glance
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It gives temperature readings in a second
- Suitable for checking several temperatures without needing cleaning
- Comfortable to use for people with hand problems
- Excellent for kids who don’t like mouth thermometers
- Stores 50 temperatures to accommodate a whole family
Cons
- It does not work best in cooler temperatures
- Temperature readings may fluctuate sometimes
- It feels a little flimsy
#5 Easy@Home Thermometer
- Can take temperatures for bodies, rooms, and surfaces
- Can read temperatures from 3 to 5 cm away
- Colour-coded temperature readings for normal, elevated, and fever temperatures
- Switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures easily
- Recalls up to 32 temperature measurements
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It makes taking temperatures while physically distancing easy
- One-second temperature-taking technology works well
- Silent mode helps with checking a sleeping baby or child’s temperature
- Colour-coding speeds up temperature reading
- It doesn’t spread any germs
Cons
- Leaving in cold temperatures affects its functionality
- Plastic might be a little cheap
Is the Thermometer the Most Important Medical Device for Your Home?
A thermometer can let you know if you have a fever, which is one of the first signs of being sick with a virus.
Knowing how high that fever is can also let you know if immediate medical attention is necessary. More recently, having a fever is a sign of possibly having COVID-19, so having a thermometer can let you know if maybe you have it.
With your home thermometer, you can check your temperature as necessary. With a contagious virus going around, you can see whether you need to get to a doctor or quarantine at home.
How to Read a Temperature Level?
When reading a thermometer, you need to take your temperature and note the number on the little screen.
For a non-contact infrared thermometer, you place the thermometer’s infrared sensor close to your forehead (3 to 5 cm away). These thermometers often have colour-coded numbers in green, yellow, and red, letting you know the severity of the temperature.
For a regular infrared thermometer, you would place the infrared sensor under your tongue for around a minute. Sometimes you’ll hear a beep when the thermometer has taken your temperature. You’ll then see your temperature on the tiny screen.
How to Clean?
We recommend cleaning your thermometer both before and after you take your temperature. You can clean it using either a small amount of rubbing alcohol or washing it with soap and lukewarm water before rinsing it with cool water. Either let the instrument air dry or wipe with a clean, dry cloth.