When someone in the house feels unwell, the last thing you want is to hunt for a thermometer you are not sure how to use. The right one is the one that suits who you are measuring and when. Here is how the main types compare, and what you get from each.

1. Ear Thermometers: Fast, Familiar and Built for Families

Ear thermometers read in about a second and are a good fit for households with children. Braun's ThermoScan range steps up as you add features:

• ThermoScan 3 (IRT3030): a 1-second reading, an audio fever indicator, a clear LCD display, a hygiene cap and last-reading recall.
• ThermoScan 6 (IRT6515): a pre-warmed tip for a gentle reading, ExacTemp guidance with a light and beep to help you position it correctly, a colour-coded backlit display and memory. A storage case is included.
• ThermoScan 7 (IRT6525): Age Precision, where you select the person's age for a more accurate result, plus night and silent modes, a colour-coded display, 9 memories and a storage case.

What you actually get: a quick reading you can trust, with more guidance as you move up the range.

2. No-Touch Thermometer: Check Without Waking Anyone

The Braun No Touch Thermometer (BNT400) measures without touching the skin and gives a reading in 2 seconds. Age Precision, colour-coded guidance and a backlight make the result easy to read at night, and silent mode means a sleeping child stays asleep. It can also check baby food and bath water. It comes in white or black.

What you actually get: a quiet, contact-free reading that does not interrupt a good night's sleep.

3. Stick Thermometers: Simple and Affordable

A digital stick thermometer is the straightforward choice for a first thermometer or a second one for the bag.

• Digital Stick PRT1000: a 10-second reading, a flexible tip, a fever alarm and memory.
• Digital Stick PRT2000: an 8-second reading with Age Precision, a colour-coded display, a fever alarm and a flexible tip.

What you actually get: dependable readings and a clear alert when the reading is done, without paying for features you will not use.

4. Lens Filters: The Accessory Worth Stocking

If you choose a ThermoScan ear thermometer, keep spare lens filters nearby. The Braun lens filters (LF40) are BPA and latex free, and fit all ThermoScan models. They are designed to keep each reading hygienic.

What you actually get: hygiene for every reading, and no scramble when the last filter runs out.

How to Choose

• Young children, or a family that shares one? An ear thermometer, with Age Precision if you want age-adjusted guidance.
• Readings at night? A no-touch thermometer with silent mode.
• Simple and affordable? A digital stick thermometer.

Final Thoughts

A thermometer is only useful if it is within reach and easy to use when you need it. Pick the type that fits your household, keep it where everyone knows to find it, and stock spare filters if it needs them. For any worry about a child's health, speak to a doctor.

Explore The New Store's health care range to find the right thermometer for your family.