Are you concerned about how much electricity your household appliances are consuming and the impact it has on your energy bill? Look no further. We have researched and compiled a list of the best electricity usage monitors on the market to help you keep track of your energy usage and save money.
By investing in the best electricity usage monitor, you can take control of your energy usage and make informed decisions to reduce your environmental footprint and lower your electricity bills. Don’t let phantom power drain your wallet any longer; start monitoring your energy usage today.
Image | Model | Prices |
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MECHEER Energy Monitor | ||
Maxcio Power Meter | ||
Bearware – Power Monitor | ||
Besvic Energy Monitor | ||
Energenie Whole House Energy Monitor |
How to Choose an Electricity Usage Monitor
Electricity usage monitors are essential tools for tracking and managing electrical consumption in your home or office. These devices provide valuable insights into the energy usage of different appliances, helping you make informed decisions to reduce your electricity bills and minimize your environmental impact. With a wide range of options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right electricity usage monitor. In this buying guide, we will discuss the important factors to consider when selecting an electricity usage monitor.
Types of Electricity Usage Monitors
- Plug-in Monitors: These monitors are plugged into a wall outlet and the appliance or device is then plugged into the monitor. They are the most common type of usage monitors and generally offer real-time energy consumption data.
- Whole-House Monitors: These monitors are installed at the electrical panel or circuit breaker box and provide readings for the entire house’s energy consumption. They usually require professional installation and offer more comprehensive energy usage information.
Key Factors to Consider
1. Accuracy
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an electricity usage monitor is its accuracy. Look for monitors that have been tested and certified by reputable organizations like the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Accuracy is usually expressed as a percentage, with lower percentages indicating greater accuracy.
2. Display and Interface
Consider the display and interface of the monitor. It should be easy to read and provide relevant energy consumption information in a clear and intuitive manner. Some monitors may have LCD displays, while others may come with mobile apps or online platforms for viewing and analyzing data.
3. Data Logging and Analysis
Check if the electricity usage monitor offers data logging and analysis features. These features allow you to track your energy consumption over time, identify patterns, and pinpoint high-energy-consuming appliances or devices. Look for monitors that can store and export data for further analysis.
4. Connectivity Options
Consider the connectivity options of the electricity usage monitor. Some monitors offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to access real-time data through your smartphone or computer. This enables you to monitor your energy usage remotely and receive notifications or alerts about abnormal consumption.
5. Compatibility
Ensure that the monitor is compatible with your electrical system. Plug-in monitors are generally compatible with standard wall outlets, but whole-house monitors may require specific electrical configurations or professional installation.
6. Budget
Determine your budget for an electricity usage monitor. The price range for these devices varies significantly, depending on the features they offer. Consider your requirements and prioritize the features that are most important to you, while staying within your budget.
7. Additional Features
Lastly, consider any additional features that may be important to you. This could include features like tracking carbon emissions, estimating energy costs, setting energy-saving goals, or integrating with other smart home devices.
Best Electricity Usage Monitor in UK 2023
MECHEER Power Meter Plug Energy Monitor
The MECHEER Power Meter Plug Energy Monitor offers a straightforward solution for power measurement needs, excelling with its practical design and affordability. It meets the basic expectations of power monitoring while adding a unique touch that sets it apart from its counterparts.
One of the standout features of the MECHEER Power Meter is its expansive backlit display. This feature proves invaluable when dealing with dimly lit spaces or when viewing the meter from an inconvenient angle. The backlight, which automatically switches off after a minute, can be promptly reactivated by pressing the “up” button, ensuring effortless readability.
An internal battery elevates the convenience factor of the device, allowing it to store power consumption data even when unplugged. Resetting the consumption tally is hassle-free, thanks to a recessed button designed for the purpose.
Although some aspects of the product’s marketing and instructions may raise doubts, the exceptional display quality outweighs these concerns. Compared to other options on the market, the MECHEER Power Meter stands out in its readability, which is particularly useful for those tired of squinting at small screens. Moreover, the capacity to customize display settings, including the ability to turn it off, showcases the device’s user-friendly design.
For its reliable accuracy, enhanced readability, and budget-friendly price, the MECHEER Power Meter Plug Energy Monitor is an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a dependable power measurement tool.
Maxcio Power Meters Energy Monitor
The Maxcio Power Meters Energy Monitor presents an upgraded version that promises an enhanced user experience and increased energy efficiency. The focal point of this model is its large and clear LCD display, complete with a backlight function that ensures visibility from any angle, day or night. A mere press of any button activates the backlight, providing a 5-second window of enhanced readability (Note: Backlight doesn’t illuminate when power is off).
This energy monitor proves to be a valuable tool for energy-conscious users. Real-time power consumption, current, and electricity cost are conveniently monitored, aiding in curbing energy wastage and reducing expenses. The device offers an array of monitoring modes, encompassing time, wattage, cost, cumulative power consumption, voltage, frequency, current, power factor, minimum power, maximum power, and electricity price.
A distinctive feature of the Maxcio Power Meters Energy Monitor is its built-in backup battery and memory function. This safeguard ensures that data is automatically stored, even during sudden power disruptions. An overload warning adds a layer of safety, as the LCD signals “OVERLOAD” when the preset power value is exceeded (Max. 3120W/13A), thus preventing energy spikes.
Operational ease is integral to this device, with clear buttons for various functions. The “FUNCTION” button toggles monitoring modes, the “COST” button sets unit electricity prices, and the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons adjust the price. Additionally, the “RESET” button clears all settings.
With its thoughtful features, including backup battery resilience and multiple monitoring modes, the Maxcio Power Meters Energy Monitor emerges as a practical and reliable tool for managing electricity consumption while ensuring user safety.
Bearware – Power Monitor
The Bearware Power Monitor stands out as a distinctive solution for energy-conscious individuals seeking precise control over their electricity usage. In contrast to standard smart meters that provide a general overview of household energy consumption, this monitor focuses on a more granular approach by enabling users to track individual appliances. Beyond simply displaying power consumption, it goes a step further by calculating the associated costs.
The monitor offers a comprehensive range of settings, from showcasing mains voltage, current, and power consumption of appliances to allowing users to input their electricity cost per unit. This facilitates real-time tracking of expenses as various appliances are utilized.
While the device’s design might not win points for aesthetics, its practicality shines through. Designed to fit the width of a standard UK plug, the unit’s relatively large size accommodates a bright and clear screen, making it easy to read. Four buttons provide straightforward navigation through the diverse displays and settings. Notably, the inclusion of a rechargeable battery compartment ensures that memory and settings are retained even when the device is unplugged or switched off.
The Bearware Power Monitor’s benefits are clear: a user-friendly display with backlight, memory-retaining batteries, and the ability to discern energy-hungry appliances. Despite its slightly bulky appearance, it offers an efficient and valuable tool for identifying energy consumption patterns and curbing unnecessary expenses.
Besvic Energy Monitor
The Besvic Energy Monitor offers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for tracking power consumption with precision. Boasting a diverse array of seven monitoring modes, including time, cost, accumulated power consumption, real-time volts, amps, hertz, maximum and minimum power, power factor, and electricity unit price, this monitor provides in-depth insights into energy usage patterns.
One notable feature is the LCD backlight that activates for 10 seconds upon button press, ensuring readability in various lighting conditions. Furthermore, data is automatically saved to guard against power failures, although instant data such as voltage is not retained.
Safety and convenience are prioritized through the monitor’s overload protection mechanism. When the cumulative load exceeds 2900W/13A, the LCD flashes “OVERLOAD,” prompting the monitor to halt power supply until the situation is rectified.
Operation is simplified with intuitive controls. Users can easily adjust the electricity unit price, access monitoring data, and clear settings, all while the socket displays essential information like cost, current, volts, wattage (including peak high and low), time in use, and power factor.
However, the monitor’s running total drawback, where it doesn’t reset when unplugged, might cause minor frustration, although it doesn’t significantly impact its functionality. While a feature that automatically resets upon power down would be appreciated, this doesn’t detract significantly from the device’s overall performance.
Energenie MIHO006 Whole House Energy Monitor
The Energenie Whole House Energy Monitor presents a contemporary approach to energy tracking by seamlessly connecting with a smartphone app for real-time data accessibility. This feature proves especially beneficial for those seeking remote energy consumption measurement.
The convenience of the mobile app for remote energy monitoring cannot be understated. However, the monitor’s potential is hindered by shortcomings in the app’s design and functionality. Users have encountered difficulties with inputting precise cost data into the app, a crucial aspect for accurate readings. Additionally, the app’s navigation has been criticized as unintuitive, impacting the overall user experience.
While the device offers straightforward installation by attaching a single clip to the mains lead, its integration with the Energenie ecosystem and the ease of syncing it to the app are noteworthy positives. Displaying the kilowatts used and facilitating cost unit input further adds to its practicality.
Nonetheless, the energy monitor’s accuracy has been called into question, as readings have been reported to diverge from smart meter data. Despite its appealing features and its association with the Energenie brand, the monitor appears to have been launched without adequate refinement, reflected in its app’s limitations.
FAQs for the topic ‘Best electricity usage monitor’
1. What is an electricity usage monitor?
An electricity usage monitor is a device that allows you to measure and track the amount of electricity consumed by various appliances and devices in your home or office. It provides real-time data on energy usage, helping you make informed decisions about energy conservation and cost-saving measures.
2. How does an electricity usage monitor work?
Electricity usage monitors typically plug into a power outlet and then the appliance or device plugs into the monitor. The monitor then measures the electricity consumed by the connected device and displays the data on a screen. Some monitors also provide additional features such as tracking historical data and estimating energy costs.
3. What are the benefits of using an electricity usage monitor?
Using an electricity usage monitor offers several benefits, including:
- Increased awareness of energy consumption, leading to more conscious energy use.
- Identification of energy-hungry appliances and devices that may need to be replaced or used more efficiently.
- Accurate measurement of energy usage, enabling you to track and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Potential cost savings as you identify areas where you can reduce energy consumption and make more energy-efficient choices.
4. What features should I consider when choosing the best electricity usage monitor?
When selecting an electricity usage monitor, consider the following features:
– Real-time monitoring: Ensure the monitor provides up-to-date data on electricity usage.
– Accuracy: Look for monitors with accurate measurement capabilities to ensure reliable information.
– Data logging: If you want to track historical usage patterns, choose a monitor that allows data logging and analysis.
– Cost calculations: Some monitors offer cost estimation features, which can help you understand the financial impact of your energy use.
– Connectivity: Determine whether you prefer a monitor with wireless connectivity or one that can be connected to a computer or smartphone.
5. Are there any recommended electricity usage monitors available in the market?
Yes, there are several highly regarded electricity usage monitors available in the market. Some popular options include Sense Energy Monitor, Eyedro Home Electricity Monitor, Ensupra Electricity Usage Monitor, and Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor. It is recommended to research and compare different models based on your specific needs and budget before making a purchase.