5 Best Natural Gas Leak Detectors Review
After we analyzed all the gas leak detectors that met our standards, Techamor Y201 Portable Detector emerged the clear winner.
Techamor Y201 Portable Detector – Top Choice for Ease of Use
The Techamor Y201 Portable Detector embodies its name and comes in a very portable shape. The price tag attached to this is natural gas detector is relatively cheap compared to others on the market and it comes with a number of great features.
It is amazing to use for homeowners who are in search of something simple and very reliable and of course, portability is one of its many distinct features too. The detector comes with warm-up and low battery indicator features.
- Comes with an 85-decibel alarm
- 12-inch flexible probe that allows location and detection of leak in hard-to-reach and confined spaces
- Six red LED’s for improved visual
- Alarm range of 10%~40% LEL
Gas leak detectors play a key role in averting disaster especially those relating to gas explosions and fires. Since gas-related disasters are mainly caused by gas leaks which occur over time, the major way to stop them would be to nip it in the bud and this can only be done by detecting a leak on time.
Natural gas detectors used to be made use of only professionally, however, there are gas detectors available for use at home nowadays. Furthermore, apart from detecting a gas leak, gas detectors also help to pinpoint the exact location of the leak making it easy for you to identify and fix with immediate effect.
Top 5 Gas Detectors Comparison
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice | Techamor Y201 Portable Detector
| Check Price |
Longer Flex Probe  | UEi Test Instruments CD100A
| Check Price |
 | SGILE Gas Leak Sniffer Detector
| Check Price |
 | RIDGID 36163 Gas Detector
| Check Price |
Adjustable Mounting  | Nighthawk Gas Detector
| Check Price |
Best Gas Detectors Detailed Review
It is very clear that gas leak detection is a very sensitive process which cannot be put into jeopardy by purchasing wrong or substandard gas detectors. Therefore it is very essential that you go for only the best clearly owing to the fact that there is a whole lot at stake. In order to save you unnecessary stress, we have compiled a list of the best on the market and included all the details that you need to know about them.
1. Techamor Y201 Portable Detector – Top Choice for Ease of Use
The Techamor Y201 Portable Detector comes at a very reasonable price compared to other gas detectors with the same general features. It is great for homeowners who require a very reliable detector that they can use at any time.
In spite of its apparent low price, it performs efficiently and its compact size makes it very easy to carry around as well. Apart from use at home, it can also be used commercially.
Key Features
- Comes with a 12-inch flexible probe that allows location and detection of leak in hard-to-reach and confined spaces
- Six red LED’s for improved visual
- Alarm range of 10%~40% LEL and sound of about 85 decibels
- Comes with warm-up and low battery indicator
- Registers leaks very fast; under two seconds in most cases
- Sensitivity can be adjusted to pinpoint the leak location
- Very easy to operate
- Has a pretty loud alarm sound
- The build quality is not top-notch
- Some users complain about oversensitivity
- Some buyers also complain about poor instructions
Verdict
For home uses, Techamor Y201 Portable Detector is highly suitable and it performs very efficiently as well. It is prime for commercial use too and requires only very minimal effort to operate it. It’s highly sensitive and has a long lifetime. If you are looking for a gas detector that you can use in both holes spheres and commercial areas, then this might just be a great choice for you to go with.
2. UEi Test Instruments CD100A – Best Choice for Hard-to-reach Places
UEi Test Instruments Combustible Gas Leak Detector remains one of the best detectors on the market and is known for being easy to use and highly accurate. Thanks to its 18-inch gooseneck, it can get into hard-to-reach spots which remains one of the perks of using this gas detector.
It comes with a headphones jack for preventing the noise from projecting outwards and disturbing occupants of the location where you are operating. It also has LED lights at the end of the sensor which can assist you in confirming a leak’s precise location.
Key Features
- Comes with a headphones jack port for preventing outward noise
- Extra-long 18-inch gooseneck probe
- LED light at sensor end that helps with leak location confirmation
- Simple adjustable TiCo rate
- 18-inch gooseneck allows for getting to hard-to-reach places
- Can be made outwardly soundless by making use of the headphone jack
- Sensor work light that helps to pinpoint leaks
- Adjustable sensitivity
- The sensor head is relatively large and may not enter narrow spaces
- Does not come automatically calibrated
- Dial wheel comes loose after a while
Verdict
The UEi Test Instruments Combustible Gas Leak Detector is a well-known name in the market and actually does live up to its reputation. Apart from the extra features that it has which are pretty useful, this gas leak detector also detects a number of other gases that would normally go undetected by other gas detectors. This makes it very suitable for use both at home and in commercial spheres. This could definitely be a great purchase choice.
3. SGILE Gas Leak Sniffer Detector – Top Choice for All-Round Use
In spite of its shockingly low price, SGILE Gas Leak Sniffer Detector remains a major contender in the market in terms of the best gas detectors that you would come across. It operates as well as some of the gas detectors with very high price tags that are touted to be the best on the market. The gas detector comes with an adjustable sensitivity dial that makes it very easy to detect leaks. It typically spikes in terms of sensitivity and then you can work your way along until you get the exact location where the leak is coming from.
Key Features
- Comes with adjustable sensitivity feature for easy leak detection
- 12-inch probe for leak detection in hard to reach areas
- Comes with both a LED flashing light and a ticking alarm
- Comes with the ability to detect a whole variety of different gases
- Highly sensitive making detection of leaks very easy
- Very easy to use and highly portable
- Dual means of alarming you to a leak detection
- The Probe allows for penetration of hard-to-reach areas
- Some users complain about the detector being overly sensitive
- This detector experiences some lag time before detecting leaks
- Some users have complained that the 12-inch probe is pretty short
Verdict
Thanks to its high sensitivity, SGILE Gas Leak Sniffer Detector is highly suitable for use in a range of places. For home use, it is very easy to operate and detects leaks very rapidly, notifying you in both ways that it typically does. If you are looking for a gas leak detector that you would use for quite a while and need it to remain in good shape all through this time period, then this might just be your last port of call.
4. RIDGID 36163 Gas Detector – Top Choice for Professionals
RIDGID 36163 Gas Detector can be described as a flexible and high-quality gas detector with rugged features designed to last for a very long time. Its design is aimed at making it very easy to operate and it comes with a tri-mode detection feature that makes use of vibration, video and visual alerts for notifying the user. Its sensitivity features can also be adjusted to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. The sensor is easily replaceable and a 16-inch flexible probe allows for getting to hard-to-reach areas.
Key Features
- Comes with tri-mode detection feature that alerts you to leaks
- Adjustable sensitivity settings for detecting precise leak location
- 16-inch flexible prove for getting to hard-to-reach areas
- Also comes with a sensor that is replaceable
- Tri-mode detection feature that helps to alert you to leaks
- Sensitivity can be adjusted to get the exact location
- Easy to operate; requires only the push of a button
- Highly durable and designed to last for a long time
- Experiences a period of lag before detection
- Takes quite a while to power up
- Some users claim it is not as loud as they would have liked
Verdict
RIDGID 36163 Gas Detector is a bit on the pricier side but this can easily be explained by its great features and high durability. Similarly, it comes with a lifetime warranty which seems fair considering the price tag attached to it.
This natural gas detector is pretty effective and its tri-mode detection feature makes for an incredible perk to purchasing it. If you don’t mind spending an extra buck on a gas detector, then you should definitely consider this.
5. Nighthawk Gas Detector – Top Choice for Homeowners
Apart from detecting volatile gas leaks that can cause explosions, Nighthawk Gas Detector also helps to make sure that the air within your house remains safe. It comes with the ability to detect carbon monoxide and monitors for other gases as well as 24/7.
Similarly, it is programmed to display readouts of gas levels every 15 seconds and gives off a loud alarm if the gas levels are beyond the normal standard. It comes with both a 9-volt battery and an AC adapter which implies that it can either be mounted or placed on a tabletop.
Key Features
- Comes with both a 9-volt battery and an AC adapter
- It features a loud 85-decibel alarm for alerting you to potential danger
- Reset button that allows for silencing the alarm and testing again
- Convenient mountain options including wall or tabletop
- It also detects dangerous carbon monoxide gas
- Multiple mounting options
- Dual powering options
- Works 24/7, monitoring gas levels and it is hard to miss the alarm as well
- Some users have complained about the loudness of the alarm
- Some users also complain that the alarm is too sensitive
- Buyers have also claimed that the battery doesn’t last very long
Verdict
Nighthawk Gas Detector is literally one of the best gas detectors available on the market. It is very possible and comes with certain features that are lacking in a whole lot of other gas detectors. It is one of the most top-notch alarms which are used by pretty.
Similarly, it can detect carbon monoxide which makes it one of the most suitable alarms to be used in the home. It is also great for locations that have the possibility of a carbon monoxide leak. Apart from this, it comes with a number of other great features that make it the complete package.
How to Choose the Best Gas Leak Detector – Buyer’s Guide
The importance of purchasing a great gas leak detection cannot be overemphasized especially since we are referring to a device that ensures that you stay in a safe environment all the time. Combustible gas detectors are designed to detect gas leaks or even the presence of gas around and this implies that they are pretty sensitive.
However, you do not want to be woken up by some blaring device in the middle of the night or be shocked out of your shins simply because you got a substandard device. Getting the best on the market is important for its functionality as well as durability and an assurance that you would only be alerted to a real possibility of danger. In order to choose the best gas detector on the market, here are some factors you need to consider:
1. Features
When you are looking to purchase a gas detector, you need to look out for the features that the manufacturer would have stated explicitly. If you intend to operate in an area that you may not be able to get to physically, then you would need to get one with a probe. Probes usually vary in length and the length that you go for also depends on where you intend to use it. In other words, the features literally make up your gas detector and go a long way in determining the kind of experience you would have using it. Also, gas detectors vary in terms of sensitivity, power source and a whole range of other features. You need to look out for features that actually suit you.
2. Price/Budget
While on your quest to purchase a gas detector, you need to keep in mind as a reminder, the actual amount that you are ready to spend. Even if you do not have an actual amount, you should definitely have a range or a budget. This would effectively guide you in making your eventual choice. There are different varieties of gas detectors on the market and each one comes at a different price than the next. Once you have a budget, you can easily eliminate the ones that do not fall into your budget range, after which you can then go ahead to get the best within your budget restrictions.
3. Purpose of Purchase
Considering the purpose of the purchase, you need to recall that there are different gas detectors and the fact remains that each one is best suited to use in a particular place or for certain purposes. For instance, all gas detectors do not come with the ability to detect the same gases. This implies that if you are dealing with the probable leak of a particular gas, you need to ensure that the gas detector that you are going for is equipped with the ability to detect that particular gas.
Similarly, some gas detectors are better suited to being used in certain places more than others. For instance, when dealing with hard to reach places, using a detector with a probe is the best move.
4. Ease of Use
It is really no use going for some device that would be terribly difficult to operate. Therefore, you do not want to go for a complicated gas leak detector that would be very difficult to use. If you have a measure of experience and you think that you can handle a pretty technical gas leak detector, then you can go right ahead. But if it is your first time getting a gas leak detector, then it is advised that you go for one that doesn’t reply reading through some thick manual or having to understand technical jargon. Simple models which are easier to operate are suitable for use at home and may even be used for commercial or professional purposes.
5. Durability
As much as you might be looking out for great features and functionality, it is essential that you do not compromise on quality or durability when making your purchase. As a matter of fact, the durability of your gas detector is one of the most important characteristics that you need to take care of.
You wouldn’t want to get a gas detector that goes bad after a few weeks or months so that you have to replace it. Instead, you need something that is very durable and you are certain that it would not malfunction shortly after you begin to make use of it. To determine the durability, you should take a look at the design and the manner in which it was put together or coupled. The warranty attached also gives you a hint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Handheld Gas Leak Detectors Used?
To use handheld gas detectors, all you have to do is turn it on in a neutral location. Then move towards the place you suspect the leak is coming from. As you move closer, the device would begin to tick, beep or flash and it gets more intense with proximity to the source.
After Detecting a Gas Leak, Then What?
After detecting a gas leak, move away from the source and then contact your local fire department to come to check it out and take care of it.
What is the Difference Between Natural Gas and Carbon Monoxide?
Natural Gas is the gas you burn while cooking and can easily be detected thanks to the rotten egg additive included in it. Carbon monoxide, however, is a by-product of incomplete combustion and is very dangerous.
Criteria We Used for Gas Detectors Review
The following are the main criteria that we used in reviewing the best gas leak detectors:
1. Price/Budget
Gas detectors come with different price tags and all of these would, of course, fit into different budgets. Keeping this in mind, we ensured that we selected the best of different budget ranges just so that everybody can get functional and efficient gas detectors. While doing this, we made sure that we didn’t compromise on quality since purchasing a gas detector that doesn’t last is a clear waste of money. Similarly, we made sure that the prices were in line with the value that buyers would get from these detectors. For gas detectors whose overall package did not fit their price tags, we dropped and then kept the best.
2. Durability/Quality
The durability of the gas detectors we selected is one factor that we actually took into serious consideration. We understood the fact that most of these devices do not typically last and usually develop faults after a very short usage period. Therefore, we made sure that every gas detector on our last came with a great design and was made from very durable and long-lasting materials. To get an insight into what the manufacturers thought of their products, we checked the warranty that came with each as well as the manner in which it was coupled. For every gas detector on our list, the durability isn’t in question.
3. Reviews
Reviews are a great way of knowing whether or not a particular product is living up to expectations or is actually doing what the manufacturer claims that it would. In order to confirm the authenticity of the gas detectors that we reviewed, we went through the reviews that had been posted. These are basically first-hand opinions of users and therefore, they carry a great deal of weight. Knowing that there is a possibility of fake reviews, we went the extra mile to confirm especially in the case of negative reviews. Meanwhile, positive reviews without proper confirmation were not regarded.
4. Ease of Use
Irrespective of how any features a piece of equipment might possess, if it isn’t easy to use or operate, buyers would have a very hard time getting value for their money. While selecting gas detectors based on the factors mentioned above, we also ensured that the gas detectors despite the many amazing features that they might possibly have, be very easy to use.
Since gas detectors are mainly used by homeowners, it would be essential that the ones we selected would be pretty easy to use without requiring a lot of technical knowledge or the users having to study a special manual.
5. Features
The features of any equipment clearly define the measuring equipment itself; the features make it what it is. This is why we ensured that all the gas detectors that we reviewed had all the features that would be necessary for working on various projects that you might have in mind.
In addition to this, we rationalized that the more features that a gas detector has, the more functions it would be able to perform.
Features such as length of the probe, number of gases detectable, modes of alerting users, as well as power sources among others, were taken into consideration when we were making our decision.
Conclusion
Gas leak detectors are an essential part of every hour but you could experience quite a ruckus from time to time if you do not make a great purchase choice. This is what the buyer’s guide by Meter & Tester experts is designed to help you with – selecting the best. Also, you can check out our best five options and go for anyone that suits you. Just remember that safety is paramount.
