The Best Thermometer

Thermometers have a tremendous variety of purposes. People often use them to monitor indoor and outdoor conditions. You can also check the temperature of water, food, heating equipment or a refrigerator. Different features and technologies prove useful depending on your specific goal.
Mechanism

Today's thermometers use springs, electronic sensors or sealed alcohol to determine the temperature. Spring-based units normally provide the least accurate readings. Well-made digital models achieve somewhat greater accuracy than most alcohol thermometers.

Precision

Many digital displays provide readings that indicate the nearest tenth or hundredth of a degree. Analog thermometer precision depends on the unit's size and temperature range. Some large alcohol or spring-based models have lines that mark each one-degree increment.

Range

Every thermometer has different minimum and maximum readings. Digital units frequently cover wider ranges, especially if they use infrared technology. Some models can detect temperatures as cold as -60 degrees Fahrenheit or as hot as 1500 F.

Scales

Most thermometers in the United States provide both Celsius and Fahrenheit readings, but a few models only cover Fahrenheit. You may need to press a button to switch between the two scales on a digital device.

Memory

Some sophisticated digital thermometers keep track of changing temperatures and save important details. You might be able to check the highest and lowest readings that were recorded during the day.

Power

A downside of digital equipment is that it needs electricity. Numerous units run on AA or AAA batteries. Small portable thermometers require button cells that tend to cost more. They also remain harder to find in stores.

A few outdoor models run on energy from solar panels rather than disposable batteries. In addition to the digital display, a photovoltaic panel may power a light or clock.

Wiring

Some thermometers report both indoor and outdoor temperatures. These devices must communicate with outdoor sensors via cables or radio signals. Wired connections save energy and may eliminate the need for batteries, especially in alcohol thermometers.

Infrared

Thermometers with infrared technology can rapidly measure the temperatures of objects without touching them. This increases safety and saves time, but it may not deliver the greatest accuracy. People use these thermometers to check items ranging from engines to cooked meat.

Lighting

Some models have lights that make it easy to see temperature readings in the dark. A screen, individual numbers or the entire unit may light up. This feature will come in handy if you install an outdoor thermometer near a window.

Waterproof

A weather-resistant or waterproof thermometer usually proves necessary for outdoor applications. A few units feature rain gauges that you can use to measure daily precipitation. Farmers and gardeners often appreciate this capability.

Hygrometer

It's not uncommon to find thermometers that display the relative humidity level. You may use this function to determine when you should run a humidifier or dehumidifier. It also enables you to calculate the heat index.

Extras

Other additional features range from clocks to barometers. Some costly units have anemometers; this equipment measures the wind speed. Use caution when buying multifunctional devices. Reviews suggest that these complex products are more likely to contain defects.

Material

Wooden thermometers often have a desirable appearance, and the material comes from a renewable resource. Plastic and glass won't rust, rot or corrode. Nonetheless, they crack and shatter more easily. Metal is tougher than wood or plastic, but it may deteriorate in moist environments.

Style

Although most manufacturers use solid colors, it's possible to find thermometers with artistic designs. A decorative picture of a farm or nature scene may appear on the dial. However, these products don't always offer the most accurate readings.

Mounting

Different models screw into walls, hang on nails or stick to larger objects with the help of magnets. Freestanding thermometers may feature metal poles. Outdoor units frequently come with hardware that attaches them to wooden siding or window frames.

Best Products

These recommendations can help you quickly find a suitable model. If you just want a simple wall thermometer that doesn't need batteries, check out the Taylor 5154. This plastic outdoor unit costs under $5. To see a basic indoor model, look up the Taylor 5141.

Do you want a big, durable thermometer with attractive styling? The Bjerg Instruments R805100 sells for about $37, but it has a steel housing and comes in three appealing colors. This spring-based model makes an excellent gift.

Is the indoor humidity level important to you? If so, consider the Thermor Bios 263BC. This precise digital thermometer and hygrometer has earned an average customer rating of 4.3 stars. It needs a single AAA battery.

If you'd like to monitor the outdoor and indoor temperatures with one economical device, look up the Taylor 1710. Its external sensor features a 10-foot cord. This model also keeps track of each day's high and low temperatures.

Do you need to watch rainfall amounts closely? In addition to telling you the time and temperature, the Oregon Scientific RGR126N can measure rainfall to the nearest four-hundredths of an inch. This wireless digital unit costs around $50.

Weather enthusiasts may appreciate an old-fashioned wooden device that mounts on the wall. The Ambient Weather BA212 reports the current temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure and comfort level. This equipment uses antiquated technology but requires no electricity.

If you need to monitor the temperature in a pond, hot tub or pool, look no further than the highly rated Milliard MIL-SWM176. This floating thermometer is topped with a plastic polar bear. It measures seven inches tall.

The La Crosse Technology 306-645 may appeal to individuals with an interest in solar energy. Its swiveling photovoltaic panel powers a lighted digital screen. This model keeps track of the time as well as daily highs and lows.

If you want to carry a sophisticated digital thermometer with you, check out the UEi Test Instruments PDT650. This mid-priced unit can measure temperatures as high as 572 degrees. The built-in probe folds to fit in your pocket.

Anyone in search of a low-cost cooking thermometer should consider the Taylor 9847. It has an easy-to-read screen and detects temperatures up to 450 F. This model is waterproof, so you can also use it in liquids.

Do you want to check food or equipment temperatures without direct contact? Look at the Etekcity Lasergrip 774. This infrared device can sense a tremendous range of temperatures, and there's no need to clean it after each use. The Lasergrip 774 costs about $17 to $35.

A basic analog model will prove adequate when you just want to know the approximate temperature. If you seek an eye-catching decoration, high-precision readings or additional weather data, it's worth spending an extra $10 to $20.

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This page about Thermometer was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2019-01-11 05:45:49 and has been viewed 3207 times.