The Best Digital Gas Manometer in 2021

Last updated: May 6, 2021
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Used by heating and boiler engineers to monitor and measure pressure in the pipework, a digital gas manometer is a neat piece of kit. Easy to carry, set up and use, many digital manometers can also be linked in with Bluetooth and your smart devices so you can save and analyse your findings. We help to take the pressure off choosing a new manometer with our Best Digital Gas Manometer buyer’s guide.

1. Gain Express Professional Digital Manometer

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Key Features
  • Lightweight handheld manometer
  • Pressure range of +/-2 psi; accuracy of +/-0.3%
  • Choice of 11 measurements
  • Backlit LCD display

Our top pick is this well-priced handheld digital manometer from Gain Express which measure both air and gas pressure, meaning its ideal for gas as well as HVAC engineers. Nicely lightweight but sturdy in the hand, it has a pressure range of +/-2psi and accuracy of +/-0.3%. You also get a choice of 11 measurement units and a maximum, minimum and average readings function. The LCD screen is a decent size, and the backlight means the data is easy to read. It can’t be synched with your smart tech, and the two tube attachment is not as long as some other models, but this battery operated manometer is sized to be portable and so a great go-to in your tool kit for when you need it.

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2. Testo 510 Differential Pressure Meter

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Key Features
  • Multi-tasking low pressure measurement tool
  • Temperature and air density compensation
  • Large LCD screen with backlit display
  • Includes cap protector and belt holder

At the top end of our review budget comes the testo 510, which offers impressive functionality to justify the price-tag. As a small handheld device, the testo 510 can measure static pressure, differential, static and manifold pressure as well as duct velocities plus air flow, with the addition of a pitot tube. It is pretty intuitive to use and feels robust in your hand, and it also includes magnets so you can work hands free. The screen is a decent size too and is backlit for low light situations. A multi-tasker for gas and HVAC engineers, the testo 510 is an investment piece of kit that will stand up to plenty of varied use.

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3. Uharbour Digital Manometer

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Key Features
  • Traditional pressure gauge design
  • Four measuring units
  • Accuracy of +/-1%
  • Shock and vibration resistant

The Uharbour is a heavy-duty manometer which connects like a gas pressure gauge to give straightforward readings on its large LD display. Performance tested to give readings within +/1%, it is not the most accurate in our review, but it is workable and affordable, coming in at around £13. For the price, you get four measurement units to choose from, PSI, Bar, KG/CM² and KPA and can be used for measuring both gas and air. Shock and vibration resistant, it also comes with two batteries and a shut off mode, to save battery life when not in use. The construction is solid too, and easily connects using a standard ¼ inch thread.

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4. Testo 510i Bluetooth Differential Pressure Gauge

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Key Features
  • Measures static pressure, air and volume flow
  • Synchs to the Smart Probe App
  • Can operate across six manometers
  • Data can be displayed in tables or graphs

The testo 510i offers smart technology to synch its readings to your device using the testo Smart Probes App giving you remote operation of up to six units in a range of settings. And as a digital manometer, the Smart Probe is versatile, measuring static pressure as well as air and volume flow, although you will need to buy a separate pitot tube. The design is slim and fits securely in the hand, and it is easy to reconfigure to your intended use. And the readings are readily accessible and using the App can also be displayed in tables or graphs.

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5. Ehdis Digital Manometer

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Key Features
  • Selectable pressure range: ±2.999psi
  • Choice of 12 measurement units
  • Accuracy range of +/- 0.3%
  • Data save function

In the mid-price range, the Ehdis manometer feels substantial and well-made, and offers an impressive accuracy range of +/-0.3%. You also get to select from a list of 12 measurement units, including Bar, mbar, Pa and Psi, making it a versatile piece of testing equipment. The controls are easy to use, and the screen is large, making it easy to read the data on display. You can also file the data using the data save function, so you can come back and review when needed. Add in a protective bag and all the essential connectors, and you have a workhorse of a digital manometer for everyday use.

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6. PerfectPrime Professional Digital Air Pressure Meter & Manometer

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Key Features
  • Choice of 11 measurement units
  • Large backlit LCD display
  • Accuracy range of +/-0.3%
  • Low power indicator and auto shut off

We like the large display screen on this handheld digital manometer from PerfectPrime, making it easy to read the data at hand. This manometer is designed to measure gauge and differential pressure and offers a choice of 11 measuring units as well as an accuracy rating of +/- 0.3%. Function-wise, it may not be the most sophisticated in our review, but you have all the essentials, and they are intuitive to use. Add in low power indicator and auto shut off to ensure you don’t run out of juice, and this workhorse of a manometer should withstand plenty of use. However, you will need to buy the required 9V battery as it doesn’t come included.

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Best Digital Gas Manometer Buying Guide

Here's what you need to know!
What is Digital Manometer?

Similar to a barometer (which measures air pressure), a manometer is a device for measuring pressure in a fluid or gas column and is used by gas engineers to measure gas pressure and identify any leaks in the pipes of a central heating system. If the manometer shows a drop in pressure, it could indicate a problem, which the engineer can then work to rectify. They can also be used to identify issues in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems.

There are several types of manometer – simple, differential and digital. A simple manometer is typically a u-shaped device with two long sides filled with liquid that responds to pressure acting upon it. A differential manometer uses the same principle but can measure the difference in pressure between two places.

A digital manometer is the type most used today, and in place of the u-shaped liquid tube and its hydrostatic balance, a digital device uses a pressure sensor (or transducer) and a microprocessor to measure pressure changes.  Easy to carry and use, a digital manometer is also quick to read, and many can also transfer the readings to a computer for more in-depth diagnostics.

How Does a Digital Manometer Work?

Instead of using liquid and taking its reading from the hydrostatic balance, a digital manometer uses an internal pressure sensor to measure any gas pressure changes that may indicate a problem with the heating system.  The internal transducer has an elastic portion which deflects when under pressure. This deflection is a measure of the pressure levels and converts into an electronic signal, which instantaneously translates into number readings on the device’s digital display.

There are many advantages to a digital manometer, they are accurate, portable, lightweight and easy to use, and they don’t rely on fluids, which can be messy. However, they will need periodic calibration to ensure they remain in line with the standard.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Digital Manometer

Here’s what you should look out for when buying a digital manometer:

Precision – look for the manometer’s measuring range and its accuracy. Measurements can be in bar, PSI and mbar and many models will offer you a choice of measuring units. And check for the accuracy range on the model you are considering, ideally it should be around +/- 0.3.

Portability – most digital manometers are sized to be handheld or hands free. Look for a model that's also lightweight and easy to transport.

Easy to read display – the gauge or LED display screen needs to be large enough for you to easily take the pressure readings. A backlit screen is also a good idea for when you find yourself in low light level environments.

Durability – it goes without saying that your chosen digital manometer needs to be durable enough to be taken on site as well as able to cope with the rough and tough of an engineer’s life. This includes the display screen. Some models are also water-resistant or come complete with its own protective case.

Battery life – look for a manometer which features rechargeable batteries if you can. And don’t forget to check whether the batteries are included, or if you need to buy them separately.

Connectivity – one key advantage of a digital manometer is that you can buy devices that can be synched with computers and smart tech via apps and Bluetooth. This will enable you to save the data and incorporate the information into more in-depth diagnostic reports, if required.

Price – as with most technical equipment, there’s a model to match most budgets. And the better the quality, the higher the price. When looking for a manometer, consider what you'll be using it for, how often and what functions are essential to the job at hand. This way you know you will be paying for what you need and can work within your budget.

Our Top Pick

Gain Express's Professional Digital Manometer scoops our best choice as a well-priced manometer that does what it says on the tin. A good choice for both gas heating and HVAC systems, it's easy to use, offers 11 measurement units and has a decent accuracy range. The LCCD display is clear and the battery life impressive. One to have in your tool kit for when you need it.