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We then simulated a rainstorm with a portable camp shower and tested their effectiveness side by side.
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I loved how easy this rain gauge was to read, even from across the room.
The rain gauge has a handy funnel at the top, which helps collect water from unpredictable rain.
The measurements are bright yellow and easy to read since they are so large.
PHOTO: The Spruce
If you want to avoid installation, ourbest budgetpick is a good alternative.
Its also available in a variety of colors other than the green we tested.
We felt like it was sturdy and wouldnt blow over easily.
We found the measurements on the Headwind Consumer Products Jumbo EZRead Rain Gauge easy to read.PHOTO: The Spruce
This seems like a very easy gauge to clean.
Keep in mind, though, that youll have to use your own screws, as they arent included.
Since it doesnt have a funnel, it only captures water that comes straight down.
But as long as the storm isnt that windy, it should give a more accurate measurement.
I love the clear digital display that eliminates the need for guesswork or squinting to read the measurements.
The rain bucket can be placed as far as 100 feet from the digital reader.
We had no issues with the wi-fi connection between the rain collector bucket and the digital reader.
But my favorite feature is the self-emptying bucket.
The rain gauge just records the rainfall and dumps the water once the rain event has ended.
As far as rain gauges go, though, this isnt the most accurate or easy-to-read option.
My kids are excited to put this outside once the weather warms up.
you could even control it through your smart home equipment and set up helpful weather alerts.
), this is a great option to consider.
I just had to screw the bracket on and slide the bin inside.
I also love that the bin is easy to remove so you might easily empty or clean it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it doesnt offer the most accurate results.
Similar to our best decorative option, the glass tube is removable and easy to empty or clean.
Since its made of glass, it is fragileyoull want to ensure you put it in a protected area.
We tested it in our raised garden bed, and it felt stable in the dirt.
Pottery Barn also recommends not leaving the tube outside when its below freezing.
Even though its small, it did capture more rain than larger options, surprisingly.
However, the measurements can be hard to read, especially from far away.
The large funnel captured water effectively and the numbers were very easy to read from far away.
If you want a digital option, theAcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gaugeis also impressive.
We then set up a camp shower and a raised garden bed to simulate a rainstorm in a garden.
We put freestanding options directly on the soil and placed staked options into the soil until they felt secure.
Most rain gauges collected between 1 and 2 inches of water.
Durability:We observed how sturdy each rain gauge felt when installed and looked for any cracks or leaks.
We noted whether or not we felt the rain gauge would withstand winds or strong storms.
What to Look for in a Rain Gauge
Analog or Digital?
PHOTO: The Spruce
They also need to be monitored during bigger rainstorms and emptied often to avoid standing water.
We tested several models that offer two of those options for more versatility.
Our best digital pick, theAcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gauge, can either be freestanding or mounted.
The AcuRite Easy-Read Magnifying Rain Gauge has a durable stake to place directly in the ground.PHOTO: The Spruce
Why Trust The Spruce?
ImJenica Currie, a senior editor at The Spruce and one of many avid gardeners on our team.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The AcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gauge drains automatically after recording the rain total.The Spruce
The AcuRite Wireless Digital Rain Gauge clearly displays the current rain total, time, date, and more.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The rain tube is made of glass, so it is fragile and should be stored during freezing weather.The Spruce
The Winston Porter Lukats Frog Rain Gauge is lightweight, and doubles and garden decor.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
This home weather station provides comprehensive weather data, including detailed rain totals.The Spruce
The Ambient Weather WS-5000 has multiple sensors that you can mount separately or together.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The rain collection bin is removable for easy cleaning.The Spruce
The Arlmont & Co. Justin Plastic Rain Gauge has a red floating marker, to help read the rain total.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Pottery Barn Outdoor Rain Gauge captured water well during testing, surprisingly for its size.The Spruce
We staked the Pottery Barn Outdoor Rain Gauge in the dirt while testing.PHOTO: The Spruce
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Our favorite digital option also provides rain and flood alerts, and has a self-emptying design.The Spruce
Some analog options have smaller measurements to get a more accurate reading.The Spruce
Many options have can be staked directly in the dirt or mounted on a wall or post.The Spruce
