Digital Thermometers

 Digital Thermometers

A digital thermometer is an instrument that, like all thermometers, is used to measure temperatures. However, this does not mean that it is equal to all instruments intended for the same purpose.

The digital thermometer uses electronic circuits that convert voltage variations into figures that appear on a display. This works thanks to a thermistor that varies its electrical resistance depending on the temperature.

- Digital Thermometers and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

There is more than one type of digital thermometer; These are intended for various purposes. For example:

Thermocouples.
These record the temperature of food very quickly, between 2 and 5 seconds. They are available in different formats but the probes are the most required for cooking food at an industrial level, as well as for medical research.

Thanks to this instrument it is possible to know the exact cooking point of the meats in order to guarantee safety and quality.

Thermistors
These thermometers use resistance temperature sensors. Thermistors are of two opposite fundamental types:

NTC: resistance decreases as temperature increases.

PTC: resistance increases as temperature increases.

There are bead type thermistors, SMD type, disk type, axial and measuring probes.

Thermometer with cable for ovens. It is very common in large kitchens. It allows you to check the temperature of the food inside the oven without having to open it. A probe is inserted into the food and the cable runs from the oven to the base unit. Of course, it can withstand high temperatures. The only downside is that they cannot be calibrated.

Fork thermometer.
It is also a highly required instrument in industrial kitchens, as it measures the temperature of food. The fork part is embedded and the temperature is indicated on a digital display. The lights will indicate if the food is undercooked, if it has taken too long or if it is just cooked. As in the previous case, the forks of the thermometer cannot be calibrated.

Homemade digital thermometers.
Doctors recommend that our first aid kit contain a digital thermometer for fever cases where it is required to continuously measure the affected person, in such a way that medical attention is given at the indicated time.

These types of thermometers come in various presentations, suitable either to be placed between the armpit, in the mouth or in the rectum. The armpits are less accurate but the most hygienic. Oral ones are more accurate and are recommended for young people and adults, as the mouth is required to be closed and the thermometer does not move from its place for 40 seconds. Rectals are recommended for babies or young children.

Digital thermometers record the temperature quickly and efficiently, taking about 1 minute to give the result. The only specification is that orals should be applied at least 15 minutes after eating, as the temperature of the food or drink could alter the result.

Before using the oral thermometer, your hands must be clean, just like the thermometer. It is recommended to clean it with alcohol and then rinse it with cold water, dry it and store it. It is not convenient to immerse them for hours in liquids to disinfect them. The thermometer is placed under the tongue.

Those with the armpit are placed under the arm, so that when it is lowered it puts pressure and prevents it from falling. Some emit a beep when they have finished registration, but preferably the device should be held for up to 2 minutes.

Digital ear thermometers.
These thermometers use an infrared beam to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Its use is safe, as long as the instructions are followed correctly, although it should be noted that its design prevents it from being inserted too far to avoid damage to the eardrum or ear canal.

They are not recommended for newborns, but for babies older than 6 months, children and adults.

Digital pacifier thermometers.
If a baby is in the stage of using a pacifier or pacifier, this thermometer is ideal, as it will not cause discomfort or strange sensation. However, it is not recommended for newborns, only for young children who can keep it in their mouth for 3 to 5 minutes.

Temporal artery thermometers.
They are also known as forehead thermometers and they use an infrared scanner to measure the temporal artery in the forehead.

They quickly record the temperature and are appropriate for babies over 3 months and children. It is the best alternative to rectal thermometers. The only disadvantage is its high cost, compared to other types of digital thermometers.

Plastic strip thermometers.
These plastic strip thermometers are marketed as an alternative for babies and children due to their easy handling and application, but they are very inaccurate and are not recommended by professionals.

It should be mentioned that the same thermometer should not be used in all parts of the body. This means that a rectal thermometer should not be used for the armpits, much less for the mouth, even if it has been disinfected. It is important to label them and know that it is for personal use.