A standard body thermometer is the most well-known thermometer. A basal thermometer is lesser known than a standard thermometer. The purpose of a basal thermometer is very specific---it is used to measure your basal body temperature. A basal thermometer is essentially a quicker, more accurate thermometer than a body thermometer.
Purpose
A basal thermometer is designed specifically to read the resting temperature of your body, known as the basal body temperature. This temperature is often taken first thing upon waking in the morning, before getting out of bed or any other movement. For accuracy, it must also be taken after at least four or more hours of sleep. Standard body thermometers are not designed specifically for basal body temperature readings, but rather standard body temperature readings, although they can also read basal body temperature.
Accuracy
The basal thermometer has long been recommended because of their accuracy for women who are charting their temperatures during their menstrual cycle. Basal thermometers read temperature down to the tenth of a degree, rather than two-tenths like the older glass mercury thermometers. Today there are many types of body thermometers, including digital thermometers that read body temperatures down to the tenth degree, like most basal thermometers. Some basal thermometers may read to the 1/100th of a degree, but when you are charting your basal temperature, it is necessary only to read to the tenth of a degree.
Speed
Basal thermometers are largely recommended for their speed, on average taking only 30 to 60 seconds to read your temperature. Many standard thermometers, even digital, can take up to 1 to 3 minutes. If you are taking your temperature daily, specifically right before you get up in the morning, it may be worth it to you to get a basal body thermometer for its recording speed.
Memory
Another feature that digital basal thermometers boast is memory storage. When recording your basal temperature daily, it is very convenient to be able to look back at your thermometer later in the day to see your morning temperature. Otherwise, you are stuck reading your temperature in the early morning hours and immediately recording it or committing it to memory for later use. Modern digital body thermometers can also come with memory storage, so this is not a feature found only in basal thermometers.
Cost and Availability
Basal thermometers may cost from $9 up, while standard thermometers may cost from $5 up. The cost difference may be minuscule or monumental, depending on the type and brand of thermometer you choose. Additionally, basal thermometers are less common and therefore can be more difficult to find locally than a standard body thermometer. Standard thermometers can be found locally from small drug stores to large chains, where a basal thermometer is more specialized and may have to be ordered, because they are not always kept in stock. Depending on the specific medical usage of your thermometer, you may want to consult your physician, finding which type he recommends for your personal use.
