Laboratory Thermometer: Uses and How to Use It
Laboratory Thermometer: Uses and How to Use It
A laboratory thermometer measures the temperature of liquids, gases or rooms. Liquid-in-glass thermometers contain a liquid (mercury or coloured spirit) that expands up a capillary as temperature rises; digital thermometers use electronic sensors such as thermocouples or PT100 probes.
What is a laboratory thermometer used for?
- Measuring solution temperature during heating or cooling.
- Determining boiling and melting points.
- Monitoring water baths, incubators and sample refrigerators.
- Correcting temperature-dependent measurements such as pH and density.
Parts of a laboratory thermometer
- 1Bulb – holds the thermometric liquid; the part immersed
- 2Capillary – where the liquid rises and falls
- 3Scale – typically −10 to 110 °C or up to 360 °C
How to use a laboratory thermometer
Immerse the bulb in the middle of the liquid
Immerse the whole bulb in the middle of the liquid. Do not let it touch the bottom or walls, which can be at a different temperature.
Wait until stable, read at eye level
Wait until the column stops moving (usually 1–3 minutes), then read the top of the column at eye level to avoid parallax.
Hold the top end, not the bulb
Hold the thermometer by its top end. Touching the bulb adds your body heat to the reading.
Never use it to stir
Use a stirring rod to stir. Glass thermometers are thin and break easily, especially at the bulb.
Common mistakes
- Using it above its maximum: the thermometer can burst.
- Plunging a cold thermometer into very hot liquid: thermal shock can crack the glass.
Care and safety
- Store in its case, flat or hanging; never leave it to roll on the bench.
- If a mercury thermometer breaks, do not sweep or vacuum; collect it with a spill kit and treat it as hazardous waste.
Types and sizes
Spirit thermometers (red or blue liquid) are safer than mercury and suit most work up to about 110 °C. Digital thermometers with stainless probes are faster and easier to read. Min-max thermometers are available for incubators and refrigerators.
Laboratory Thermometer at AMI Scientific
Examples of laboratory thermometer available in our store. Prices exclude VAT.
Termometer Maks-Min Cairan Biru Alla France 75000-002/BFrom Rp421.000
Termometer Bola Basah Bola Kering PLST Alla FranceFrom Rp561.000
Termometer Cairan Biru Alla FranceFrom Rp205.000
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a laboratory thermometer?
Immerse the bulb in the middle of the liquid without touching the walls, wait until it is stable, then read the column at eye level.
Why should a thermometer not be used to stir?
The glass is thin and breaks easily. If it breaks, the liquid inside (especially mercury) is hazardous.
Related equipment
Compiled by the AMI Scientific team from standard laboratory practice. Illustrations: AMI Scientific. Updated: 06-11-2026.
Need a laboratory thermometer for your laboratory?
AMI Scientific supplies laboratory glassware, instruments and chemicals with tax invoices and delivery across Indonesia.
Available at AMI Scientific
Termometer Maks-Min Cairan Biru Alla France 75000-002/B
From Rp421.000