Welcome to our great ph meters test 2019. Here we present you all the ph meters tested by us. We have compiled detailed background information for you and also added a summary of customer reviews on the net.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best ph meter for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer you interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a ph meter.
The most important in a nutshell
- the right ph-value is essential for health. a ph meter is suitable for measuring in a wide variety of areas, such as in swimming pools, aquariums, the nutrient soil for plants and also in foodstuffs.
- You have the choice between a handy pH meter with an integrated electrode, which is available at a reasonable price, and an instrument with an exchangeable electrode, which allows the use in different materials.
- Every ph meter must be regularly recalibrated in buffer solutions to keep measurements accurate and error-free.
Ph meter test: editors’ favorites
The best ph meter in the set
The PH20 ph meter from apera instruments is a pocket-sized meter set that includes calibration solutions, batteries and lanyard in a convenient carrying case. The ph accuracy is ±0.1 in a measuring range of 0 -14.
It is water resistant and has an LCD temperature display that also shows the calibration status. calibration is simple and with automatic buffer detection. In addition, the meter has an automatic temperature compensation, ATC for short, in the range of 0 to 50 degrees celsius.
The best ph meter with safety function
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The ph meter from dr.Meter also has a high accuracy. The large, white LCD display shows the measured values in a range of 0-14ph. With a 3-point calibration procedure, the solution to be measured is quickly and reliably detected and a reliable result is evaluated.
an environment with 0 – 70 degrees can be measured by this meter and in addition the white display changes to red when the ph-value falls below the values 3.5 or exceeds 12.5. This serves your warning and safety.
Also interesting
guide: questions you should ask yourself before buying a ph meter
For whom is a ph meter suitable?
The correct ph value is important in almost all areas of our lives. It makes a crucial difference in the quality of water and soil, or the health of the human body.
Do you have an aquarium or swimming pool at home, do you farm, or do you simply value a healthy, balanced body?? in all these cases, a ph meter (also: ph-meter) is a suitable aid for you.
A ph meter determines the ph value in an electrochemical way with the help of an electrode. You can easily read the exact ph-value on the display after the measurement.
In comparison, ph test strips that work with acid-base indicators, for example, show the value by discoloring the paper. This must then be interpreted using a color scale and you can often only determine an approximate value. the ph scale ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic). A value of 7 means "ph-neutral".
Where can I buy a ph meter?
Directly on site you always have a competent employee at hand, who can help you decide which measuring device is the right one for you.
the internet also offers a wide range of products. This has the advantage that you can compare the devices directly and you often also have customer reviews at your disposal. However, it is difficult to estimate the actual quality this way.
A ph meter is available from the following dealers, among others:
- Amazon.De
- Ebay.De
- Pce-instruments.Com
- Mt.Com
What does a ph meter cost?
These are usually models with a built-in electrode, which often wears out more or less quickly and you then have to buy a completely new pH meter. If you only want to check the ph-value in the tap water from time to time, a cheap device is completely sufficient.
Pool and aquarium owners, for whom the pH value plays an important role, should invest in a higher-quality device so that it also lasts a long time.
Professional equipment, however, can be used for up to 1.cost € 000. These are often utensils used in laboratories that require particularly accurate measurement. These pH meters are usually equipped with some additional functions that are not necessary for home use.
What are the alternatives to a pH meter??
Ph value test strip
The ph measurement by means of test strips allows a quick and easy measurement and is only suitable for liquids. In this test, the strips are simply dipped into the respective liquid.
They are made of litmus paper, which changes its color depending on the ph value. It turns blue for alkaline liquids and red for acidic liquids. The package usually contains a color chart to help you correctly interpret the discoloration of the paper.
Pool tester
A pool tester is a measuring device that is used to test the chlorine and pH values in the pool. It consists of a plastic box and measuring tablets.
To use, simply pour a little pool water into the chambers and add the tablet. After a few minutes, the water changes color and can be interpreted on the basis of the color scale printed on it.
decision: what types of ph meters are there and which one is right for you?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a pH meter with an integrated electrode??
The electrodes of pH meters are highly sensitive sensors that are very sensitive. The must be used exclusively for the purpose for which they are designed.
meters with integrated electrodes are characterized by the fact that they consist of only one component in which all the components are integrated.
These models are devices that are only suitable for use in a specific element and are available at an affordable price. These are mostly devices for measuring in liquids or in the ground.
- Low purchase price
- Handy design
- Limited usability
- electrode not renewable
The electrodes wear out over time or are damaged by improper use and need to be replaced. In this case, this means that a new device often has to be purchased because the electrode cannot be removed separately.
With good care and regular maintenance, it can last up to 2 years. If you want to use your ph meter exclusively in a certain medium, for example water, a ph meter with integrated electrode is perfectly adequate for you.
What are the features of a pH meter with replaceable electrode and what are the advantages and disadvantages??
A ph meter with a replaceable electrode has some important advantages. It consists of the instrument itself and the electrode, which is attached externally. Because it is extremely sensitive, it can easily be damaged by careless use and must be replaced.
Unlike a pH meter with an integrated electrode, the electrode can be easily removed and replaced without having to replace the entire instrument.
- Versatile use
- Electrode separately renewable
- High purchase price
- High-maintenance
Such a meter also offers much more flexibility, because you can use it with the appropriate electrode for measurements in different materials.
This is especially useful if you want to measure pH in many areas, such as your vegetable patch, aquarium, swimming pool, and food.
These ph meters are, however, significantly more expensive to purchase for the first time. However, the investment pays off in the long run if the need arises.
Buying criteria: you can use these factors to compare and evaluate ph meters
In the following, we would like to show you which factors you can use to compare and evaluate ph meters. This will make it easier for you to decide whether a particular pH meter is suitable for you or not.
In summary, these are:
- Analog or digital display
- Calibration
- Measuring accuracy
- Possible applications
Analog or digital display
Ph meters are available with analog or digital display. These types each have advantages and disadvantages.
Analog display
The analog signal of the sensor at the electrode is transported through the cable into the measuring device. Since the signal travels a relatively long distance, the cable must be short so that there is not so much room for falsification by influences such as.B. From pumps exists.
The device contains a circuit that converts the analog signal into a digital signal that is displayed on the screen. The display here can be either analog with pointers or digital.
Digital display
In a digital ph meter, the signal is immediately converted in the electrode, which is then transported to the measuring device and stored.
The advantage is that the immediate conversion into a digital signal eliminates a source of error that could falsify the measured value. Thus, the cable of a digital meter can also be much longer. The value is then shown on a digital display.
Characteristic analog meter digital meter
signal from the sensor |
analog |
analog |
signal transmission |
analog |
digital |
cable length |
max. 3 m |
max. 30 m |
signal interference |
possible by electrical or magnetic parts |
resistant to interferences |
Calibration
A pH meter must be recalibrated at regular intervals; recalibration is recommended after at least 10 measurements.
If you omit this important step, or even use a meter without calibration, you run the risk of getting inaccurate readings. In the following cases you should carry out a new calibration in any case:
- When using a new electrode
- If you have not used the electrode for a longer period of time
- After cleaning the electrode
- After measuring a very strong solution
- If you want to measure very accurately
For calibration a certain substance is needed, the so-called "buffer solution". This is already included in the scope of delivery for many models, but can also be purchased additionally for around 20 €.
the buffer solution for calibration is available in 3 different strengths, ph4, ph7 and ph10. At least 2 of these should be used in succession, and the electrode should be rinsed with distilled water in between.
Depending on the value of the buffer solution, the ph-meter is also adjusted to the same ph-value. For a successful calibration, the temperature is also important. The set temperature should be as close as possible to the temperature of the substance to be measured.
The calibration of a ph meter step by step:
- Provide at least 2 buffer liquids (ph7 and ph4). the temperature set on the instrument must match that of the buffer solution.
- First place the electrode in the ph7 liquid, wait a short time and perform the measurement. If necessary, adjust the displayed value on the device (it must be exactly 7.0).
- rinse with distilled (demineralized) water and place in the second liquid (ph4).
- Repeat the two steps until a reliable measurement is obtained.
Attention: use fresh buffer solution for each calibration!
At this point we have added a video that introduces the PCE-228 pH meter and explains how to calibrate and measure it.
Measuring accuracy
It is often not possible to determine whether a measurement is really accurate, as it is practically impossible to know the "true" value. It is clear that a pH meter does not indicate the correct value one hundred percent of the time.
Therefore, there is always a certain uncertainty of measurement, which may vary depending on the quality of the measuring instrument. Here applies: the smaller the deviation, the better.
An inaccuracy of ±0.4 means, for example, that a measured ph value of 7.6 is definitely in the range of at least 7.2 and maximum 8. This can be particularly important for quality assurance if there is a fixed limit value that must not be exceeded or undershot.
If the limit value is set at 7.8, for example, a measured pH value of 7.6 is still below this value, but the correctness of the measurement cannot be guaranteed with a measurement uncertainty of the device of ±0.4.
Application possibilities
With a pH meter with an integrated electrode you can only measure the pH value of liquids. The ph value can also be determined from food and soil, but this only works with an instrument whose electrodes can be exchanged.
We have listed the most important application areas for you here.
Substance optimal ph-value measuring device
drinking water |
6,5 – 9,5 |
ph meter with integrated electrode |
pool water |
7,0 – 7,4 |
ph meter with integrated electrode |
pond water |
6,5 – 8,2 |
ph-meter with integrated electrode |
aquarium |
6,0 – 7,7 |
ph-meter with integrated electrode |
soil |
6,0 – 7,0 |
ph-meter with replaceable electrode |
food |
different |
ph-meter with replaceable electrode |
Drinking water
Water in its natural form has a pH value of 7, i.e. it is pH-neutral. Due to additives, environmental influences, etc. However, if the value is changed.
The ph-value for drinking water should be between 6.5 and 9.5.
The desired value is adjusted by chemicals. The measurement of the ph-value can be done with a measuring device with integrated electrode.
the ph value in the swimming pool is important so that the materials in the water do not lose quality, the effect of additives is not reduced and the sensitive skin, especially in the eyes, is not irritated.
The ideal value for pool water is 7.2 – values between 7.0 and 7.4 are considered acceptable.
Here, too, a ph-meter with integrated electrode can be used to measure. High priced models especially for swimming pools also show other values, e.g.B. The chlorine content.
Pond
The ph-value in a pond should ideally be around 7.0, i.e. neutral. Due to external influences such as rain, etc. This value can vary slightly, but it should always be between 6.5 and 8.2.
The cleaner the water, the lower the pH value. The measurement is best carried out several times a day using a measuring device with an integrated electrode.
Aquarium
in aquariums the ph-value is generally between 6.0 and 7.7, whereby some fish species prefer water with a high acid content and others prefer an alkaline environment.
values lower than 5.0 and higher than 8.5 are considered hostile to life. Measure with a ph-meter with integrated electrode.
In the following video you can see exactly how this works and how you can correct a wrong ph-value in the water.
soil
The ph value in the soil is responsible for how well a plant will thrive there. It has a strong influence on the nutrient content and activity in the soil. Each plant prefers a different pH value.
If the ph-value is below 6.5, the soil is considered acidic, between 6.5 and 7.5 it is considered neutral, and if it is greater than 7.5, it is considered alkaline. The majority of plants prefer a pH value between 6.0 and 7.0. The measurement is done by a soil ph-meter or ph-meter with replaceable electrode.
Recommended ph values for fruit and vegetables:
variety ph value
blueberries |
6,0 – 6,0 |
strawberries |
5,5 – 7,5 |
cherries |
6,5 – 7,5 |
blueberry |
4,0 – 5,0 |
apple |
6,0 – 7,0 |
bulb |
6,0 – 7,0 |
Vegetables
variety ph-value
potatoes |
5,5 – 7,5 |
tomatoes |
5,2 – 7,5 |
mangold |
5,5 – 6,5 |
beans, celery |
5,5 – 7,5 |
cucumbers, kohlrabi, pumpkin |
5,5 – 7,5 |
broccoli, peas, leek, carrots, spinach |
6,0 – 7,0 |
radishes, zucchini |
6,0 – 7,5 |
salads |
6,3 – 7,5 |
cauliflower, corn |
6,5 – 7,5 |
Trivia: facts worth knowing about the topic ph-meter
How to clean a ph meter?
The pH meter must be cleaned after each use to remove dirt and residues. Otherwise the result of the next measurement can be falsified.
Stubborn dirt can be removed with a special cleaning brush. You should not use any home remedies to clean the electrode, as it is a highly sensitive device that can be damaged quickly.
- Place the electrode in a special cleaning solution for about 15 minutes
- Then rinse with distilled water
- Fill a container with storage solution and set the electrode to approx. add 60 minutes
- Recalibrating the ph meter
Alternatively, you can first wash the electrode with tap water, then rinse with distilled water until the electrode is clean. After that you should recalibrate the ph-meter. But be careful: the membrane of the electrode must not be wiped or touched!
How to keep a ph meter?
the correct storage of a ph meter is crucial for a long service life. The electrode should always be kept moist so that it does not lose its efficiency.
If the ph meter is not in use, the cap should always be filled with liquid. Depending on the duration of storage, this is usually a special storage solution adapted to the electrode.
If you do not use the electrode for a longer period of time (i.e. several weeks or months), you should not leave it in the same liquid all the time, but keep it dry.
When reusing or using a new electrode, it should always be placed in storage solution for several hours and then recalibrated.