document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); WeatherStationAdvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Placing the opening above the post prevents rain that hits the post from splashing back into the gauge itself. Placing them above the post ensures that rain hitting the post doesnt splash back into the gauge. Large numbers are printed on the front of the La Crosse gauge in .1 increments, and a floating piece of red plastic allows you to take a quick measurement from a distance. Learn more by checking out our about us page. First, pick a rain gauge that is very weather resistant. The data transmission range is an important feature on the 01089M because it is capable of transmitting more data than many other models. These features make the 01089M ideal for more involved landscapers and horticulturalists who have a variety of plants that are affected by sensitive weather conditions. The flexibility this rain gauges accuracy makes it a great product for a broad spectrum of users, from the casual observer to the more serious gardener. This gives you frequent, up to date data that wont mislead you. While measurements in smaller rain events wont be affected as much, heavier rainstorms will have a greater error. The rain gauge comes with a mounting bracket that you can place on a post and easily slide the Stratus on and off the bracket to measure rainfall and clean the gauge. The Eye of a Hurricane: How Does an Eye Form? They can help you improve the health and sustainability of your garden, give you a deeper understanding of your regions weather conditions, or offer important data that gives you information about the local environment as a whole. 9 Best Rain Gauge Reviews 2022: Most Accurate Wireless Models, 1. While distracted, your AcuRite rain gauge will warn you the moment is starts to rain so you can turn off your watering system, saving money and avoiding over-watering. It also gives it a more accurate storm alert feature that provides information about the extent and severity of an oncoming storm or flood. As a child, have you ever left a bucket outside in the rain so you could see how much rain fell by the next day? Be sure to position the unit away from obstructions that can block precipitation like tall buildings and trees. Weather Station Reviews and Buying Advice. The way a gauge is marked will affect your accuracy as well. We strongly recommend purchasing the best model you can afford to get the most accurate results and the longest usable life. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); They call me TechGuru. They will provide you with an easy way to monitor weather conditions around your home or farm. Its a great function that can significantly increase the functionality and efficiency of your data recording. This is great for gardeners or landscapers who place a high value on the aesthetics of their gardens (for example, public gardens) and dont want useful equipment to interfere with visitors experience. A gauges size affects how much water it can hold. I've written quite a bit! Wed recommend placing it on the included stake to prevent splash back from your deck railing that will hurt your accuracy by overmeasuring rainfall. These features give it great durability and better accuracy than most mid-range rain gauges on the market. A level should be used to ensure that the mouth of the gauge is level. However, if you dont need a weather stations extra features and only want to measure rainfall, then the ECOWITT WH5360B high precision wireless rain gauge is a great alternative. Finding the correct rain gauge for your needs may seem daunting at first. Unlike some other options, this electronic rain gauge cant connect to the internet to share your data. Be sure to purchase an accurate rain gauge with a durable construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions. If youd like to see our review and comparison of the WS-2902C against other models on the market, please read our home weather station guide. This may seem redundant, but can actually be very useful, especially if you are watering your plants with a basic irrigation system. The most common mechanism for digital rain gauges is a tipping bucket construction. They all boast premium features like self-emptying rain collectors, high weather resistance, and wireless data transmission to monitor displays with clocks that you can keep conveniently indoors. It will not crack or discolor due to heat, cold, or sunlight, and long-term owners report years of use without replacing it. We had the opportunity to test the Netatmo Rain Gauge almost five years ago when the company first released it as part of one of the first smart personal weather stations on the market. Made of UV-resistant polycarbonate plastic, the Stratus can measure up to 11 of rain (1 in the inner tube and up to 10 in the outer cylinder. Knowing how much rainfall the region gets every day, week, month, or season enables you to know whether to water your garden or prepare for bad weather. Youll never have to go outside to take a measurement, theyre easy to read and easy to maintain. The WS-2902C provides more advanced functionality as well, including: While more expensive than your standard wireless rain gauge, we feel the WS-2902C is worth it because it provides a full home monitoring experience, and that is why we think its the best overall option for a weather geek and meteorologist. As a general rule, the cheaper the model, the shorter its usable life. Most good quality rain gauges are, and they offer much more accurate readings as a result, so dont settle for rain gauge that doesnt offer this option. But the option to attach it to a deck or wall makes it useful in certain situations where you might not have a clear area to place a stake. The Oregon Scientific RGR126N Wireless Rain Gauge Weather Station is another weather resistant, quality rain gauge with the important self-emptying feature. However, a professional analog gauge like the Stratus Precision, has an 11 capacitywhich youll likely never exceed during its useable life. The long signal transmission range on this unit makes it perfect for users with expansive properties who need greater flexibility in their placement options for the rain collector. Most Accurate: Stratus Precision Rain Gauge, 2. Lets take a look at the factors you need to consider and the features you should look for when buying a rain gauge so you end up with the best model for your specific needs. The AcuRite 00899 Deluxe Wireless Rain Gauge transmits data every 16 seconds with an enhanced 433 MHz signal. However, if youre willing to spend more money, then youll be rewarded with a longer-lasting gauge. What Is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level in Winter at Home? Best Wireless Rain Gauge: ECOWITT WH5360B High Precision Wireless Digital Rain Gauge, 4. Thats a letdown, but its also why this particular model is so much cheaper than the others. Be sure to position the gauge away from obstructions that could block precipitation like tall buildings or trees. At Weather Station Advisor, I joined the team to provide you with the best reviews, recommendations and advice to get the most out of your investment. Things to Do in Roswell NM: More than just UFOs, How the Sunspot Cycle Affects Us Here on Earth, The Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm: From Formation to Dissipation, Includes rain gauge, and indoor temperature and humidity sensor in console, Tracks rain rate and 24 hour and weekly rainfall, Easy to read measurements, even from a distance, Mounts easily to porch railings or staked to the ground, Floater inside makes it easy to read from a distance. Or, if you have an interest in monitoring the weather, then a rain gauge is a must-have instrument in your weather-watching toolkit. They also require manual checking. Even the best rain gauges wont be able to overcome a lousy install, meaning your readings will be inaccurate if you dont place the unit in an optimal position. I consent to receive e-mails from TWSE (~2/mo.). Still, these totals fell within the 10% margin we consider acceptable for digital rain gauges. Once the buckets reach a certain level, they tip over and release the contents. The WS-2902C offers more value for money than a wireless rain gauge with its smart home connectivity and an extensive list of instruments that provide a complete view of the weather conditions. Our Rain Gauge Recommendation: We recommend the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge because it provides the most accurate results. A rain gauge is an easy-to-use device that measures precipitation. To learn more, read our disclaimer. Thanks for the review of the Acurite 00899. You can set customizable alerts to have the WH5360B sound an alarm when rain rate, rain event, indoor temperature, and humidity exceed preset levels, so you know when dangerous flood conditions are present or when to turn off the sprinklers. A rainfall alarm alerts you to events that exceed a set rate or amount, with flood watch alarms when rainfall may cause flooding conditions. Each of the rain gauges on this list are great options. Plants usually need at least 1-1.5 inches of water per week, and how you water them is important. You should be able to get several years of use out of this gauge without an issue.. Combining the 10-day data record with recordings of personal watering can greatly increase the efficiency with which your plants get watered. In turn, an accurate rain gauge can even save you money in water usage. Again, so many rain gauges offer this function that we highly recommend you dont settle for less. A word of caution: your measurements will not be as precise as other options on this list. It also comes with a rainfall alarm. If you live near a river or stream, this feature could be handy. The smart features of the WS-5000 are what make it so great: for example, thanks to IFTTT connectivity, you could set a rainfall alert to trigger your smart sprinkler system to shut off. Rain gauges are much easier to use than analog ones. Ideally, place the gauge in an area at a distance twice as far away as the height of the nearest obstruction (e.g., set the gauge 20 feet away from 10-foot tall trees). Learn More, Home | About Us | Disclosure | Privacy | Contact. If youre looking for a digital rain gauges convenience and internet connectivity, we recommend the Ambient Weather WS-2902C weather station. The Ambient Weather WS-2902C isnt just a rain gauge but a complete home weather station. What Is a Blizzard and What Is a Blizzard Warning? If you dont mind getting a little wet, and would like more accuracy than either of the two options above, the Australian-made OutdoorHome 6 Rain Gauge is a good buy. Plus, it comes with the option of measuring rainfall amounts in either inches or mm. We have narrowed down the most important functions that you should look for in any rain gauge you decide to purchase. To help you, weve combed through the market to find the best rain gauge overall. However, it can measure an additional inch, and the imperial and metric scale is printed on the front of the gauge. More serious users might be a bit turned away because of this. Weather Station Advisor readers come from around the world, so wed be remiss not to include a metric rain gauge in our list. These include tipping bucket rain gauges, optical rain gauges, acoustic rain gauges and more! While the Ambient Weather WS-5000 weather station isnt just a rain gauge, we include it here because it is the top-of-the-line Ambient weather station and arguably one of the best on the market right now. The numbers on the back of the gauge are magnified by about a third thanks to the half-circle shape of the front. I also have a degree in Journalism from Temple University, and have spent nearly my entire journalism career covering consumer gadgets. Its made of durable plastic that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Unsubscribe at any time. Learn more. With wireless transmission, you dont have to go out in the rain to obtain data and often dont even have to log records yourself. For more information on installing and using a rain gauge, please read our article about how to use a rain gauge to measure rainfall at your house. Its also easy to install as it comes with a mounting bracket and screws. They might not have the precise readings of the more expensive models but still works well for general applications. However, even the Stratus isnt challenging to useit just requires a bit more time to learn the procedure. Built to the National Weather Service specifications, the Stratus is exceptionally accurate. What Is the Ideal Humidity Level for a Babys Room? Some will find the WS-2902Cs IFTTT support very useful. The Stratus can even be used to measure snowfall. However, we strongly recommend you not use these in situations where accuracy is needed. NerdTechy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking nerdtechy.com to (amazon.com, amzn.to) As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. However, they also each bring their own unique benefits to the table, making each one ideal for a different user. There are many different types of rain gauges available, but there are some things you should know before purchasing. If AcuRites Easy Read Rain Gauge isnt large enough for you to read at a distance, then Taylors Jumbo Jr. 20 Easy Read is a great alternative solution. 11 Benefits of an Air Purifier: Do I Need to Use One? The WS-2902C is accurate, its consistently performed highly in our testing, and it has an extensive feature list that impresses even the most passionate weather enthusiasts. Cheap gauges may be marked to the tenth degree, but official measurements are taken to a hundredth degree. We think the self-emptying WH5360B is one of the best rain gauges for gardeners and farmers who want accurate measurements but dont need a fully-featured weather station. Rain gauges should measure rainfall accurately. No worries if you cant do this, just put the gauge in the most open area of your property for best results! The WH5360B includes only the rain gauge from the WS-5000, with a 300-foot wireless transmission range to a console that includes a temperature and humidity sensor. Plus, this features does still include the heavy rainfall warning which in most cases is the more important feature. The AcuRite 01089M Rain Gauge comes with the same basic features as the 00899 model, such as a self-emptying rain collector, measurements in inch or millimeter accuracy, and a wireless LCD display. This feature is also great for the curious enthusiast, who might be using the rain gauge for basic weather analysis. The magnification allows you to read how much rain has fallen at a distance. I do like the size of the readout letters. This post contains compensated links, and if you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. In heavy rainfall, you may need to take several readings a day. Based on our own experience and the reviews of the WS-2902C by other owners, this latest model is also a high-quality station. Rain gauges are very important tools used by farmers to measure rainfall. The rain gauge above is designed to official standards for measuring rainfall. Perhaps youre a gardener, and you need to ensure your plants are getting enough water for optimal growth. You can place the monitor anywhere you like it can stand on a countertop or is wall mountable for easy reading. If you want to get started right away, here are our picks for the best rain gauges. Dont use harsh chemicals. Measuring in at a massive 26-inches tall, this extra-large rain gauge can be read from over 50 feet away (thats not a typo). Last Updated: ain rate, rain event, rainfall total of 1h/24h, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly record; 24 monthly rain history. Rain gauges are the traditional devices used to measure rainfall. You also want to pick a rain gauge that is self-emptying. Read the manufacturers instructions before cleaning. Best Budget Option: AcuRite 00850A2 5-Inch Easy-Read Rain Gauge, 5. It is excellent for those who want frequent updates, perhaps as a way to be involved in weather data analysis or for light gardening purposes. Known as the "Tech Guru", he's an expert of current and trending technology. If you think the Ecowitt WH5360B looks a lot like the instrumentation from the Ambient Weather WS-5000, youre correct. You need to consider how much money you want to spend, as well as whether or not youll be using the device often. Analog gauges are more accurate than digital ones. It is built to be hung over your deck railing or fence, with large numbers on the front and a floating marker to make the rain gauge easier to read at a distance. While its not a precision rain gauge like the Stratus, it is cheap and gets the job done.. Hi, thanks for stopping by. A digital model may offer unlimited capacity, however, a professional analog gauge such as the Stratus Precision has a maximum capacity of 11 inches. Use a level to ensure the mouth of the gauge itself is level. Digital gauges are very popular; however, youll never get the precise measurements that you will with an analog rain gauge, especially the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge. The funnel includes a filter to prevent debris from clogging the inner tube, and the included stake secures the gauge to the ground. As a bonus, measurement markings are in both US and metric measurements (our other budget recommendations are all in the US system, unfortunately sorry international readers! Learning to measure correctly with your specific rain gauge also affects accuracy. Need some help or have a suggestion? Most of us have. The rain collector can transmit data from up to 300 feet away from the monitor, and up to 100 feet from the wireless temperature sensor. The inside cylinder measures the first inch of rainfall to the hundredth of an inch, and the outer cylinder can hold volumes over one inch up to 11 inches for later measurement. But if youre willing to trade that off for being able to read it at a considerable distance (and stay much drier as a result), wed recommend considering The Jumbo Jr. Easy Read. It is important to find a spot for your rain gauge that isnt obstructed by trees or walls, and this long range gives you more flexibility with placement options. We recommend the WS-2902C overall if youre going the digital route. But rainfall isnt the only thing the WS-5000 can measure: the station measures indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, with optional sensors for lightning detection, air quality, and more. AcuRite 00899 Deluxe Wireless Rain Gauge This rain gauge is great for people who want the basic premium features at a good price. Please consider sharing: Oregon Scientific RGR126N Wireless Rain Gauge Weather Station, Oregon Scientific RGR126N Wireless Rain Gauge, AcuRite 01089M Rain Gauge with Thermometer & Humidity, Foscam DBW5 2K/4MP Video Doorbell Camera Review, Dreame Spring Cleaning Deals: Save on Dreametech Stick, AXIS Gear Smart Blinds In-Depth Review and Analysis, Levoit LVAC-120 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Review, Huion Kamvas 24 Plus Review (Unboxing, Testing, How-to Guide: Best PS4 Replacement Disc Drive. The next four below are much cheaper and better if youre looking for a budget rain gauge. For the little cherry on top, it also comes with an intelli-time clock that automatically adjusts for daylight savings. Everyone uses their rain gauge for slightly different purposes, but regardless of which category you fall under, you will need something more accurate than a simple bucket. A digital model automatically records and transmits data to an indoor unit. These are more affordable and functional for most consumers needs. Accuracy is on par with the Davis Vantage Pro2, and smart home connectivity a new sonic anemometer make this our top pick. Editors Note: Our first four suggestions are intended for those looking for more accurate measurements. It is only stored on the console. This is displayed on the included console, along with rain rate, daily rainfall (weekly, monthly, and yearly), a graphical display and the support for metric measurements for those outside the US. Please contact us if so. If youre looking for a cheap way to monitor rainfall from a distance and can accept some inaccuracy, the best budget option out there is the AcuRite 00850A2 5-Inch Easy-Read. Click here to check the price of the most accurate rain gauge: the Stratus Precision on Amazon. However, the WH5360B is not internet-connected, meaning all rainfall data is stored locally on the console, and you wont be able to view it on your phone. It has the same conical design as AcuRites model above. So, what should you be looking for in your rain gauge? It the most aesthetically pleasing of the group, which also makes it great for those whose gardens are on display. But as long as thats not a significant issue, then AcuRites Easy-Read gauge is worthy of consideration for those on a super tight budget. Some of these are as simple as plastic measured tubes, while others come with wireless recording screens. If you're serious about accuracy in measuring rainfall, you can't get any better than this rain gauge. Do all of these gauges need wifi to transmit? Ecowitt licensed its stations to Ambient Weather here in the US, but you can still purchase a few weather instruments that Ambient Weather doesnt sell here in the states from Amazon. I'm the lead contributor here at Weather Station Advisor. But other data can trigger your smart lights, blinds, and more. But for most users this is a minor fallback since youre always a window-look away from determining for yourself whether its raining. We suggest you look at a weather station first instead of purchasing a digital rain gauge if you have the money for it. Here, we recommend the heavy duty OutdoorHome 6 Rain Gauge. The problem with shopping for a rain gauge is that these devices are often used by professional weather analysts or horticulturalist who require very sophisticated and specific equipment. Youll also want the gauges mouth to be above the pole or post you mount it on. While this rain gauge requires a bit of preparation to use correctly and obtain accurate measurements, you will not get this level of accuracy from even the best digital models. Our Privacy PolicyOur Affiliate Link Policy. I've had a lifelong interest in the weather spanning more than 30 years, culminating with the pursuit of a Meteorology degree from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. Rain gauges come with mounting hardware, for which youll also need screws. Some rain gauges only read as small as inches, which can be a disadvantage to landscapers, gardeners and farmers whose plants require specific watering needs. It is ideal for users who need to be able to analyze weather and rainfall trends over long periods of time. If you live in a wetter area, those errors can add up over time. That said, the console itself can store up to two years of rain records and display information on maximum rain rate, hourly and last 24-hour rainfall, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly precipitation records, and more. A rain gauge should be placed 5 feet above the ground and away from obstructions. With the digital models and smart home connectivity, the data you obtain can be used to optimize your smart sprinkler system or alert you ahead of time to protect property if your neighborhood is prone to flash flooding. The accuracy of the Oregon Scientific is up to 0.4 inch increments for the most accurate possible readings. Gauge markings also affect accuracy. In those days, measuring the rain stemmed from childlike wonder and curiosity about the weather. Based on these great functions, we have narrowed down three of the best rain gauges on the market, each offering slightly different advantages for different users. Our team of editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products to help you navigate when shopping online. Even when you rule out the serious, professional equipment, there are so many rain gauges out there for the average consumer. The La Crosse 705-109 waterfall gauge is similar to the above recommendations, and its a decent low-priced alternative that you can attach to your deck. Best for Metric Measurements: OutdoorHome 6 Rain Gauge, 9. The rain gauge in the WS-2902C uses a tipping bucket mechanism, precisely calibrated so that it provides accurate precipitation measurements to within 10% of the actual rainfall. Rain gauges should be placed 2-5 feet off of the ground on the side or fence posts. If youre already in the market for a rain gauge, you might be reading this page because you have been so overwhelmed with how many different kinds of rain gauges are out there. For the best results, use a model with a mounting bracket and install the gauge 2-5 feet off the ground on the side of a fence post or pole. Built to National Weather Service and CoCoRAHS standards, it can measure up to 11" of rain. The Netatmo device shines with its smart home capabilities, offering access via IFTTT or the Amazon Alexa digital assistant. As an adult, measuring rainfall might stem from a combination of this wonder and the need to accurately measure rainfall for the benefit of your garden or farm. The console also displays information on indoor temperature and humidity. The Oregon Scientific has the best wireless transmission range of the group. For those of us in wetter climates, the OutdoorHome 6 Rain Gauge might make more sense since you wont need to empty it quite as much. AcuRite 01089M Rain Gauge with Thermometer & Humidity This unit is perfect for serious gardeners who need more advanced data and long term record keeping. You might have seen my work on Digital Trends, PC World, VentureBeat, or even the New York Times website. Nonetheless, the answers to the above questions are not as complicated as they may seem. If youve walked around Walmart or Home Depot, chances are youve seen the AcuRite 5 Capacity Easy-Read Rain Gauge. Wireless gauges are easier to use and maintain. The gauge can be slid off the mounting bracket, and as one of the larger models on our list, can measure up to 6 of rain. Youll need to round up or down to the nearest hundredth of an inch to get your measurement. Oregon Scientific RGR126N Wireless Rain Gauge Its best for slightly more serious enthusiasts, horticulturalists, or farmers who need longer term records and other data like humidity and temperature. For gardeners and weather enthusiasts alike, a rain gauge is an essential tool to have. I think this is a real disadvantage. We may receive a small commission as a result on clicks on the above links. 12 Animals That Can Supposedly Predict the Weather. Here at NerdTechy, we try to make tech simple for the everyday person. So whether you are a serious gardener or landscaper, or a weather analysis enthusiast, this is the rain gauge for you. If youre looking for a way to mount a rain gauge on your patio, this is probably your best bet. If youre looking for a rain gauge at a more affordable price, the last four are some of the best-reviewed by owners on Amazon. The advantage of the 01089M is that is has a 100-meter range for precision and accuracy. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The console stores the last seven in its memory along with time and date. The indoor data also keeps a record of all-time highs and lows with time stamps. Rain gauges measure rainfall by measuring how much water falls onto a surface. What Is the Best Barometric Pressure for Fishing? Don't miss a thing from The Weather Station Experts. Analog rain gauges are the traditional rain gauges that funnel water into a graduated and calibrated cylinder. A good, accurate rain gauge can help you keep track of how much water your plants are getting naturally, and how much you should provide yourself. The La Cross Waterfall Rain Gauge is interesting. Finally, A/B mode allows you to recall total rainfall, which you can clear at any time. Here at NerdTechy, he makes tech easy to understand for the average person. As a result, we may earn an affiliate commission via the links on our site at no additional cost to you. I just bought this for my husband.