Metal detectors available in the UK market range from simple, cheap children’s toys to some of the most complex and pricey models. Therefore, it is up to you to choose a metal detecting product that works for you.
Finding the best metal detector in the UK like the DR.ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector for Adults/Kids isn’t exactly a walk in the park. This is because there are many different models in the UK and you have to factor in a lot of different things before you settle on one.
In this post, we have rounded up 10 of the best metal detectors in the UK market to help you narrow down your choices to what could work best for you. Take a look at some of these devices below to get started.
The best metal detectors reviewed in this post are:
- DR.ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector for Adults/Kids
- Garrett EuroACE Metal Detector
- X-Terra 705 Universal Metal Detector
- MYLEK MYMD1062 Metal Detector
- URCERI GC-1028 Metal Detector
- Amzdeal Metal Detector
- KKmoon Children Lightweight Handheld Metal Detector
- Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
- Fisher F44
- Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
The Best Metal Detectors UK Review
DR.ÖTEK Lightweight for Adults/Kids
Best Overall
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Features dual operation modes
- Adjustable detection and length
- Includes essential accessories i.e. 9V battery
- Comes with a waterproof coil
What stands out?
If you want to hit the beach for some fun and treasure hunting with your family, this machine could be a good pick. The Dr OTEK metal detecting machine can easily work for you and your kids because it is relatively easy to operate.
The detector comes with a lot of detection accessories to make the whole experience fun, despite your entry level expertise. For example, there is a shovel and 9V AA batteries to ensure that you enjoy longer hours of detection because if its battery life.
Also, since it has a water proof coil, you can use it to detect metal even on wet surfaces. There is also an headphone jack to plug your headphones to clear hear the beeping sounds when it detects metal. Since the stem length is adjustable, even your kids would probably have an easy time using it because it is easy to use.
Garrett EuroACE Metal Detector
Most Versatile
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Features high frequencies for easy target ID
- Versatile performance
- Good for beginners and experts
What stands out?
The Garret EuroACE device is among the most versatile detectors in the UK market right now. Because of its simple set up and design, anyone can find it easy using hunting, despite their level of expertise.
Despite being sturdy, it is lightweight and it comes with its headphones, coilover and rain cover. Therefore, if you are looking for an entry level detector, we highly recommend this model.
Furthermore, the PROformance Double-D gives it advanced resolution for hunting even the smallest of metals. It’s a reasonably priced machine offering top-tier performance.
X-Terra 705 Universal Metal Detector
Most Durable
Rating: 4.0/5.0
- It is compatible with all kinds of coils.
- Features a 1-9 manual ground balance adjustment range
- Includes automatic, beach and tracking settings
- Comes with VFLEX technology
What stands out?
The X-TERRA is arguably one of the most durable detectors out there, featuring top-tier metal detection capabilities.
The most outstanding feature available on this device is the dual purpose detector and that is why it would be the ideal product to detect jewellery, relics and coins in clay, wet sand and garden soils.
Moreover, it features a Prospective Mode and manual ground balance for improved sensitivity to catch even the smallest targets. If you would like to search for precious metals like gold nuggets, then the high-frequency Double-D coils would be great.
MYLEK MYMD1062 Metal Detector
Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Features accessories like headphones, 3-in-1 shovel, carry bag and compass
- It has a strong and robust casing
- Superior discrimination ability
- Super lightweight
What stands out?
If you are in the market scouting for an easy to use, impressive and efficient detecting device, the MYLEK All-Terrain machine is a great place to start.
What is most outstanding about this detecting device is the fact that it features a 6.5-inch search coil and an adjustable stem. These two features are what make this detector ideal for both children and adults. After you use it, you can shorten the stem and give it to your kids to have some fun with it.
Since there is a waterproof search coil, you can continue your hunting expeditions even when it rains or when exploring a water-heavy terrain.
URCERI GC-1028 Metal Detector
Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Includes all metal and disc modes
- Features rich content LCD display
- Adjustable volume control and headphone port
- Includes a pinpoint feature
What stands out?
This is a high-performing model featuring a rich content LCD screen display and great sound quality to differentiate the different tones. The LCD screen ensures that you get all the readings accurately while using the pinpoint function to target even the smallest items.
Also, you can use the battery, depth and sensitivity level to get real-time data during your detection expedition. You can also plug in your headphones to enhance your operating experience further.
It is also important to note that it includes a complimentary 8.7-inch waterproof coil that is submersible to use for shallow water detections for extended periods because of the battery life.
Amzdeal Metal Detector
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Rating: 4.0/5.0
- Personalised metal detecting
- High accuracy
- Features waterproof coil and adjustable stem
- Adjustable volume and headphone jack
What stands out?
The Amzdeal model is a go-to detector for going for a detection expedition anywhere, including the wild, the beach or at home.
When hunting on the beach where there is heavy iron mineralization this may not be the most ideal detector to use. Therefore, if you want to enjoy optimal sensitivity, you need to walk parallel to the surf line as you adjust the sensitivity level to the maximum.
You can also use the pinpointer by pressing the red pinpoint button and search for the strongest signal.
KKmoon Children Lightweight Handheld Metal Detector
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Rating: 3.8/5.0
- Features detection indication
- Includes adjustable volume and sensitivity
- Easy operation and lightweight
- It has a waterproof search coil
What stands out?
This product is lightweight in nature and has an ergonomic design for easy handling, regardless of your age. Furthermore, the detection indication features like LCD screen and audio alert to alert you when it detects something.
You can also use the adjustable sensitivity and volume to pinpoint different metals depending on the sound it produces. You can even use it for shallow water detection because of the waterproof search coil.
Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Comes with extra accessories
- Features electronic pinpointing
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- There are 5 search modes
What stands out?
What makes the Garret Ace 400 stand out from the rest is the 10kHz frequency to deliver better sensitivity to medium to low conductivity targets like lead and gold.
Since the frequency is adjustable, you can easily adjust it to toggle from slight frequency shifts to allow you eliminate any interference. Moreover, the PROformance coil makes it a great choice for any terrain. The 5 discrimination modes and the 2-year warranty are just a plus.
Fisher F44
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- 7.69 kHz working frequency
- Ultra lightweight, weighing about 1.1kg
- Ultimate touch sensitivity on all non-ferrous metals
- Faster object recognition
What stands out?
The F44 demonstrates increased flexibility and impressive performance with an eye-catching appearance.
It is an ideal choice for excellent separation and search depth performance while feeling light on your hands.
You will not have to abort your search mission just because it started raining or there is sudden snowfall. The waterproof search coil will allow you to continue with your expedition. Furthermore, there is a stable All-Metal mode to allow you to detect any type of metal with ease.
Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
Rating: 4.5/5.0
- Fast and accurate target ID
- Features simultaneous multi-frequency
- Comes with 8 custom search profiles
- Waterproof up to 3 metres
What stands out?
One of the few machines that feature the new multi-frequency technology to enhance your search experience. That is why it can adapt to any target or ground conditions. The only thing you may need to do is set your detection location.
The Gold Mode is ideal for metal detecting gold nuggets because of the 20/40 kHz high frequency. Also, it is designed to provide versatility because of the advanced settings and wireless audio accessories. We liked that the LCD shows large target IDs, which is why we figured you might like this model, especially for seeing your target at a glance.
Buying Guide
What to Consider when Buying
Functionality
Before you go ahead and buy any device, make sure you assess its functionality, especially in terms of discrimination. This is the device’s ability to distinguish one metal from another.
Therefore, if you need to get specific metals like gold nuggets, find one that will be able to discriminate the nuggets from trash items. This is because the functionality will enable you to save a lot of time trying to separate metals from the garbage.
Quality
Superior quality last longer than any ordinary item. Therefore, the same should apply when buying a metal detector. High-end devices come with plenty of features designed to make detection easier and faster.
For example, a machine with quality target identification will help you distinguish between silver jewellery, coins or even gold. The same applies to the sensitivity level and the accessories the detectors come with. Remember, cheap is expensive.
Coil Type
A coil is an instrumental part of any detection device for detecting various types of metal. Different detectors come in different types. Therefore, it is up to you to decide what works best for you. Some of the different types are:
- Concentric search coils : They are ideal for getting the best detection depth and the largest field of detection. Also, if you want a more symmetrical field, metal detectors with these design are recommended.
- Imaging coil : These are advanced concentric coils, the only difference being that they come with another receiving coil, thus, allowing a greater range of target information to enable true-target-sizing.
- Double-D coils : They are good for reducing ground interference, especially in mineralized soil.
The name comes from the ‘D’ shape of the coils and that is why they can produce a cancelling effect of any signals from the ground.
Frequency
Essentially, a metal detector’s frequency is just the number of times it can transmit a signal and receive the same signal per second. If you want to scan a greater depth, an ideal machine should have a lower frequency. However, if you want to sense smaller targets, higher frequency detectors would be more ideal.
FAQs
What is the best all-around metal detector on the market?
The market is flooded with many great metal detectors. However, in this case, and according to metal detector reviews, a good all-round detector is the DR OTEK Lightweight device because both adults and kids can use it on different terrains.
How Do Metal Detectors Work?
Metal detectors essentially transmit an electromagnetic field from its coil directly into the ground. If there is any metal in the ground, it will retransmit a unique signal back to the coil. The machine can tell which metal is underneath depending on the type of metal signal and how deep it is in the ground.
Should You Rent or Buy A Metal Detector?
Although buying your own machine could be very convenient for you, it is cheaper to rent one. You won’t have to worry about storage or maintenance. You will only pay when you need to use it.
How Deep Will A Metal Detector Go?
Different detectors have different ranges. The wide range depends on the type of detecting machine. But the low range detectors can go up to a depth of 5-20cm. Medium range ones can detect up to 15cm, while high range detectors have a range of 25-35cm.
What Can You Find With A Metal Detector?
You will mostly find something like jewellery or coins when you go out metal detecting or just some trash items like soda cans, nails and bottle caps.
Conclusion
The overall winner in this roundup is the DR OTEK Lightweight device. It ranks as the best metal detector winner because it’s not only durable but also versatile while hunting, budget-friendly and an all-round pick suitable for both kids and adults.
