5 Best pH Meters

A pH meter is a device used to measure the acidity of something. It measures the hydrogen ions in water and gives you its pH value – an indicator of how acidic or alkaline it is. This helps determine whether food items are safe for consumption, monitor your aquariums’ levels, test urine or saliva samples, etc. 

Benefits of pH meters

You can use it to measure the acidity or alkalinity of food items, aquariums, and other samples without damaging them since you won’t have to open their container. This makes monitoring your water’s condition very easy from home – all you need is the right tool for testing.

In addition to being able to test at home with ease, this device will also help keep people safe in case they ingest harmful chemicals that may be present in an unknown substance – such as vomit after a night out drinking heavily or saliva resulting from chemotherapy treatment. It’ll even aid doctors who want accurate readings on patients’ urine before prescribing medication so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises when making medical decisions.

You can easily test whether food items are safe to eat by taking a sample of them and testing it with your pH meter. This makes it easy for you to create menus and meal plans that don’t require consuming potentially dangerous or spoiled products, which is especially important if you have any dietary restrictions such as diabetes, gluten intolerance, etc.

For any home or office lab, the pH meter is an important and necessary piece of equipment. The pH scale can be a difficult concept to grasp for those who don’t have chemistry backgrounds, but it’s something that you must understand if you want to find the right instrument for your needs. In this guide, experts will answer some common questions about pH meters and provide product reviews so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best for your purposes.

APERA INSTRUMENTS AI209 pH Tester Kit – the Editor’s choice!

It is designed with many features that make it fast and easy to use, accurate, able to automatically calibrate themselves (if you do happen to mess up during calibration), self-diagnosis if something goes wrong during calibration (a friendly little smiley face indicates stable readings).

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It comes in a rugged carrying case so you can take it with you wherever life takes you — whether scuba diving or camping — because all of us know how important getting our water’s pH measurement right really is.

With up to 2000 hours of continuous operation on 3 AAA batteries, this tester never runs out of power or time!

Developed for trade professionals and highly experienced amateurs, the APERA Instruments AI209 kit is fast and easy to use leading to accurate results every time. Auto shut-off means you don’t need battery replacement (AAA batteries included).

Bluelab PENPH pH Pen for Water Test – the best for quick readings!

BlueLab PENPH pH Pen is a lab-quality glass probe to detect low and high pH for precise up and down adjustments. Test pH in a growing tent, swimming pool, drinking water, aquarium, fish tank, or brewing as never before with this handy monitor that easily measures near-automatic readings of pH and temperature. It’s easy to calibrate too.

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This handy gadget accurately and quickly measures pH levels whether you’re a serious gardener, or just trying to make sure your morning coffee isn’t acidic. Fully waterproof and easy to use! Just dip the sensor in water for an accurate reading of acidity on a scale from 0-14.

Don’t trust your drinking or aquarium health to just any pH pen. Bluelab’s lab-quality glass probe ensures accurate down and up adjustments with an easy-to-read backlit LCD display, fully waterproof design, one-year limited warranty, and compact size.

Apera Instruments AI311 Waterproof pH Pocket Tester Kit – the best for durability!

Apera Instruments offers the perfect pocket-sized pH tester for all your water testing. Weighing only 4.7 ounces, the AI311 is ideal to take with you on any trip! Featuring a large LCD display backlit in 3 different colors, this waterproof sensor reads the solution’s pH value quickly and easily by simply dipping it into an open vial of water.

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It comes complete with batteries installed and splashed with paint to withstand any number of drops or run-ins with chemicals along the way. The monitor beeps once when it has finished taking its measurements waiting for equilibrium; this alert lets you know exactly when to get your results.

This Apera’s product is rugged. It’s waterproof. And, to top it all off, it can tell you what the pH of your water is (and how acidic or alkaline) without ever taking out light or turning on the power.

Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH – the best for portability!

The Bluelab METCOM is the perfect meter for anyone who’s on the go with their pH testing. This sleek and easy-to-use meter will replace every one of those other meters you have scattered all across your desk because it can do everything from measuring pH to temperature to EC!

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In addition, the replaceable probe head means better hygiene as well as less expense since you don’t need a new device if one goes bad or isn’t as accurate anymore – so pick up this combo meter today and spend more time doing what really matters.

You’ll notice that this pH meter also has automatic calibration, a low battery indicator, and an auto-off function so you don’t have to worry about manually shutting off once your work is done.

The versatility of the Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH makes it perfect for any field use. This portable device measures all three vital pieces to understanding your liquid’s environment: pH, temperature, and EC. The included replaceable probe cancels out having to buy another if one goes missing or is too cluttered with buildup!

Hanna Instruments HI98103 Checker pH Tester – the best for the battery life!

Compact and convenient, this tester has a small probe (for use in small samples or test tubes), manual two-point calibration through trimmers for custom calibration, a single-line LCD display screen for ease of viewing, a replaceable electrode with a screw connector to extend the meter life, low power demand for extended battery life.

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Its replaceable electrode will also help extend meter life if handled properly which means that long after those other meters have died, the Hanna Instruments HI98103 still has plenty of life left!

It’s tough to find a compact pH tester with a narrow probe so you can test in small samples or tubes. The Hanna Instruments HI98103 Checker pH Tester checks your sample for you and allows you to calibrate it as needed. With its single-line LCD display screen, this is easy to understand and operate.

The Buyer’s Guide

Designs of pH meters:

The digital pH meter is the most popular one due to its high accuracy, fast response time, and very easy use. 

The second type – a pen-type pH tester – has an advantage in that it can be carried around any place where you would like to measure acidity level or alkalinity levels of soil or water samples. However, this device requires careful calibration procedures that might turn off some people who want instant results without spending too much time measuring the process itself. 

Another option for those who want something simple yet effective – paper strips with colorimetric indicators that show a specific range depending on what kind of liquid they have been dipped into. 

Manual pH testing vs Digital pH Testing:

1) Manual pH Testing:

• This lab test method requires an experienced professional to take readings. The results are usually very accurate and reliable, but the process is time-consuming and expensive;
• This testing methodology involves using color indicator strips to match with colors on a chart so you can determine if your solution contains acidic or basic properties. It’s important because it determines how well plants grow when in different pH levels of soil versus hydroponics growing operations.
• This type of testing happens pretty quickly compared to other types since no instrumentation is needed besides the strip itself! Also, there aren’t any extra considerations either for safety reasons like electrical current or water spills/leaks which could happen in electronic equipment during digital pH meter usage;
• The advantage of this methodology is that it doesn’t require you to take readings with an electronic device and provides results quickly. However, there’s also no opportunity for automation which can result in human errors or slow down the process when comparing measurements manually;  

2) Digital pH Testing:

• A digital pH tester is an instrument to take readings that provides results in real-time. From the comfort of your own home, you can automate testing water samples and get accurate measurements with precision;
• This type of testing relies on electrical currents moving through a solution so it’s important to use distilled or filtered water for best accuracy. As well as using separate calibration solutions before each reading is taken because, otherwise, this could skew data resulting in invalid/inaccurate test results;
• The benefits are pretty clear if you want reliable readings but don’t have much experience manually taking them yourself during manual pH testing procedures. An electronic device helps speed up the process and takes out the human error to result in more accurate readings every single time;
• Digital pH meters are very safe to use as long as you follow instructions on how to properly calibrate them and take readings with distilled or filtered water each time;
• This type of testing is much faster than manual pH testing but requires electricity so if that makes you nervous then opt for a manual tester instead;

Main Features:

Required Accuracy

The accuracy of the pH meter is very important. If you are working with plants or animals, then this will determine whether your results are accurate enough to be useful in the lab. The best meters have an error margin no greater than 0.01 pH and a minimum resolution of at least 0.01 pH (for example, ORP-20).

Portability

The best meters will be small and lightweight enough to carry around in your lab. Some models will also come with a carrying case or even a holster.

Connectivity and Data Storage

For those who want to share their data, look for meters that allow you to connect your device via USB cable (and can be read on any computer). Also, some companies offer cloud storage of the readings which allows them to access more accurate information from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection. Some options allow you to download chart printouts directly onto your phone or tablet so you never miss an important reading again! 

The Capability of Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) Measurement

You may need an ATC meter if you are working under different temperature conditions, such as with plants or animals. This feature ensures that the pH reading is accurate despite any changes in temperature. If this sounds like something you’ll need for your experiments, look out for a model which has this capability built in before purchasing one!

Automatic Buffer Recognition

This is another useful feature when measuring living tissue samples because it can measure pH values even at high concentrations without causing damage to cells within the sample by using its buffer recognition technology and automatic calibration features. 

Resolution

High resolution typically means high accuracy. But since pH meters are an electronic device, there is a lower limit to the maximum possible accuracy that you can get because of noise in the system (which comes from interference or ambient conditions). Digital pH meters have much better resolution than analog ones – making them more expensive for this reason.

Calibration Requirements 

The meter should be able to calibrate itself automatically when necessary using temperature-compensated reference electrodes. This feature will help avoid drift over time that occurs with cheaper instruments requiring manual calibration before each use. You also want automatic temperature compensation so it’s best if your meter has all these features together rather than choosing one at the expense of another. Another option is whether

Beam Angle and Junction Depth

Most digital probes can only measure accurately within plus/minus 30 degrees from their center axis, however, some more expensive models come equipped with wider beam angles that offer up to 180-degree coverage. These models allow for easier testing on irregular surfaces such as leaves that may not always lie flat on a surface as petals do when testing flowers.

The probe must also be able to go deep at least 0.4 inches so it can reach the liquid inside a plant stem. Shallow probes may not provide an accurate reading for plants with large stems such as celery and carrots that take up most of their cross-sectional area in the center rather than near the surface as potatoes or onions do. 

Vegetables should be tested by inserting deeper where you can obtain a more representative sample without damaging them (and your meter). One excellent option is the HI 98128 which has both very wide-angle coverage and goes down as far as three centimeters, making it our top choice.

Reading Temperatures

It is true that pH meters are not very accurate at different temperatures, but they do need to be tested in the same temperature conditions as you will use them under. If your meter can’t read and record temperatures automatically then it will require manual input which can result in errors when using it for many tests over time.

Temperature Range 

Look for a meter that can handle both hot and cold temperatures since some of your tests will be performed under different conditions. If you are testing in an environment where the temperature is constantly changing then it would be more ideal to have an instrument with automatic temperature compensation so no changes need to be made during each test or calibration step.

Electrode type

The best pH meters should also include at least two electrodes:

• standard reference electrode (such as Ag/AgCl);
• “temperature probe” uses solid-state technology rather than liquid chemical junctions between its probes;

The latter allows it to measure liquids whose properties may change due to evaporation, such as milk or urine. This feature adds 50% over other models on average.

Auto-off and Data Storage 

The pH meter should turn off automatically after a period of time (at least 30 minutes) so you won’t waste batteries. It should also be able to store data for future references, such as storing all test results from each day in one convenient location on your PC or mobile device via software download (such as pH control). 

USB Charging Ports 

They allow the use of any standard cell phone charger which is more compatible than proprietary chargers that come with some models. Serial ports can provide this same benefit but require an additional cable to connect them between devices.

Batteries 

Make sure it runs on alkaline AAA’s rather than Zinc Chloride AA’s which are not as readily available and will increase the price of your instrument. It should also accept rechargeable batteries for even greater savings over time, but only if it is able to be recharged with a USB port or standard cell phone charger (this is more important than you might think).

Warranty 

You definitely want either a 1- or 2-year warranty since some less expensive models come with no protection at all after purchase that can result in costly repairs later on. The best pH meters have four-year warranties that include full replacement coverage plus free return shipping costs during this period. This allows you to test without fear until they decide whether it can be repaired or replaced under their terms and conditions – always read these carefully before making your purchase.

Tips for Buying the Best pH Meter:

• Invest in pH meters that come with their own storage solution;
• What is your intended use of the device? What will it be used for most often;
• Do you want a specific brand or do you not care? There are certain brands that have been known to produce high-quality gear, so this may factor into your decision-making process and research ahead of time;
• What is your budget? Some pH meters can be very expensive, but there are some more affordable brands and models as well;
• How accurately does the device need to be? Again this will depend on what you intend to use it for mostly. If accuracy isn’t important then a lower-priced model may suffice;
• Do you want an electronic or glass electrode? Electronic electrodes offer higher accuracy readings than their glass counterparts do, however they also require more care in storage and preparation before each reading is taken with them. Glass electrodes may not always provide as precise measurements, but they don’t have any special requirements that must be met ahead of time to ensure correct results each time either type of meter is used;
• If you’ll be using your meter often, it’s important to keep in mind the number of measurements each unit can take (some only hold 100 readings before they must be reset);

How Does a pH Meter Measure pH?

A pH meter measures the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. A pH meter is similar to other meters that measure voltage, resistance, or amperage. It has an electrode with wires on either end of which there are probes (the electrodes). The probe goes into the liquid whose pH you want to measure and sends out signals. These can be measured by passing a current through them or measuring their electrical capacitance. 

There are also non-electrical methods for measuring outside factors like light absorbance but these aren’t as accurate as electronic measurements especially when trying to read between 0 – 14 units on the scale of acidity/alkalinity because some acids will have negative numbers while others won’t even show up above 0. 

In terms of calibration, you will need to know how much voltage corresponds with a pH of exactly seven (neutral), or what the difference is between that and your target reading.

How to Use a pH Meter Step-by-Step:

1. Make sure you calibrate it properly. Dip the probe into distilled water to get an initial reading of around seven (water is always neutral);
2. Adjust your target reading using the calibrated number as a reference for how many units away from that ideal value you are.
3. Be careful not to touch or move the probe after dipping it in distilled water because any additional residue will skew your results if they’re still wet on touching other solutions later on during testing; 
4. Place the probes back end-first into what you want measuring and wait until readings stop fluctuating before taking their final value. This whole process should take less than 10 minutes depending on how complicated of a solution you have so set aside some time ahead of when needed for this experiment;
5. Read the readings you got using your pH meter and compare them with a reference chart to see what value they are closest to for more accurate results;

Best Practices for Using a pH Meter:

• When using this device, always calibrate it first before you use it in an actual experiment so as to get more accurate readings;
• Also, make sure to clean off any liquid residue from previous experiments by wiping down the probe with distilled water before placing it into another solution. You want to avoid adding anything else like rubbing alcohol when cleaning because these substances may interact with the electrodes inside which could skew your measurements if they’re still wet after being wiped dry;
• Use fresh/distilled liquids. Any leftover residues can also react differently than pure samples would when testing them later;
• You should also be sure that the temperature of whatever you’re testing is constant and accurate to ensure an accurate reading;

Caring for Your pH Meter

• To keep your pH meter working properly for years to come, don’t use it in solutions that are too hot or cold. This can damage the probe and internal components since they’re made of sensitive materials;
• Also, don’t let them get wet after you clean off any residues because these devices aren’t waterproof;
• When rinsing with water, always dry thoroughly afterward by wiping down with a cotton cloth until all liquid residue has been removed; otherwise, measurements may be inaccurate later on during tests if parts still remain damp from previous uses before using again;
• As an extra precautionary measure when cleaning your device between experiments: avoid adding rubbing alcohol as this substance could interact negatively with electrode components inside which would skew readings;
• It’s also best not to use too much liquid to clean off residues because this could cause the probes to get damaged. Just use a small dab of distilled water instead. Less is more for prolonging the lifespan of your pH meter;
• Store these devices in safe locations where they won’t be easily knocked over or dropped onto surfaces that might damage them if not protected properly during storage;
• Make sure all components are dry before putting away after using so that no additional residue builds up inside when humidity occurs. This will also help you avoid any unnecessary repairs down the road due to buildup from improper care and maintenance practices earlier on before it causes permanent issues with your device’s performance later on;

FAQ

What pH meter should you buy?

A simple, cheap pH meter is typically a one-point pH meter. If you need to measure the exact value of your soil or water, get a multipoint PH monitor which can handle up to three points at once will be accurate and precise.

If you are using hydroponics in your garden, make sure it has an EC/TDS reader on board as well!  This way you don’t have to buy another device just for measuring nutrient strength.

A multipoint pH monitor is more expensive than a single point, but it will save you time and effort. When choosing between two or three points, decide what your priorities are: do you need high accuracy across all parameters? Or can you sacrifice some precision for ease of use? The second option might be better if you don’t plan on changing the soil very often – this way you won’t have to recalibrate or take readings twice!  If that’s not an issue for your garden then go with the first option – pay once and forget about calibrating ever again.  

How to test soil pH with a pH meter?

Soil pH can be tested with a soil probe or tester. Alternatively, you could use an electronic handheld meter. There is also another measuring method called “soak and scoop”. 

One of the most efficient methods for testing soil acidity is to take three samples from your garden at different depths (for example, two inches deep, four inches deep, eight inches deep). Mix these together in one container and then test this sample using your preferred method. 

How to calibrate a pH meter without a solution?

To calibrate a pH meter, the only requirement is to have an electrode or probe that needs calibration. You can purchase inexpensive test strips from your local grocery store and use those for the calibration process by following these steps:

1. Fill a container with distilled water and dip the strip into it until all of its squares are submerged in liquid. Make sure not to wet the ends of the strip! If you do get any liquid on them, wipe it off right away with a paper towel before proceeding further;
2. After dipping one end of the strip in distilled water, press down on each square starting from left to right while counting how many seconds it takes for the color change to appear after pressing with your finger. The color change should be uniform and gradual, not a quick flash of one shade to another;
3. Remove the strip from the water once you have counted for 30 seconds on each square if using distilled water or 15 minutes if using tap water as this is how long it takes for the strips to calibrate themselves in those two different types of liquid;
4. Once done, record your results by writing down which number represents 0 on your pH test strip scale (if there were no numbers written anywhere). If any squares had an odd number such as 3 instead of 5 then just write that down next to whichever drop was furthest away from zero at first sight without having to count all over again because they will be zero after the first time around;
5. Dip your pH meter probe into distilled water and record its result next to 0 on your scale, then do this same step with tap water so you have two readings for comparison;
6. Subtract the reading of the test strip from that of your tester device’s calibration liquid (tap water) if it is a positive number such as one or more, otherwise, just ignore any negative numbers since they are out of range in terms of what you are calibrating toward. This will be how many volts needs to be added/subtracted depending on whether it is an acidity or alkalinity measurement being performed, respectively. A difference between these two measurements means you are trying to calibrate an electrode that measures pH instead of ORP;
7. Turn your meter’s knob or press the “cal” button on it while pointing the probe end into distilled water until you reach zero volts, then record this number next to -0-. Step #-Eight: Repeat step seven but do so with tap water for a result of +/. If either is within range (anything between -60 and 60), bring its voltage closer toward zero by turning the dial accordingly. Otherwise, replace its calibration liquid since there may be something wrong with it if both readings are out of range as described above;

How often to calibrate a pH meter?

Most meters do not need calibration if they are used once a week or less. If you use it more often, calibrate the pH meter every two weeks to ensure an accurate reading. Some meters require calibration after every use. The manufacturer’s manual should tell you how often to calibrate your specific meter. If there is no manufacturer-provided information, then it can be assumed that the pH meter doesn’t need frequent calibration.

When should you calibrate your pH meter?

There are many reasons to calibrate your pH meter. If you use the same solution every time, then it is good practice to check whether or not there has been a change in its pH level before using it for testing:

• If you have dropped the meter and suspect that it might be damaged, calibration can confirm this suspicion. However, sometimes even after calibration shows that everything is working fine (i.e., within +/- 0.05pH), the damage could still exist but may not affect accuracy enough to make any difference whatsoever during regular usage of the device. It means that dropping an item once should not be reason enough for concern as long as no other problems develop with regards to performance nor does improvement take place over time when used on the same substance;
• Another reason for calibration is that the meter can have become contaminated, or if you are using your pH meter to measure substances other than pure water. Then it should be calibrated before testing any of them as different solutions will spread around inside the device and change its weight which would affect accuracy unless everything has been cleaned beforehand thorough rinsing with distilled/deionized water followed by wiping out with an alcohol-dipped swab;

Is a pH meter more accurate than test strips?

A pH meter will always be more accurate than test strips, as they are able to measure the exact levels. However, by using a combination of both methods you can have even greater accuracy and ensure that your results are 100% true! 

Are cheap pH meters accurate?

Some of the low-cost, inexpensive pH meters are accurate if they meet certain standards. However, it is important to check which guidelines were used in testing these devices before purchasing one. 

How accurate are digital pH meters?

Many factors can play a role in the accuracy of digital pH meters. These include:

• Quality of the electrode and probe used. Remember that they are not always included with kits or starter packs, so you might need to purchase them separately if necessary – although many offers do come complete including everything needed for your first measurement! It is also important to note the life expectancy of these items as this will directly affect their performance over time which could have an impact on how accurate readings are taken;
• The calibration method used and regularity of this throughout the day or week as mentioned above can also affect measurement accuracy – make sure you check your manufacturer’s guidelines for details on how often calibrations should be carried out with your particular instrument. Remember though that it is important not to adjust each probe individually unless they are set up in dual channel mode but rather only do one at a time because adjusting them separately may alter their respective sensitivities that will ultimately impact readings taken from both probes together;
• Temperature compensation: ensuring temperature has been compensated for correctly before taking a reading can have an effect on final results too so always double-check this before taking a reading and if necessary adjust the temperature accordingly;
• Accuracy: while manufacturers state their instruments are accurate, this is generally only guaranteed when used within recommended conditions (for example pH meters should not be exposed to air for long periods). It is also worth noting that accuracy may vary with different environmental factors such as water source or even due to location – like how closer you get to major roads where cars emit pollution! Of course, it varies from one instrument type to another too but certainly, these examples can have an effect on the final readings obtained;

Things like storage temperatures and humidity levels may influence lifespan too.

Do all pH meters need calibration?

All pH meters will need to be calibrated at some point, whether it’s a $20 meter or one that costs hundreds. This is why experts recommend getting an inexpensive strip-based system rather than investing in electronic ones: they’re much easier and quicker to calibrate. Not only that but you’ll actually save money over time by not having to replace batteries every few weeks or months! It also saves on waste because the strips are far less wasteful of plastic compared with many liquid reagents. 

What pH should drinking water be?

Water is the most important element in your body, but what pH level it should be? According to scientists and doctors, around neutral pH of water = ~75-07. That means that drinking water can be slightly alkaline or acidic. However, if you test your tap water with a good pH meter you’ll see that this value is far from neutral! 

Most people are dehydrated because they drink too much soda/pop (which has an acidic pH), juice (which is very sweet), and coffee/tea which both have acidifying effects on our bodies. It’s great when people start drinking more alkalizing drinks like green tea or lemonade instead of these harmful beverages.

Useful Video: Best pH Meter

Final thoughts 

Whether you’re looking for a pH meter to make sure your pool is balanced, or are trying to figure out if the soil in your garden needs more nitrogen – these tips will help you find the best one. In this guide, experts answered some common questions about pH meters and provided product reviews so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best for your purposes.