A garden thermometer is ideal for passionate gardeners and amateur meteorologists. In addition to temperature, you can sometimes use the tool to determine other interesting readings, such as humidity. This will help you, among other things, to better assess the need for watering. We give all sorts of practical tips for buying an outdoor thermometer.
A garden thermometer is practical and decorative
Our recommendations
our recommendation
TFA Dostmann Solino analogue garden thermometer, 12.2057, with solar lighting, weatherproof & 47.1008 rain gauge, black
23.98 EUR To the product| display | analogue |
|---|---|
| functionality | medium |
| readability | Well |
| material | plexiglass, metal |
| design | simple, classic |
| Assembly | ground spike |
The Solino garden thermometer from TFA Dostmann is recommended for those gardeners who want a classic, simple model with good functionality at a reasonable price. In addition to the analogue thermometer with solar lighting, a simple rain gauge is also included in the scope of delivery. The outdoor thermometer has a ground spike so that it can be easily stuck into the ground. The set is very popular with reviewers on amazon.de. The components should fulfill their respective task brilliantly.
our recommendation
TFA Dostmann Season radio weather station, 35.1150.01, radio weather station with outdoor sensor, moon phases, radio clock, inside and outside
49.28 EUR To the product| display | digital |
|---|---|
| functionality | very high |
| readability | very good |
| material | plastic |
| design | simple, functional |
| Assembly | Set up |
The wireless weather station Season from TFA Dostmann impresses with its extra large range of functions. The device and the supplied accessories can be used to measure the indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity and air pressure, among other things. In addition, this model offers a weather forecast and displays the phases of the moon as well as the date and time. The base station, from which all information can be read, is set up indoors. The appropriate temperature sensors are attached outside. Most of the reviewers on Amazon are very positive about the weather station. Many describe them as reliable and also praise the excellent readability thanks to matching colors and a clear layout on the display.
our recommendation
Trenkle weather house from the Black Forest TU 817
22.56 EUR To the product| display | analogue |
|---|---|
| functionality | medium |
| readability | Well |
| material | wood, glass, metal |
| design | decorative, stylish |
| Assembly | Set up |
The Trenkle weather house is the perfect garden thermometer for hobby gardeners who value an aesthetic look. Made of wood, with many lovely details and hand-painted, the weather house is an enchanting eye-catcher in any green oasis. Reviewers write that the functionality is convincing in addition to the elegant design. The temperature display is said to be amazingly accurate. The integrated moisture meter is also fascinating: depending on whether it is dry or raining, the integrated plastic figures move on their turntables. Incidentally, this is genuine Black Forest craftsmanship. The price is surprisingly low.
Purchase Criteria
display
Analog outdoor thermometer: In these versions, the temperature display is analogue. The traditional character and the low price are advantageous. Compared to digital garden thermometers, however, the readability and measurement precision are worse.
Digital outdoor thermometer: You can easily read the temperature from digital models. In addition, these variants often offer a broader range of functions. Disadvantages are the functional optics and the more expensive purchase.
functionality
Simple garden thermometer: They (only) measure what they say by name, the temperature in the garden. In the case of simple digital versions, the display of the date and time may also be integrated. If you do not value additional functions, you are making the right choice with such an outdoor thermometer.
Complex weather stations: With complex garden thermometers or weather stations, there are almost no limits in terms of functionality. Here is an overview of potential measured values and additional functions:
- air pressure (barometer)
- humidity (hygrometer)
- amount of precipitation (rain sensor)
- wind direction
- wind speed
- weather tendency
- moon phases
- alarm function
- solar lighting
- radio technology
- WLAN and smart home capability
Note: Too many features can also be cluttered and confusing, and affect the quality of each sensor.
readability
The temperature and possibly other readings should be easy to read. This is more common with digital outdoor thermometers than analog models. The latter offer better legibility, the larger they are designed in principle. With digital garden thermometers, it is important to ensure the largest possible display, a classic, straightforward font size and a clear arrangement of the information. Tip: In order to still be able to read the measured values well in the dark, you should choose a model with an illuminated display.
measurement accuracy
If the garden thermometer is not just to be a nice gimmick, it must be able to measure and display the values as precisely as possible. Basically, digital weather stations with sensors work more precisely than classic analog garden thermometers with integrated liquid. The sensors should be as sensitive as possible. Manufacturers are not obliged to provide information on measurement accuracy; if there is information about it, it naturally appears more trustworthy and of higher quality. Measurement errors of one to two degrees are tolerable, four degrees upwards is a sign of inferiority.
material and processing
Garden thermometers are usually made of metal with acrylic glass, stainless steel and plastic, sometimes also wood with quartz. Stainless steel models are often in the high-priced segment. However, the quality of workmanship is more important than the specific material. Pay attention to cleanly closed transitions or seams so that no water can penetrate. In general, the outdoor thermometer must be absolutely weatherproof. Customer reviews shed light on these characteristics.
design
In fact, a garden thermometer can act as a real eye-catcher in the green oasis. In the case of the simple analog designs in particular, you have some creative designs at your disposal. How about, for example, a maritime anchor, a shovel or a frog as a motif? Analogue weather stations with several measured values that are displayed on circular scales like a chronograph are also extremely popular. In most cases, digital outdoor thermometers are relatively simple and functional.
Assembly
Many garden thermometers are intended to be hung on the house wall. The required mounting accessories - either dowels and nails or suction cups - are normally included in the scope of delivery. Alternatively, you can choose from outdoor thermometers that have a ground spike and can simply be stuck in a flower bed. Outdoor thermometers are also available, which you can either attach to a stand or set up directly.
frequently asked Questions
What is a garden thermometer?
A garden thermometer is a weatherproof outdoor thermometer that is primarily used to display the temperature. Depending on the model, it even functions as a comprehensive weather station that also displays measured values such as humidity, air pressure or wind speed. The trade has various variants ready - whether analogue or digital, simple or decorative.
How does a garden thermometer work?
A classic, traditional garden thermometer houses a heat-sensitive liquid that expands when it's hot and contracts when it's cold. The level of the liquid on the scale provides information about the current temperature. The newer outdoor thermometers have built-in temperature sensors that "feel" the current temperature from the air. The display is analog or digital.
Which brands offer good garden thermometers?
The most famous and popular brands of garden thermometers are the German manufacturers TFA Dostmann and Blomus. The versions by GardenMate and those that Aldi and Lidl offer seasonally are also very popular. Our insider tip: the Trenkle weather houses, which are real eye-catchers in the green oasis.
Where is the best place to buy a garden thermometer?
Good garden thermometers are available in all well-stocked hardware stores and also in garden centers. However, the local selection is usually limited. It is therefore advisable to buy an outdoor thermometer online - preferably at Amazon. There you benefit from a large range with varied models and a comfortable ordering and return procedure.
How much does a garden thermometer cost?
Garden thermometers are relatively inexpensive gardening aids and are available in solid quality from around ten euros. The decisive criteria for the exact price are in particular the range of functions, the material and the processing. Highly complex weather stations for the garden usually cost upwards of 30 euros.