Thermometers have come a long way from the glass and Mercury type that had been used for so long to measure body temperature. Now, there is a litany of different digital thermometer types and sensors to choose from.
If you are looking to procure a digital thermometer but don’t know where to turn, it all comes down to the kind of sensor you will be using. Check out the guide below to find out what sensor and digital thermometer type you might be looking for.
Sensor Types
Of the first considerations to make when it comes to digital thermometers is the sensor. The right sensor can mean using it for food, healthcare purposes, or mechanical/industrial applications. That said, there are three main sensor types to choose from.
Thermocouple. Thermocouples are the most popular sensor type out there. That’s because they handle wide temperature ranges, come at affordable prices, and provide fast readings. Their accuracy isn’t the best, but it gets the job done in most situations. Type K and Type T are the most popular thermocouples out there, just make sure you get the right one for your digital thermometer.
Thermistor. Thermistor probes will have the narrowest range of the three sensor types. They also have a higher price point and slower response times but make up for it by being the most accurate of the three sensors. The system accuracy is guaranteed for the life of the thermometer, which makes for quick, easy, and extremely accurate tests.
RTD/PT100. The most expensive sensor you will find. They are very similar to thermistors, but they have a wider temperature range coupled with higher accuracy. The range of probe types is also smaller, so there are some natural limitations.
Digital Thermometer Types
When looking for the right digital thermometer, it helps to know what types are available. Here are the most commonly available and what purposes they may serve.
Probe. The most common type of digital thermometer. They can be used for a huge range of applications and there are different probe and instrument types to choose from. Some come permanently attached while others are interchangeable and more ideal for different temperature check types.
Infrared. These are great for applications where a probe thermometer isn’t ideal. Reaching a surface can be difficult at times and infrared thermometers make it easier (and sometimes safer to get a reading. They also have a faster response time, but they must be taken good care of to get accurate readings.
Wi-Fi data loggers. These are interesting because they take measurements at pre-programmed intervals. For ambient readings – like a fridge or freezer – these are both consistent and accurate.
Probe Types
One of the keys to choosing a digital thermometer is ensuring that you have the right probe. There are a few common probe types that you’ll need to be aware of so that you can make the proper choice.
Gas and air. Air probes are great for a variety of purposes, even bookkeeping. HVAC uses gas and air quite a bit for obvious reasons. These probes are available to pair with thermistors, thermocouples, and RTD instruments.
Penetration. These are the most common probes out there and come in an array of choices. There are high-temperature, waterproof, and fast response options. They are also color-coded, which helps you when it comes time to choose the right option.
Surface. These are more ideal for better accuracy. There are ribbon probes that can make contact with surfaces like hotplates, pipe probes that can curve, and a litany of others depending on the application.
