Best Ear Thermometers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 15, 2024
Looking out for a thermometer that would allow you to quickly check body temperature? Then you definitely need to check out our ear thermometer reviews. We've selected 5 most popular thermometers available on the market so that you could get the best out of them and have a reliable and convenient means of monitoring your health condition right at your fingertips. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Time
Sound Signal
Backlit
Degrees
Lens Filters
Memory
Ear/Forehead Reading
Accuracy
Power Source
Warranty
 
PROS

The patented Age Precision technology enables you to set the age of your child (0-3 months, 3-36 months and 36+ months) so you can interpret the reading at a glance by casting a quick look at the backlit colour display.

CONS

Takes few seconds to set up.

OUR VERDICT

The Braun ThermoScan 7 ear thermometer is an innovative device that can be used right from birth. The pre-warm tip won't cause discomfort to your baby while the age-adjustable fever guidance will let you quickly interpret the reading even at night. 

detailed parameters
Time

A few seconds

Sound Signal

Yes

Backlit

Yes

Degrees

°C / °F

Lens Filters

21 pcs

Memory

9 readings

Ear/Forehead Reading

No

Accuracy

±0.2°C / 0.4°F

Power Source

2 x AA batteries

Warranty

3 years limited

PROS

This healthcare device has a generous built-in memory and can store up to 40 latest readings, which will allow you to easily monitor your temperature changes in dynamics.

CONS

The instructions are a little tricky to follow.

OUR VERDICT

KKmier offers a fairly versatile and accurate device that is able to measure not only the body temperature but also the temperature of surrounding objects (for example, milk bottles). Four-colour LED backlight makes reading easy and intuitive

detailed parameters
Time

1 second

Sound Signal

Yes

Backlit

Yes

Degrees

°C / °F

Lens Filters

No

Memory

40 readings

Ear/Forehead Reading

Yes

Accuracy

±0.2°C / 0.4°F

Power Source

2 x AAA batteries

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A beeping sound will let you know when the measuring is complete. The sound length varies depending on the measuring results. Also included is a silent mode.

CONS

The battery life is rather short.

OUR VERDICT

Distinguished by a smart temperature alarm system, the ANOVO thermometer will be on guard of your health, making sure you'll never miss critical fever. Besides, since this device supports both forehead and ear modes, you'll be able to double-check the accuracy of your results.

detailed parameters
Time

1 second

Sound Signal

Yes

Backlit

Yes

Degrees

°C / °F

Lens Filters

No

Memory

35 readings

Ear/Forehead Reading

Yes

Accuracy

±0.2°C / 0.4°F

Power Source

2 x AAA batteries

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The device turns off automatically after 60 seconds of no use, which allows it to save the battery life. There is also a low battery indicator that tells when the battery is "low" or "too low".

CONS

The correct positioning takes a bit of practice.

OUR VERDICT

The Braun IRT3030 ThermoScan 3 infrared ear thermometer is a lightweight, compact, ergonomic and functional device that measures body temperature in just one second. It ensures a clear interpretation of all taken measurements thanks to smart audible signals.

detailed parameters
Time

1 second

Sound Signal

Yes

Backlit

No

Degrees

°C / °F

Lens Filters

21 pcs

Memory

Last reading

Ear/Forehead Reading

Yes

Accuracy

±0.2°C / 0.4°F

Power Source

1x 3 V lithium battery

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The measurements are shown in large prints on an LCD display (easy to read in any light conditions). There is a smile in the left corner that shows whether the body temperature is ok.

CONS

The duration of the backlight is too short.

OUR VERDICT

The Salter ear thermometer is a basic, affordable model that accurately measures body temperature between 34-43 °C (93.2-109.4 °F). It has simple one-button control and ensures accurate readings even if wet owing to the addition of the waterproof probe.

detailed parameters
Time

1 second

Sound Signal

Yes

Backlit

Yes

Degrees

°C / °F

Lens Filters

No

Memory

10 readings

Ear/Forehead Reading

No

Accuracy

±0.2°C / 0.4°F

Power Source

1 x CR2032 battery

Warranty

2 years

X

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Braun IRT6520B ThermoScan 7

Top Choice Among Doctors

Being the #1 thermometer recommended by doctors worldwide, the Braun Thermoscan 7 is one of the most high-end and accurate models with lots of novelty features making it stand out from the competition. Let's take a closer look at it.

Regarded as a benchmark for accuracy, Braun has fitted this thermometer with the unique pre-warmed tip and ExactTemp technology. Using this technology, the unit pre-warms the tip to the comfortable temperature to minimise the cooling effect inside the ear canal. The ExacTemp guidance system, in turn, confirms the correct position of the tip with a light and a beep, which contributes to the accuracy of measurements.

The unit has a large LCD display with backlighting, thanks to which it is easy to take nighttime measurements. What is also convenient is that it supports two temperature scales - Fahrenheit and Celsius - so you can quickly switch between them by simply pressing the power button on start-up. As far the memory function goes, the model stores the last nine readings - plenty enough to track your health condition.

The other thing that distinguishes the Braun Thermoscan 7 from many other models is that it comes with hygienic probe covers included in the set. Namely, you get 21 covers for free. This minimises the risk of cross-contamination if the thermometer is used by multiple family members. Besides that, using these covers allows preventing earwax residue from affecting the accuracy of readings.

Review of Braun IRT6520B ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision

Age Precision Technology

Designed to suit everyone from newborns to seniors, the Braun ThermoScan 7 boasts the unique Age Precision technology with fever guidance. According to numerous clinical researches, the definition of fever changes within the first three years of life, so what is a normal temperature in a four-year-old kid can be a fever in a newborn. That's why the Brown company has made it easier for parents to interpret their child's temperature. You simply need to select the age of your baby between 0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36+ months. The Braun Thermoscan 7 will automatically interpret the reading with a backlit colour-coded display - Green means that everything is ok, Yellow indicates moderate fever, and Red warns about high fever. All of that makes it ideal for measuring a toddler's temperature at night.

Summing up, without a doubt, the Braun Thermoscan 7 is among the best baby thermometers for family use. Not only does its patented pre-warmed tip provide a more pleasant experience, but also the exceptional accuracy and age-adjustable fever guidance make it a must-have thing for new parents.

Braun IRT6520B ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £44.63
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07KVNC3SW

 

KKmier Infrared Digital

Multifunctional Unit

If you're looking for something more than just a simple ear digital thermometer and would like to get the most of your money, the KKmier 4-in-1 model may catch your fancy. This thermometer is one of the most sophisticated and advanced models in the KKmier series that can bring quite a lot to the table.

To begin with, the thermometer is aimed for both adults and kids and features two modes: Child forehead mode (for 0-6, 6-12 years) and Adult forehead mode (above 12 years). In either mode, based on your age peculiarities, it will provide highly accurate measurements without contacting your skin. To help you visually interpret the reading, the display changes colour and lights up green if everything is ok and flashes orange or red indicating low (37.6°C - 38.0°C) or high fever ( 38.1°C and more). It also produces 6 short beeps to warn users about the high temperature.

Besides being suitable for measuring the forehead, the KKmier 4-in-1 thermometer can also be used for measuring the ambient temperature as well as the temperature of objects, which may come in handy for checking baby's milk, food, formula, bathing water, etc. Aside from that, it also has an ear mode so it can be used for taking temp readings for kids above 3 months without disturbing the child. What's especially great is that unlike the forehead temperature mode that requires using the cover (included) to provide accurate measurements, the ear temperature mode doesn't need it.

Review of KKmier Infrared Digital Ear and Forehead Thermometer

Nice Extras

The KKmier Infrared Digital Ear and Forehead Thermometer comes nicely packaged with a high-quality storage pouch and a manual in the box. Some users claim that the included instructions aren't very clear but in general, figuring out how to use the thermometer requires no learning so the process should not impose any difficulties. Simply switch it on, place it on the forehead and press the “Temp” button. To switch between the modes, there's a larger button underneath the LCD screen.

When it comes to the screen, it's large and backlit, which makes it easy to read it in all lighting conditions. Besides that, it works with both Celsius and Fahrenheit, so you can select the metrics you're more familiar with. Furthermore, the unit has a memory function. So, if you'd like to save your reading, you should press and hold the Mode button for 5 seconds. In total, the model can record up to 40 readings - enough to track your health within a quite long period of time.

Another special feature that is included and worth mentioning is the automatic shut-down function that turns the device off after 13 seconds of no-use. Compared to many other digital thermometers, it's the fastest shut-off time which also helps save the battery life. Speaking of which, the unit uses two standard AAA batteries that can be easily bought in any local supermarket.

Taking everything mentioned above into account, it's easy to see why the KKmier Infrared Digital Ear and Forehead Thermometer is so popular on the market. It's quick, straightforward, and versatile enough to measure not only the body temperature but also the temperature of baby's milk, food, bathing water and many other things!

KKmier Infrared Digital Ear and Forehead Thermometer in the use
Last updated price £19.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B08CH7BF7Y

 

ANKOVO Digital

With Ultimate Accuracy in Focus

Though digital thermometers offer the ultimate ease and comfort of use, some affordable models often lack precision. So, if you are on the lookout for a moderately-priced thermometer that would still deliver very accurate results, you can’t go wrong with the forehead and ear thermometer from ANKOVO.

Straight off the reel, we would like to plunge into the tech specs of this device. The multiple repeated clinical tests have proven that the measuring results you’ll get with this thermometer are ±0.2°C/0.4°F accurate even under varying environmental conditions, which is a perfect precision as compared to a standard deviation of ±0.3°C/0.5°F. More than that, to double-check the measurements when accurate readings are of some special importance, you can use the thermometer in the ear mode and compare the results afterwards.

To measure the temperature in the outer ear canal, you should simply remove the cap and insert the top inside the ear, making sure that the ear canal is free from obstructions or excess earwax. The reading will appear on the screen within a second or so. The backlit display is big and clear, so it should be easy to see even for those individuals who have poor vision.

Review of ANKOVO Digital Ear and Forehead Infrared Thermometer

Sleek and Slim

Although this thermometer is mid-range priced, it's very well-made and already comes with batteries. So, actually, all you have to do is remove the insulator strip from between the batteries to get it alive. The device will spring into a self-test immediately after switching on and will be ready to operate within seconds. By default, it shows the temperature in Fahrenheit but you can set it to Celcius by putting the toggle button to "C" in the battery compartment before adding batteries.

Ergonomically shaped and featuring an angled probe, the ANKOVO thermometer is very easy and convenient in use. The handy controls will let you switch between the modes as well as turn the beeping sound on and off when needed. Speaking of which, the beeping alarm in this model is used for more than to just notify you that the measurement is complete. The thermometer boasts a smart temperature alarm system that bundles the beeping sound and coloured display to indicate fever intensity. Thus, green screen and one long beep stand for normal temperatures, orange screen paired with three long beeps indicate light fever and red screen with five long beeps signalise a high fever alarm.

To cut a long story short, the ANKOVO is one of the most accurate forehead and ear thermometers that will stand on guard of your health ensuring you'll never miss the fever. It's a very easy-to-use device that is able to give measurements in a second.

ANKOVO Digital Ear and Forehead Infrared Thermometer in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B08BJ3R4PW

 

Braun IRT3030 ThermoScan 3

Basic Thermometer by a Trustworthy Manufacturer

Widely used by the National Health Service and being the #1 brand among doctors, Braun products are among the most accurate and reliable devices in the healthcare industry. However, if you think that Braun thermometers should necessarily cost a fortune, the IRT3030 ThermoScan 3 model is here to prove the opposite. Available for less than £35, it’s a simple device but it offers professional accuracy and can give even some more expensive models a run for their money.

The biggest mark in favour of this model is its quick response time. Actually, it’s the only thermometer in Braun's lineup that is able to take measurements in just 1 second with clinically proven accuracy. Moreover, it instantly interprets the readings with a beeping sound: a single beep means that your temperature is ok, while two beeps indicate elevated temperature and four beeps notify you that the temperature is high. That’s quite a handy feature seeing that the display isn’t backlit and colour-coded.

Among other extras included, we'd like to mention a handy memory function that recalls the last temperature after switching the unit on. Furthermore, for your convenience, the large display can show the readings in Celsius (34°C - 42.2°C) and Fahrenheit (93.2°F - 108°F) so you can adjust it as it suits you.

Not dissimilar to most other digital models, this one has an auto shut-off feature so if you don't power it off manually, it'll shut down automatically after 60 seconds of non-use. For a power source, the unit uses a 3-V lithium battery that can last for months even if used daily and is fitted with a low-battery indicator that will produce a message "Battery is low" or "Battery is too low" when it's about time to replace it.

Review of Braun IRT3030 ThermoScan 3 Infrared Ear Thermometer

Hygienic Use

For the most accurate and hygienic readings, the manufacturer additionally supplies a small pack of 21 lens filters in the box. These probe protectors will help you reduce the spread of germs if you use the thermometer on multiple individuals. And when the included plastic caps run low, you’ll be able to easily get additional probe protectors from Braun. Refills are always available for purchase and are cheap to replace.

All things considered, if you need an accurate thermometer that can be used by different family members, the Braun 3 is a very nice bet. Produced by a trustworthy manufacturer, it comes with disposable covers ensuring accurate readings and hygiene. So, it can protect your children from cross-contamination, which makes it ideal for families with multiple kids. Yet, bear in mind that it lacks backlighting on a display and may be not the best option for nighttime measurements.

Braun IRT3030 ThermoScan 3 Infrared Ear Thermometer in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £23.88
Stock In stock
ASIN B01LX5Y7RG

 

Salter Digital Medical

Frills-free model

For those who are in the market for their first digital ear thermometer and don't want to pay a hefty sum of money for it, we have included the Salter Medical Ear Thermometer with Jumbo Display into our shortlist. It's a frills-free model that is capable of taking measurements from an ear canal only, yet it does its job as intended and comes at half the price compared to the majority of other ear thermometers available for sale.

Intended for taking the ultra-quick readings of human body temperature (suitable for people of all ages), this ear thermometer uses the advanced infrared technology that measures the heat generated by the ear. It delivers very accurate measurements and performs amazingly well when you check ear temperature, deviating from the norm only slightly. Actually, the max fluctuation makes just ±0.2°C, which sets it apart from other ear thermometers within the same price range.

The feature you may like about this bare-bones thermometer is that it requires neither disposable plastic lenses nor probe covers for use. The only thing you should to do is sanitise it after each usage by wiping its sensor with some alcohol-based solution or a simple hand sanitiser. Basically, this unit does the job flawlessly by providing you with super-accurate readings. The only niggle is that it doesn’t come in a case for safe storage or transportation.

Review of Salter Digital Medical Ear Thermometer with Jumbo Display

Nice Ergonomics

At 11.5 x 3.5 cm, the Salter Digital Medical Ear Thermometer is a cute little thing that has an ergonomic shape and fits well in a hand. It provides a very good grip and is easy to hold even with wet hands. Another perk is that the unit has a "jumbo"-sized backlit LCD display, so even individuals with poor eyesight or seniors will be able to see the measurements clearly in any lighting conditions. Also included is the fever alarm that makes the display change its colour from blue to red and produce an audible signal when you've got a high fever.

To let you track your health condition and recovery in dynamics, the Salter thermometer has a memory function that can store up to 10 last measurements. This is a bit less compared to the competition but enough for use by a single person. Like higher-end models, the Salter Digital Medical Ear Thermometer lets you switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit measurements with ease.

Summing everything up, if you need a simple, affordable thermometer you can trust in times of runny noses, Covid-19, and feverish conditions, this option may be the best choice. Available for less than £20, it's one of the most accurate, ergonomic, and well-readable health care devices within its price bracket.

Salter Digital Medical Ear Thermometer with Jumbo Display in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07H4WVK4Y

 

What Is an Ear Thermometer?

To prevent most diseases, all you need is to control your body temperature and in case it's raised, visit your doctor for consultation and appropriate treatment. For this purpose, you can use an accurate and convenient-to-use ear thermometer, a digital device used to measure the temperature by means of infrared heat generated inside the ear. Ear thermometers are super fast, easy-to-use and much safer than conventional thermometers. New parents wouldn't do without ear thermometers too, for taking the temperature of a crying baby can be quite a challenging task. With an ear thermometer, one can do this when the child's sleeping.

If you want to control your heart rate, you may also be interested in our pulse oximeters review.

Another thing that should definitely be added to your home medicine cabinet is a shoulder brace, a medical device designed to keep the spine and muscles of shoulders moveless which may be needed in the treatment of certain conditions.

Best Ear Thermometers

What Features to Compare

Well, with such a vast variety of ear thermometers available for sale today, it may be a pretty daunting task to find the right model for your needs. That's why you should consider the following aspects when choosing an ear thermometer.

Response Time

All digital ear thermometers are pretty fast and take accurate temperature readings within a second or two. Having said that, forehead/ear thermometers need a bit longer than that, but they will be a better option for extremely wriggly kids.

Features

Thermometers that produce a beep sound as soon as the temperature measurement is complete are much more convenient in use than those that do not have this feature. Besides, there are thermometers that respond to high temperatures (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or 37.2 degrees Celsius) by warning you about fever with continuous beeping, so you can choose the model that will best suit your needs. Besides sound beeping, some thermometers have visual alerts that change colours when the temperature is high. This feature can come in helpful for taking the temperature of a baby without attracting attention. 

Note that all thermometers of this type show information on an LCD screen. Therefore, having a display with backlighting would be a good bonus, enabling you to check your baby's temperature at any time of the day, even when he or she is asleep.

Most modern ear thermometers are equipped with a memory function that can store up to 100 temperature readings, which is pretty handy for tracking the health progress of your family members. In addition to that, most of these thermometers can be synced with various health apps, making it possible to forward the information about your health to your doctor online, without having to book a visit. If this sounds just exactly what you need, consider models with a built-in Bluetooth module, though, be ready that these thermometers will be a bit more expensive.

Hygiene

Ear thermometers are universal devices, which means they are suitable both for children and for adults. So, if you want to prevent spreading germs from one family member to another, it's better to consider the device that comes with lens filters. Not only do they make the procedure more hygienic, but also they make it more accurate. As an alternative, you can but these filters separately.

Battery

Different thermometers use different batteries. Whereas the majority of models need simple AA-type batteries which can be bought at any local store, others require more intricate CR2032 or 3V lithium ones. In any case, the auto shut-off feature will help save the battery life and prevent you from shopping for batteries time and again.

FAQ:

Q: Do I have to clean my ears before using an ear thermometer?

A: Yes, before taking the temperature of a person using a digital ear thermometer, it is important to make sure that the ear is clean. Dirt or ear wax built up inside the ear can cause an inaccurate reading. Therefore, it is necessary to clean your ears before using an ear thermometer. Also, make sure that the person that measures the temperature has not been engaging in any tense physical activity since this can cause the temperature of the body to increase resulting in an inaccurate reading as well. There is one more important thing and it is the fact that you should always sanitize all of the tools you will be using (if there is such a necessity). You should do that because it's important to avoid any contamination from the thermometer to the patient. To achieve the desired result, just wet the cotton ball with alcohol, then wipe the tip of the digital ear thermometer.

Q: Is it important to find the correct ear position?

A: Yes, it is extremely important to measure the temperature in the correct position. Pointing the tip incorrectly will result in an inaccurate reading. The only way to avoid that is to make sure that you found the correct position.

Q: What is the right way to interpret the digital thermometer reading?

A: Of course, it depends on what model you're going to use, but more often than not, when you have set the probe of the digital ear thermometer in, you have to wait a few seconds until you hear a beep (keep in mind that some of the thermometers don't have a sound signal). The beep lets you know that the measures are ready and only then can you read the temperature. After that, you should remove the probe from the inner ear and look at the reading on the body of the digital ear thermometer. If you feel like you have made a mistake during some of the steps, there's a way to check that. If you see the code “ERR” (or any other indication depending on the model of the thermometer) it means an error has been made or you were not able to get a good contact with the inner ear. If this happens, just repeat the process until you get a reading (and if it doesn't work after a few tries, you should contact the manufacturer's support service).

Q: What is the best ear thermometer for infants?

A: It would be impossible to name one specific model. First of all, you should pay attention to the description before you buy an ear thermometer. All of the necessary information is usually available in the product's description. Generally speaking, the majority of ear thermometers are suitable for children (even for infants) but you should still check the specs of the model that you’re going to purchase. Some of ear thermometers models are designed for babies ( meaning they include some extra specs) while others will be able to fit both toddlers and adults.

Sources:

1. Medical thermometer, Wikipedia. September 26, 2016.

2. Thermometers: Understand the options, Mayo Clinic. September 12, 2015.

3. Jess Miller Best baby thermometer, Babycenter. July 25, 2015.

4. How to buy a thermometer, Babycenter. April 2016.

5. Alan Boyle 10 Interesting Facts About Temperature, Listverse. May 17, 2013.

6. Mary Bellis The History of the Thermometer, About.com.

7. How to Take Your Temperature, Cleveland Clinic.

8. Roy Benaroch Taking Your Baby's Temperature, WebMD. May 8, 2016.

9. How to take a child’s temperature, NCBI.

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Publish Date: 2017-12-14 10:37:43