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5 Best Galileo Thermometers


Most recommended
AcuRite 00795A2 Galileo Thermometer
  • Item Weight 1.9 pounds
  • AcuRite
  • 13.1 x 9.5 x 5.6 inches
A good choice too
Thorness Large 44cm Tall Free Standing
  • Brand: Thorness
  • Vectis
  • Item Weight 13.7 ounces
A good choice too
H-B DURAC Galileo Thermometer
  • Item Weight 15.5 ounces
  • 14 x 4 x 4 inches
  • 64°F to 80°F
Lilys Home 17 inch Galileo Thermometer
  • Brand: DMDFJY
  • Item Weight 2.2 pounds
  • 20 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Kikkerland ST84 Galileo Thermometer
  • Item Weight 8 ounces
  • Kikkerland
  • 4.25 x 3.25 x 3.25

Choose the Best Galileo Thermometer

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Galileo Thermometers

27 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

59.26% of users selected AcuRite 00795A2 Galileo Thermometer, 18.52% selected Thorness Large 44cm Tall Free Standing, 3.70% selected H-B DURAC Galileo Thermometer, 7.41% selected Lilys Home 17 inch Galileo Thermometer and 11.11% selected Kikkerland ST84 Galileo Thermometer. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Galileo (Galilean) thermometers are a type of ornamental or novelty weather forecasting instrument dating back to the mid-17th century. They consist of glass bulbs in which water is suspended and they come in various shapes such as balls, coconuts, flowers, etc. 

The idea behind this unique design is that air temperature affects the volume of water inside each bulb differently depending on whether it’s hotter than, colder than or has an equal temperature compared with its surroundings. 

When you purchase one today you’ll find that there isn’t just one shape available anymore but many different designs ranging from traditional looking timepieces featuring hourglasses inside them for telling time through barometric pressure readings to more modern styles made out of stainless steel and resin elements measuring wind speed too! 

While these instruments were originally meant to be used as ornamental pieces, it is possible for them to tell you the temperature if they display labels with their reading.

If you are in the market for a Galileo thermometer but don’t know which one to buy, then this guide will help! A few experts have reviewed the top 5 Galileo thermometers available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor thermometer, experts have got all your needs covered.

AcuRite 00795A2 Galileo Thermometer – the Editor’s choice!

AcuRite 00795A2 combines two of history’s most accurate measuring instruments, the thermometer, and the barometer. This ingenious design will inform you about temperature changes in your environment with beautiful, color-filled spheres that descend and ascend according to atmospheric changes.

The wooden stand is beautifully crafted for stability and protection (especially when children are around) while also providing a stunning display piece for home or office use.

It features an elegant spiral glass cylinder where measurements can be read clear as day by simply reading one side. The instrument proves it deserves its place on the top shelf of any scientist’s map collection! Purchase with confidence – it comes with a 1-year warranty just in case something goes wrong.

Pros
  • Has a glass glove barometer;
  • 1-year warranty;
  • Stable and accurate measures;
  • Remarkable design;
  • The stable wood stand;

Cons
  • The globe may leak;
  • The glass is quite thin;

Developed from the ground up with a special focus on accuracy, the AcuRite 00795A2 Galileo Thermometer is a great way to always know what’s going on in your area. It comes complete with a wood stand and glass globe barometer for some natural-looking atmosphere while reading your measurements.

Thorness Large Free-Standing Galileo Thermometer – the best for aesthetics!

This Thorness thermometer shows the temperature in a range from 16 to 34 degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit on the opposite side. The globe that hangs lowest in this Galileo Thermometer has been designed with an exact precision-control mechanism, providing accurate readings of how warm or cold it is outside.

The thermometer stands 17 inches boasting ten beautiful baubles for your enjoyment. From high-quality materials, you will enjoy every movement as they dance based on changes in temperatures, making sure your space feels nice and cozy all day long!

The device comes complete with a stunning gift package perfect for any occasion.

Pros
  • Nice design;
  • Great gift idea;
  • Good package;
  • Shows exact indoor temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius;
  • 10 multi-colored bubbles;

Cons
  • Sometimes the colors are only blue, not multi-colored;
  • Flammable;

These Galileo thermometers are multi-colored to help you identify the current reading of the climate at any time – giving you ultimate control over your weather reports. With 10 baubles in this free-standing unit, it’s plenty big enough to make sure both young ones and adults can compare their statuses with exactly what the day has in store for us all.

SP Bel-Art H-B DURAC Galileo Thermometer – the best for accuracy!

Explore your temperature range with this Galileo thermometer. Have the accuracy of +/- 2 degrees F at all times with 5 color-coded spheres that indicate your temperature range. The size that you choose, 11 inches or 15 inches tall, will allow you to know almost precisely what’s happening in any climate inside your house.

It provides a visual and accurate representation of the high and low temperatures in your room. The colorfully designed spheres provide instant feedback with one glance, all while maintaining an easy-to-spot spectrum.

Experiment with surrounding temperatures by tilting it back and forth to measure cold air currents! Galileo Thermometers are perfect for anyone who wants to know if they are getting cold, hot, too cool, too warm – you name it!

Pros
  • Accurate and precise measurements;
  • The temperature range from 64 to 80F;
  • Different sizes are available;
  • Colorful glass balls;

Cons
  • Bad packaging;
  • The top sphere is too heavy to move around;
  • Thin glass;
  • It lacks a frame;

The accurate Galileo Thermometer from SP Bel-Art is a quirky, colorful way to keep track of your environment. This thermometer uses a clever mechanism with large colorful spheres that rise and fall in easy-to-read increments of 4 degrees F. It has separate colors for each increment so you can quickly see your desired temperature – easy for finding the perfect indoor climate!

Lily’s Home 17 inch Galileo Thermometer – the best for non-toxic components!

Do you want a thermometer that’s accurate, easy to read, and attractive? The Lily’s Home 17 inch Galileo Thermometer can be ideal for displaying in any room of your home.

With 10 spheres that hold gold plated tags with the temperature inside, this makes a great gift or decoration. This product will not let you down since it takes reading the thermometer from 60ºF to 96ºF in 4-degree increments making it accurate and less likely for errors! Beautiful and functional, the unit will keep you in tune with your indoor climate.

Pros
  • Includes non-toxic components;
  • Nice design;
  • 10 colored spheres and gold-plated tags;
  • Good gift idea;
  • Large;

Cons
  • Sometimes the bubbles are broken;
  • Not very accurate;
  • Recommended only for indoor use;

Color-coded gold plated tags of this Galileo thermometer make reading temps much easier while helping this decorative work of art look great whether hanging on a wall or sitting out on a table. If that weren’t enough Lily’s Home enhanced its design with high-quality non-toxic materials that are environmentally safe!

Kikkerland ST84 Galileo Thermometer – the best for indoor use!

This practical and handsome thermometer is ideal for use indoors with its compact size, lightweight frame, easy-to-read labels, and gorgeous presentation. You can’t help but inquire about it when you see this beauty in person.

Metal tags tell what the current temperature is in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit while impressive glass globes rest securely on a beautiful beech wood base. 4 different colors represent every degree of heat possible so picking one will be easy but hard because they’re all captivating to look at!

Pros
  • Designed for indoor use;
  • Lightweight and portable;
  • Colored globes and metal tags;
  • The temperature range is 16-34 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • Good gift idea;

Cons
  • Thin glass frame;
  • Non-standard design isn’t for everyone;
  • Too small to measure the outside temperature;

With the Kikkerland ST84 unit, you’ll always know what’s going on inside your home. This portable lightweight thermometer has a revolving globe that rises or falls to reveal temperature to 34 degrees Fahrenheit with a Celsius scale under it.

The Buyer’s Guide

Main Features:

The structure of Galileo thermometers

Galileo thermometer tubes are typically constructed from borosilicate glass, which is very durable and resistant to thermal shock. This means that your model can be exposed to high or low external temperatures without breaking. Additionally, the liquid in these models contains alcohol with a specific gravity of 0.79 at 60 degrees Fahrenheit

A standard Galileo thermometer consists of 5 columns/tubes containing 3 bulbs on each column with two standoffs to hold them up individually. There will also be a single spindle at the top which connects all these suspended tubes together and allows for movement along its axis when activated by temperature changes in surrounding air (or surrounding fluid). 

Each tube contains colored alcohol or some other type of liquid solution that expands as temperatures rise. This causes the individual weights inside to drop slightly lower until equilibrium has been reached once more through convection currents created by differential rates of heat transfer between adjacent surfaces inside each bulb-shaped tube (similar to the way heat rises).

The standoffs are hollow metal cylinders attached at each end of a central spindle, allowing them the freedom to move up or down. They act as spacers between adjacent columns so they can freely expand and contract laterally without obstruction when activated by thermal expansion inside its bulb-shaped glass container (with some exceptions). 

These cylindrical objects contain vents that allow for further convection currents created by differential rates of heat transfer between adjacent surfaces. This allows Galileo thermometers their ability to detect temperature changes more rapidly than other types of mercury barometer devices. Depending on how many individuals stand there are in total will depend on what scale is used for measurement purposes. It may be labeled accordingly with numbers starting from 0-300, 0-500, or even 0-600.

To ensure accuracy, it is vital that the glass contained within each container be thicker than average thermometers so they can withstand thermal expansion without breaking or cracking.

Size and dimensions: 

  • The Galileo thermometer is made out of glass. It’s a hefty piece, but not too heavy for hanging on walls or windows;
  • Diameter – 4.3 inches (about the size of an adult palm);
  • The height is 11 inches roughly (a little smaller than the average height of an adult). The proportion between height and diameter feels just right when you hang it up in your house – neither oversized nor undersized when compared to real objects around it. There are also large models ranging up to 20 inches in height;

The aesthetics

Galileo thermometers can be a great way to add some style and flair to your living space. These elegant devices come in an extraordinary range of sizes, shapes, styles, and colors. From classic round models with copper tubes or stainless steel bells to contemporary designs like bubbles or cubes, you will always find one that matches your taste perfectly! 

If you are looking to give your space a sophisticated touch, consider using one of the Galileo thermometers that come with finely crafted wooden bases like this beautiful product. These replica models will look great in any room and can be used as stylish bookends or accent pieces on shelves. They also make perfect gifts! 

Fitting the interior or outside

The Galileo thermometers are also known as weather stations because they can be used for outdoor activities. The fact that it has an unbreakable glass tube makes it durable and provides better accuracy when measuring temperatures in different climates or seasons. Not all models come with this feature so make sure you go through the product description before buying one. 

A common problem with these devices is not being able to attach them to any surface, due to a lack of compatibility between their interior diameter and exterior circumference. It’s possible that there isn’t enough space under your roof either if you have a porch or veranda above your house entrance door. If this happens, experts recommend using adhesive tape instead of nails – just don’t forget to remove it after a year or so.

You just have to keep in mind how often these devices are dropped during transport and on what surfaces because there’s no reason why yours shouldn’t last longer than one season of intense usage. 

Galileo models for home use tend to be more precise than those designed for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing trips – this doesn’t mean they can’t be used outdoors though! 

Accuracy

Another thing that you should pay attention to is the measurement accuracy, especially if you’re using your unit as an indoor thermometer too. Accuracy is important because, for home use, the thermometer has to show you an accurate temperature of your surroundings. This way, it can help you with different activities like cooking or just staying warm and cozy indoors during winter.

To begin with, all units vary from each other on some level since no two craftsmen make their products exactly alike even though they use the same components and follow similar guidelines when constructing this type of product. However, there are some ways to determine how accurate your thermometer will be at providing the correct temperature. 

Another thing you want to check is the calibration. Some units are more accurate than others so it’s important that you select a Galileo thermometer with good accuracy levels if this feature is really important for your needs. You can get an idea of how well-calibrated the unit is by checking its specifications and comparing them against similar products from other brands.

If you want a more reasonable accuracy level, look for units that have ±0.09°F of accuracy, which should be more than enough for most people’s needs. Of course, if this isn’t enough – there are even higher levels of accuracy available so don’t hesitate to check out all options before making a purchase!

Quality build

The first thing you should look for is quality construction that won’t allow leakage which can mess up its internal mechanism and cause it to give you incorrect readings. If there’s one spot on the glass where water seems to bead up or roll-off despite gravity, then this might not be considered as properly constructed since it may mean that air bubbles have gotten trapped somewhere inside. This could make it read higher than what the actual temperature really is once heated due to those pockets of air possibly expanding when exposed to heat sources like flames, ovens, radiators, etc.

Price

You can get a Galileo thermometer for as low as $20 online, which is great because you don’t have to spend a lot of money if this isn’t your cup of tea. The best part about these things is that they are very affordable and not too expensive either. 

How does the Galileo thermometer measure the temperature?

Galileo thermometers are not a new invention. In fact, they have been around for over 200 years and remain popular due to their quality craftsmanship and durability. They work by allowing the fluid in them to expand as it heats up or cools down, causing the weight at the bottom of one tube to rise slightly higher than that of its neighbor. 

This causes the thermometer to swing into a new position, indicating that a change in temperature has occurred. This process is repeated as more changes occur and result in a permanent record of the movement of the fluid within its tube over time. 

How to read the Galileo thermometer?

Galileo thermometers are designed with elegant and unique glass tubes that contain a colored liquid which rises or falls as temperature changes. The color of the liquid is used to measure temperature. In addition, some Galileo thermometer models include an LCD display for indoor use only – allowing you to read your measurements easier than ever before! 

To read your traditional Galileo thermometer, simply hold it up to the light and look at the bottom of the column. 

The temperature measurements are marked on each tube in order from left to right with:

  • red for hot temperatures (greater than 77 degrees F);
  • blue for cold ones (less than 39 degrees);

There may also be black marks between these two colors indicating colder or warmer conditions within that range. If there is no mark next to where you see a bubble resting then that means that exact temperature has been reached! This makes reading your Galileo thermometer incredibly easy even without an LCD display monitor.

FAQ

What is inside a Galileo thermometer?

A Galileo thermometer is made up of a glass tube that contains four elements

  • Water;
  • Alcohol or mercury;
  • Clear liquid;
  • White crystals;

The materials inside the Galileo thermometers are not harmful to people since they’re non-toxic. However, it’s not advisable to touch the liquid — even if you think it’s clean — because who knows what kind of germs might be on your hands? 

You should also avoid drinking them since these fluids aren’t meant for human consumption (in fact, don’t drink any fluid from an unknown source). 

Mercury used in some products can cause poisoning so better contact customer service first just to make sure important precautions have been taken against this possibility. It will take several days before the temperature-sensitive beads stop floating.

What is a Galileo thermometer used for?

The primary purpose of these beautiful objects is to produce an aesthetically pleasing decoration that can be placed in the living room, bedroom, or bathroom

They also serve as home decor but it’s more common nowadays to see them inside restaurants, bars, and other public places where people have time to appreciate their beauty while sipping on drinks with friends. As mentioned earlier, they’re not just decorative items — you can use them both indoors and outdoors for temperature indication purposes too!

In fact, many homeowners enjoy using their Galileo Thermometers during winter so they know when it’s warm enough for guests without having to wake up every hour at night checking the outside temperature.

Do Galileo thermometers work?

Yes. They are fully functional and properly calibrated products that measure the ambient temperature of your surroundings with absolute accuracy, although this might vary depending on which product you’ve chosen to buy. Some brands have better thermal sensors than others do so it’s best to check previous customer reviews before making a purchase decision just in case there’s something wrong with their calibration system. 

While most models come pre-calibrated out of the box, some do require manual input upon arrival or at least need to be recalibrated every now and then by following the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance over time. This is one thing worth checking if you’re not sure about how well they work since poorly calibrated products simply won’t produce accurate results.

Is the Galileo thermometer accurate?

Most Galileo thermometers are not completely accurate, but they do work. There is a calibration process in the instructions to make sure it’s reading correctly. 

The key is to make sure that you’re using distilled water in your thermometers because what you put inside the tube will affect the reading. If you don’t use distilled water then calcium can build up on your thermometer and contaminates the accuracy. So always make sure to keep them clean by rinsing with vinegar and doing an occasional deep cleaning with baking soda or salt (about every six months). 

Where is the best place to put a Galileo thermometer?

Galileo thermometers are traditionally displayed in the garden. They can also be used indoors, but you should consider that they will not work as well because of indoor temperature fluctuations and lower sun exposure. 

For best results, your Galileo thermometer should be placed outdoors in a shady part of the garden or other outside area that receives minimal sunlight. If you live in an area with very hot summers and cold winters, it is recommended to leave them indoors from November through March each year. 

Is it illegal to have a mercury thermometer?

No, it is not illegal to have a mercury thermometer. However, in most places, you need a special permit to own one and they are heavily regulated because the liquid inside of them can be dangerous when inhaled or ingested. 

How do you refill a Galileo thermometer?

A Galileo thermometer can be refilled in a few easy steps. First, you need to take the glass bulb off the tube base by twisting it counterclockwise and lifting it up. You then remove any remaining liquid or sediment that may have built up inside the lower hemisphere of the mercury column with water pressure from your spigot hose on a low-pressure setting (not high). 

Ensure you are not using too much force since this could damage one of its inner parts. Once all debris is removed fill both hemispheres until they are about an inch away from reaching their maximum capacity for each hemisphere. You’ll know when to stop filling because if there was some air at the bottom left over removing old liquid last time, it should have been pushed out by now. Then you need to screw the two halves back together and place them back into their original position.

Also, make sure that when filling your Galileo thermometer’s glass bulb with water from an outside source (e.g., spigot hose), there is no way for air bubbles to form inside the mercury column or around its circumference. You can fix this problem by slowly rotating each hemisphere in opposite directions as they fill up until all of the air bubbles are gone! That’s it – enjoy your new working Galileo thermometer! 

What is the most reliable Galileo thermometer?

There are many options to choose from, but the best indoor thermometer is probably one that’s reliable and has accurate temperature readings. A good starting point for people looking for a Galileo thermometer would be the AcuRite 00795A2 device.

What thermometer type do doctors use?

The answer to that question is not simple because there are many different kinds of thermometers. There is mercury in glass thermometers, digital ear probe type, and the most common one – underarm type. While several studies show that all these types have their pros and cons, it seems safe to say that when talking about accuracy doctors use contact ones that measure temperature at the place where they are applied. 

What is the difference between a thermoscope and a thermometer?

The difference between a thermoscope and a thermometer is that the former measures temperature by measuring changes in the length of its stem while the latter uses an electronic device. A thermometer is more accurate than a thermoscope.

How to install the Galileo thermometer?

Galileo Thermometers are extremely easy to set up and can be done in less than a minute.  This is why they are perfect for both home and office use.

How to calibrate the Galileo thermometer?

There’s no need to calibrate your Galileo Thermometer because it comes with a built-in sensor that adjusts the internal calibration automatically, so you won’t have any issues getting accurate readings! However, if you would like to recalibrate your device simply immerse it in water that has been set at 98F – anything outside of this range could result in inaccurate measurements. This process should only last about 30 seconds before being ready for use again!

Useful Video: 9 Best Galileo Thermometers 2020

Final thoughts 

There are many options for Galileo thermometers out there, so it’s important to know which one will suit your needs best. Whether you prefer a classic or modern design and whether you want an indoor or outdoor model, this guide has everything that you need!