People have been trying to determine the exact temperature for hundreds of years. This is important for a variety of reasons, including figuring out when is the best time to water the garden. With an analogue outdoor thermometer, you can read the current temperature at a glance. Which models are recommended? Where is the best place to install the thermometer? Our guide answers these and other questions.
An outdoor thermometer leaves no doubt about the sweltering summer heat
Our recommendations
our recommendation
TFA Dostmann analogue outdoor thermometer, weatherproof, free-standing degrees
3.99 EUR To the product| Dimensions (H x L x W) | 28.5 x 6.5 x 2.3 centimeters |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| functionality | colored alcohol, without battery |
| temperature range | -30 to +50 °C |
| installation | wall mount |
This outdoor thermometer for attachment to the house wall scores with a timeless, classic design and a particularly low price. The degrees in the temperature range between -30 and +50 °C are free and can therefore be easily read at a glance. The product, which is completely made in Germany, measures the temperature using colored alcohol, as the manufacturer no longer uses mercury. Nevertheless, thanks to the 2-point adjustment, it is very precise. It is best to place it in the entrance area, on the terrace or on the balcony.
our recommendation
TFA Dostmann indoor and outdoor thermometer, 12.3040.20, robin / butterfly design, weatherproof, made in Germany, white
9.99 EUR To the product| Dimensions | 9.2 x 1.1 x 50 centimeters |
|---|---|
| material | plastic |
| functionality | colored alcohol, without battery |
| temperature range | -30 to +50 °C |
| installation | wall mount |
This garden thermometer has a pretty floral design, which is printed with a colorful tendril of flowers and various butterflies and birds. The thermometer made of plastic can be attached to walls both outside and inside, is weatherproof and, thanks to the 2-point adjustment, particularly correct. This model is also completely made in Germany and works without a battery: the temperature is indicated by the expansion of the colored alcohol, which is why the thermometer is independent of any type of power supply.
our recommendation
Lantelme 3 piece wooden thermometer set analog outdoor garden indoor room wood beech thermometer 7837
EUR 12.90 To the product| Dimensions | 17 x 2.5 x 0.9 centimeters |
|---|---|
| material | wood |
| functionality | colored alcohol, without battery |
| temperature range | -50 to +50 °C |
| installation | wall mount |
These wooden thermometers, which come in a practical 3-pack, can be used both indoors and outdoors. So you can attach them to different places in the apartment or in the garden and measure the different temperatures. In the Amazon reviews, some customers complained that these thermometers indicate different degrees. This is perfectly normal and not a rule of thumb if the temperature gauges have been installed at different locations. Nowhere in a room is the same temperature. Hard and robust beech wood was used for the housing, the temperature range between -50 and +50 °C is particularly large.
Purchase Criteria
species
Mercury thermometer / analog thermometer: Since mercury is highly toxic, mercury thermometers have not been allowed to be sold within the European Union since 2009. Since then, manufacturers of analogue thermometers have been using colored alcohol instead of the problematic material.
(Electrical) bi-metal thermometer: Bimetallic thermometers, also known as dial thermometers, also work on the basis of the expansion of materials when heated. In this case, dissimilar metals bonded together expand and thus indicate the temperature. Many models work without electricity, while others only run on batteries or rechargeable batteries.
digital thermometer: Unlike analog thermometers, digital thermometers only work with electricity, which either comes from the wall outlet or (usually) is supplied by a battery or rechargeable battery. The energy consumption is low, but batteries have to be replaced regularly or rechargeable batteries have to be charged in good time. On the other hand, these thermometers are often very accurate in their measurement.
accuracy and temperature range
The measured temperature range should be as wide as possible, since it can get very cold or hot at some locations, even in Central Europe - at a location in the garden that is very exposed to the sun, the temperatures can climb to values of 40 °C and more. The widest possible temperature range then prevents your outdoor thermometer from breaking due to overload. The accuracy of the measurement is also of great importance, although analogue thermometers can of course only measure the temperature at their respective location. Therefore, there are often differences between different garden thermometers.
Material and weather resistance
Outdoor thermometers can be made of different materials. Often (and cheaply) models made of plastic are offered, but wood, metal, glass or ceramics can also be used. It is important that the material of a thermometer used outdoors is weatherproof, i. H. not affected by the effects of light, wind, rain, heat and cold. In addition, the material must not affect the temperature measurement, for example because the metal heats up considerably.
Structure, function and assembly
Analogue thermometers are still popular today because they are simple and uncomplicated in terms of how they work and how to use them: you attach them to a wall (at some distance from it!) and then read the result. So that the reading is not too tedious and can be done with a look at the thermometer, the degrees should be written as clearly and capitalized as possible. Instead of hanging, you can also opt for a model that can be placed on a table or windowsill. Some outdoor thermometers can also be stuck into the ground on a long stick at the desired location.
Additional functions
Analog outdoor thermometers do not have any real additional functions, but you can combine them with a hygrometer and a barometer or purchase a combination device right away. The hygrometer measures the humidity, the barometer the air pressure. our recommendation
Fischer 111.01T - hair hygrometer with thermometer - 103mm outdoor humidity meter made of stainless steel Made in Germany
75.00 EUR To the product youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is an outdoor thermometer?
An outdoor thermometer is an analogue or digital device for measuring the temperature outdoors, for example in the garden, in the entrance area of the house, on the terrace or on the balcony. Outdoor thermometers must be weatherproof and not necessarily placed in a blazingly sunny location.
How does an outdoor thermometer work?
Analog thermometers work because liquids (and other materials such as metals) expand when heated and contract when cooled. Since mercury used to boil or freeze at extremely high or low temperatures, and alcohol today, they are well suited to depicting Central European temperatures. Digital thermometers have a temperature sensor that measures the outside temperature and transmits it to the device.
What is the difference between an outdoor thermometer and a weather station?
While you can only read the temperature with an outdoor thermometer or, if you have decided on a combination device, also the humidity and / or air pressure, a digital weather station gives you a closer look at the current and expected weather. With a weather station, you place one or more sensors outside, which then send their measurements to the display, which is often placed inside.
Where is the best place to put the outdoor thermometer?
So that the new outdoor thermometer also measures the correct temperature, you should choose the right location. It is particularly important that the thermometer is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this greatly falsifies the temperature measurement. Instead, look for a sunny, not too shady place that also protects the device from wind and weather.
What alternatives to the outdoor thermometer are there?
Instead of an analogue outdoor thermometer, you can also opt for a digital weather station. This is a multi-part device consisting of a display (usually to be set up indoors) and one or more sensors. Place these temperature sensors in strategically smart places outdoors. Weather apps on the cell phone can also be an alternative, but they do not indicate the specific temperature in your garden or on your balcony.
Which manufacturers of outdoor thermometers are particularly recommended?
One of the leading manufacturers of outdoor thermometers is the manufacturer TFA Dostmann, based in Wertheim in the Tauber Valley, which produces all of its products in Germany. Lantelme has also been in business for over 30 years and supplies high-quality thermometers for indoor and outdoor use. Pearl and GardenMate also offer good quality in this area.
equipment
weather station
our recommendation
Technoline WS 9767 weather station with radio clock, indoor and outdoor temperature display, high-gloss, black, 6.4 x 4.5 x 16.5 cm
16.82 EUR To the productIf you not only want to find out the temperature in the garden, but also values such as humidity, wind speed and weather trends, then a weather station is the right choice. With one of these, you don't have to run out into the garden to take a look at the thermometer - you can place the weather station anywhere you want.