Are you looking for a precision instrument to measure temperature without relying on the traditional mercury thermometer? Here are the best infrared thermometers for children and adults to buy today.
After classic mercury, the thermometer has been labeled ” potentially dangerous ” for health and the environment; other tools have been developed to measure body temperature. One of the most advanced is the infrared forehead thermometer: easy to use, precise detection, and particularly suitable for children because it is non-invasive.
To understand if it is the most suitable device for your needs and choose the best infrared forehead thermometer, you must first know what features to look for to evaluate the pros and cons. And this is exactly what we will do in this guide, at the end of which, to ease the task further, you will also find a selection of the top 10 best infrared devices in circulation.
Table of Contents
How the infrared forehead thermometer works, and what are the main advantages
The operation of infrared forehead thermometers is as technologically advanced as simple in practice. These devices are characterized by detecting the temperature at a distance: the laser pointer emits a beam of infrared rays and processes radiation that the human body naturally emits.
The thermometer doesn’t need to contact the skin directly, but it is sufficient to place it a few centimeters away to obtain an accurate and fast measurement.
For this reason, they are particularly suitable for children, especially if they are very young, which often get annoyed with a traditional thermometer and make the measurement difficult and inaccurate due to constant movements.
With the infrared forehead thermometer, you no longer need to hold a device under the child’s arm for endless minutes, but point it in the right direction and wait a few seconds to display a value on a display. All without cries and noise: you can measure your children’s temperature even when they sleep.
How to choose the best infrared forehead thermometer: Types and Characteristics
There are two main types of infrared thermometers:
- Front: they are pointed in the frontal area, above eyebrows.
- Ear: to be placed near or inside the ear.
Change location, but the operation remains unchanged. In choosing the best infrared forehead thermometer, there are also other aspects to consider to make sure you make a valid purchase.
- Accuracy: what is expected from a good thermometer is a measurement that is as correct as possible? Make sure that the thermometer you are buying guarantees high accuracy. In addition to reading the manufacturer’s instructions, it may be useful to look up the reviews and opinions of those who have already used a device.
- Speed: infrared forehead thermometers are known to be extremely fast. The best models return the measured value after a few seconds or less.
- Distance: to be the least invasive possible, the thermometer must not contact the skin. According to the purpose of use, infrared forehead thermometers work at variable distances from 5 cm to 3 meters.
- Design and Display: to make the measurement easier, it is important that the thermometer is light and ergonomic, with a large and easy-to-read display (better if backlit).
- Multifunction: There are functional devices for measuring fever and other purposes on the market. You can measure the temperature of air or liquids, but first, check the permitted temperature range. If you are looking for an instrument not intended for medical use only, make sure you have a suitable model.
When and why choose an infrared forehead thermometer
The infrared forehead thermometer is a practical, effective, and fast solution to measure temperature precisely and non-invasive. Moreover, as we have seen, it is the perfect tool to use with children: it is not necessary to pray that they are still for long minutes, and there is no risk of annoying them and making them cry. Just a few seconds away, and you’re done.
But infrared forehead thermometers can also serve other purposes. For example, since they do not have to contact a part to be measured, they are also useful for measuring the water’s temperature, the air in a room, a wood-fired pizza oven, and the overheated engine car. In short: some models are very versatile.
Duration and Maintenance
To ensure the device has a long life, one must implement some precautions. First of all, should note that the infrared forehead thermometer is sensitive to magnetic fields: keep smartphones, PC, televisions, and anything else at a safe distance.
For an effective measurement, before measuring, let the thermometer set, leaving it for 15-20 minutes to settle on the surrounding environment. Also, always make sure that the probe is clean and that the skin is dry.
Keep the thermometer at room temperature, avoid thermal shock, and remember to replace the batteries when necessary.
The Best fastest, and most accurate infrared forehead thermometers
Now that we know how it works and the characteristics of an infrared forehead thermometer, it’s time to choose which one to buy. These device prices vary on average from $10 to $40, higher than the traditional thermometers, but are largely justified by the quality of services provided.
Here is a selection that we recommend to have the security of making a quality and lasting purchase over time.
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