This article details everything you'll need to know before buying a metal detector, discussing the ideal detection depth and coil size, as well as pinpointer features and various detection modes. Plus, we've included our ranking of the 10 best metal detectors in the UK currently available on Amazon.
Quick List - Top Metal Detectors
DR.ÖTEK
A Detection Depth of up to 8” With Adjustable Sensitivity to Locate Objects More Accurately
OMMO
A Lightweight Body and Adjustable Handle for Comfortable Use by Both Children and Adults
SUFFLA
5 Different Detection Modes to Help You Hunt for Specific Objects or Metals
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Table of Contents
If you've spent any time looking for a metal detector online, the first thing you'll notice is that they all advertise their detection depth. This is because it's one of the most important factors in your purchase. Entry-level detectors often have a smaller depth of around 2 - 7", which is great for casual hobbyists, but you could be missing out on a lot of interesting finds that are just out of your reach.
The more high-tech detectors tend to fall between the 8 - 12" range, and with almost twice the detection depth, you'll double your chances of discovery. These are often favoured by those more dedicated to the hobby, since they usually also come with a higher price.
Keep your eyes peeled day and night with a head torch.
The coil size will determine the method by which your detector scans the ground. They usually range between 6 - 12", with different sizes intended for different tasks. To choose the right one, you'll need to consider what kind of searching you want to do.
Smaller coils are best for accurately tracking down small objects. However, if you want to search deeper underground with a much wider coverage, a larger coil is usually your best bet. If you're not sure what you're looking for yet, 8 - 10" coils are a great middle-ground.
A pinpointer is a device which detects objects with improved accuracy. They're precise enough for searching small areas, saving hours of digging time by ensuring you're looking in the right place.
Unfortunately, not every detector comes with a pinpointer built in. Although, you can buy them separately. It can sometimes even work out cheaper to buy the two separately. That said, having an integrated pinpointer cuts down on excess weight and ensure you can carry your kit comfortably.
Use a spade to cut down on digging time.
Many detectors have various detection modes which allow you to search for specific metals, or even specific shapes underground. All-purpose detectors have just one detection mode. These tend to be favoured by beginners as they're less complicated to use, and you won't need to know what you're looking for ahead of time.
Detectors with multiple modes will often have an all-purpose setting as the default, with additional modes that can be useful if you like to go on the hunt for something specific. Functions will vary from brand to brand, but many offer modes uncovering jewellery, coins, gold and more.
Polish up your finds with a jewellery cleaner.
One last thing to consider is the size and weight of your detector. The weight may not seem too important at first, but after you've been carrying it around for hours, you might begin to wish you'd opted for a smaller model. Anything under 2.5 kg is considered lightweight, so make sure to opt for a lighter model for longer sessions or if it will be used by a child.
Children will also need a smaller handle in order to use the detector effectively. Luckily a lot of detectors come with adjustable handles, so they can be used comfortably by people of all sizes. If children are going to be using the device, we recommend looking for one with a handle under 100 cm and sizing down appropriately depending on your child's height.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DR.ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector Kit | ![]() | A Detection Depth of up to 8” With Adjustable Sensitivity to Locate Objects More Accurately | |
2 | OMMO Metal Detector | ![]() | A Lightweight Body and Adjustable Handle for Comfortable Use by Both Children and Adults | |
3 | Ginour Lightweight Metal Detector | ![]() | Detect Objects Deeper Underground With a Wide-Scale 10” Coil | |
4 | SUFFLA Gold Metal Detector Waterproof | ![]() | 5 Different Detection Modes to Help You Hunt for Specific Objects or Metals | |
5 | DR.ÖTEK Junior Metal Detector | ![]() | A High-Quality Children’s Detector With Pinpoint Accuracy and a Versatile 8.3” Coil | |
6 | QWQW Metal Detector | ![]() | A Bargain Price Machine With up to 8” Detection Depth | |
7 | HOOMYA Metal Detector for Beginners | ![]() | Submerge This Coil in up to 20” of Water With No Risk of Damage | |
8 | Hazlewolke Professional Metal Detector | ![]() | Search Far and Wide With a Large 11" Coil | |
9 | Hazlewolke Professional Metal Detector Kit | ![]() | Multi-Tonal Detection to Help You Evaluate a Metal’s Value Before Digging | |
10 | TingJunLie Metal detector for Adults | ![]() | Focus On Specific Areas With a Small 7” Coil |
The detection depth ranges up to 8" and you can adjust it at 2" intervals to get a more accurate depiction of how deep underground an object is. This drastically cuts down on digging time, with an included shovel to make your search even easier.
The 72 - 104 cm adjustable handle makes it perfect for sharing with kids, allowing the armrest to sit comfortably on users of various heights. And, weighing in at just 1.2 kg, they'll be able to carry it on their own, too!
The 3 detection modes will help make your search more accurate, and you can use the pinpointer to lock onto a specific target if you think you might have found something special. The kit includes a folding shovel, headset and carry case so you'll have everything you need to get started right away.
Switch to "disc & notch" mode to specify which types of objects you want to find, such as rings or coins. Alternatively, you can use "memory" mode to seek out a specific metal, with a DSP chip to improve detection efficiency for gold.
We like that it includes a shovel and a carry bag to help with digging once they've tracked down their treasure. Plus, the 8.3" coil is the perfect all-purpose size, so they won't be limited to one type of searching.
Unfortunately, there is no pinpointer, so it will only give a general suggestion of where an object is. However, you can purchase a pinpointer separately and it would still work out much cheaper than an alternative model.
At 2.71 kg, it's one of the heaviest models on our list. It may not sound like much, but if you plan to use your detector for hours on end, you'd be better off opting for a lighter machine so that you can remain comfortable.
Be aware that this model only has 1 detection mode, so it won't be suitable if you're hoping to hunt for specific objects. However, if you're hoping for an all-purpose detector to cover a lot of ground, this is one of the best options on the market.
Unfortunately, it only detects objects up to 7.87" deep, so you might miss out on some interesting finds. If you're new to the hobby, however, the inbuilt value detector can be a great way to keep you focussed on the best discoveries.
The only downside is that the handle is fixed at 110 cm. So, if you're sharing this with multiple people, or you think this size won't be comfortable for you, you may be better off with an adjustable model. Despite this slight drawback, it's still an impressive all-rounder.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
No. 1: DR.ÖTEK|Lightweight Metal Detector Kit
No. 2: OMMO|Metal Detector
No. 3: Ginour |Lightweight Metal Detector
No. 4: SUFFLA|Gold Metal Detector Waterproof
No. 5: DR.ÖTEK|Junior Metal Detector
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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