Speed and accuracy: 5 practical infrared thermometers

The infrared thermometer with Polish roots from the Camry company provides a number of advantages over classic devices for measuring body temperature. And its main advantage is the record—low measurement time — to get a result, it is enough to bring the thermometer to your forehead for just 1 second.

The slightly curved shape of the case provides a comfortable grip of the device in the hand. At the same time, the thumb itself rests on the measurement start button located on the back of the device. The remaining controls, together with the display for displaying data, are located on the reverse side — to access them, the thermometer must be turned over. In the dark, the readings on the screen are highlighted with a green glow.

When choosing the body temperature measurement mode, the model error is ± 0.3 °C, which is a fraction of a tenth of a degree higher than that of the closest competitors in the class. However, such a small deviation will not be able to greatly affect the final result. In the mode of determining the temperature of the liquid, environment and surfaces, the error of the readings increases to about 5% of the measured value.

Up to 19 recent measurements are stored in the thermometer's memory, which allows you to accurately track temperature changes over time. The batteries for the device are two AAA batteries. They last for a long time, because the thermometer saves the battery charge by auto-switching off after 30 seconds. inaction. Camry CR 8413 occupies a place in the niche of the most affordable models with an infrared radiation sensor on board. And although his name is not on the public's ear, it is possible to recommend a thermometer for purchase to everyone without exception.

The FT 65 contactless thermometer from the German brand Beurer is deservedly popular with the public due to its versatility — it can measure the temperature both on the forehead and in the auricle. The error of the measurement results in the first case will be ± 0.3 °C, and in the second — ± 0.2 °C.

To obtain reliable results, it is enough to bring the thermometer to the measurement zone for only 1-2 seconds. If an elevated body temperature is detected, the thermometer gives a soft sound signal — it will not wake up a sleeping child and at the same time warn parents about possible deviations of temperature values from the norm.

10 cells are allocated in the device's memory to record the results of the last measurements with an indication of the exact date and time for each value. With their help, it becomes possible to track the dynamics of changes in body temperature. The measurement results are stored in degrees Celsius or in less common Fahrenheit units.

In addition to its main function, the thermometer is also able to determine the temperature of the liquid, which is useful for parents of infants when preparing infant formula. The power supply of the device is provided by two "pinky" batteries, which the auto-off function of the thermometer and the lack of backlight of the display helps to keep the charge (at night the screen must be illuminated independently). In general, the Beurer FT 65 is excellent as a tool for determining the body temperature of the whole family, especially if it includes a small child.

Useful to know. The accuracy of the results obtained using an infrared thermometer may be affected by skin moisture, a heater or air conditioner operating in the room, as well as inflammation in the auditory canal (in the case of using an ear-type thermometer).

Multifunctional thermometer from the German company Medisana is able to determine not only the body temperature in the forehead area. He is also able to measure the temperature of liquids and air in the room. But about everything in order.

Body temperature measurements are made by the device at a distance of 0.5-3 cm from the forehead for about 2 seconds. The limits of the measurement scale are 34-43 °C. The readings are displayed on a large informative display with large symbols, which will not be difficult to make out even for people with impaired vision. In the dark, the pleasant bluish backlight of the screen helps to read the results.

Everyone will be able to understand the management of the thermometer, regardless of age and the degree of interaction with technology. The largest button on the body of the device gives the command to start taking measurements, another key ("MEM") opens a menu with the memory of the latest results (up to 30 pcs.), and using the "MODE" button, the temperature measurement mode (body or object) is selected. Also, the last key is responsible for activating the night mode, all sound alerts in which are disabled. An alarm about an increased body temperature (more than 38 °C) in this mode is provided by a light indication.

In the object temperature measurement mode, the Medisana TM-65E sensitivity threshold increases to a range of 0-100 °C. With the help of a thermometer, it becomes possible to quickly find out the temperature of baby food, water in the bathroom or the microclimate in the room. All these functions are perfectly suitable for families with young children, but even without their presence, the thermometer will not get lost in the home medicine cabinet.

The Japanese company Omron positions its product as a "3-in-1" device. The thermometer has earned this title due to its ability to measure the temperature of the forehead, the surface of objects or liquids and room temperature.

The ergonomic design of the device contributes to its comfortable grip in the hand. However, you will not have to hold the thermometer for a long time, because it gives out the measurement result in just 1 second. Body temperature using a thermometer is supposed to be measured at a distance of 1-3 cm from the forehead. To obtain the most accurate results, it is required to strictly observe the order of measurements. For example, it is desirable that the device be in the same room with the person who needs to take measurements for at least half an hour, and the skin on the forehead of the alleged patient should be dry and clean (without foundation or makeup).

The end of the temperature measurement procedure is accompanied by an audible signal. If it is necessary to determine the body temperature of a sleeping child, the sound alert can be turned off. And the yellow backlight will help to see the readings in the dark. The user also has a choice of temperature measurement units: °C — degrees Celsius or ° F — degrees Fahrenheit (more common in the USA).

The device's internal data storage stores 25 recent measurement results. In general, on a single charge of the battery, which uses a CR2032 tablet-type battery, the thermometer can make up to 2500 measurements. The high quality of the Omron Gentle Temp 720 is confirmed by the almost complete absence of warranty cases and extremely rare breakdowns of the device due to the fault of users.

The model with the respectful prefix PRO from the Japanese brand Omron refers to the type of devices that measure the temperature in the auricle. Note that the normal indicators for the ear are a range of values from 36.9 to 37.4 °C.

When the thermometer is turned on, the first thing it shows on its large screen is the current value of the temperature in the room. The command to start the measurement is given by pressing the corresponding "START" key. And if you simultaneously hold down the "ON/MEM" button, the device will switch to the temperature detection mode of liquids and objects. It will be needed if there is a need to find out how warm the baby formula or the water in the bathroom is for bathing the child.

The infrared sensor of the thermometer is covered with a transparent protective cap. Its safe insertion into the ear is ensured through the use of a special nozzle made of soft material. It takes only 1 second from turning on the sensor to displaying the readings on the thermometer display. Moreover, in such a short period of time, the device determines the temperature quite accurately with an error of less than ± 0.1 °C.

Omron Gentle Temp 522 PRO has an extended service life on a single charge of a CR2032 battery — its energy reserves are enough to carry out more than 6000 measurements. There is only one way to make claims to the thermometer — its high cost does not contribute to the availability of the device for the masses.