A rain gauge is a perfect device to gift to somebody who is a gardening enthusiast. People who spend loads of time outdoors in their garden or lawn would really appreciate this as a present. A rain gauge records the amount of precipitation and rainfall that fell over a certain period of time. Some of these devices record this type of data over a day, a week, a month and even a year.
Some rain gauges offer additional features like showcasing the time in a 12/24 format and the temperature throughout the day. In fact, the level of humidity is also shown. Rain gauges of all prices are available in the market ranging from very high prices to very low prices. There is a model for everyone. In addition, some offer the alert option so that the user can be informed if there is a possibility of rain. This also applies to the case of flooding.
When the rainwater exceeds the limit that has been set then an alert is sent in immediately. This is extremely helpful as the user gets to prepare beforehand for the disaster that is about to strike. This is all thanks to the great device called a rain gauge.
In this article, nine rain gauges have been mentioned. Each offers different features and has its pros and cons. The price range is also diverse so that everyone can easily get their hands on a good quality rain gauge, within a budget.
1. AcuRite 00899 Wireless Rain Gauge
The AcuRite 00899 wireless rain gauge is an excellent device. It is an absolute must-have for people who enjoy doing gardening activities. This product has the ability to record the level of precipitation accurately. Rain is measured in metrics of millimeters or inches. The recorded rainfall accounts for the day it rained and the week before. Also, it has 2 resetting options for rainfall.
In case there is a possibility for rainfall, the AcuRite 00899 gives an alert. There is a flood alarm that gives an alert if there are chances of flooding. It is a wireless device and does not need to be connected to a switch.
Therefore, there is no need to stress about taking care of pesky cables and wires. It can be set up quite easily. This device comes with a rain sensor that sends a signal 30 meters ( i.e. 100 feet) up. It keeps checking the amount of rain after an interval of 16 seconds. This allows the user to detect the amount of rain falling comfortably from home.
This is the perfect present for people who are gardening or landscape enthusiasts. Individuals who would like to record the amount of water used for watering the garden. The inches of rain that fell in the past few days and more of such scenarios.
Pros
- Records level of precipitation
- Record rainfall in inches and millimeters
- 2 resetting options
- Has a rain sensor sending signals 30 meters up
- Checks rainfall again after every 16 seconds
2. AcuRite 01089M Rain Gauge
The ActRite 01089M rain gauge offers a self-emptying rain collector which helps to measure the rainfall in one’s surroundings while simultaneously sending readings to the indoor display. It has a range of a hundred 100 feet or 30 meters. It also records the outdoor temperature and level of humidity with perfection.
Furthermore, it totals the day it rained and the day before it. Not only this, but it also takes into account the amount it rained in the past week, past month, past year and even the year before! It truly is an amazing device. This amount is measured in inches and millimeters.
The AcuRite 01089 rain gauge has a rain alarm and a storm alert to inform the user if there is any possibility of either happening. Also, it has a flood alert. This alert is given when the rainfall exceeds the amount set initially. In addition, it also lets the user know when to turn off the sprinklers when turned on of his/her lawn. All of these alerts are given through audio.
Moreover, this device has a built-in clock. It also compares the data it collects by informing the user of the highest it rained and the lowest as well. As this device empties itself, therefore, it does not require maintenance. It is wireless and resistant to all weather. Lastly, the display of this device presents the heat index and dew point.
Pros
- Provides audible alerts
- Built-in clock
- Wireless
- Showcases level of humidity
- Displays temperature
- One year warranty
3. AcuRite VN1TXC 5-in-1 Weather Sensor with Rain Gauge
The AcuRite VN1TXC 5 in 1 weather sensor does a fabulous job at recording five outdoor situations. These comprise the speed of the wind, the direction of the rain and air, level of humidity, and temperature. It presents this data in a simple way so that the user can comprehend it easily. This device has a sensor that after every 36 seconds gives signals which can travel a distance of up to 330 feet.
This device weighs 3.9 pounds. It requires 4 AA lithium batteries but alkaline batteries will work just fine too. These are not provided with the device but can be bought easily from the market or online. It can be set up without difficulty. There is hardware for mounting included. Lastly, the battery has a life of two years which means it will not require maintenance.
Pros
- 5 in 1 sensor
- Easy to read
- Signals travel up to a distance of 330 feet
- Requires 4 AA batteries
- Warranty of 2 years
4. AcuRite 00850A2 5-Inch Capacity Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge, Blue,12.5-inch
The AcuRite 00850A2 rain gauge is capable of measuring up to 5 inches of rainfall. In order to provide ease to the user, the measurements of the rain are magnified by 35 percent. This means visibility will not be an issue. It is resistant to weather and has a body made up of acrylic. It can be placed quite easily by making a hole in the wall and mounting it. Otherwise, it can be staked on the floor to use as a landscaping rain gauge.
This device can also be utilized if the customer lives in an area where it rains frequently and leaks occur every now and then. The AcuRite rain gauge will help in figuring how much water has accumulated. Furthermore, it also alerts the user in case there is a probability of flooding or if the lawn needs to be watered. Lastly, it is a wireless device.
Pros
- Easy Visibility
- Measures 5 inches of rain
- Flood alerts
- Weather-resistant
5. La Crosse Technology 724-1415BL-INT Wireless Rain Station
The La Crosse rain gauge is one of the best in the market right now. It is wireless. It can calculate the amount of rainfall that fell over time. On the body of this digital device, measurements like the rain cylinder graph and data are showcased. The range of signal transmission is more than 330 feet. The device empties itself and it has a wide mouth. Also, there is an option of a backlight to use when it’s dark. It’ll work with the help of a USB cable (which is provided).
There are a variety of languages to choose from like French, English, and Spanish. In addition, there is a rain alert and the option to change the display according to preference. Also, 6 AA batteries are needed for the rain gauge to work. There is a flower icon present on the display to indicate the situation of water throughout the day. If the flower icon is moving then it means that weather conditions are moist. Likewise, if the flower icon is dry then it means the weather conditions are dry.
Alerts for rain are given 24 hours throughout the day. The level of humidity and temperature are also measured in the external and internal environment. In addition, this device also portrays the days on which it rained in the past week, month, and even year. A set of 2 AA batteries are required for this machine to operate. They are not included with the device but are available easily. Lastly, an alert is given when there is a low battery.
Pros
- Flower icon indicates water conditions
- Portrays rain history
- Choose from a variety of languages
- The range of transmission of signals is 330 feet
Cons
- The backlight can only work if plugged into a USB cable
6. La Crosse Technology 724-1409 Wireless Rain Station
The La Crosse Technology wireless rain station records the amount of rain that fell. The period could be a day, a week, a year, etc. Its range of wireless transmission signals is 300 ft or 91 m with no hindrances in the open air (hindrances include walls, pillars, windows, etc). The frequency range is 433 MHz. Furthermore, the measurements on the rain gauge include a rain cylinder graph and information. The measurements are in mm and inches.
This product is a wireless device so the customer doesn’t have to worry about annoying USB cables. It needs 4 AA batteries to operate: 2 AA alkaline batteries for the indoor display to work and 2 AA alkaline batteries for the bucket of rain to operate. The La Crosse rain gauge is a self-emptying device. The user can adjust the settings to his/her liking. Furthermore, this device gives a rain alert when needed.
There is a built-in clock that displays time in 12/24 hour format. An alert is given off when there is a low battery. In addition, this device comes with a kick-out leg stand so that it can be placed on a flat surface. Otherwise, it can be hung or mounted on a wall.
Pros
- The range of transmission is 300 ft
- Records rain history over a period of time
- Wireless device
- Self-emptying device
- Gives rain alerts throughout 24 hours
- Built-in clock
Cons
- Uses Bluetooth connection
7. EZRead – Jumbo EZRead Rain Gauge
The EZRead rain gauge has a size that is larger than usual. It has a length of 26 inches and it is visible from a distance of 50 feet. Hence, it provides excellent visibility to the user even from a great distance. Furthermore, the user will be able to interpret the readings when it is raining like crazy or when it’s extremely windy.
The device has such a structure that it keeps out small bits and pieces of garbage and rubbish. This includes small pebbles and worn-out leaves. There is a funnel that does this job effortlessly. Moreover, the advantage of this funnel is that it helps in preventing incorrect readings. In addition, it also stops blocking the rainwater collector.
With the help of a high visibility float, the EZRead portrays correct and accurate rainfall recordings. Also, it has the option to magnify the level of water to get the right readings.
This device can be installed easily on the wall. It comes with a hanger made of plastic material for easy mounting. The EZRead rain gauge is available in a variety of colors which makes it an excellent option to place in one’s lawn or garden. It will blend right in and give a nice look. However, a word of caution: this device cannot be left in freezing weather as it is not freeze resistant. It will give incorrect readings and measurements.
Pros
- Big size
- Excellent visibility
- Gives accurate readings
- Can be installed easily
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Is not freeze resistant
8. DEWIN Rain Gauge – Plastic Rain Gauge Tube
The DEWIN rain gauge is a very practical device as it has a very pretty light green color and is made of plastic. The product is also easy to use. It simply records the amount of rainfall that fell. Moreover, it is utilized to gather water that has accumulated from the rainfall. Furthermore, a scale is present which gives off reliable readings. The limit of measurement of the rain gauge is 35mm.
It can be placed on a pole or stick and then be staked into the ground. The stake or pole is not provided. It can be placed in a garden, lawn, backyard, farm field, etc. In addition, this device does a good job of calculating the rate of water thereby increasing the rate of productivity. Lastly, the La Crosse rain gauge is available at an economical and affordable price.
Pros
- Comes in a nice color
- Easy to use
- Scale that gives correct and accurate readings
- Can be placed in the ground easily
- Affordable price
Cons
- A pole is needed to insert it in the ground
9. Oregon Scientific Wireless Rain Gauge Weather Station
The Oregon Scientific wireless rain gauge has the ability to record 0.04 inches of rainfall i.e. 1.02 mm. This machine records the rainfall data of the past 10 days. This allows the user to look into the number of times it rained. Furthermore, it saves the amount that had accumulated within that time. It is a wireless device and its range of signal transmission reaches 300 feet. This distance can be from the main unit to the actual rain gauge.
The Oregon Scientific Wireless rain gauge also displays the temperature of the room. It has a sensor that sends signals that can travel a distance of 100 feet to provide proper readings. Furthermore, this device also showcases the date and time of the day. It is powered by a set of AA lithium batteries which are provided. It weighs 6.4 ounces. This product was manufactured in the United States of America. However, it has a warranty for just 30 days.
Pros
- Can record 0.04 inches of rainfall
- The range of signal transmission is 300 ft
- Uses a set of easily available AA batteries
- Displays the temperature
Cons
- Has a warranty of 30 days i.e. a month
Conclusion
This product is a must-have for people living in areas where the rainy season tends to stay all year long. They can be informed and alerted immediately if there is a chance of flooding or harsh rainfall about to take place. The majority of these devices are wireless and just require a set of AA lithium or alkaline-based batteries. Hence, there is no need to stress about maintenance.
In general, a rain gauge is usually a one-time investment and can make your life much easier by helping you prepare for the rain. Considering how some rain gauges can also alert you of floods, they might help you get out of a pinch.
With that said, due to the technical specification of a rain gauge, buying one might be a bit overwhelming for some people. However, once you get the hang of the basics, then it isn’t really that difficult.
Now, choosing the right rain gauge shouldn’t be easier as so this guide has covered most of the major functions of a rain gauge, along with the best options in the market.