Have you ever wondered how rainfall is measured? Hydrologists, meteorologists, and other scientists use a device called a rain gauge in order to gather raindrops and measure the rainfall over a certain area within a specific period of time. This tool is also beneficial for people who love gardening and agriculture, as well as people who have gardens and farms.
If you are interested in having a rain gauge for your own, here’s some good news! We have compiled the best rain gauges that are on top of the market this 2020. Take a peek on their greatest features; you might find what you are looking for.
1. AcuRite 00899 Wireless Rain Gauge with Self-Emptying Collector
Editor’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – BEST WIRELESS MODEL
- Can display the measurement of rainfall in millimeters or inches
- Has a flood watch alarm and a rainfall alarm
- Can set totals to 1 event, 1 day, 1 week, with 2 resettable totals
- Has a bold and easy to read LCD display
- Self-emptying mechanism with wireless transmission of data
One of the most well-known modern measurements for rainfall that is available in the market today is this mode from Acurite. The great thing about this brand is it utilizes wireless connectivity in taking measurements, which means you are not required to do any manual input to make everything work.
For this particular rain gauge, it would be enough to place the machinery in the location where it is raining, and it will work automatically. The best place advised area for placing this is near the window, in your lawn, or in the yard.
This gadget is compact in terms of size and is very convenient to set up and use. It can measure the rainfall for about 30 meters away from the area. It can be through millimeters or inches, that is precise and reliable.
A calendar and a clock function are also included for better record-holding. You can opt for a tabletop arrangement, or you can go with something you can mount on a wall. Getting one offers a one-year limited warranty.
2. OUTWEST TRADING Professional Outdoor Rain Gauge for Yard, Heavy Duty
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – BEST IN DURABILITY
- With a durable built to weather even harsh storms
- Easy to install
- Easy to read dual scale – inches and millimeters
- UV resistant, non-yellowing, and does not rust
- Can be mounted on a flat level surface
If you are looking for a durable rain gauge that can last for a long time, this model by Outwest Trading can be a great option for you. It is a professional-grade rain gauge that is perfect for actual rainfall measurement. It can withstand staying in the direct rainfall area.
The design of this rain gauge appears like a simple plastic or glass cup, which means that it is very easy to use. This kind of apparatus can simply be mounted anywhere on a fence or on a tree that can help you in gathering rainfall.
In this rain gauge, you can enjoy a dual scale, which means it would be up to you to measure the rain in inches and millimeters. The maximum measurement can be up to 6 inches and 150 millimeters. There is also no need to worry about storms and bad weather, as this is purposely invented for the purpose of withstanding extreme conditions.
3. ECOWITT WH5360B High Precision Digital Rain Gauge Wireless Self-emptying Collector with Rainfall Alert
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – BEST IN VERSATILITY
- Records professional rainfall data on rain events, rain rates, humidity levels, and indoor temperatures, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly records
- Self-emptying rain collector
- Wireless rain gauge
- Has programmable rain alerts for different raining conditions, humidity levels, and temperature changes
- Has a calendar and alarm clock function
Some people think that rain is just a basic and simple thing, but it is very important for many industries and jobs all over the world. Just like other types of rain gauges, this model offers amazing performance in measuring rain.
It comes with a wireless function, which means that this does not demand actually being submerged and exposed in an area with rain. You just have to mount or install it in an area that is close to the rainfall, like a window or a wall.
It is perfect for making decisions on how much water you need for your garden, landscape, or lawn. It provides the exact data on rainfall, which will help you in forecasting your gardening activities. Though it looks like an alarm clock, its display screen provides valuable information that you will need. It also can function using dual systems and allows daily weekly, monthly, and yearly reports.
4. AcuRite 01089M Rain Gauge with Thermometer & Humidity
Editor’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – MOST TRUSTED BRAND
- Self-emptying rain collector with wireless transmission
- 100 foot or 30-meter wireless range
- Humidity sensor and temperature sensor
- Incoming Storm Alert
- Intelli-time Clock, All-Time High and All Time Low records including timestamps
This model is the second entry from the brand AcuRite, which shows how much the brand is adored by rain gauge users. This specific model comes with an on-screen display for reading, an apparatus for sending rain, and another machine to collect rain.
Through these three components, you will be able to measure how much rain has hit you, and you will also be able to detect whether there will be an upcoming storm or flood. The wireless sensor will transmit everything to the display screen so that you will be able to review all the essential information.
This rain gauge from AcuRite is equipped with the self-emptying ability so that the user will be able to enjoy a maintenance-free operation. The humidity and temperature sensors of this machine are also equipped with different weather types of elements. It also updates its readings every 16 seconds.
5. Regal Art &Gift Hummingbird Rain Gauge
Editor’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars – FOR SUBTLE ART LOVERS
- Doubles as an outside decoration
- Works as a rain gauge and a garden stake
- Measures at 9x3x31 including the stake
Though there are a lot of wireless and modern options on our list, here is one that is very simple and back to basic. This model from Regal Art & Gift is not something that you will usually see, but it offers a unique side that is perfect for you if you enjoy decorating things in your lawn or garden.
This rain gauge actually doubles a garden stake, with a beautiful and colorful bird adorning the top where the gauge itself is installed. The gauge appears as a simple plastic measuring cup and is designed for a very simple approach to the process.
This rain gauge by Regal Art & Gift can be mounted in backyards and gardens, and it can collect rainfall as high as 5 inches.
6. La Crosse 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – MOST AFFORDABLE
- Cascade waterfall design
- For wall mounting, screws included in the package
- Measures up to 6 inches with large graphics for easier access
- Made from a durable plastic that will last for a long time
- Has a red floating marker to show how much rainfall has accumulated
Next on our list is this rain gauge from La Crosse Technology, and it boasts its unique look compared to other different types of rain gauges. As its raw materials are mostly plastic, this rain gauge can resist countless bad weather conditions, and it is very durable.
With this rain gauge, you can easily begin measuring every time rain falls just by mounting it to any flat surface in your garden as long as you are sure that the rainfall can fully hit through so that the measure will be accurate. This specific rain gauge measures using inches.
The benefit of going with this one its easy and innovative design is that it just requires sliding on and off for much easier use. It can measure up to 6 inches of rainfall, and you will not suffer too much in measuring as a red marker can quickly help.
7. Bits and Pieces Garden Décor-Hand Painted Gnome Rain Gauge Sculpture for Your Garden, Lawn or Patio
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – MOST CHARMING DESIGN
- Plastic rain gauge tube can hold up to 5 inches of rainfall
- A great gift for gardeners
- Measures about 8 inches tall and 3 ¼ inches wide
- Hand-painted with a weather-resistant polyresin
- Charming and cute design
Are you looking for a rain gauge that is subtle yet eye-catching? Here is a quirky and charming rain gauge design created by Bits & Pieces. If you purchase this item, you will find a small yet handsome fellow that can stand guard on your garden. But, more than that, this fellow can also keep track of the area’s rainfall at the same time.
The rain gauge is made from a plastic material that is durable, and it is not just a cute one. It is very easy to use. You begin by putting the rain gauge at the hands of the gnome and placing them into the area where there is rainfall, and it will show how much the rainfall is on the area.
On the rain gauge plastic, there is a measurement in inches, which can only cater up to 5 inches. Therefore, you can easily read through, and you can estimate everything accordingly. With an item as small as this one, there is no need for you to worry about the placement and installation, as it is very easy.
8. Evergreen Garden Decorative Polystone and Metal Frog Statue with a Glass Rain Gauge
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – FAN FAVORITE
- Beautiful antique rust finish
- Crafted from glass, polystone, and metal
- Made from weatherproof and fade-resistant materials
- Measures 18 inches in height, 4 inches in width, and 4 inches in diameter
- Can hold up to 5 inches in precipitation
Another small yet artistic rain gauge on our list is this brand from the Evergreen Garden brand. This is a very convenient model, and it also comes with an added bonus of providing beauty and aesthetics to your lawn or backyard. This rain gauge can be placed anywhere inside your backyard and lawn, and it allows you to collect physical rainfall and estimate the level.
The design that this provides you is a cartoon frog that is designed to appear rustic and antique. But, it does not only offer looks, but it also comes with a 5 inches measurement rainfall. Sometimes, this rain gauge is also a great option to give as a gift for the gardening enthusiast that you have in your life.
9. Headwind Consumer Products 820-0002 Jumbo EZRead Rain Gauge, 26″
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – BESTSELLER
- Has a decorative and bright color
- 26 inches tall with large numbers that are easy to read
- Self-sealing plug, Lexan tube, with no O-ring
- Easy to install
- Comes with a mounting bracket
Are you looking for a simple yet elegant rain gauge for your yard? This model from Headwind is surely something that you should consider. A good option that you can go for this brand promises to provide you one of the best rain gauges that will measure the rainfall in your environment in the most accurate way.
Quite a little big and tall compared to other models, this rain gauge measures at about 26 inches tall. This requires any complicated installation, and it is very to install at any chosen site. This rain gauge also comes with a self-sealing feature, which helps to avoid leaking, for an accurate reading.
10. OutdoorHome 6″ RAIN Gauge Deluxe Heavy Duty Mountable Outdoor Rain Gauge for Yard, Garden & Farm
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars – BEST OVERALL
- Made from high quality polycarbonate plastic
- Quick and easy installation
- Precision Dual Scale at 6 inches or 150 mm capacity
- Does not require electronic set up
- Perfect for giving as a gift
Last but definitely not the least, this rain gauge from the Outdoor Home brand is a perfect closer for our top 10. This model is a professional standard rain gauge that collects rainfall accurately and measures very efficiently.
This is made from a high quality material that is created for the purpose of being able to withstand the intense heat of the sun, the coolness of the snow, the rain, and other intense weather conditions. This rain gauge also features raised graduations that will make it perfect for quicker and easier reading.
This model comes with quick and easy installation. First, you just have to select a fence rail, a post, or a flat surface to mount the rain gauge. Next, secure the mounting bracket to your chosen post or fence rail through the use of the two provided screws. Finally, slide the rain gauge into position.
Buying Guide
These are the essential features you need to look for in your desired rain gauge:
- Ease of Installation
First, a crucial feature that you should note is how easy it is to mount rain gauges into the area and how demanding it is with actions for maintenance. Check if the buying package includes screws, brackets, and spikes to help you install properly.
- Ease of Use
Another important thing to check on is the difficulty of the actual usage of the product. How easy is it to pour out the collected water during rainfall? Does the rain gauge operate automatically or manually? Are the markings on the rain gauge visible at a distance, or do you always have to be very near?
- Quality
The next thing that you should check out is how sturdy the actual build of the product is. Will the product change color as the years pass? Is the product brittle as it is made of glass, or is it made up of durable plastic? Will the markings and printings look like they would last for a very long while?
- Accuracy
Finally, a crucial make or break of a rain gauge is how precise it is in measuring and achieving great performance. How will the comparison fare if you check the rain gauge measurement to the measurement of the local and national weather agencies?
Conclusion
We hope that our compiled list will be able to help you with your decision. Having to purchase a rain gauge will definitely be much easier now as you have a grasp of the features that you should be looking for.
For us, we choose the Outdoor Home model as it meets our specific requirements in price, quality accuracy, and ease of use. It has an elegant and timeless design that surely means that it would last a long while. It is very simple, yet it is durable and is equipped with tools for easy installation and usage.
Before you make your final purchase, you should remember to go for the brand that offers convenience, great price, and excellent quality.
