The Best Gas Leak Detectors

The UEi Test Instruments Combustible Gas Leak Detector can be found near the top of almost any list of the best gas leak detectors. It gets gold stars for good reasons: this meter is accurate and easy to use, with an extra-long 18-inch gooseneck to get into hard-to-reach spots. The LED light on the end of the sensor can help you confirm the exact location of a leak, but the probe head is a little bit larger than similar detectors, so it might be tough to get it into extra-tight spaces. We like the headphone jack so you can do your sneaky leak-detecting activities without alarming (or annoying) other members of your household.

A lot of consumer gas leak detectors increase the speed of audible warnings when gas is present, but the Amprobe Gas Leak Detector will also give you a light show. It has five distinct LED lights with PPM (parts per million) ratings to let you know approximately how much gas is in the air. This feature makes it much easier to hone in on leaks, because the amount of gas will increase the closer you get.

At about a quarter of the price of the other top detectors on our list, you might be wondering if we’ve been sniffing a little too much gas—but despite its low price, this gas detector is a top contender.

The ALOPEX Portable Gas Detector is highly sensitive and can sniff out leaks with the best detectors on the market. The adjustable sensitivity dial makes it easier to pinpoint a leak, because you can start off at a high sensitivity level and then gradually work your way down until you identify the leak’s location. Keep in mind that this detector does have a bit of a lag time, so make sure when you’re searching to slow down and smell the roses—gases, that is—so you know you’re getting an accurate location.

The ALOPEX Portable Gas Detector senses acetylene, benzene, ethane, halogenated hydrocarbons, pentane, propane, and more.

If you want to make sure the air in your home is safe but you’d rather leave the gas sleuthing up to the experts, the Kidde Nighthawk monitors 24/7 for gas and sneaky carbon monoxide. The Nighthawk gives readouts of gas levels every 15 seconds, and it will sound an 85 dB alarm if gas levels are too high.

The Ridgid Gas Detector has a durable design and lifetime warranty. You can choose between visual, audible, or vibrating alerts, and the sensitivity is adjustable. The Ridgid automatically calibrates when you turn it on, but it takes a full 90 seconds before it’s ready to go. It also has a slight lag in its gas detection that can make it difficult to pinpoint a leak, and it takes a while to get back to neutral after detecting a leak. On the plus side, it’s a little quieter than most gas leak detectors—it will beep and light up, but you won’t be startled out of your socks by this one.

The Ridgid Combustible Gas Detector senses ammonia, acetaldehyde, benzene, ethane, ethanol, ethylene, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, hexane, isobutane, methane, p-Xylene, propane, and toluene.

The bright yellow Techamor Yeezou is the easiest to use on our list. This device uses six LEDs and an 85-decibel alert to let you know if there are high concentrations of potentially harmful gases in your environment. It has a 12-inch probe, 10-hour battery life, and a low battery indicator. It takes only about 10 seconds to warm up, and it can register a leak in under two seconds. It comes with a protective carrying case, and you can adjust the sensitivity to better pinpoint the location of dangerous leaks.

The Techamor Yeezou detects alcohol, ethanol, gasoline, methane, natural gas, and propane.