Which Is The Best Home Weather Station On The UK Market?

There’s no doubt about it; home weather stations are becoming more than an accessory for the household. Having the ability to forecast the weather means that you, your family and business can steer clear of unfavourable conditions or at least prepare. If you still haven’t bought one yet (or want to upgrade) here are the best home weather stations in the UK:

1. Popularity tends to go hand in hand with customer satisfaction. If you’re looking for the best weather station recommended by most people, then how about the WS1093 from Aercus Instruments?

2. For our more traditional weathermen who don’t want to bother with high tech equipment and PC connectivity, try out the Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Complete Home Weather Station.

3. Meteorology doesn’t have to be expensive. The Oregon Scientific BAR206 Wireless Weather Station offers all the basics at a very low cost.

Home Weather Station Shopping Guide

No matter where you live in the UK, you’ve no doubt noticed that weather junkies are becoming the demand of the decade. The fact that you’re here proves it beyond a doubt. But aside from hobbies and event preparation, there’s a vital reason why home weather stations are becoming essential.

A home weather station is simply a device that collects weather and environment related data using several sensors. It gives home owners first hand information about rainfall, humidity, local temperature, wind speed and direction as well as pressure.

All data is not only highly accurate, but it’s as up to date as it gets. With our highly unpredictable climate, having your hand on the pulse helps you prepare for any weather disturbances and guarantee your family’s safety. But how do you go about finding the best home weather station?

Key Features and Considerations When Buying a Home Weather Station

i) Intended Use

This is the most important aspect to consider when buying a home weather station. What will you be using it for? Are you a novice who’s just interested in monitoring local weather or do you need professional, accurate measurements for farming, fishing, gardening, sports and emergency response?

This will heavily influence the type of station you purchase as well as what features you focus on – which takes us to the next feature to consider.

ii) Type of Data (Sensor Types)

Although all home weather stations provide readings for first climate variables like humidity, wind speed and temperature, some high end models offer data way beyond these basic fundamentals.

If you really want to get into the details, look for a unit with additional sensors such as leaf wetness, UV data, and much more to gather even more information on specific aspects of the weather.

iii) Connectivity and Range

With home weather stations, you basically get two types of connections; wired and wireless. Wired models are obviously harder to install than wireless, but faster and more reliable since there’s no data loss. Similarly, you also want a unit with maximum distance range so you can put it high above ground or far away in the open.

iv) Durability

You have to remember that home weather stations will be exposed to the elements literally every second of every day. As such, any poorly constructed devices and parts will quickly deteriorate, rust or malfunction. With a well built station, you can rest easy even in the worst conditions.

Home Weather Station Top Reviews

1. BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE: Aercus Instruments WS1093 Wireless Weather Station

Pros

  • Provides accurate, comprehensive weather data
  • Allows for mobile accessibility
  • Stores 3 months of data for research and reference

Cons

  • Overly excessive power consumption

Overview

There’s a very thin line between popular and best when it comes to products. But more often than not, these two factors tend to go hand in hand. Introducing the most popular home weather station in the UK, you’re likely to find the Aercus Instruments WS1093 Wireless Weather Station in most homes.

The WS1093 is a sleek, stunning device with the latest in touchscreen tech and back light. For the specifications, the unit measures outdoor temperature ranges of 40 to over 64C, humidity ranges of 10% to 99%, wind speeds of up to 100 km/h, barometric pressure, indoor temperature and rain volume.

The purchase also comes with USB cable, manual software download links and plenty of versatile mounting equipment.

What It Does Best

If making weather junkies love you at first glance was an ability, then that would be what the Aercus Instruments WS1093 Wireless Weather Station does best. It’s amazing just how many people in the UK alone have this particular station. Of course, the fact that it’s not too costly could have something to do with it.

However, where the WS1093 really shines has to be the incorporation of the latest tech as well as ability to integrate or be compatible with some of your other devices. You can literally view the weather from the WS1093 from anywhere in the world using your computer, browser, or even your smart phone.

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

The WS1093 Wireless Weather Station is incredibly well built with pretty much all the features that both amateurs and professional watchers need. After all, it didn’t become the best model for most people in the UK by being substandard.

However, there are some aspects that we feel the manufacturer could have done a better job. For one, what’s with the incredibly tiny screws? They really make assembly, installation and mounting that much difficult. But the real issue has to be the over the top power consumption. Depending on how much data you’re collecting, be prepared to buy plenty of replacement batteries.

What Other Customers Think

Looking at some of the reviews online, it’s clear that plenty of customers were more than satisfied with the WS1093 Wireless Weather Station. Not only was it affordable to purchase, but it actually works just as you’d expect.

On top of all that, it’s easy and straightforward to set up and use. The fact that it’s compatible with other devices only makes it that much more attractive, especially if you’re always travelling away from home.

Should You Buy It?

As we mentioned earlier, there’s usually a very good reason behind why popular products are also great. The Aercus Instruments WS1093 Wireless Weather Station definitely stands out as the best models for most people. It’s reliable, affordable, tech savvy and easy to use. If you’re looking for an affordable home weather station that’s ideal for both casual and professional use, then the WS1093 fits the bill perfectly.


2. BEST UPGRADE: Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Complete Home Weather Station

Pros

  • Solid construction and durable quality components
  • Bright, vivid color display
  • 7 day data storage

Cons

  • Offers no PC and internet connectivity

Overview

One of the main reasons why you get a home weather station is to accurately forecast short term weather changes with up to date information. The Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Complete Home Weather Station lets you do all this and much more.

This station is a truly comprehensive model that offers a broad range of weather data for the user. The WMR86NS comes with the basic sensors including a rain gauge wind sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, barometer, and others. Other features include a new color display and adjustable forecast time settings for half a day or a full 24 hours.

What It Does Best

From what we can tell, the Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Complete Home Weather Station does a lot of things right. That’s why it’s been touted as one of the best upgrade weather stations in the UK. But where this station really excels has to be the ease of use, and the simple fact that you can take the console anywhere.

Setting up is a breeze (pun intended) since you don’t have to bother with mounting equipment. Just place it on a flat surface and you’re all set. The instructions are also easy to follow. Likewise, you won’t have to look for power outlets since the wireless system is actually battery operated.

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

If you’ve read through the entire list, then you’ll understand me when I say that the Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Complete Home Weather Station fails miserable where the WS1093 excels (and vice versa). Allow me to clarify. See, the WMR86NS may be great at many things, but tech compatibility is not one of them.

This weather station has absolutely zero capabilities for loading data onto your PC. If you’re using the station for professional or research reasons, then this will be a very huge blow since you’ll have to input the data manually. So the major flaw with this here model is that there’s no PC connectivity.

What Other Customers Think

While the Oregon Scientific WMR86NS Weather Station may not be winning any popularity medals, it sure has struck a chord as the best upgrade model. Despite being made entirely of plastic, most customers were impressed by how well the sensors looked and performed. The components were quite durable and accurate as well.

However, some people who have had the home weather station for longer claim the accuracy takes a smaller hit. All in all, it’s pretty hard to find someone who was flat out unsatisfied with their purchase.

Should You Buy It?

Overall, the Oregon Scientific WMR86NS hits you as a high quality product. From the slightly higher price point all the way to the visibly durable components, there’s no question about the build quality. Even the information display is super easy to read and fun to read off. If you’re looking for a quality home weather station to upgrade to and don’t mind not having any PC connectivity whatsoever, then the WMR86NS might be the best model for you.


3. BEST BUDGET: Oregon Scientific BAR206 Wireless Weather Station

Pros

  • Best budget home weather station
  • Easiest to use and maintain
  • Large LCD Display

Cons

  • Not as accurate as other weather stations on the list

Overview

Have that all important season where you can’t afford to miss a game? Or maybe you just want to keep an eye on the weather patterns for your small garden. Whatever the case may be, we can think of a million different UK homeowners who just want a cheap, simple way to become their own weather forecasters.

The Oregon Scientific BAR206 Wireless Weather Station is hands down the best budget model you could get for the price. This unit displays a wide range of information and features including a radio controlled clock, a calendar, weather forecaster, and indoor/outdoor temperatures. All instruments are powered by batteries and don’t come with mounting options.

What It Does Best

Being the best budget model on the list, the Oregon Scientific BAR206 Wireless Weather Station is the cheapest one you’re going to get. So in an essence, this particular station excels at saving you money on the initial purchase. But what really impressed us was the device’s incredible capabilities.

It’s amazing how the manufacturer managed to get so many sensors and features in a compact, mobile device. In addition to the temperature, it also measures the humidity and features an always accurate atomic clock. All these are displayed neatly in the large, easy to read LCD screen that almost resembles a tablet.

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

Where to begin… I’ll just be blunt with you, when it comes to taking measurements of the weather and natural aspects, you want the best equipment. There’s a reason why professional weather stations are actual, life-sized stations.

So if you’re buying the BAR206 Wireless Weather Station, don’t expect professional grade measurements (or data management for that matter). In addition to being slightly inaccurate on some measurements, the manufacturer really pulled our le with the max/min function. What kind of function records max and min only to delete it at midnight?

What Other Customers Think

Well, this largely depends on which customers we’re talking about. If you ask the professional weather watchers what they thought about the Oregon Scientific BAR206 Wireless Weather Station, chances are they’ll tell you you’re better off with a free mobile app.

But if you ask many budget conscious UK homeowners what they thought, then you’ll get a different answer. Most people said that for the price, it’s a great deal packed with all the basic sensors you need to get through the day.

Should You Buy It?

There’s no other way to put it – the Oregon Scientific BAR206 is a basic, bare bones home weather station that’s easy on the wallet. It’ll just give you all the basic information without all the fancy bells and whistles that other high end models have. If you’re just looking for a portable weather station that helps you choose what to wear today and gives you a heads up before things go south, you couldn’t do better than the BAR206.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to set up a weather station at home?

When setting up your home weather station, it is important to remember that it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It should also be allowed a ventilated position, and away from all surfaces that radiate heat (pavements and roofs are a big culprit for this).

Your weather station should be placed 50 feet away from water, to prevent humidity readings being compromised.

Place your weather station 33 feet above ground to prevent interference from wind, and keep it at least 5 feet away from obstructions such as walls – this will prevent the rain sensor from collecting water that gathers on roofs or walls.

Your weather station should always be easily accessible, in case you need to adjust it or change the batteries.

Q: How does a weather station work?

A weather station collects data about the atmospheric conditions – i.e. the weather – in the place it is situated. Weather stations use sensors to measure things like atmospheric pressure, rainfall, humidity and temperature. Weather stations use different tools to measure different things; there will be one tool for measuring temperature, another for measuring rainfall, others for measuring atmospheric pressure.

Parts of a weather station include:

  • Thermometer – A thermometer will gather information about the temperature; the highest and lowest temperatures and the average temperature, and variations between indoor and outdoor.
  • Barometer – This device measures the atmospheric air pressure, and allows users to work out the changes in the atmospheric pressure.
  • Hygrometer – Used to measure the levels of humidity in the air, this device can check percentage of humidity, absolute humidity and relative humidity. It is usually placed near a thermometer as temperature has an influence on humidity levels.
  • Anemometer – A device used to measure the direction and speed of wind. This can record the wind direction, wind speed, average wind speed, and more.
  • Rain gauge – The rain gauge measures the level of rainfall that an areas experiences.

A weather station can be a very useful tool to work out, and record, the weather in your area. No more relying on the local news, you can work out your own weather patterns based on your own recordings.

Q: Where to buy a weather station for the home?

There are many options for when you are looking for your own weather station. You can either make your own from scratch, or you can buy one ready made – there are many websites that will supply you with the weather station you have been looking for.

If you know what you are looking for then you can just go online and search for it, but if you are a little unsure then you can still have a browse online and find the perfect weather station for you.

Leave a Reply