Best Overall
Headwind Classic EZRead Rain Gauge
Best Bang for the Buck
La Crosse 704-1531B Magnifying Rain Gauge
Best Wireless
AcuRite Digital Rain Gauge with Rain Collector
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ab initio used by weather stations and now by gardeners , Farmer , and weather enthusiasts likewise , rain gauges collect pelting into a funnel shape to measure precipitation , saving users time , vigor , and money . By knowing how much rainwater the area receives over an median workweek , month , or year , you may design when to water your plants or to prepare for storms .
With so many different models available on the market , obtain the best rain calibre for your needs can feel overwhelming . To give you a nous start , read on to take about shopping considerations and why the follow rainfall gauge are top performer . Our favorite exemplar is theHeadwind Classic EZRead Rain Gauge , which is easy to understand , atmospheric condition - resistant , and included a build up - in screen to keep out rubble . We ’ve tested each of the products below to assess their accuracy , features , and durability when measuring hurry , to furnish you with our top recommendations for the best rain calibre on the market .
How We Tested the Best Rain Gauges
Each rainwater gauge was rack up using a title , which help us equate different rainfall bore based on truth , ease of installation , size , strength , readability , additional feature , and value for the damage .
In addition to note how easy the product was to set up up and install , we also evaluated the included direction , whether or not batteries were include ( if needed ) , and if the product came with mounting hardware or multiple installation choice .
The rainfall gauges were test in both scant and heavy rain conditions to determine their truth and the effectiveness of any additional features , such as measuring humidity , hint speed , air pressure , and more .
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best rainfall gauges that stick out out for their quality , comfort of use , accuracy , and versatility . We tested each of these product to equate them against each other and to find out which is adept for unlike situations .
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Ease of Use5/5 ; Accuracy4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.5/5
The EZRead Rain Gauge by Headwind is an analog model sport an outsized design . Standing tall at 26 inches and with a diam of 4 inches , it can valuate up to 5 inch of rainfall . Its funnel top prevents debris such as leaves from clogging the rain accumulator .
The markings on this garden rain gauge are large and visible at ¼-inch intervals . With the extra float and water supply - level magnification feature of speech , substance abuser can understand the markings from up to 50 feet away . Its bright yellow - and - unripened plan is fun and highly seeable in most weather .
The EZRead is designed to withstand excessive heat , mellow winds , and threatening rain alike . However , it is not freeze - repellent , so be sure not to leave it outside in the cold . Thanks to its credit card hanger , the gadget is soft to install on a orbit of aerofoil .
When we tested this model , it was simple to hop on to a post . The bottom contains a peg feature to keep the calibre firmly in post when in the bracket , yet remove the gauge from the bracket to empty it is also simple . The built - in funnel , which has a CRT screen to keep out debris , is an excellent feature film for homes that have a lot of tree .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
Its goodish construction means users do n’t have to empty the rain caliber oftentimes , and its large numbers also make it soft to translate from a porch , balcony , or windowpane . We bonk the simpleness , effectiveness , and strength of this design . However , a venture option would have made it even more versatile .
Get the Headwind rainwater standard of measurement atAmazon .
Our rating : Setup5/5;Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
With this magnifying parallel example by La Crosse , there ’s no need to break up the cant to get a functional rain standard of measurement for the backyard or garden . The thick gimmick is 12 inches tall and 2¾ in wide , able of measuring up to 5 inches of rainwater .
The magnifying acrylate resin funnel shape boast large issue that are leisurely to interpret , even from a space . The funnel shape is obliterable for cleaning and emptying . Keyhole bracket make the gimmick easy to jump on on a C. W. Post or a fence , while a pointy bottom allows for plant it into the primer .
The La Crosse rain gage is design to withstand heavy rain and wind but not freeze temperature . It ’s available in three color choices : contraband - blue , navy bluing , and burgundy red .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
When try out the La Crosse pelting gauge , we appreciated the design flexibility , which allow for pole , wall , or even fencing mounting as well as a stakes to stick into the ground . We finish up staking the gage in the garden , and it was very simple to install and apply .
However , if planning to wall- or terminal - mount the standard of measurement , keep in mind that while the product has mounting holes , it does not come with mount computer hardware . The big telephone number make it prosperous to register , and it comes in half measurements up to 4 inch .
Get the LaCrosse pelting standard of measurement atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
This digital and wireless model by AcuRite is easy to sic up and does most all the work . A rain alarm lets users know when it starts to rain , and rainfall totals get transmit every 60 mo to the easygoing - to - read LCD show .
The indoor unit of measurement provide all data point and mensuration in both inches and mm for the current pelting event , current day , last 7 days , plus two other customizable amount . A inundation - vigil alarm also lets exploiter love if conditions may lead to flooding . It is also ego - emptying .
Photo: amazon.com
Its sign is unattackable enough to transmit up to 100 feet away , which supply reasonable freedom with positioning the outdoor component . Once get on , it is designed to stay firmly in place through the elements . However , this simulation may not withstand excessive heat or too much direct sun photo , so choose its location carefully .
When testing the AcuRite Digital Rain Gauge , we were impressed with how simple-minded it was to set up and start . The only downside was that it take five AA battery , which were not included . After installing the batteries , the gauge was ready to go . However , figuring out all the controls on the display took a bit of time and was more confusing than we felt was necessary .
In add-on , the rain gauge is freestanding , which mean it ’s prostrate to tipping in very visionary precondition . However , we examine the caliber on a windy , showery twenty-four hours , and it did not tip over . It comes with shtup for mounting for security , but we did not install it this means . Its self - emptying feature of speech makes it easy to use and measure rainfall accurately .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the AcuRite rain gauge atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Weather Station
Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station
Our Ratings : Setup3/5;Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
The eminent - tech Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station offers full - color TFT LCD display , 300 - infantry wireless contagion , and encrypted Wi - Fi connectivity .
With this weather station , get real - sentence updates in both purple and metric units of measure . This model is not restrict to rainfall measurements ; it provide an array of other important weather - refer data point as well .
Photo: amazon.com
An all - in - one integrate sensor measures idle words speed and direction , temperature , humidity , and rain as well as UV and solar radiation sickness . Users can add optional detector for lightning , air quality , and humidness . Users of this weather condition place can even place sensing element indoors for data point on the temperature and humidity in the household or office .
Connect to the Ambient Weather web via the website or through the app to access dials , gauges , graphical record , and textual matter reports . It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for well-off voice - actuate weather condition composition . The sensor is solar - powered , although two AA battery ( not let in ) are recommended for backup power .
When try the Ambient Weather connection , we had to take more time to set it up than we felt was necessary , and the instructions were not very helpful . However , once it was set up , it was comparatively easy to use . The station did not come with a mount pole , which is involve for the station to work , so we had to retrieve one . The post does have an adjustable bracket for the perch , so varying sizing of pole could be used , which constitute the installation a bit easier .
Photo: amazon.com
The showing was large , gentle to read , and included information about both indoor and outdoor conditions . It also contained info about lunation phases , fart speed , air atmospheric pressure , ultraviolet light index , and “ Feels Like ” temperature . The only downside to the display is that it does have to be plugged in to piece of work , which gives it less flexibility when placing it in the sign of the zodiac . However , we did connect via the app to assure in on weather conditions , which made this weather condition station helpful to use when away from the video display or the house .
Get the Ambient weather place atAmazon .
Best for Rain and Snow
Stratus RG200 Precision Rain and Snow Gauge
Our paygrade : Setup4/5;Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Accuracy4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3/5
The Stratus RG200 Professional Rain and Snow Gauge provides some of the most accurate measurements among analog models . It is 14.5 inches marvelous and 5 inch encompassing , allowing it to measure up to 11 inches of rain or snow .
It comes with an privileged measuring thermionic vacuum tube with a 1 - column inch capacity , fine-tune to 1/100 of an column inch for extra precision . When rainfall outgo 1 inch , the supernumerary water plainly hang into the larger outer piston chamber . The funnel and inside cylinder are removable for ease of recitation and cleaning . With its “ Quick Connect ” bracket , the gadget is easy to set up on most saddle horse or structure .
Photo: amazon.com
This rain and snow bore was fabricate in accordance with United States Weather Bureau specification . It contains heavy - obligation , UV - resistant polycarbonate , allowing the bore to withstand jumpy weather and unmediated sunlight exposure without fading or corroding .
When testing the Stratus rainwater gauge , we loved that hardware was let in , so it was relatively easy to set up ( however , a mounting stake was not include with the product and a drill was required to instal the screws ) . There ’s also the option to leave the container freestanding , but it could tumble over in windy conditions as a result of its pliant expression .
The overflow design and sizable container are convenient so empty the bore frequently is not necessary . leisurely to forgather and use , this rain gauge has some unequaled features for the price . Its clear gloss also makes it inconspicuous for both home and curtilage use .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Stratus snow and rain caliber atAmazon .
Best Decorative
Evergreen Garden Metal Frog Statue with Rain Gauge
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
With this fun batrachian statue and rain bore by Evergreen Garden , users do n’t have to choose between aesthetic and utility for the garden : This offers the best of both existence .
It ’s made of metal , polystone , and glass , allow it to withstand heavy rainfall and wind . Its ex rust finishing is wizardly while also serving to camouflage any likely corrosion . For additional stableness , a sturdy background ear is locate under the toad frog ’s animal foot .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
This decorative rainfall gauge is 18 inch tall and 4 inches wide . The frog statue is much larger than the rainwater gauge tube , have it an attractive intermixture of garden decor and role . It collects up to 5 inches of rain , offering measure in both inch and centimeter . The rainfall gauge provide basic rainfall information to benefit most gardener , while the statue tally impulsive beaut .
When testing this rain standard of measurement , we found it was incredibly easy to set up and install . Thanks to its attached stake , it can be placed just about anywhere in the ground to measure out rainfall . It ’s small enough so that it wo n’t take over the garden decor yet visible enough to see when measure pelting . As an add bonus , the glass rainfall gauge is removable , so it ’s promiscuous to see close - up and to measure precipitation .
Get the Evergreen frog statue rainfall gauge atAmazonorWayfair .
Photo: Jenn Ryan for Bob Vila
Best Rain App
Netatmo Smart Weather Station Rain Gauge
Our Ratings : Setup3/5;Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value4/5
This smart rain gauge is an add-on of the Netatmo Smart Weather Station , which must be purchased severally and used with the rainfall gauge in order for the product to form . Its best feature of speech is certainly its app , available on iOS , Android , PC , and Mac .
It provides material - clock time readings of rainfall as well as data account to track changes over time . exploiter get a rain alert on a link smartphone as soon as it starts rain , and they can tailor-make alerts for information on cumulative quantity .
The rain standard of measurement can be instal up to 300 feet away from the conditions place ’s indoor mental faculty . It is extremely resistant to rough weather and is powered by two AAA barrage , which are included with the product . It is compatible with Alexa and can plug in with other smart - home gadget , let in sprinkler , which the gauge can shut off as soon as it starts raining .
Although the app had some initial difficulty plug in while we were prove this product , it did connect with the Smart Home Weather Station and the Smart Indoor Module , one of which is include with the weather station , as well as the rain gauge to leave meter reading on both the privileged and away environs . There is the option to buy more modules to place in different rooms in a habitation .
The app ply a wealthiness of information , including exterior noise , humidness , air pressure , dew point , and , of trend , precipitation . The Smart Indoor Module provides entropy on racket , humidness , carbon dioxide level , and temperature . The rain gauge itself was simple to link to the weather post and property outdoors to value rain , and it provided accurate reading .
Get the Netatmo rainwater gauge atAmazon , The Home Depot , or the Home Weather Station onAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When ChoosingaRain Gauge
You may be wondering what be a salutary - lineament rain caliber . As with most products , your specific situation will impact the features and price range best suited for you . regard the following touchstone before bribe .
Size
The height of a rainwater calibre typically ranges from 5 inches to 20 inch , while the diameter of its cylinder commonly ranges from 2 inches to 8 inches . Typically , a large cylinder can collect more rain , allow for potentially more accurate readings .
For those who survive in an domain where it rains a lot , a with child rain bore is a impudent choice . Some models may double up as snow gauges or come as part of an all - in - oneweather post . However , if only rainwater - related data point is needed , a more expensive , larger - ordered series gadget may not be necessary .
Type
Rain gauges fare in analogue and digital types . Analog gauges are the simplest and most affordable model on the grocery . They call for piddle in a vacuum tube ; user must manually register and memorialise the data every fourth dimension it rain down .
Digital or wireless pelting gauges are much more self - reliant but number with a higher price tag . They transmit data to a unit of measurement inside the domicile or to a phone app . They may put up additional benefit , frommonitoring the temperatureto integrate other smart devices .
If that ’s not enough , weather partisan can opt for a atmospheric condition place . This twist offers a more complete ikon , admit not only rainfall information but also temperature , snowfall , barometric atmospheric pressure , and more . Weather stations are the most expensive selection on the market .
Collection Capacity
The importance of a rain gage ’s capacity depend on climate — whether it rains heavily or sporadically in a fussy area — and on the tool ’s mean determination . Heavy andfrequent rainfallswill require a larger rainwater appeal vacuum tube . A rainfall gauge used for agricultural purpose command more exact and long - term data liken to one used for horticulture .
Most pelting bore collect up to 5 inches of rain , while great good example can collect up to 11 inches . A 5 - in rain gauge is unremarkably plenty for an average yard or garden . Larger ones are better suited for farming .
Accuracy
An accurate rainfall gauge is broadly important , although gardener may ask less preciseness than farmers . A wireless or digital rain gauge is more precise than analog models , which may only bear scoring in 1/4 - inch intervals . However , some premium models are accurate to 1/100 of an inch .
A wide diameter normally conduct to more accurate readings . A 4 - inch rainwater caliber is appropriate for most exercise , while 8 inch is what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employ for its datum . To avoid evaporation before the water stage can be assess , ultraviolet ( ultraviolet radiation ) protective cover is another factor to study .
In the end , truth also depends on positioning . Nearby obstructions such as buildings or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree as well as wind and spotty terrain can all play a part in the reading ’ exactitude . It is best to record measurements at the same time of sidereal day each clip . For optimal accuracy , apply multiple rainwater gauge placed in differentareas of the yard .
Display
With analog types , the taste may be to look for large and absolved mark that can be read from afar . Some designs bear properties that hyperbolize the piddle layer . contrast colors for the tube and markings also enhance ease of meter reading .
scoring that will neither erode nor disappear over prison term are signs of higher tone . With digital units , the data is sent either to a display blind kept indoors or to an app on a smartphone .
Installation
A rainwater gauge can go on a fencing post , a terrace railing , amailbox , a plant pot , or even straight into the ground near industrial plant . If the end is to attach it to an survive construction , search for a model that comes with angle bracket and jailer . Alternatively , see for a model with spikes to plant directly into the ground .
Keep in mind that a rain gauge needs to be placed in an unobstructed orbit . It should be install at a sensible space from any construction , trees , or overbearing bushes while still protected from heavy winds . Avoid placing it straight beneath arain gutterto void the risk of runoff vary a reading . It is also ideal to rank it 4 or 5 foundation above the terra firma .
Digital gauges typically require more work to install than parallel ones . But on the upside , they normally require low maintenance once set up . Plus , rain jacketscan stay in the closet since all datum is sent right away to a unit inside the home or an app on a smartphone .
FAQs
There may still be a few lingering questions about rain gauges , so the following will facilitate . Here are answers to some of the most oftentimes necessitate questions about buying and using a rain gauge .
A rain gauge collects water into a graduated cylinder and measures precipitation over metre . Analog types expect users to record measuring manually and underprice the water themselves . Digital models require less maintenance ; they record and transmit data to an indoor unit of measurement or to an app , and often include a self - drain feature article .
If you are a gardener , a 5- or 6 - inch capacity will belike do . If you live in a rainy mood or make a support from farming , a piston chamber adequate to of garner between 7 and 11 inches of water is likely more suitable .
The good speckle for a rain gauge is one that is free of obstructions , protect from the winding , and 5 feet above the ground . For accurate measure , a degree airfoil is also ideal .
Many pelting gauges come with mounting bracket , for which you ’ll need screws . They can then be mounted on fence spot , patio railing , or other lofty spots . Some fashion model admit spike to batten them directly in the ground .
An analog gauge will expect you to record measuring yourself . How often you discipline it bet on the accuracy and preciseness involve . Digital or wireless gauge , on the other hand , commemorate the information for you . You only need to crack them for battery changes or casual fixing .
When your rain calibre develop buildup , use docile soap to clean it . The funnel and cylinders are sometimes removable for simplicity of cleanup . Steer absolved of rough chemicals , which may damage the glass or credit card . Always interpret the maker ’s counselling before cleaning .
Meet the Tester
As a independent author , Jenn cover many different topics , including green buildings , lifelike and sustainable skin charge Cartesian product , natural health remedies , and disease prevention — and she perfectly loves find out about new things through her employment . She is also lettered in dentistry , particularly prophylactic and restorative caution — subject she has covered since she started as a writer in 2015 .
When she has complimentary time , she enjoys compose about her personal increment and health on her blog at thegreenwritingdesk.com .
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