Here are the best thermometers selected from among the best rated, the most versatile and the most practical. Because it is sometimes complicated to know which model to turn to, we help you choose the best for the whole family …
How did we make this selection?
The products we have selected have been evaluated on:
– The accuracy of the given temperature (maximum deviation +/- 0.2 ° C)
– Utilisation facility
– The clarity of the results given
– User reviews (minimum 4 stars / 5)
– Value for money.
These measuring devices have all been validated by the medical profession.
In view of the exponential increase in thermometer purchases, the selected references are regularly unavailable.
In the meantime, here is a selection of quality thermometers that you can still get online. This list will be regularly updated for you.
1- Withings: The expert connected model for families
Withings – Connected time thermometer, from € 99.99 on Boulanger
How it works ?
This model allows the temperature to be raised in a single gesture, in a non-invasive and hygienic manner. The Thermo takes the temperature at the level of the temporal artery, considered to be the most reliable zone for measuring temperature variations, since the influx of blood comes directly from the heart. Just place the device 1 cm from the forehead and the temperature will appear directly on the LED screen. The color green, orange or red indicates whether the temperature is normal, high or disturbing, taking into account the age of the patient.
What we like:
– The measurements are automatically synchronized with the smartphone (via bluetooth) with the free Thermo application (available on iOS and Android). Depending on the duration of the fever and the symptoms you report, you are given advice on how to best deal with the temperature rise.
– The Thermia functionality (developed by the Boston Children's Hospital) guides the user on the preferred drugs and the dosage to be delivered according to age.
– The application also offers the possibility of adding comments and statement information to keep a history (which can be shown to the doctor).
– The device can store the data of 8 users (ideal for families)
What can make us hesitate:
– It only measures body temperature (and not food like some of its competitors)
2- Elera: The most versatile and quiet
Elera – Digital forehead and ear thermometer, from 90.99 €
How it works :
This thermometer offers a non-contact or ear temperature measurement, so that you can compare the results and adapt to the subject. The thermometer probe is equipped with an infrared lens, to detect the slightest temperature variations. The screen shows the result with 4 colors : the blue display indicates that the device is being measured, green indicates a normal temperature, orange indicates a fever, and red indicates a high fever.
What we like:
– This product has 4 distinct modes (baby front mode, adult front mode, ear mode and object mode)
– It can read the temperature of objects or the environment, ideal for knowing the temperature of food before giving it to toddlers
– Memory mode allows you to store up to 40 temperature readings and follow changes precisely
– Silence function, to take baby's temperature without waking him
– The result which is displayed in 1 second on the backlit screen
– The lid on the back of the bat allows you to choose between degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
What can make us hesitate:
– Its price, which may seem a bit high
3- Braun Thermoscan 7: The most clear and precise for toddlers
Braun – Thermoscan 7 Age Precision, from 56.03 €
How it works :
This Braun Thermoscan 7 ear thermometer is designed with the latest Age Precision technology. It is one of the models most recommended by doctors, and user reviews are very positive. The device’s patented technology helps interpret your child's temperature taking into account their exact age. With Age Precision mode, it is a guarantee of quality and precision for all parents.
What we like:
– The thermometer setting on the age of the child: 0-3 months, 3-36 months, adults
– Preheating the disposable tip so as not to be surprised during insertion, or to risk external disturbances causing the temperature to vary
– Backlit digital LCD screen to not wake baby if you measure the temperature while baby is sleeping
– A handy grip with an aid to the correct positioning of the device
– The hygienic disposable tips already supplied (21), avoiding cross-contamination or temperature variations by earwax residue.
– The accuracy of the measurement: the screen is displayed in green, yellow or red depending on the temperature recorded and the age of the subject, with a variability of 0.2 °.
What can make us hesitate:
– No silent mode
– Systematic selection of the age which cannot remain pre-recorded
4- Braun Thermoscan 5: The best value for money
Braun – Thermoscan 5 ear thermometer, from € 44.99
How it works :
Also by Braun, this other model also remains a reference for the medical profession and users, and the detector is infrared, for good accuracy of the temporal temperature. Just insert the clean disposable tip on the device, turn on the thermometer, place it in the ear cavity, and wait for the beep in less than 5 seconds. The result is displayed on the backlit screen.
What we like:
– Preheating the nozzle to avoid external disturbances causing the temperature to vary. Thanks to the tip preheated to 34 ° C, it is placed at the top in terms of accuracy.
– The positioning aid confirms the correct insertion of the device thanks to the indicator light and the beep
– The easy handling of this model guarantees BPA and latex free
– Disposable tips prevent any cross contamination or temperature disturbances by the deposit of cerumen
– The temperature accuracy is 0.2 ° C
What can make us hesitate:
– The absence of silent mode (the beep will not go unnoticed)
6- Beurer FT 58: The easiest to use and at a low price
Beurer – Ear thermometer FT 58, from € 29.89
How it works :
This Beurer thermometer is designed with a high sensitivity sensor, and offers an alarm from 37.5 ° C. Its low price is attractive, but it remains a little less reliable. A good quality basic, however, which works exactly like the other models, with less adjustment options.
What we like:
– The ease of use of this very simple and handy model
– The possibility of measuring other surfaces: food, bath water, baby milk, environment
– The screen clearly shows the result, useful if you take the temperature when baby is sleeping
– The price, clearly!
– The possibility of changing the tips, for optimal hygiene
What can make us hesitate:
-The thermometer can only record 10 temperature measurements
What are the methods of measuring body temperature?
The temperature of a person is the first thing to check if you have a disease, one of the symptoms of which is fever. To do this, there are several types of thermometers, the best known being:
– The ear thermometer:
It is the most reliable on the market at the moment, and works very simply. The infrared sensor placed on the tip of the device measures the temperature inside the hearing cavity. The influx of blood coming directly from the heart, the temperature recorded is all the more precise. The result is displayed in months of 5 seconds.
– The oral, rectal and axillary thermometer:
This is the classic thermometer to place under the tongue, in the anus or under the armpit, with a slightly less precise result, but sufficiently clear to indicate the temperature of the subject.
– The frontal thermometer without contact or with laying on the skin:
The forehead thermometer is a medical device for measuring the temperature at the forehead. Some models do not require any contact with the skin, called "infrared". Appreciated for their practical aspect, it is however necessary to pay attention to the precision of the results.
Our opinion: a contactless thermometer yes, but the ear model remains more reliable
As families, businesses, and caregivers worry about the flu virus, interest in thermometers is also on the rise. The most sought-after models are those called "without touching" for several reasons: more precision, indisputable hygiene, multiple functions, quick results and obvious ease of use (especially to measure the temperature of babies).
Currently, the most accurate thermometers are the ear and axillary (under the armpit) thermometers. Often neglected, they are however the most effective to have reliable results, provided you use them well.
Advantages of the contactless thermometer:
The result is very fast, in seconds. Compared to mercury thermometers, it is day and night. No need to contact the patient, the forehead thermometer does not touch the person. Ideal for taking the temperature of a baby without disturbing him in his sleep, but also for hygienic reasons if you have to take the temperature of several people. The use is versatile since infrared thermometers can also measure the temperature of food, objects, liquids and surfaces. Some models offer advanced functions, such as synchronization with the phone for more precise temperature monitoring. For families, medical staff, and businesses, it’s the perfect device. In these cases, it is a good idea to equip yourself with one or more front thermometers: they are easy to handle, quick to use, autonomous and reliable.
Disadvantages of non-contact infrared thermometers:
They are often criticized for their lack of precision. The models compared here are reliable and have been approved by their users (all have a minimum rating of 4/5 by Amazon users)
However, it is best to remain cautious about the accuracy of the measurements. The price may seem high when compared with a more classic ear type thermometer, which has proven itself on the Braun and Beurer models.
Our opinion :
According to us, the best thermometers are the ear models, they have the advantage of being very precise and minimally invasive in toddlers and children, who will not necessarily be allowed to put a thermometer for 1 minute in the mouth … or elsewhere.
For those who wish to turn to powerful and precise thermometers, we advise you to favor a ear thermometer with disposable tips.
If you opt for an ear thermometer with disposable tips, remember to get spare tips, which guarantee impeccable hygiene, provided you change them after each use.
– 40 Braun compatible tips, € 8.54 on Amazon
Why should you monitor the temperature if you suspect flu?
Influenza remains the primary disease in case of sudden fever, so you should always have an efficient and accurate thermometer at home, especially for people at risk: babies, the elderly, immunosuppressed patients, etc.
Influenza infection is accompanied by a rise in temperature in the human body, and is manifested by a fever (body temperature greater than or equal to 37.9 °). Regular temperature monitoring therefore requires precise measurement.
Important reminder :
Our recommendations are not a substitute for consulting a doctor. If you suspect contagion from an influenza virus (covid-19, H1N1, etc.), avoid contact with those around you, check the temperature variations and contact the SAMU (15).
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