Measurement range
The range of temperatures that a thermometer can measure.
For measuring body temperature, a range of 35 – 43 °C is considered ample, covering values encountered in individuals with high fever or hypothermia. Although modern medical thermometers may have broader ranges, especially those designed for water and air temperature measurement (e.g., -20 – 100 °C), when used for body temperature, they typically operate within a narrower range. The overall and "solid" measurement ranges are often specified separately in these thermometers.
Measurement accuracy
The extent to which a device deviates from the actual temperature during measurements determines its accuracy. Even the least accurate electronic medical thermometers today have a maximum deviation of 0.3 °C, sufficient for everyday and basic medical use. Common models offer even higher accuracy, with deviations as low as
0.1 °C or
0.2 °C, making the pursuit of maximum accuracy necessary only in specific scenarios.
Reading memory
The number of results the thermometer can store in memory. The ability to
"remember" the results of previous measurements can be very convenient in some cases — in particular, it allows you to accurately track changes in temperature over time. The most advanced models are capable of storing several dozen readings in memory.
Display backlight
Availability of
backlight at own display of the thermometer. This feature allows you to easily see the screen readings in low light and even in complete darkness.