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If you enjoy keeping an eye on the weather, a barometer is one of the simplest, most revealing instruments you can own. It measures atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury (inHg) and gives you a heads-up about changing conditions—rising pressure usually means fair weather, while falling pressure can signal rain or storms. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, tending a greenhouse, or tracking seasonal trends, a good barometer helps you make smarter, more confident decisions.
Not all barometers are created equal. The main choices are classic aneroid (analog) barometers, compact digital units, and multi-sensor weather stations that include barometric pressure as one of their features. Knowing the differences will save you time and money when shopping.
Aneroid barometers use a sealed capsule that expands and contracts with pressure changes, driving a dial. They’re tactile, elegant, and often come in brass or wooden housings—great for a mantel or hallway. They typically display pressure in inHg and are easy to read at a glance. If you want something that looks as good as it functions, an aneroid barometer is a classic pick.
Digital barometers display numeric pressure values and often allow you to switch units, but for UK and imperial-only use you’ll want one that shows inHg. Many digital models include memory, trend arrows, and the ability to set alerts when pressure crosses thresholds. Small and precise, these are perfect for shelves, sheds, or linking to a smart hub.
Full weather stations bundle a barometer with temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall sensors. They’re ideal if you want a fuller picture of local weather. High-end stations log data over time, let you visualize trends on a display or app, and often report pressure in inHg alongside temperature in °F—useful if you like to keep long-term records.
Shopping for a barometer is easier when you know which specs matter. Spend time on the basics and you’ll avoid models that look smart but disappoint in performance.
Accuracy is usually given in fractions of an inch of mercury. Home-grade units commonly range from ±0.01 to ±0.05 inHg. If you want reliable trend detection for boating, gardening, or photography, look for the lower end of that range. Resolution—how small a change the device reports—matters too; a resolution of 0.01 inHg is a sensible target.
A typical barometer covers a range from about 23 to 31 inHg, which is enough for most UK elevations. Make sure the unit displays in inHg if you prefer imperial-only readouts. Some digital units let you lock to inHg so you never have to convert values.
If you’re buying a weather station, consider extra sensors (wind, rain, humidity) and connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi). These features let you log data, receive alerts, and integrate with smart home systems. Remember: more features usually means higher cost and more setup, so match features to how you actually want to use the unit.
If you’re mounting a sensor outside, check the IP rating or weatherproof claims. Outdoor transducers should withstand wind, rain, and day-to-day wear. For indoor-only barometers, look for solid construction and materials you’ll enjoy seeing every day.
There are many places in the UK to shop for barometers, from general retailers to trade suppliers and specialist weather shops. Here’s a practical guide to popular options you can check out.
Argos is a familiar high-street name with a decent selection of digital barometers and compact weather stations. It’s a good place to find mid-range units and trusted brands for casual users. Expect a range aimed at home use—simple to install and easy to read.
Amazon is often the fastest way to access the widest variety. You’ll find everything from decorative aneroid barometers to feature-rich weather stations from brands like La Crosse Technology and TFA Dostmann. Read reviews carefully and compare accuracy specs, because the range includes budget to premium options.
B&Q stocks weather stations and basic outdoor sensors aimed at gardeners and DIY enthusiasts. If you’re fitting sensors to a greenhouse, shed, or garden, B&Q’s selection tends to focus on robust, user-friendly devices that will stand up to outdoor life.
For trade-standard tools and measuring instruments, Screwfix is worth a look. They often carry digital measuring devices and multi-function weather instruments with a practical, no-nonsense focus—handy for professionals and serious hobbyists who value durability and quick installation.
Wickes stocks practical weather stations suited to home improvement projects and garden monitoring. Their selection overlaps with B&Q in terms of style and durability, making it a good alternative if you’re checking prices or prefer a local store.
For stylish aneroid units and smaller indoor barometers, look at Robert Dyas or Lakeland. These homeware outlets often stock decorative options that double as functional instruments—great if you want a barometer that complements your interior decor.
If accuracy, logging, and professional features are a priority, specialist meteorological retailers and brands are the way to go. Look for suppliers that stock La Crosse, Davis Instruments, and Oregon Scientific. These vendors focus on precision, calibration options, and long-term data logging—perfect for weather hobbyists, boaters, and observatories.
Barometer prices in the UK cover a wide range, depending on type, features, and brand. Here’s what to expect so you can match budget to need.
At the low end you’ll find basic digital barometers and small indoor units. They give usable readings and simple trend arrows but may lack long-term accuracy or extra sensors. These are ideal if you just want a quick way to watch pressure changes without spending much.
This tier includes reliable aneroid wall models, better digital units, and entry-level weather stations with external sensors. Accuracy and build quality improve, and you’ll start to see better displays, memory functions, and weatherproofed outdoor components.
Premium stations from specialist brands offer precise sensors, extensive logging, and connectivity for apps and home automation. If you want professional-grade data or long-term climate records, this is where you’ll find the serious kit.
Getting accurate readings depends as much on placement and calibration as on the device itself. Here are clear steps to make sure your barometer reads well.
For indoor barometers, pick a spot away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources like radiators. For outdoor sensors, mount on a north-facing wall or sheltered pole about 5 to 6 feet off the ground to avoid splashes and direct precipitation. Stable positioning gives stable readings.
Analog units typically have an adjustment screw on the back. To calibrate, compare the reading to a nearby official pressure report and slowly adjust until the dial matches. Do this when the air feels fairly calm, and re-check after a day or two to ensure stability.
Digital units often allow manual calibration through settings. Compare the displayed inHg value with a trusted source—local airport, national weather service, or a high-quality online station—and enter the difference. Some digital stations auto-calibrate using web data if connected to Wi‑Fi.
A well-cared-for barometer lasts for years. With a few simple checks you can avoid common problems and keep readings useful.
Compare your barometer with a reputable source every few weeks. If readings drift more than about 0.03 inHg, recalibrate. For outdoor sensors, clear debris and check battery contacts seasonally. Batteries left to corrode can damage delicate electronics.
If your barometer stops responding, try replacing batteries or resetting the device. For analog dials that stick, a gentle tap or a small realignment may help, but avoid forcing mechanical parts. For digital sensors, check for moisture ingress and make sure any external probes remain dry and properly seated.
Beyond simply knowing the pressure, understanding trends will make your barometer truly useful. Short-term changes reveal a lot about the weather to come.
A sudden fall of 0.1 inHg or more over a few hours often signals an approaching low-pressure system—expect wind and rain. Steady rises of 0.05 inHg or more typically mean improving conditions. Use these trends with local forecasts for the best guess: the barometer gives you a local, real-time update the forecasts can’t always match.
Gardeners can delay planting or watering based on falling pressure. Boaters use pressure changes to avoid setting out before a squall. Photographers watch for shifting conditions that change light quality. And if you simply enjoy knowing when the weather might turn, a barometer makes that knowledge immediate and local.
Think about where you’ll use it, how precise you need the readings to be, and whether you want extras like logging or smart connectivity. If you want something beautiful on a wall, pick an aneroid. If you want data and graphs, go for a digital station or specialist unit. And if you’re experimenting with weather as a hobby, invest in a mid-range or premium station that will grow with your interest.
Before you check out, run through this checklist: does it report in inHg; is its accuracy at least ±0.02 inHg; does it have the range you need; is it weatherproof if used outdoors; and does it offer logs or connectivity if you want them? That short list will help you avoid regrets after purchase.
With plenty of UK retailers carrying items from budget gadgetry to precision meteorological equipment, you can find a barometer that suits your budget and style. Use the specs above to guide comparisons, and remember that trends matter as much as raw numbers—barometers reward attention and curiosity more than anything else.
Happy weatherwatching—may your readings be steady and your picnics dry!
| Barometers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian Jensen Koppel Barometer 10 Cm Steel White | kr. 729,- | |
| Georgian Jensen Henning Koppel Barometer Ø10cm - Stål White | kr. 729,- |
