Best Metal Detectors Consumer Reports, Ratings, Reviews, Tips, and Guides in 2022
When it comes to finding treasure, there’s no better tool than a metal detector. Whether you’re looking for lost coins or historical artifacts, a metal detector can help you find them quickly and easily. But with so many models on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Luckily, Consumer Reports has tested all the latest metal detectors and compiled their findings in a handy guide. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top three metal detectors from Consumer Reports’ list, and we’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the perfect model for your needs. So read on to learn more about the best metal detectors available today!
Top 10 Metal Detectors to Buy in 2022:
Below is the list of top 10 Metal Detectors that you can have a look at and buy. Check one by one carefully before purchasing:
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What is Metal Detectors ?
A metal detector is an electronic instrument which detects the presence of metal nearby. Metal detectors are useful for finding metal inclusions hidden within objects, or metal objects buried underground. They are also used to detect foreign bodies in food or other materials.
The three types of metal detectors are:
– Handheld: A handheld metal detector is a portable device that can be carried around and used to scan for metal objects in a small area.
– Walk-through: A walk-through metal detector is a large frame that you walk through. These detectors are often used at airports and other security checkpoints.
– Ground search: A ground search metal detector is used to scan large areas of land for buried metal objects. These detectors are often used by treasure hunters and archaeologists.
How does Metal Detectors work?
– All metal detectors work by detecting the presence of metal nearby.
– Handheld metal detectors scan for metal in a small area, while walk-through and ground search detectors scan for metal over a larger area.
– Metal detectors use different technologies to detect metal, including induction balance, pulse induction, and beat-frequency oscillation.
– The type of technology used affects the sensitivity of the detector and the types of metal it can detect.
Benefits of Metal Detectors
One of the most obvious benefits is that it can help you find lost items. If you’ve lost a valuable piece of jewelry or another item, a metal detector can help you find it.
Metal detectors can also be used for security purposes. If you’re worried about someone planting a bomb or other type of explosive, a metal detector can help you find it.
Another benefit of metal detectors is that they can be used for treasure hunting. If you’re interested in finding buried treasure, a metal detector is a must-have.
Finally, metal detectors can simply be fun to use. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring, a metal detector can add an extra element of excitement to your outings.
If you’re on the fence about purchasing a metal detector, consider all of the benefits that it can offer. It’s an investment that can definitely pay off in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Metal Detectors
Pros:
-Metal detectors can help to deter crime. If would-be criminals know that there is a good chance they will be caught if they try to bring a weapon into a building, they may be less likely to attempt a crime in the first place.
-Metal detectors can also help to find weapons that have already been brought into a building. This can be especially useful in schools, where weapons might be brought in by students who are planning to commit a mass shooting.
-Metal detectors can give people a sense of security. Knowing that there is a metal detector in place can make people feel safer, even if it does not necessarily make them safer in reality.
Cons:
-Metal detectors can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
-They can also be intrusive, and some people may feel like they are being treated like criminals when they have to go through a metal detector.
-Metal detectors can also give people a false sense of security. Just because a building has a metal detector does not mean that it is completely safe from crime.
-Finally, metal detectors can be fooled. If a criminal is determined to bring a weapon into a building, they may be able to do so by hiding it in a non-metal container.
How to use Metal Detectors?
– Metal detectors can be used to find buried metal objects, or to scan food and other materials for foreign bodies.
– To use a metal detector, simply hold it close to the object you wish to scan and move it around until the detector signals that metal has been found.
– Depending on the model, metal detectors will either make a sound, vibrate, or both when metal is detected.
– Some models also have a display that will show the location and depth of the metal object.
Common mistakes when using Metal Detectors?
One common mistake is not scanning all of the objects in an area. If you’re looking for a specific item, make sure to scan everything in the general vicinity.
Another mistake is not using the correct settings. Depending on the model, metal detectors can have different settings for different types of metal. Make sure to set the detector
to the correct setting before beginning your search.
Finally, some people give up too easily when using a metal detector. If the detector doesn’t signal the presence of metal right away, keep moving it around and scanning different areas. Metal objects can be buried deep underground, so it may take some time to find them.
Factors to consider before buying Metal Detectors?
Brand:
Some metal detectors are made by more well-known brands, which can affect price and quality. However, there are also many good quality metal detectors made by less well-known brands.
Price:
Metal detectors can range in price from around $30 to over $1,000. It’s important to find a model that fits your budget and needs.
Design:
Metal detectors come in a variety of designs, from handheld models to ones that you push along the ground. Consider what type of design would work best for your needs.
Warranty:
Some manufacturers offer warranties on their products. This can be helpful if you have any issues with your metal detector down the line.
Customer Service:
If you have any questions or problems with your metal detector, you’ll want to make sure the company has good customer service. Look for companies that offer phone support or live chat.
Budget:
-If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of good quality metal detectors available. You can find models for around $30-$100 that will suit your needs.
-If you have more to spend, you can find models with more features and better performance. Prices for these models start at around $100 and can go up to over $1,000.
-If you’re not sure how much you want to spend, it’s a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping. This will help narrow down your options and make it easier to find the perfect metal detector for your needs.
Material:
-The material of the metal detector can affect its performance. Some materials, like aluminum, are more durable than others and can withstand being dropped or bumped.
-Other materials, like plastic, are lighter in weight and may be more comfortable to use for long periods of time.
-When choosing a material, consider how you plan to use the metal detector and what type of environment you’ll be using it in.
Weight:
-The weight of the metal detector can be important, especially if you plan on using it for long periods of time.
-Lighter models are usually more comfortable to use and may be easier to carry around.
-Heavier models may be more durable and have a higher build quality.
Size:
-The size of the metal detector can affect its portability and how easy it is to use.
-Smaller models are usually more portable and can be taken with you on trips or hikes. They may also be easier to use in tight spaces.
-Larger models may be more difficult to transport but can offer more features and better performance.
Detecting depth:
-The depth at which a metal detector can detect an object depends on several factors, including the size of the object and the type of metal.
-Some models are more sensitive than others and can detect smaller objects at greater depths.
-If you’re looking for a metal detector that can find buried objects, you’ll want to choose a model with good depth capacity.
Discrimination:
-Some models can discriminate between different types of metal, which can be helpful if you’re only interested in certain types of objects.
-However, discrimination can also make it more difficult to find small objects.
-If you’re looking for a metal detector that can find a wide range of objects, you may want to choose a model without discrimination.
Frequency:
-The frequency of a metal detector can affect its performance. Higher frequencies are usually better for finding smaller objects, while lower frequencies are better for finding larger objects.
-Most metal detectors have a frequency between 3 and 30 kHz.
Ground balance:
-Ground balance is a feature that can help the metal detector ignore minerals in the ground, which can interfere with its ability to find objects.
-Some models have automatic ground balance, while others require you to manually adjust the setting.
-If you’re going to be using the metal detector in an area with a lot of minerals in the ground, you may want to choose a model with this feature.
Pinpoint mode:
-Pinpoint mode is a feature that can help you locate an object more precisely. This can be helpful if you’re trying to find a small object in a large area.
-Some models have this feature, while others do not.
-If you think you might need to use pinpoint mode, you may want to choose a model that has it.
Display:
-The display on a metal detector can vary from model to model. Some have large, easy-to-read displays, while others have smaller displays with more information.
-Some models also have audio alerts that can tell you when an object is nearby.
-When choosing a metal detector, consider how important the display is to you and what type of information you want it to provide.
Battery life:
-The battery life of a metal detector can vary depending on the model and the type of batteries it uses. Some models can run for hours on a single charge, while others may only last for a few hours.
-If you’re going to be using the metal detector for long periods of time, you may want to choose a model with good battery life.
Ease of use:
-Some models are easier to use than others. Some have features that make them more user-friendly, while others may be more challenging to operate.
-If you’re new to using metal detectors, you may want to choose a model that is easy to use.
FAQs
How deep can a metal detector go?
The depth at which a metal detector can detect an object depends on several factors, including the size of the object and the type of metal. Some models are more sensitive than others and can detect smaller objects at greater depths. If you’re looking for a metal detector that can find buried objects, you’ll want to choose a model with good depth capacity.
What is the best frequency for a metal detector?
The frequency of a metal detector can affect its performance. Higher frequencies are usually better for finding smaller objects, while lower frequencies are better for finding larger objects. Most metal detectors have a frequency between 3 and 30 kHz.
What is discrimination on a metal detector?
Discrimination is a feature that can help the metal detector ignore certain types of metal. This can be helpful if you’re only interested in finding certain types of objects. However, discrimination can also make it more difficult to find small objects. If you’re looking for a metal detector that can find a wide range of objects, you may want to choose a model without discrimination.
What is ground balance on a metal detector?
Ground balance is a feature that can help the metal detector ignore minerals in the ground, which can interfere with its ability to find objects. Some models have automatic ground balance, while others require you to manually adjust the setting. If you’re going to be using the metal detector in an area with a lot of minerals in the ground, you may want to choose a model with this feature.
What is pinpoint mode on a metal detector?
Pinpoint mode is a feature that can help you locate an object more precisely. This can be helpful if you’re trying to find a small object in a large area. Some models have this feature, while others do not. If you think you might need to use pinpoint mode, you may want to choose a model that has it.
What should I look for in a metal detector?
When choosing a metal detector, there are several factors you should consider, including the type of objects you’re looking for, the features you want, and the price. If you’re looking for a metal detector that can find a wide range of objects, you may want to choose a model with good depth capacity and discrimination. If you’re looking for a metal detector that is easy to use, you may want to choose a model with good battery life and an easy-to-read display.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a metal detector, it is important to do your research before making a purchase. Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the best metal detectors based on their testing. The top two detectors on the list are both from Garrett, and they offer different features that may appeal to different buyers. whichever metal detector you choose, be sure to read the reviews and compare prices before making your final decision. Have you decided which metal detector is right for you?
I’m Georgie Barton, a reviewer for various magazines and consumer reports. I’ve been testing and writing about household products and electronics for years, and have become quite the authority on the subject. My goal is to help people make informed decisions when purchasing these items, so they can get the most value for their money.
My hope is that through my work, everyone will be able to find a quality and satisfactory product. Thank you for reading!