Taylor Break and Freeze Sprinkler Gauge

Seems to work well for tracking rainfall and nice to keep an eye on irrigation in our landscape beds. Already had some freezing temps and they hold up fine, much better than the plastic versions. A little more cost, but worth it for durability.

Every rainfall is an opportunity to learn what my yard and garden need, and this silicone rain gauge makes it easy. I use it after every rainstorm to measure exactly how many inches of water my yard and garden receive, which helps me decide when extra watering is needed. It holds up to 2 inches of rainfall and has easy-to-read measurement markings, making it quick to check at a glance. I also like the flexible silicone design since it’s more durable than traditional glass gauges. It has helped me keep my lawn and garden looking greener, healthier, and well-maintained throughout the season. A simple but useful tool for anyone who enjoys caring for their outdoor space.

I’ve gone through my fair share of hard plastic rain and sprinkler gauges. They usually last one season before they either get brittle from the sun, crack from a sudden freeze, or shatter when I accidentally bump them with the lawnmower. I decided to try the Taylor "Break and Freeze" line and ended up getting both the 2-inch Sprinkler Gauge and the 7-inch Rain Gauge to cover all my bases. Here is what stands out after testing both: The "Squish" Factor (Durability): The silicone construction is the real winner here. It feels flexible and rubbery rather than rigid. The claim is that if water freezes inside, the gauge just expands rather than cracking, and based on the material, I 100% believe it. It also bounces back if you drop it, which makes it much more rugged for garden work than the acrylic ones. Capacity & Precision: Having both sizes is actually surprisingly useful. The 2-inch model is perfect for auditing my sprinkler zones. The scale is smaller and more precise, making it easy to see exactly how much water the lawn is getting during a 15-minute cycle. The 7-inch model is the workhorse for storms. It holds a significant amount of rainfall, so I don't have to worry about it overflowing during a heavy overnight downpour. Ease of Installation: Installation couldn't be simpler. Both models came with a ground stake that feels sturdy. I opted to install both directly into the ground rather than mounting them to a post. You just snap the gauge into the holder and push the stake into the soil. They have stayed upright and stable even on windy days, and it's easy to pull them up if I need to mow around them. Value for Money: At first glance, they might cost a few dollars more than the cheap, brittle plastic tubes, but the value is definitely there. Considering I usually have to replace the cheap ones every year because they crack or cloud over, these feel like a "buy it once" investment. The longevity of the silicone makes them a bargain in the long run. Easy to Read: The numbers on both units are bold, widely spaced, and very legible. I can check the levels from a few feet away without having to bend down and squint, which is a nice bonus. The Bottom Line: These do exactly what they promise—they measure water accurately and they don't break. Whether you need the high capacity of the 7-inch for heavy rains or the precision of the 2-inch for tuning your irrigation, this is a smart upgrade from standard plastic. Highly recommended.

A little difficult to get the spike into harder ground. Use a dibble or something to make the hole first. The gauge is ready to read from several feet away.

Only wishing I would have found this sooner. I mainly have been using it as a rain gauge since I rarely ever waste water to water my lawn. Since it's made from silicone it is extremely durable and has lasted outdoors for the entire Chicago winter without breaking glass. I use it to help me gauge how much rainfall I receive to determine how often I need to set my timers to water my raised garden beds. It marks 2" of waterfall at its fullest point. It's small, lightweight and super simple to move and relocate to different spots in the yard and stays put when stuck in the ground. Sticks just slightly over 2" high and looks barely visible among my plants. Extremely useful lawn and garden tool every homeowner should have in their tool kit.

This sprinkler gauge has been such a helpful tool for dialing in my lawn and landscape drippers. It’s an easy way to measure water output and make sure everything is running evenly and efficiently. If you’re trying to avoid overwatering (or underwatering), this makes the process straightforward. One thing I really appreciate is the silicone construction. Living in the desert, we deal with intense summer heat, and I feel confident this will hold up much longer than thinner plastic options. The base is sturdy and stays in place while measuring, which makes it reliable and easy to use. The markings are clear and easy to read, so you’re not squinting or guessing at the measurements. The only minor downside is that the base is fairly wide. While that’s great for stability, it does make it a little harder to stick down into the lawn. It’s not a dealbreaker at all—just something to be aware of. Overall, this is a simple but effective tool that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Highly recommend if you’re fine-tuning your irrigation system!

This is a very clever design for a rain gauge. It is made out of a silicon material instead of rigid plastic and exhibits the best properties of both. It is pliable, soft and generally unbreakable (the gauge itself) which gives it a great value as I always end up breaking my rigid plastic gauges within the year. At the same time this gauge is rigid enough to stand upright and catch the rain. The markings on the side are easy to ready and it also comes with a floating sight gauge you place inside the gauge. I anticipate, however, that this little piece will eventually go missing at some point as when you dump out the water this floating gauge is likely to follow. As with most rain gauges the level of precision in trying to read if you received two or three tenths of rain is not great, but it gets the job done. The large size makes will tend to make it a bit more accurate and easier to read however. There are two ways to mount the gauge. You can use the blue ring when you mount on top of a raid or post. You will need a wide post if that is how you are mounting it as it is a horizontal mount (and not vertical like a lot of the smaller gauges are). You will need to provide your own screws or nails to mount this. The second way to mount is via the spiked bracket you can push into the ground. I did find that when I pulled the gauge out of the bracket it was a little snug which is good so the gauge doesn't get blown away; however it may also end up pulling the bracket out of the ground along with the gauge. Overall a clever design to extend the life of your rain gauge and make it easier to handle. I can't wait to start using it (once the ice-age here in the Midwest ends this spring).

Works as designed. Helped me figure out how much water I was putting down in each zone. Very easy to use. Made of durably matrial, I plan on using this for many years.