Digital Thermometers

Housed in plastic and therefore more break-resistant than a glass thermometer, a digital or electronic thermometer costs about $7 to $12. The tiny battery it contains should last about three years and can be replaced for about $3. Like glass thermometers, digital devices reliably reveal body temperature.

Many people find digital thermometers easy to use for several reasons: the devices beep when they are held in the right place, they give a clear signal when temperature taking is completed, and the results are easy to read. In addition, you can take oral and rectal temperatures within about a minute, twice as fast as with a glass thermometer. According to one digital thermometer manufacturer, however, it takes about four minutes to get an accurate armpit temperature.

With the addition of inexpensive disposable probe covers, a single digital thermometer can be used orally, rectally or in the armpit. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use and cleaning, and follow your doctor's directions for reporting temperature.