The Best Digital Gas Manometer In 2023? [We’ve Got The Answer]
Welcome to our guide to the best digital gas manometer models in 2024. Below, we’ve thoroughly reviewed the manometer we think is the best all-rounder, and included a few alternatives.
Choosing a Gas Manometer: Digital Or U-Tube?
If you’re looking to run tightness/let-by tests, you’re going to need a digital manometer. Well technically, you don’t — you could use a u-tube manometer.
But if you desire higher accuracy and ease of use, then a digital manometer is what you need.
And here’s the thing: Unlike other gas testing products, the manual (u-tube) version isn’t actually much cheaper than the digital manometers on the market today.
Note
Gas tests should only be completed by Gas Safe accredited engineers. If you are not part of Gas Safe, you need to call someone that is, to complete tests for you.
Our Pick: The Best Digital Gas Manometer
We’ll start off with our top pick for the best digital manometer, which we chose based on a range of criteria, including precision, compactness, ease of use, durability, and more.
Testo 510: Review
It’s rare that a gas testing “top picks” list is complete without Testo. And that’s just one of the reasons we’re picking the Testo 510 digital gas manometer.
Testo 510 Digital Gas Manometer
Unlike boiler filters and heating inhibitor, gas testing products, like manometers and flue gas analysers, are slightly more niche. This means merchants won’t stock all brands supplying digital manometers, so it’s hard to determine which ones are the best.
Now, Testo have been producing testing equipment since 1957.
Sure, there are plenty of other quality brands on the market. But, there are very few that have stood the test of time like Testo have. Companies don’t survive for 50 years+ and grow to 250m EURO turnover by producing things that don’t work.
That’s just FACT.
About the Testo 510 Digital Gas Manometer
Testo 510 is a digital manometer you can use for testing pressure differentials in not heating systems and air conditioning.
With the Testo 510, you’ll be able to test anything from 0 to 100 mbar easily, and this makes the device suitable for domestic and commercial testing.
Measurements
If you’ve ever used Testo flue gas analysers, you’ll know that operating them is a breeze. Their menus are much simpler in comparison to other analysers in the same price bracket.
And the same goes for the Testo 510 digital manometer — you can flick between different measurements quickly.
The list of measurements you’ll be able to take?
- mmH2O & mmHg
- hPa
- psi
- ms
- fpm
- mBar
- inH20 & inHg
You’ve got everything you need to complete gas tightness tests at your finger tips.
For air conditioning engineers, there’s also an additional extra in the form of a Pitot tube. That’s going to allow you to measure ventilation duct flow from 10 to 100 m/s.
Precision
Now, most of us choose a digital manometer over a u-tube simply due to ease. But accuracy is definitely another (more important) reason.
And accuracy is what you’ll get by using the Testo 510 over a u-tube manometer. The 510 takes into account both air density and temperature, so your readings aren’t affected by current conditions, and their precision is spot-on.
You’ll get accuracy in the form of:
- ±0.03 mbar (0 to 0.30 mbar)
- ±0.05 mbar (0.31 to 1.00 mbar)
- ±(0.1 mbar + 1.5 % of mv) (1.01 to 100 mbar)
Compact
The Testo 510 gas manometer is tiny, measuring only 119 x 46 x 25 mm. Being so small means it weighs a stupidly low 90g. 
However, know that compact digital manometers some times come at a price — functionality. You can’t cram much tech into a small space, can you?
Well, Testo have managed to do just that by simplifying both the display and button format on the front casing: you can operate the Testo 510 using just 3 buttons.
Hands-Free
And, if your still working with an old school u-tube, you’ll be missing one thing: free hands to do some graft. The Testo 510 digital gas manometer (like their gas analysers) has built-in magnets. So, clip it somewhere near to what your measuring and you won’t trip over it, or have to fumble around with it in your hands while trying to take measurements.
Display
We’d all like to work outside, or at least in the light. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance the gas test your doing is in a tiny cupboard somewhere, which means poor lighting.
The Testo 510 gas manometer has you covered here, too. There’s a backlit display so it’s easy to see in bright sunlight, but in low light as well.
Durability
OK, so we don’t all look after our tools the way we should. And, electronic devices aren’t exactly known for their durability.
That’s why Testo has protected the 510 digital manometer with a protective cap. But, there are also other precautions in place to stop you dropping it, like the belt pouch and wrist strap.
If you’re making an investment, you might as well protect it.
Price
Compared with competitors, the Testo 510 digital manometer is not too pricey. But, of course, there are always cheaper products out there from “no-name” brands.
We’d avoid them.
When testing gas, either use a cheaper u-tube from a reliable brand, or invest the cash in a digital manometer from a brand you know and trust.
Testo 510 Digital Manometer — Kit Contents
The Testo 510 digital manometer is literally ready-to-go off the shelf. It’s not like the cheap equivalents that don’t come ready to use (i.e. you might as well have just invested in a full manometer kit to start with).
Here’s what you’ll get in your kit:
- Belt pouch
- Wrist strap
- Hoses for connecting up the 510 (2)
- Calibration protocol
- Digital gas manometer
Who Should Buy This Digital Manometer?
There are digital manometers that are 2x the price whilst offering similar technical specs as the 510. And it’s not like Testo are a cheap “no-name” brand — they’re one of the best when it comes to gas testing equipment.
So…it’s reasonably priced, easy to use, lightweight, compact, and reliable…
If you’re a gas engineer looking for a reliable digital manometer, the Testo 510 is a great option.
Digital Manometer Alternatives to Testo 510
If you’re not sure about the Testo 510, here are a few more digital manometer models for you to consider.
Digitron APM130 Differential Manometer
Are you looking for a top-shelf digital manometer but aren’t impressed with the Testo 510? No problem — this differential manometer from Digitron is a very worthy alternative.
Digitron have been manufacturing testing devices for over 4 decades, and its parent company — Rototherm — are known for patenting the world’s first steam pressure gauge back in 1847. And their APM130 Differential Manometer is just what you need if you’re a gas engineer.
Here’s why we loved it:
- It’s got an enviable pressure range of 0-130 mbar
- This gas manometer is IP67-rated, meaning it can be dropped into a body of water less than 1 metre deep for 30 minutes
- It’s got a rubber boot that protects the device from heavy impact
- The digital screen has a back light
- There’s a convenient magnetic attachment in case you need hands-free use
Take all the features above, and you’ve got a gas manometer that screams perfection.
The only con? It’s not that cheap. In fact, you’ll pay a bit more for this model than you would for the Testo 510.
Who Should Buy This Digital Manometer?
This gas manometer is ideal for gas engineers, especially those who work in punishing conditions where their tools can expect damage from water and impact. That said, it’s by no means a cheap alternative to the Testo 510, and the latter is still the superior product in many ways.
Ehdis Digital Manometer
The Ehdis Digital Manometer is a far more economical option, costing roughly 65% less than Testo 510 at the time of writing. But despite the lower price, this gas manometer is compact, durable, and reliable. We were also happy to learn that it can operate in most conditions, including heat, cold, and low light, and has an industry standard accuracy of ±0.3%FSO at 25°C.
When you purchase the Ehdis Digital Manometer, you get the following in your package:
- Manometer (1)
- English User Manual (1)
- Protector Bag (1)
- Metal connector (1)
- Rubber tube (2)
Who Should Buy This Digital Manometer?
This gas manometer may lack the reputation of the Testo 510, but it’s a capable enough device that easily justifies its price point. If you don’t mind settling for a lesser-known model to save 65%, the Ehdis Digital Manometer is a great alternative.
Gain Express Digital Manometer
Here’s another gas manometer model you may want to consider if you’re unwilling to shell out over 100 quid for the Testo 510 — the Gain Express Digital Manometer. Though it’s rather minimalistic compared to the Testo 510 (and even the Ehdis), this gas manometer has all the bare essentials you need for an occasional job:
- LCD display with a backlight
- Industry-standard accuracy of ±0.3% FSO
- Multiple pressure units — kPi, PSI, bar, mbar, inHg, mmHg, and more
- Plastic hoses (2)
- Metal connector
- Carry pouch
- 9V battery
What we didn’t like is that the hose diameter is far too small to accommodate a standard gas meter nipple, but that seems to be the norm with a lot of the budget manometers.
Who Should Buy This Digital Manometer?
If you’re a gas engineer, you may want to opt for the top-of-the-line Testo 510. That said, this digital manometer from Gain Express works well if you only run tests on an occasional basis, and your budget is under £50.
What’s Next?
Thanks for reading our 5-minute review of the best digital gas manometer models in 2024.
Purchased a digital manometer that you’re happy/not happy with?
We’d love to know which one, and what you think about it.
Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.