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For Geologists, farmers or amateur gardeners, a rain gauge should be the most essential equipment for work. Using this equipment, the users will not have to rely on local news channels or newspapers for weather reports and forecasts. A rain gauge also helps the customer in saving water bills in the scenario of the consumer being a gardener of sorts.

Best Rain Gauges In 2020

Rain gauges are specific instruments that help in measuring the rain fallen over a specific period of time. If you are a gardening pro or a beginner and you want to purchase the best rain gauge in the market, our researchers will help you throughout this article and help make you purchase the best equipment. We have laid down all the pros and cons of each device we think might be useful to you so you can have a glance within them and pick the best overall device you might find convenient.

Editor’s Picks: 3 Of The Top Rain Gauges In 2023

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5 Best Rain Gauges In 2023 Reviewed

1. AcuRite 00899 Wireless Rain Gauge

Acurite 00899 wireless rain gauge is the best all-rounding device in the market you can obtain at the moment. This device is built with durability and has a very simple design with very good use of technology. The AcuRite 00899 has a bucket design which gives its flexibility to be placed almost anywhere in your workplace or your households.

This device also has a self-emptying function that means it has virtually unlimited capacity. This device also provides measurements in mm or inches as per the convenience of the customer. Furthermore, it offers reporting of measurements over a week period and on the plus side, it also gives the customers a flood warning alert so they are prepared when weathers like such are round the clock. As a bonus, this device also can be used as a clock or a calendar. The AcuRite also comes with a 1-year warranty.

PROS:
  • Can clear itself automatically
  • Easy to mount and hang anywhere
  • Comes with a variety of useful push notifications for possible natural calamities, etc.
  • 1-year warranty
CONS:
  • Wireless range is up to 75m only

2. Netatmo NRG01-WW Rain Gauge

The Netatmo NRG01-WW is the prefered device among weather enthusiasts. If you are an enthusiast yourself, you will probably beforehand know what the average range of this device will be. For average weather monitoring, Netatmo is the most favoured device. This device can monitor rain, temperature, wind and humidity and all of them have a monitor for themselves within the collection of Netatmo. The NRG01-WW is the solo monitor for the rain gauge. It has the capacity of 150 mm and accuracy is nearly 1 mm. These specifications will help you crunch the most precise number for the rainfall of the area you want to measure. This device also offers a mobile app with a custom notification system that will help you to keep track anywhere

PROS:
  • Highly accurate
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Netatmo Assistance is quite useful
  • Access real-time readings of rainfall at home directly via your smart device
CONS:
  • 100m range

3. TFA 47.1001 Rain Gauge

TFA 47.1001 rain gauge is the best for customers who want to use it at home. This device is most helpful for home gardening and so to keep the track of conditions, this gauge is most fancied. It is known for its durability and simplicity that combines to give the gardeners exactly what they need.

It comes with an easy setup, there is no assembly required and the design is a simple holder that can easily be mounted on fences or panels to fit in your garden. Furthermore, it has a maximum capacity of 40 mm and has very clear suggestions to assist the customer with reading. As a bonus, this device comes with a secondary tracking ring that allows the customer to manually track rainfall over a longer period of time, which means that you can empty the device regularly, whenever you wish to.

PROS:
  • Simple design
  • Easy to set up in your gardens
  • Quite compact and easy to carryr
  • Comes with a tracking ring
CONS:
  • Small single capacity

4. Outback Blue Large 250mm Rain Gauge

Outback Blue rain gauge is used best for farming. Customers that operate at a large agricultural field should be keeping an eye on this rain gauge because it is very crucial for the farmers to ensure that they have no losses due to poor functioning of other devices. If you are a farmer you’ll most likely need to cover a huge area and for a longer period of time so for this, you need to purchase a gauge that can withstand the harshest conditions and other factors.

The Outback Blue rain gauge is UV resistant, polycarbonate and has a plastic construction that helps it battling the harsh conditions. This device also has an overall capacity of 250 mm which is one of the largest in the market. It can also be easily mounted in a variety of different locations and its simple markings will help track down 0.5 mm increments if the customer wants.

PROS:
  • Easy to install
  • UV protected and plastic construction
  • Measurement down to 0.5mm
  • Very durable
CONS:
  • Inner tube design can vary for readings in harsh conditions

5. AcuRite 00850A2 Rain Gauge

The Acura 00850A2 is the best product you can get well within budget. Even if you have low interest in weather and not an enthusiast, and if you want a cheap option to keep track of rainfall in your area then this rain gauge is your ideal pick. This rain gauge has a basic and simple design & it can simply be placed in your garden without being caught by the water. This device has a capacity of up to 100 mm and it is ideal for a majority of climates because it has a magnified reader that helps in taking the measurement. Although this rain gauge is not known for its durability, it does have a plastic built that the other products have which stands up against the harshest of conditions. It may not be the best product in the market but it is the best device you can get under cheap rates.

PROS:
  • Easy to set up, no installation problems
  • Magnified reading for secure measurement
  • Extremely budget-friendly
  • Easy-to-read

Things To Consider Before Buying A Rain Gauge

  • Size

Before purchasing a rain gauge, customers should understand what purpose the rain gauge serves to them. So for them the bigger, the rain gauge the more expensive it could get because of the bigger gauges having features like less evaporation and better resistance to heavy rain. 

  • Design

Finding the right design could be tricky because there are a lot of materials to choose from. Some of them can be stainless steel while the other could be built up of plastic or polycarbonate. The most important factor is that your gauge should have a UV radiation in it because it will help in evaporation of the water and help you get an accurate result.

  • Mounting height

Customers should make sure that their rain gauge is placed 1.5 metres above the ground. It is good to have this distance because you have to make sure that the rain gauge is placed in a flat position to collect the rain without any obstacle.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Rain Gauge

  • Accuracy

There are many products in the market that will provide you with a good set of measurements and these devices could save you some money. However, these gauges won’t be as accurate as a branded gauge. So you should make sure that you get a branded gauge that can provide you with a much better set of accurate measurements, But this is only possible if you purchase the right device.

  • Brand

As aforementioned how branded gauges could help your accuracy, it is very crucial to have a branded product because it could help you in providing a better insight about the product. Some products come with a warranty which will help you in returning the product if there is a defect in your gauge. So, all in all, it is important to have a branded device because it will help you in giving high-end features and a better set of measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How does a rain gauge work?

These devices are the simplest devices that you can find to measure the rainfall over a particular period of time. At the minimum, a rain gauge has a collection unit that traps rainfall. The data obtained will be clearly visible on the device, but they will, however, differ depending upon the model of the product.

Q. How often should I check my rain gauge?

If you are gardening, it is always advised for you to check the rain gauge every day. It takes time for younger plants to develop roots, so several days without water will be threatening to the young buds. On the contrary, grass only needs 1-2 inches of water a week, varying with the temperature. If you are only committed about your lawn, ignoring the rain gauge for a day or two will not cause any harm to your property.

Q. Do I need to clean my rain gauge? If yes, how do I clean it?

Cleaning instructions usually come with the manual that comes along the device. Majority products on the market have their own cleaning instructions. However, you will most likely encounter algae accumulation at some point. When you face such situations, all you need to do is to clean your rain gauge with a gentle soap. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners because they can damage the device.

Q. What is the best way for me to mount my gauge?

All the devices also have their very own manual about where to be set up. It is recommended that you follow the instruction manual before following our general instructions. It is recommended to first find an unobstructed location away from tall structures like trees and buildings. Some of the ideal places include posts in unobstructed areas or chain link fences. Customers should also make sure that their rain gauge is arranged in a manner of 1.5 metres above the ground. It is good to have this distance because you have to make sure that the rain gauge is placed in a flat position to collect the rain.

Q. Does size matter when it comes to rain gauges?

Yes. Size does matter when it comes to rain gauges. The larger the opening of a gauge, the lower will be its statistical error. Hence, get the largest possible gauge that your budget allows if prime accuracy is what you’re looking for.

A Final Word

Our researchers have narrowed down all the important rain gauges to opt for according to the needs of what the customer wants it for from farming to normal weather information. Hopefully, this list has given you the best insight and you now have the proper information that you will need before purchasing a rain gauge from our list. If not, you may feel free to take a glance at the buyer’s guide and find yourself a more convenient product.

On an ending note, we’d personally recommend you to buy:

This device comes with one of the most durable designs you will ever find in the market. Moreover, it also comes with a 1-year warranty by the manufacturer in case you find any defect in the product within the first year you can replace it immediately. Its design is also easy to hang anywhere you desire

Last update on 2023-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API