Liquid thermometers are not as accurate as digital thermometers because they rely on the user to gauge the level of the liquid, which cannot be broken down into increments as small as those on a digital thermometer. Glass thermometers, particularly mercury-filled ones, can be dangerous if they smash, which is why they are no longer sold, but some old models may remain in people’s homes.
Infrared thermometers
Infrared thermometers are non-contact: they do not have to touch the item they are reading the temperature of. This makes them better for larger and out-of-reach structures.