A rain gauge is an essential tool for any homesteader, regardless of whether they’re a weather enthusiast or simply want to optimize their gardening and landscaping endeavors. This humble device accurately tracks precipitation levels in the garden, orchard, or lawn, providing valuable insights for irrigation management and water conservation. Investing in a rain gauge can be a game-changer for homeowners looking to prevent drought, reduce water waste, or avoid overwatering.
Traditionally used by professional meteorologists at weather stations to record and predict rainfall patterns, these instruments are also surprisingly effective for personal use. By accurately measuring precipitation levels, homesteaders can ensure their gardens and lawns receive the right amount of moisture, ultimately reducing water bills and promoting a more sustainable approach to outdoor maintenance.
The 10 Best Rain Gauges
When it comes to measuring rainfall, having the right rain gauge is crucial for accuracy and reliability. Among the many options available, some models stand out from the rest. For instance, the AcuRite 00850A2 Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge is a great choice, offering a clear and easy-to-read display that makes it simple to track precipitation levels. Another top pick is the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge, which provides precise measurements with its advanced technology.
If you’re looking for something more decorative, the Bits and Pieces Garden Decor Hand Painted Gnome Rain Gauge Sculpture adds a touch of whimsy while still delivering reliable readings. For those who want a professional-grade option, the OUTWEST TRADING Professional Outdoor Rain Gauge is an excellent choice, offering high-quality construction and accurate measurements.
The La Crosse 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge, Sunset Vista Rain Gauge Glass Tube, Headwind 8201002GRN Jumbo Rain Gauge, and Taylor Jumbo Jr. Easy-Read Rain Gauge are also worth considering, each with its unique features and benefits.
Our Top Pick for the Best Rain Gauge
When it comes to determining the best rain gauge, our top recommendation is the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge. Whether you’re a seasoned meteorologist or an avid gardener, this reliable udometer makes measuring rainfall levels around your property or garden effortlessly simple.
The Stratus’ extra-large rain gauge boasts durable weather-resistant thermoplastic polycarbonate construction, easy-to-read black markings and numbers, and most impressively, consistently delivers precise rainfall readings. With the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge, you can accurately track and monitor precipitation levels with confidence.
How to Choose the Best Rain Gauge
When it comes to measuring precipitation, there are two primary options for weather enthusiasts and professionals alike. The first is the analog, also known as traditional, rain gauge, which has been a staple in meteorology for decades. This type of gauge relies on a physical mechanism to record rainfall, typically using a float or pointer to measure the accumulation of water.
In contrast, digital gauges have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and ability to provide real-time data. These instruments utilize sensors and electronic components to track precipitation levels.
Analog Rain Gauge
Analog rain gauges, being the most widely used and affordable option, are typically made of transparent materials such as plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass. They feature graduated numbers and markings on the exterior, with measurement units displayed in inches, millimeters, or centimeters. The simplicity of these devices makes them easy to use once you grasp how to read the measurement scale.
Setup is also straightforward, allowing users to place the gauge on a fence post, brick wall, patio railing, mailbox, plant pot, or even bury it near plants.
Measurement Size
When it comes to choosing an analog rain gauge, one of the key factors to consider is the measurement range. These devices can vary in size from a compact 5 inches up to larger options measuring 6, 8, or even 11 inches. Smaller gauges, such as those with a 5-inch measurement range, are ideal for smaller gardens or can be used in clusters to cover a medium-sized garden.
In contrast, the larger sizes – including 6, 8, and 11-inch options – are better suited for bigger gardens or large farming properties where more precise measurements are necessary.
Digital Rain Gauge
As tech-savvy gardeners often are, installing a digital rain gauge like Netatmo’s Rain Gauge Weather Station allows for seamless monitoring of rainfall levels from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This smart device features a sensor that wirelessly transmits real-time readings and accumulated precipitation data to the app on your device once placed in an unobstructed, low-wind area. To ensure proper transmission, it’s crucial to have a compatible router within 100 meters of the rain gauge.
Construction
The materials used to construct rain gauges, such as plastic, resin, polycarbonate, and acrylic, are designed to be strong and durable. They are also UV resistant, which means they won’t fade or corrode due to exposure to rough weather conditions. However, it’s still possible for these materials to crack if left outside in extreme temperatures – either the intense heat of direct sunlight or the freezing cold. On the other hand, a glass rain gauge offers some advantages.
Unlike plastic, it won’t yellow over time and is less likely to crack. Nevertheless, its fragility means it can break easily if you accidentally knock it against something hard.
Measurement Accuracy
Analog rain gauges boast impressive accuracy, thanks to their precise measurement markings. One exemplary model is the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge, which boasts an accuracy of 1/100th of an inch. On the other hand, wireless rain gauges take accuracy to the next level by connecting directly to national or global weather stations, providing pinpoint rainfall or snow data. However, even the most precise analog or digital rain gauge can be affected by three key factors.
To ensure accurate readings, it’s essential to install your rain gauge in an obstruction-free area, away from overhanging roof eaves, trees, and high winds. Additionally, if you’re placing the gauge in your garden, make sure it’s situated on a level surface to allow for even rainfall collection within the container.
10 Best Rain Gauges – Reviews
Outdoor Home Rain Gauge
The Outdoor Home Rain Gauge is an indispensable tool for monitoring rainfall in your garden, small farm, or apple orchard. Its durable construction ensures it withstands harsh weather conditions, from intense sunlight to frosty mornings. The gauge’s heavy-duty UV-resistant polycarbonate material prevents cracking and discoloration, allowing you to rely on accurate measurements for a long time.
With its large capacity to handle light sprinkles or downpours, this gauge is perfect for professional-level readings. A raised 6-inch/150mm dual graduated scale provides easy reading of both imperial and metric measurements. Installation is straightforward with the included mounting bracket and screws, allowing you to quickly get started. Once full, simply slide it off the bracket for effortless removal. While a bit pricey, this gauge’s value lies in its exceptional quality and performance.
Some users may find the measurements slightly challenging to read against the clear material, but overall, it remains a reliable and efficient tool.
AcuRite 00850A2 Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge
When it comes to monitoring rainfall and preventing overwatering in your garden, the AcuRite 00850A2 Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge stands out as an excellent choice. Its durable, weather-resistant acrylic construction allows it to hold up to 5 inches of rainwater, making it a valuable tool for any gardener seeking to conserve water usage or avoid flooding.
The gauge’s curved design and large white numbers with inch markings provide accurate readings that are magnified by over 35%, allowing you to view them from a distance of 10 feet. The blue background serves as a clear contrast to the numbers, making it easy to read even in low-light conditions. Installing the rain gauge is straightforward, thanks to its integrated hang hole that enables wall or fence post mounting, stake installation in your garden, or simple placement on a flat surface.
AcuRite backs this product with a 1-year warranty, providing added peace of mind. Overall, the AcuRite 00850A2 offers exceptional value for money, boasting high-quality construction and excellent accuracy that helps prevent overwatering and conserves water usage.
Stratus Precision Rain Gauge
The Stratus Precision Rain Gauge is an excellent choice for large properties, gardens, or orchards, thanks to its accurate measurements and robust design. The heavy-duty polycarbonate construction withstands harsh weather conditions like UV rays, heat, and frost, ensuring it remains functional for years without fading or corroding.
This versatile rain gauge offers two methods of measuring rainfall: a funnel top delivers rain to a 1-inch measuring tube, while the large outer cylinder captures up to 11 inches of precipitation. Built to US Weather Bureau specifications, this high-precision instrument accurately tracks rainfall, snow, sleet, and hail amounts in increments of 0.01 inches. The bold black numbers and inch markings make it easy to monitor rainfall amounts.
For secure installation, the gauge comes with an exclusive ‘Quick Connect’ bracket that allows for quick removal of the cylinder for emptying or cleaning. This rain gauge is suitable for use by meteorologists or gardeners alike, offering great value for its high-quality construction. However, consider the potential drawbacks: the gauge may be expensive, and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures could cause black numbers to fade or the inner cylinder to crack.
Bits and Pieces Garden Decor Hand Painted Gnome Rain Gauge Sculpture
This enchanting Bits and Pieces Garden Decor Hand Painted Gnome Rain Gauge Sculpture combines functionality with whimsical charm. As a rain gauge, it keeps track of rainfall while doubling as an eye-catching garden decoration that’s sure to delight family and guests. The 8-inch tall and 3¼-inch wide polyresin gnome is crafted with durability in mind, featuring hand-painted faux finishing and realistic detailing that adds a touch of drama to your outdoor space.
The gauge itself holds up a removable 5-inch rainfall tube with easy-to-read black numbers and measurement markings, allowing you to keep track of precipitation levels. The tube can be easily removed for emptying and reattachment, making maintenance a breeze. At an affordable price point, this garden gnome rain gauge makes a thoughtful gift for fellow gardening enthusiasts in your life.
With its impressive pros, including great quality, value, and durability, it’s hard to find fault with this charming addition to your garden or outdoor area.
La Crosse 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge
The La Crosse Technology 705-109 Waterfall Rain Gauge offers a versatile solution for monitoring rainfall in your garden or outdoor living spaces. This durable plastic gauge, inspired by a cascading waterfall, boasts a 6-inch size and features extra-large black numbers and clean measurement lines for accurate readings. The vibrant red floating rain level marker allows you to easily monitor the collected rain from a distance.
With its mounting bracket and screws, you can quickly install the gauge on a fence, deck railing, or stake in the ground. The innovative slide-on-and-off design makes installation and removal a breeze. La Crosse Technology backs this product with a 2-year limited warranty.
While it’s a great value for money, there are some limitations to consider: it shouldn’t be installed near a roofline or other overhanging structure, as the plastic can become brittle in freezing temperatures or yellowed from long-term exposure to hot sun. Additionally, the red marker strip may fade or float out when the container is full, and there’s no marking for the 6-inch level. Despite these minor drawbacks, this gauge remains a great option for anyone looking to track rainfall.
Headwind 8201002GRN Jumbo Rain Gauge
With the Headwind 8201002GRN Jumbo Rain Gauge, measuring rainfall in your garden becomes effortless. This sturdy, green rain gauge boasts a durable construction featuring heavy-duty plastic and a rust-resistant bracket that will withstand the elements. Its specially calibrated design ensures precise measurement readings every time. The 5-inch gauge stands out with its jumbo-sized EZ Read numbers and markings, making it easy to track rainfall from up to 50 feet away.
A high-visibility float further enhances visibility, allowing you to monitor water levels without straining your eyes. The unique DebrisGuard funnel cleverly prevents debris like leaves or twigs from entering the gauge, ensuring accurate readings. Mounting options abound – secure the Headwind rain gauge to a fence post, deck railing, or even bury it among your plants. Its compact design makes it suitable for any garden setting.
While some may note that the plastic is not thick enough for in-ground mounting, the benefits of this rain gauge far outweigh this minor drawback.
Sunset Vista Rain Gauge Glass Tube
The Sunset Vista Rain Gauge Glass Tube is an excellent solution for any gardening enthusiast seeking a stylish and functional rain gauge. Its sturdy glass construction, easy-to-read dual measurements, and wide, thick lip ensure that it fits seamlessly into existing udometer holders or can be used standalone. Standing 8.25 inches tall, this replacement gauge is an ideal quick fix for damaged glass gauges.
The clear glass vial with bold, large-print measurement scales (imperial inches and metric centimeters) allows for easy readings through the transparent material. Notably, the measurements won’t fade over time. Although it’s not intended to be left outside in freezing temperatures and doesn’t come with the holder, its value lies in its excellent quality, great price, and versatility. For a seamless replacement experience, this rain gauge is hard to beat.
Netatmo Rain Gauge Weather Station
The Netatmo Rain Gauge Weather Station offers unparalleled real-time rainfall data, accessible 24 hours a day. This innovative device tracks precipitation in millimeters per hour, displaying total accumulation over time and expected precipitation. With measurements recorded every 5 minutes, you’ll always be informed about weather patterns around your home. The tipping bucket design ensures accurate measurement, with a range of 0.2-mm/hour and an accuracy within 1mm/hr.
The device is powered by 2 AAA batteries, providing up to 1 year of battery life. For easy access, you can connect the rain gauge to Alexa for voice activation or access the data from your computer using Netatmo’s Web app. The app is downloadable from Google Play and Apple App Store, compatible with multiple devices: iPhone 4 or later, iPad 2, iPod Touch (5th generation or later), Android 4.0 or later, Windows Phone 8.0 or higher.
One of the key benefits of this device is its wireless connectivity, allowing you to monitor rainfall data without any subscription fee or storage limit. To ensure optimal performance, place the rain gauge within 100 meters of a Wi-Fi router, compatible with Open/WEP/WPA/WPA2-personal (TKIP and AES) security. Overall, the Netatmo Rain Gauge Weather Station offers great value for money, with high-quality construction and ease of installation.
OUTWEST TRADING Professional Outdoor Rain Gauge
The OUTWEST TRADING Professional Outdoor Rain Gauge is a reliable choice for gardeners seeking precise rainfall measurement. Its rugged, virtually unbreakable construction ensures durability against harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, impacts, and UV exposure. The gauge’s unique wedge shape and large, raised numbers on the dual 6-inch and 150mm scale enable easy reading of both heavy and light precipitation levels.
Installation is straightforward, involving a simple screw-and-slide process onto a flat surface like a fence post or deck rail. The rain gauge can be quickly detached for emptying or cleaning purposes. To ensure accurate measurements, it’s essential to install the rain gauge in a yard location that is free from strong winds and obstructions like buildings and trees. A well-placed gauge allows for unobstructed rainfall collection, providing consistent data for gardening decisions.
The pros of this rain gauge include its high-quality construction, excellent value for money, and professional-grade features. The strong, heavy-duty plastic resists UV damage, remains non-yellowing, and won’t rust or corrode. Additionally, the freezeproof design ensures continued functionality in cold temperatures. The mountable bracket is easy to install, and the gauge’s slide-in-slide-out mechanism makes maintenance a breeze.
Overall, this rain gauge offers precise measurements and ease of use. The only notable drawbacks are the need for proper placement away from high-wind areas, large obstructions, and the potential difficulty in reading numbers on the clear plastic from a distance. Additionally, mounting screws are not included; however, they can be easily sourced separately.
Taylor Jumbo Jr. Easy-Read Rain Gauge
For gardeners with visual impairments, the Taylor Jumbo Jr. Easy-Read Rain Gauge stands out as a reliable and practical solution. The gauge’s sturdy construction, made from high-impact plastic, ensures it can withstand outdoor weather conditions. The tall design, measuring 20 inches in height, features bright yellow jumbo-sized numbers and markings that are clear and distinctive, allowing for accurate rainfall measurements to be viewed from up to 50 feet away.
A special funnel filter minimizes the impact of debris entering the container, ensuring precise readings. Installation options include a fence post, wall, or ground mounting using the included bracket and sturdy ground spike. While some users have reported issues with plastic brittleness in extreme temperatures and the ground spike not being suitable for rocky terrain, the majority appreciate the gauge’s durability, value, and ease of use.
Our Top Pick for the Best Rain Gauge
When it comes to tracking precipitation levels, our top recommendation for a reliable rain gauge is the Stratus Precision Rain Gauge. This exceptional udometer is suitable for both professional meteorologists and gardening enthusiasts alike. Its extra-large, weather-resistant design features easy-to-read black numbers and markings, providing consistently accurate rainfall readings.
Whether you’re monitoring conditions around your property or in your garden, this precision instrument makes it simple to keep track of rainfall levels.
