BD Digital Thermometer 524030

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a simple yet versatile digital thermometer, the BD Digital Thermometer fits the bill at a low cost. It can be used under the arm, rectally or orally, and owners say it's both easy to use and accurate. If you prefer a less invasive thermometer and are willing to spend more money, the Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer IRT-4520 (Est. $50) is top-rated among ear thermometers.

Performance

Most accurate on first reading. The BD Digital Thermometer is a basic digital thermometer for underarm, oral or rectal use. Scott Cohen, a pediatrician who reviews the BD Digital Thermometer at Tibesti.com, describes it as "fast, simple and accurate."

Overall, feedback is positive across consumer review sites such as Amazon.com and Drugstore.com, although there are some detractors. The most common complaint is that consecutive readings appear inconsistent. However, one owner at Amazon.com says this makes sense, explaining, "If you immediately take your temperature again, the unit will display a temperature higher by 0.4 degree or so. This and other digital thermometers are most accurate on the first reading. Digital thermometers have to compensate for the loss of heat from the housing. If there is retained heat from an immediately prior use, the unit will read a bit higher on the second (and third) use."

Several owners point out that the BD Digital Thermometer is as accurate as a mercury thermometer. Most owners say they're impressed by this thermometer's accuracy given its affordable price tag.

Ease of Use

Correct positioning indicator ensures accuracy. Owners posting reviews of the BD Digital Thermometer to sites like Amazon.com and Drugstore.com say it's easy to use, but several users mention that it's difficult to hold in place under the tongue without holding it with a hand. It takes about a minute to produce a reading, so some owners say it's a pain to have to hold it in place.

This thermometer lets you know it's positioned correctly with a single beep every five seconds while it's in use, reducing the likelihood of inaccurate readings due to improper placement. A rapid series of three beeps lets you know when the reading is complete. It's easy to read, even in the dark, thanks to its backlit display. It also saves the last reading, so you don't have to write down your temperature if you take it in the middle of the night.

The BD Digital Thermometer has an automatic shutoff feature which helps preserve battery life. It uses an LR41 or equivalent, which most users say will last a few years with regular use. The BD Digital Thermometer is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.