Temperature indicators are more commonly referred to as thermometers. Uses of temperature indicators include monitoring ambient air temperatures, the temperature of paper products and food temperatures. Visual temperature indicators provide readings either through a digital display or a scale.

Many digital temperature indicators measure other elements, including time, date and dew point. General-use temperature indicators are suitable for a variety of industrial applications, but other industries, such food service, require specialized temperature indicators. When purchasing temperature indicators, consider the following:

1. Monitor humidity levels as well as temperature with temperature and humidity indicators.

2. Use digital temperature indicators for easy-to-read displays.

3. Prevent food contamination with food temperature indicators.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase temperature and humidity indicators

Humidity indicators are also referred to as hygrometers, and temperature and humidity indicators are thermohygrometers or hygrothermometers. These instruments display the percentage of humidity in the air or in a product, such as paper rolls. Some models of temperature and humidity indicators also display additional numbers, such as dew point.

I recommend: Browse an inventory of humidity indicators with a temperature display at Extech Instruments. Some of the company's models also display dew point and time. Terra Universal offers temperature and humidity indicator ideal for use inside a modular cleanroom. Purchase a temperature and humidity indicator from Rotronic. These humidity and temperature control indicators are available in portable and bench-top models.

Order digital temperature indicators

Digital temperature indicators display the instrument's reading on an easy-to-read display similar to a digital alarm clock's display. Alarms are a common feature on digital temperature indicators and alert the operator when it reaches a pre-set temperature or when a certain amount of time has lapsed. Digital temperature indicators are available for specific applications as well as for general use.

I recommend: Buy temperature indicators with a digital display at Partlow. These temperature indicators feature a large, easy-to-read display and an alarm. Find a universal digital temperature indicator at Lesman Instrument. This digital temperature indicator has six field-selectable thermocouple inputs and four alarms. Search the Cole-Parmer online catalog of digital temperature indicators. The company offers temperature indicators for the food industry as well as general-purpose indicators.

Find suppliers of temperature indicators for food processing and services

Food temperature indicators are designed specifically to give cooks and chefs the exact temperature of the product. Using a food temperature indicator prevents customers from consuming improperly cooked foods, which can cause illnesses such as salmonella. Food temperature indicators can also alert workers when food exposure reaches potentially damaging temperatures.

I recommend: Order a food temperature indicator from 3M. This temperature indicator informs you when beverage and food beverages reach freezing temperatures. Browse a large inventory of food temperature indicators at Professional Equipment. The company's temperature indicators are available for purchase online. Find food thermometers for specific cooking and baking applications at Able Kitchen.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many temperature indicators are powered by batteries. Be sure to keep a spare set of batteries to prevent unnecessary downtime.