Finding the best digital thermometer for your application can be overwhelming, especially when there are so many different types, features and probes to choose from. But taking the time to get it right will ensure that your temperature checks are as accurate and painless as possible.
By the end of this guide, you should be able to identify the type of thermometer, sensor and probe you need, and understand the different types of features you'd like to have.
First, let's break down the main types of digital thermometer. Which one you choose will depend on your application and whether you want the added benefit of compatibility with a PC or a portable device for paperless monitoring.
Probe thermometers are the most common type of digital thermometer. They can be used for a wide range of applications, and there are many types of instruments and probes suitable for different applications. You can choose a digital thermometer with a permanently attached probe, or one with interchangeable probes, ideal for using a single instrument for several types of temperature control.
Infrared thermometers are only suitable for applications where it is difficult to use a surface probe thermometer, such as extremely hot or hard-to-reach surfaces, or where a faster response is required. They must be used with care and support in order to obtain accurate readings.
Data loggers automatically take measurements at user-programmed intervals. Data loggers store readings in the instrument, ready to be transferred to your PC via a connector, while Wi-Fi loggers automatically transmit readings to your computer. Once sent to your PC, they can be viewed, downloaded and shared.
These are most often used for ambient readings, such as fridge/freezer temperatures and ambient temperature or humidity. But they can also be used to monitor the internal temperature of perishable goods over a period of time, for example during transport.
Probe thermometers are the simplest thermometers in Tunisia to use. For example, the ThermaLite thermometer has the fundamentals of an essential food thermometer: a fast, accurate thermistor probe, a long battery life of 5000 hours and a simple, user-friendly design. The ThermaLite also features a 0.0°C Calcheck function, enabling users to check the instrument's accuracy at any time to be sure of every check.
The sensor describes the technology that measures temperature. There are three sensor types to choose from, and each operates slightly differently. Each has a different connector between sensor and probe, so you need to ensure that both have the same sensor type and are compatible.
Thermocouples are the most popular type of sensor because of their wide temperature ranges, fast readings and affordable price. Although their accuracy is more than adequate for most applications, it is not as good as that of thermistors or RTDs. There are many different types of thermocouple. Our supplier ETI mainly uses the two most common: Type T and Type K. Make sure you buy the right one for your application; they are color-coded to help with this.
The most expensive type of sensor, PT100 thermometers in Tunisia are similar to thermistors. However, they have a slightly wider temperature range (but not as wide as thermocouples) and the greatest accuracy. They have high system accuracy and can be combined with test caps for precision checks. The range of PT100 probes available is smaller than for thermocouples
As you know by now, thermometers have different response times, accuracies and ranges. Here, we're going to dive into what each means, to give you an idea of the types of figures to watch out for.
Some applications have less time pressure, but accuracy is really important. Some perishables like medicines and vaccines may need to be stored at very specific temperatures, while high accuracy is essential whenbuying a referencethermometer for validation checks.
Accuracy is indicated by the ± symbol. If a thermometer has an accuracy of ±0.5°C, this means that readings may be 0.5°C above or below the actual temperature of the item you are measuring. For example, if you're testing the temperature of boiling water (100°C) with a thermometer that has an accuracy of ±0.5°C, it could read between 99.5°C and 100.5°C and still meet the specifications.
If digital thermometer accuracy is your priority, opt for a thermometer with an accuracy of ±0.4°C or less. Our calibration thermometers are accurate to ±0.03°C.
Your application will determine the response time you need your thermometer to read. For example, if you're cooking time-sensitive dishes that can easily become overdone, or if you're carrying out several checks at once, a fast thermometer can make a big difference to the quality and time efficiency of your work. A good speed is three seconds or less.
Autonomy is the highest and lowest temperatures you'd like to be able to read with your thermometer. Some thermometers are specialized for particularly high or low temperatures, while others have a wide range. Thermometers often have a different accuracy for the middle of their ranges than for their outer limits.
The resolution of a thermometer is the number of decimal places you wish to see when reading your temperatures, i.e. 1°C, 1.1°C or 1.11°C. This is similar to precision, because more decimal places give a more accurate reading. Some thermometers have switchable resolution.
There are a few clever extra features that digital thermometers can have to make your checks easier:
Using a probe specially designed for your application will enable you to carry out your checks as accurately and easily as possible. Some thermometers come with a permanently attached probe, while others have interchangeable probes that can be purchased separately. At AFRIMESURE, we have a wide range of thermocouples, thermistors and RTD probes to choose from.
Penetration probes are the most common type, so they're available in a wide variety. There are sealed, high-temperature and fast-response options. Color-coded probes help avoid cross-contamination in kitchens, while needle probes are best for small or delicate applications. There are also a variety of probe lengths, handle shapes and wire types, so you can make sure your probe works perfectly for you.
Air probes are important for many different industries, even beekeeping. One of the most common is HVAC. We have air probes to pair with thermocouples, thermistors and RTD instruments.
The use of a good quality surface probe, specially designed and adapted to the application, is very important for accuracy. From our unique ribbon probes that ensure secure contact with surfaces such as hotplates, to pipe probes specially designed to fit curved pipes, we have a range of surface probes for different uses. There are even between-pack probes to quickly check the temperature of cold food deliveries.
These are designed to accurately reflect the storage temperature of an item. People often use fridge/freezer thermometers or room thermometers to decide whether an item is stored at a safe temperature. But simulation probes are much more accurate than this, as they reflect the internal temperature of a product such as food or medicine. This means that, for example, if a refrigerator door is left open and the air temperature rises, you'll know if the product has also fallen out of reach.
Following this guide, while carefully considering your application, should have given you a good idea of the different thermometer choices on offer and which one will suit you best. If you're still not sure which one to choose, our friendly and experienced sales team will always be happy to advise you. Please contact us here to speak to a member of the team.
