Best Glass Thermometers of 2026
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Glass thermometers are a common household item used to measure temperature. They consist of a glass tube filled with a liquid, typically mercury or colored alcohol, that expands or contracts as the temperature changes. The temperature is then read by observing the level of the liquid in the tube against a calibrated scale. Glass thermometers can be used in a variety of settings, including for cooking, medical purposes, and environmental monitoring. They are easy to use and provide accurate readings, making them a reliable tool for temperature measurement. However, care must be taken when handling and disposing of them due to the potential toxicity of the liquid inside.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Glass Thermometers
SP Bel-Art DURAC General Purpose Liquid-In-Glass Thermometer
The SP Bel-Art DURAC General Purpose Liquid-In-Glass Thermometer is an economical and durable product that can be used in various industries including chemical laboratories, universities, scientific institutions, food and beverage processing, petrochemical laboratories, pharmaceutical, medical, manufacturers, dairies, breweries, and distilleries. This thermometer provides high accuracy and has a temperature range of -20 to 150°C, with a red spirit liquid fill and total immersion style. It features accuracy equivalent to the accuracy requirements of ANSI/SAMA Z236.1-1983, where ranges are specified, and calibrated for total immersion that indicates accurate temperature when immersed to the liquid level in the capillary. The thermometer is individually packaged in recyclable Safety-Pak packaging with a non-roll fitting.
SP Scienceware DURAC Plus Pocket Lab Thermometer
The SP Scienceware DURAC Thermometer is a handy tool designed for accurate temperature checks in labs, kitchens, and industrial environments. Its protective plastic case makes it easy to carry and safe to use on the go. With a wide temperature range from -10 to 110°C, you can use it for many scientific and industrial tasks, but not for measuring body temperature. The thermometer is made for total immersion, ensuring precise readings when fully submerged in liquid. Plus, its red spirit liquid is a safer alternative to mercury, giving you peace of mind while working with it.
SP Bel-Art H-B DURAC Plus Thermometer
The SP Bel-Art H-B DURAC Plus Thermometer is a compact and reliable laboratory thermometer. It comes with a closed plastic case and white back glass for added durability and convenience. With a temperature range of 20 to 110°F and an accuracy of 2°F, this thermometer is perfect for a variety of applications. Whether you're conducting field studies, working in wastewater treatment, or need a thermometer for on-the-go use, the DURAC Plus Thermometer is designed to provide accurate and safe temperature readings. It has been tested and calibrated in an accredited laboratory, ensuring its accuracy. Please note that this thermometer is not intended for human use.
TOYANDONA Glass Thermometer 3-Pack
The TOYANDONA Glass Thermometers provide a reliable way for you to measure temperature accurately at home. Made from durable glass, these thermometers are built to last and resist wear, making them a practical choice for everyday use. With a dual scale showing both Celsius and Fahrenheit, you can easily read temperatures no matter where you are or who you’re measuring. The design is simple and user-friendly, so parents and adults can handle them comfortably without any hassle. These thermometers give you peace of mind by delivering quick, precise readings whenever you need to check your family’s health.
TOYANDONA 5PCS Glass Thermometers Dual Scale
The TOYANDONA Glass Thermometers offer precise and dependable temperature readings, crafted with durable glass to last through regular use. You’ll appreciate the dual scale feature, which shows temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it easy to understand no matter where you are. These thermometers are designed with families in mind, providing a simple and safe way for parents to check temperatures without any hassle. Their clear markings and easy-to-read scale help you get quick, accurate results, so you can monitor health confidently and efficiently.
SP Scienceware H-B DURAC Lab Thermometer
The SP Scienceware Lab Thermometer offers a wide temperature range from -40 to 120 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for many uses like scientific research, industrial tasks, and chemical experiments where precise temperature control matters. Designed for total immersion, you can fully submerge it for exact liquid temperature readings, reducing errors in your work. It uses a safe red spirit liquid instead of mercury, so you get clear readings without the risks of toxic materials. Plus, it meets strict industry standards for accuracy and durability, ensuring you have a reliable tool that lasts through many uses.
Toyvian Glass Oral Thermometer 2pcs
The Toyvian Glass Thermometer offers a dual scale design, displaying both Fahrenheit and Celsius, so you can easily read temperatures in your preferred unit. This makes it convenient for use by everyone in your family, including adults, kids, and infants. Its glass construction is not only easy to clean but also durable, helping maintain hygiene and long-term use. The thermometer is designed for quick and accurate readings, especially when used under the armpit, providing reliable results in just 5 minutes. Plus, it comes with a protective case to keep it safe and portable, preventing breakage and making it handy for home or travel.
United Scientific Partial Immersion Thermometer
The United Scientific Partial Thermometer is designed for measuring temperatures in shallow containers, making it ideal when you don’t have much liquid to work with. Its temperature range from -20° to 110° Celsius covers a wide variety of uses, so you can rely on it for both cold and warm substances. The 12-inch length gives you enough reach to insert the thermometer properly without risking burns or spills. Plus, it uses a safe red spirit-filled column instead of mercury, reducing health risks and offering an affordable option for everyday temperature checks.
TOYANDONA 12PCS Glass Thermometers Dual Scale
The TOYANDONA Glass Thermometers offer precise and reliable temperature readings, perfect for adults who need accuracy you can trust. Made from durable glass, these thermometers are built to last and resist wear over time. They feature a dual scale with both Celsius and Fahrenheit measurements, making it easy for you to use them regardless of your preferred unit. Designed with families in mind, these thermometers are simple to handle, so you don’t have to worry about complicated use. Plus, their clear markings allow you to quickly and easily check temperatures, giving you confidence during health monitoring at home.
LABO Pocket Laboratory Chemical Thermometer
The LABO Pocket Thermometer is designed to give you accurate temperature readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, covering a broad range from very cold to moderately warm temperatures. Its compact length of just over 6 inches makes it easy to carry and handle wherever you need it. The thermometer provides precise measurements with a small margin of error, ensuring you can trust the results for your experiments or everyday use. Plus, it’s built for full immersion, meaning you can safely submerge the entire thermometer in liquids for thorough temperature checks. This combination of features makes it a handy and reliable tool for anyone needing quick, dependable temperature readings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are glass thermometers accurate?
Glass thermometers, specifically organic-liquid-filled ones, are generally accurate within ±1 scale division. They contain a nonhazardous liquid in a graduated scale tube, providing reliable temperature readings.
2. What are 3 disadvantages of using a glass thermometer?
Glass thermometers have a few disadvantages. They are fragile and easily breakable, can only be used where the liquid column is visible, and are unsuitable for high temperature measurements or surface temperature readings. Additionally, they cannot be read from a distance.
3. Why are glass mercury thermometers no longer used?
Glass mercury thermometers are no longer commonly used due to the toxicity of mercury. Many countries have banned them for medical use. Instead, alternatives like galinstan, a liquid alloy of gallium, indium, and tin, are used as a replacement for mercury in some thermometers.
4. Are glass thermometers better than digital?
There is no significant difference in the average accuracy between glass and digital thermometers based on laboratory and clinical studies. However, electronic thermometers may have a greater fluctuation of temperature readings compared to glass thermometers.
5. What are the pros and cons of glass thermometer?
The advantages of glass thermometers include their affordability, ease of reading, ability to be submerged in liquids, low maintenance requirements, and reliability. However, their fragility and risk of mercury poisoning if the glass tube breaks are significant disadvantages to consider.
6. Is it illegal to have a mercury thermometer?
In some states and municipalities, there are restrictions on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of mercury fever thermometers. These restrictions aim to reduce the risk of mercury vapor release indoors in the event of thermometer breakage.
During our glass thermometer research, we found 24 glass thermometer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,842 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glass thermometers list. We found that most customers choose glass thermometers with an average price of $17.53.
The glass thermometers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glass thermometers, including SP Scienceware, TOYANDONA, Toyvian, United Scientific, LABO Technology. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.