As the cheapest ear thermometer in the range (recommended retail price €39.99), the ThermoScan 3 should be “fast, sensitive and easy to use” according to Braun. While it’s not as advanced as the other high-end ThermoScans, it still keeps the basics, notably with a disposable tip for better hygiene, an audible fever indicator, and last reading storage. This is enough to satisfy many users who only expect a certain reliability and measurement speed from a thermometer.
construction and ergonomics
Given its positioning in the entry-level segment, it is not surprising that the ThermoScan comes in a less expensive form than the ThermoScan 6, 7 and 7+. Also less ergonomic since the body of the thermometer is content with a cylindrical shape with 2 flat sides without any particular curvature. The finishes are spot on, we’re a far cry from the much more premium aspect of the other models in the range.
You can also see that in the battery compartment, which can only be unlocked with a small tap. However, security against opening by children if a swallowable dead battery (CR2032) is housed in it.
Despite its basic shape, the compactness and lightness of the ThermoScan 3 ensure a good hold. The thumb falls easily over the single button used to turn on and measure.
Disposable mouthpieces for better hygiene
The ThermoScan 3 comes with 20 disposable plastic tips, which according to the instructions should be changed between each use to avoid any contamination and to ensure the reliability of the measurements.
The Braun ThermoScan 3 probe is protected by its disposable tip.
A principle that is certainly hygienic and avoids soiling the probe with earwax in the ear canal, but generates waste. We wish the tips were washable and reusable.
In fact, cleaning the tip seems to be sufficient since our measurements have not been disturbed, but the manufacturer’s recommendations take precedence in order to obtain reliable measurements. These are the recommendations we followed to conduct our precision and reliability tests.
Unlike the ThermoScan 6, 7 and 7+, the ThermoScan 3 does not benefit from a trigger to eject the disposable tip that requires manual detachment. Replacing the tip remains fairly easy, however.
start, use
Using the ThermoScan 3 couldn’t be easier. At least once removed the protective cover of his probe, which is not very convenient. Just press the button to turn it on. You then have to wait 4 seconds before you can take the first measurement. The result is displayed on a small monochrome LCD screen, located on the side of the thermometer, which can be read without having to change position.
When switched on, the ThermoScan 3 displays the last temperature measurement taken.
Too bad it doesn’t have a backlight, reading in the dark can be difficult. However, an audible signal will sound if the measured temperature is higher than normal.
accuracy and speed
Good speed to measure
The ThermoScan 3 is ready to use in just 4 seconds and then provides measurements in just 1 second. However, you should wait 5 s between each measurement. Its side screen, which requires you to remove the probe from the ear canal to read the result, isn’t really distracting, but it’s difficult to take multiple consecutive measurements to ensure a good result.
Repeatable measurements
Fortunately, the good repetition of the measurements of this thermometer does not require taking several measurements to form an average, especially since this model is not too sensitive to the dangerous orientations of its tip in the ear canal. In fact, there is only 12% standard deviation in 6 temperature measurements taken with intentionally biased tip orientations.
Sufficient precision
The accuracy cannot be surpassed, the average difference over 8 measurement series is limited to 0.24°C compared to rectal measurements with our reference thermometer.
The temperature curve of the Braun ThermoScan 3 compared to our reference rectal thermometer
However, the maximum difference reached -0.4°C when our body temperature started to rise after a voluntary drop caused according to our testing protocol. Body temperature can therefore sometimes be underestimated. Fortunately, the difference remains small enough not to question the reliability of this thermometer.
The measured temperature differences in relation to our reference thermometer
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strong points
User friendliness.
Repeatable and fairly accurate measurements.
measurement speed.
Disposable protective caps made of plastic are hygienic
weak points
Screen not backlit.
No silent mode.
Uncomfortable probe cover.
Disposable plastic protective caps are just so much junk.
Diploma
Global brand
How does the classification work?
Simple and fast, the Braun ThermoScan 3 ear thermometer is certainly not as advanced as the higher models in the range, but it offers a generally satisfactory level of accuracy. Its relatively low price makes up for its few ergonomic shortcomings.