We recommend thermometers that score a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 75%, and are accurate and easy to use. Any button batteries must also be secure.

The CHOICE Expert Rating consists of 60% performance (accuracy and repeatability, evenly weighted) and 40% ease of use.

An average of the thermometer's accuracy and repeatability scores.

Based on our tester's assessment of the on/off/start button(s), the instructions, the display, indicators for starting/completing the reading and changing the battery.

Whether the manual is easy to understand, with useful charts or diagrams and guidance on how to interpret body temperatures.

How easy it is to turn the unit on and start taking the temperature, as well as ease of switching off.

Whether the display is easy to see and understand, and if there are fever indicators such as different screen colours.

Digital probe models are tested in our lab's accurate thermal bath. For infrared ear/forehead thermometers, our tester takes a range of readings on himself in appropriate conditions with a rest in between, and compares results to an accurate reference digital probe thermometer (used orally at the same time as the tested model). Infrared models should generally be within their claimed range of accuracy (+/-0.2C or +/-0.3C) of an oral reading.

A good thermometer will give consistent readings.

The claimed time in seconds for the thermometer to take a reading.

Note that under Australian Consumer Law you also have rights including replacement, refund and compensation for goods not of an acceptable quality.

Where the unit takes your temperature.

As indicated. Some thermometers can also measure room temperatures and surface temperatures, so will cover a larger range than body temperatures.

What the instructions indicate is the kind of temperature, or temperature equivalent, displayed. This information is useful when interpreting readings.

Claimed accuracy, usually found in the instructions. Most digital probe thermometers have a claimed accuracy within 0.1°C; and for other types it's usually 0.2°C.

The recommended time to wait between readings.

Whether the model can be used as an ambient (room) thermometer, and any stated range of measurable temperatures, if indicated.

If the thermometer can take readings of surfaces (like an oven door), and any specified temperature range.

Weight of the thermometer in grams.

The number of memory spaces for recording previous temperature measurements.

The time it takes for the model to turn itself off to save battery life.

Type of battery required. Many require the use of button batteries which are dangerous when swallowed.

'Tested models' are currently available. 'Discontinued models' were previously tested, but are now no longer available.

Recommended retail price as of May 2022. Many may be found on special, so shop around.

Whether the thermometer can be switched between displaying in degrees Celsius (centigrade) and Fahrenheit.

Whether it displays the date.

Whether it displays the time.

Models with a backlit display are easier to read, and can be useful if you don't want to turn on the room light and wake your child.

Whether it comes with a protective cap/cover to avoid damage.

Some ear and probe thermometers require or recommend use of a disposable shield, and these are indicated here. These models come with a pack of shields but you'll need to buy more when those are used up.

Whether the thermometer can be immersed in water. Products with a stated ingress protection (IP) rating of IP21 or IP22 can withstand light water sprays or condensation when slightly tilted.

Whether the unit comes with cleaning instructions.

Whether a beep, series of beeps or similar sounds once a reading is completed.

Sometimes displayed as a colour-coded light or a series of beeps to suggest whether a fever is present.