The Best 4 Digital Manometers Under $600

Digital manometers are essential tools used by HVAC service professionals to measure the pressure of a wide range of gases.

Instrument Choice Scientists have chosen for you the four best manometers available under $600AU.

About Manometers

Digital manometers measure air pressure, and in their most popular form are small handheld instruments. Pressure refers to the force applied to a surface of an object per unit area. You calculate it using the following formula;

There are several units used to express pressure. Some derive from a unit of force divided by a unit of area; for example, the SI unit of pressure, the Pascal (Pa) is one Newton per square metre (N/m²).

Common multiple units of the pascal are:

• Hectopascal (1 hPa = 100 Pa), which equals one millibar, and
• Kilopascal (1 kPa = 1000 Pa), which also equals one centibar.

You'll find pascals used for applications like the measurement of atmospheric pressure. Other units for measuring pressure include:

• Millimetres of mercury (mmHg): The pressure exerted by a 1mm column of mercury - as found in blood pressure monitors, also known as Sphygmomanometers. You may also see the imperial inches of mercury (inHg) in use.
• Millimetres of water (mmH₂O): This is defined as the pressure exerted by a column of water of 1 cm in height at 4 °C (1 mmH₂O (conventional) = 9.80665 pascals). Again, you may also see this displayed in imperial measurements, e.g. w.c, inH₂O or inAq.
• Millibars: Used in meteorology - 1 bar = 100,000 pascal (Pa) and 1 millibar = 100 pascal (Pa).
• Pound-force per square inch (psi): Psi is commonly associated with water pressure.
• Torr: An alternative unit for expressing atmospheric pressure, defined as 1/760 of an atmosphere (133.3 Pa).

Digital Manometer Applications

Digital manometers are commonly used for;

• Monitoring and maintenance of HVAC/R
• Monitoring compressor systems; and
• Gas pressure monitoring. 

The 4 Best Manometers

The Instrument Choice Scientists have compiled a list of some of the best manometers from our extensive range, highlighting key features and specifications.

1. Testo 510 Pocket Differential Pressure Manometer Set
Product code: 0563-0510

 Key Features 

The Testo 510 is small and very easy to operate. It features several user-friendly features, including:

• Backlit display
• Magnets on the back for hands-free operation
• Included belt pouch and wrist strap
• Nine switchable measurement units, and
• Temperature compensation - to ensure accurate values.

Specifications 

Measuring Range: 0 to 100 hPa

Accuracy: ± 0.03 hPa (0 to 0.30 hPa), ± 0.05 hPa (0.31 to 1.00 hPa) and ±  (0.1 hPa + 1.5 % of mv) (1.01 to 100 hPa)

Resolution: 0.01 hPa

Available Measurement Units include hPa, mbar, Pa mmH2O, mmHg, inH2O, inHg, psi, m/s, fpm.

2. Kimo Manometer
Product code: MP111S

Key Features 

• Wide selection of measurement units
• Hold/min/max functionality
• Adjustable backlight; and
• Manual autozero. 

Specifications

Measuring Range: From -1000 to +1000 mmH₂O

Accuracy: ±0.5% of reading ±2 mmH₂O

Resolution: From 0 to 200 mmH₂O (0.1 mmH₂O). Beyond 200mmH₂O (1 mmH₂O)

Available Units: Kpa, mmH₂O, inWg, mbar, mmHg, daPa

3. Extech HD755 Differential Pressure Manometer (0.5psi)
Product code: IC-HD755

Key Features 

The IC-HD755 offers 11 selectable measuring units and serves as a handy low range, high-resolution gauge and differential pressure gauge. 

The IC-HD755 features:

• Max/min recording
• Data hold
• Auto power-off
• Zero function for offset correction; and
• Built-in USB interface. 

Specifications 

Measuring Range: 0 to 2.59cmH2O

Accuracy: ±0.3%FS

Resolution: 0.01cmH₂O

Available Units: inH₂O, psi, mbar, kPa, inHg, mmHg, ozin2, ftH₂O, cmH₂O, kgcm², bar

4. 475-00-FM Manometer
Product code: 475-00-FM

Key Features 

The 475-00-FM is simple to operate and measures positive, negative, or differential pressures of air and natural gases from 0 to 4.000 in w.c. It’s straightforward to set up and operate. Using only the two push dials on the front, you can switch the unit on/off, auto-zero and select a pressure unit. 

Specifications

Measuring Range: 0-4.000" w.c. (.996 kPa), max. pressure 5 psig.

Accuracy: ±0.5% FS from 15.6 to 25.6°C; ±1.5% FS from 0 to 15.6°C and 25.6 to 40°C

Resolution: 0.01 

Conclusion

The top 4 digital manometers under $600AU offer an impressive variety of features and specifications. Use this list as a guide to help you find the right digital Manometer for your needs.

Want more information about manometers or any of the products listed above? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist: Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].