List of 10 Best rain gauges: Tested by Experts
1. AcuRite 5″ Capacity Easy-to-Read Magnifying Acrylic, Blue (00850A2) Rain Gauge
Features :
- AcuRite rain gauge measures up to 5 inches of rainwater
- Numbers are magnified by over 35% for simple, at-a-glance rainfall measurement viewing
- Easy-to-read white numbers and inch markings
- Durable, weather-resistant acrylic construction on this plastic rain gauge
- Integrated hang hole for easy mounting or can be staked into the ground
Additional Info :
| Color | Blue |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 12.4 |
| Width | 1.5 |
| Length | 2.8 |
| Weight | 0.17 |
2. Stratus Precision Rain Gauge with Mounting Bracket (14″ All Weather)
Features :
- QUALITY: The last rain gauge you’ll ever need to buy.
- PRECISE: Accurate to 1/100th of an inch and easy to read. Built to US Weather Bureau standards.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Install the rain gauge on a post with its exclusive “Quick Connect” bracket, which lets you quickly remove the cylinder for easy measurement or cleaning.
- RUGGED: Constructed of heavy duty, UV resistant polycarbonate (no metal parts to rust), this high quality rain gauge will stand up to years of rough weather and full sun without fading or corroding. Heat and frost resistant.
- VERSATILE: The first inch of rain funnels through the 4″ diameter top into a specially calibrated measuring tube. Even a light shower registers clearly in increments of 100ths of an inch. Additional rainfall up to a total of 11″ is contained in the outer cylinder until measured separately in the calibrated tube.
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.9 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 14.6 |
3. AcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gauge with Self-Emptying Collector with Rainfall History, Alerts, and Current Date and Time (00899), Multicolor
Features :
- Wireless Rain Gauge: Measures rain precipitation in inches or milimeters with rainfall history
- Programmable Rain Alarm: Customizable alerts for rain rate or flood watch to help indicate if present conditions can lead to flooding, especially in lawns and gardens.
- Self-Emptying Rain Collector: The wireless rain collector is self emptying and easy to install with little maintenance
- Strong Wireless Signal Penetration: Rain gauge transmits outdoor rain totals every 60 seconds to indoor display
- Digital Display Console: Easy-to-read digits from across any room and features current date and time
- Company Based in Lake Geneva, WI, USA — Since 1943
Additional Info :
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 11.88 |
| Width | 7.88 |
| Length | 2.88 |
| Weight | 0.88 |
4. TBWHL 7″ Capacity Rain Gauge Glass Replacement Tube for Yard Garden Outdoor Home (1Pcs)
Features :
- Appearance – Clear color，standard inch increments
- Dimensions – 2 W x 2 D x 8.27 H in/5 D x 5 Dx 21 H cm, Weight: 110g/ 0.6 lbs, Capacity:7inch(9.7oz/275ml)
- High Quality Materia – Crafted of durable glass
- Purpose – It is used in rainfall measure, Great rain gauge outdoor, rain gauges for yard
- Marked with Two Scales Desigh – can measure less than 7 inches or 17 centimeters of rainfall
Additional Info :
5. ROUSHUN 5″ Capacity Rain Gauge Glass Replacement Tube for Yard Garden Outdoor Home (Pack of 2)
Features :
- 5″ accurate measurement for precise rain measurement
- Calibration clear, easy to read
- Calibration will not rub off
- Suitable for measurement of rainfall, lawn & garden watering
- Size:0.86“x 0.86″x 5.5″.
6. LUNSY Rain Gauge Replacement Tube, Plastic, 7.2in1.4in, Cold Resistance&Crack Resistance
Features :
- High-Quality Material: The Rain Gauge Plastic Tube is made of high-quality plastic for Durable, Cold Resistance, Crack Resistance, which can be used for a long time.
- Size: The Size Of The Rain Gauge Plastic Tube is 7.2in x 1.4in (18.4cm x 3.5cm), convenient to use as rain gauge replacement tube. Please kindly check the size.
- Double Scale Rain Gauge: LUNSY rain gauge has double scale 7in/17cm, convenient for reading the measurement data in inches and centimeters, you can see how much rain you have gotten for the day so you always know when to water your lawn or garden.
- Widely application: It is used in rainfall measure, rain gauge outdoor, rain gauges for yard, email will be replied in 24 hours.
7. ROUSHUN Ten Pack 1.5″ Rain Gauge/Sprinkler Gauge, Wide Mouth, Bright Yellow Outdoor Water Measuring Tool 10 Piece
Features :
- Lets user calculate average rainfall or sprinkler output in a given timeframe
- Easy-to-read numerals printed on the sides
- 10 PACK – Wide Mouth Gauges
- Scaled in inches and millimeters
- Molded yellow transparent plastic housing; inch and centimeter scales
8. Taylor Precision Products ClearVu 5″ Capacity Rain Gauge with Post Mounting Bracket
Features :
- USA BASED: Marketing, Engineering, and Customer Service teams
- RAINFALL CAPACITY: Collects up to 5 inches of precipitation
- MEASURMENT INCREMENTS: Measures rainfall in quarter inch increments from .25 inches to 5 inches
- OVERALL HEIGHT: The rain gauge stands 11.875 inches inches tall
- POST MOUNT INSTALLATION: Easily install on a post using the mounting bracket and 2 screws (included)
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 15 |
| Width | 4.5 |
| Length | 4.5 |
| Weight | 1.11 |
9. Taylor 2708 Rain Gauge, Multicolor
Features :
- USA BASED: Design, Marketing, Engineering, and Customer Service teams
- LARGE HEIGHT: The Jumbo Jr Rain Gauge stands at 20 inches high overall
- RAINFALL CAPACITY: The Jumbo Jr. Rain Gauge collects up to 5 inches of precipitation
- EASY-TO-READ MEASUREMENTS: Bright red floating indicator clearly marks measured rainfall
- HIGH VISIBILITY: Accurate, easy-to-read bright yellow increments visible from up to 50 feet away
Additional Info :
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4 |
| Width | 4 |
| Length | 21 |
| Weight | 0.25 |
10. La Crosse 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge
Features :
- Innovative design slides on & off bracket for ease of use
- Mounts on a deck, fence rail or top of stake
- Rain gauge measures backyard rain fall
- Large width waterfall design
- plastic frame
- measures up to 6 inches
- Large width waterfall design
- plastic frame
- measures up to 6 inches
Additional Info :
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1.8 |
| Width | 7.8 |
| Length | 9.1 |
| Weight | 0.01 |
What to Consider Before Choosing the Best rain gauges
Accuracy
The structure of a gauge has an impact on its accuracy. The rain gauge opening should be at least four inches in diameter, which is why many gauges have big funnels on top.
The way a gauge is marked has an impact on your accuracy. Official measures are taken to the closest hundredth of an inch, although many inexpensive analog rain gauges are labelled to the tenth of an inch. Accuracy is also influenced by learning to measure correctly with your individual rain gauge.
Installation
Even the best rain gauges won’t be able to compensate for a poor installation, so if you don’t position the instrument correctly, your readings will be erroneous. Use a model with a mounting bracket and position the gauge 2-5 feet off the ground on the side of a fence post or pole for the best results. The mouth of the gauge should also be higher than the pole or post on which it is mounted. Rain that falls on the post will not splash back into the gauge because the opening is above it. Make sure the gauge’s mouth is level by using a level.
Make sure the unit is placed away from tall buildings and trees, which can hinder precipitation. Ideally, the gauge should be placed at a distance twice the height of the nearest impediment (e.g., set the gauge 20 feet away from 10-foot tall trees). If you can’t accomplish this, don’t worry; simply place it in the most open spot on your land for the greatest results.
Durability and Construction
In general, the shorter the model’s usable life, the cheaper it is. Gauges are composed of plastic, which discolors in the sun over time and can become brittle when exposed to extremes of heat and cold. To achieve the most accurate readings and the longest useable life, we strongly advise choosing the best model you can afford.
Capacity Measurement
The measuring capacity of analog rain gauges varies, but we recommend getting one with at least a four-inch capacity to avoid missing rain during intense weather. One of the advantages of a digital model is the ability to measure indefinitely. A professional analog gauge, such as the Stratus Precision, has an 11″ capacity, which you’ll almost certainly never utilize.
User-Friendliness
A digital rain gauge is significantly more convenient in terms of ease of use. You’ll never need to take a measurement outside, and they’re simple to read and maintain. The Stratus, on the other hand, isn’t difficult to operate; it just takes a little longer to get used to.