Mercury-filled

- more accurate

- more hazardous due to mercury

- cannot be used ovens or incubators

- can purchase Teflon-coated

Alcohol-filled

- also spirit-filled (n-hexane w/ a red dye)

- less accurate

- less hazardous

Digital, electronic

- less hazardous - safer than glass, liquid-filled

Purchasing Tips - Consider

- Teflon-coated

- Anti-roll-off devices

-Teflon buttons at the tips

- Thermometer storage rack

- whether you need partial or total emersion

- yellow-backed for easier reading

NOTE: elementary (& perhaps middle) schools should NOT purchase mercury thermometers

Storage Tip - Store in vertical position

Usage Tip - Do not shake down or hit on any surface. Thermal or mechanical shocks will cause the alcohol thermometer columns to separate.