Affordable Digital Multi Meter Suggestions

[lardy1]

Every time I use my cheap analog meter I tell myself I need something easier on these old eyes of mine. I'm not an electrician or an auto mechanic. Just a retired guy that likes to do as much of his own work as he can. The small analog seems to have the functions that I use. I'd just like higher accuracy in the readings and easier to see.

I really don't trust online comparison reviews. But there's not a lot more available for me to turn to. I saw some that were under thirty dollars that the article says meet basic needs. But I'm a bit hesitant to buy something that cheap. On the other hand, I saw a Klein for about fifty.

Can anyone help a techno dinosaur?

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What do you want to use it for most? Just voltage checks? Continuity? What's your price range?

 

[richfinn]

I would take a look through Dave's videos before you decide, he covers multi-meters quite often from budget to high end

I personally think UEi are a good middle ground brand/Uni-T are also pretty decent generally as long as you avoid the really cheap stuff

Fluke also build budget meters nowadays but I think you might find the screens too small and hard to read

 

[Citation]

I have to say I really like the UT210e clamp meter.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/UNI-T-UT...e-Current-Capacitance-Resistance-NC/612031982
Here is a walmart market seller offering one for under $40. Based on shipping I'm guessing this is shipping from outside the US.

This has basic meter functions + a very usable AC/DC clamp meter.

Another feature I find handy from time to time is a themocouple option.

An alternative would be the Fluke 101. It's true Fluke quality but with very limited features.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HE6MIJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[aggiegrads]

The link to EEV Blog is a good idea; I took it a step further and just purchased the EEVBlog Brymen235 meter that EEVBlog specified and Bremen built. I did a ton of research on this and you are not likely to find better value.

For $135USD, you get a true RMS; 1000V UL listed Cat II, III, IV; 6000 count meter with capacitance, diode check, and Temperature measurement. It comes with a thermocouple and a nice set of silicone leads.

 

[Citation]

Brymen based meters in general are really good values. They are my general go to recommendation, especially if you find a deal on ebay. Brymen is the OEM for *some* meters sold by Matco, Amprobe, Extech, Greenlee (most -all?- of the current lineup) and likely others.
I picked up a Greenlee 820A similar to this for under $50 on ebay, dirty but fully functional. (picture for example only, not endorsing this seller)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DM-820A-Gr...0-Count-AC-DC-Digital-Multimeter/284173195896

Here is a Matco branded version of a meter that is slightly nicer than the EEVBlog version. I've seen these go for under $50 as well. (again, example only, not endorsing the seller)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Matco-Tool...r-Voltmeter-195-on-matco-website/114674291575

Brymen really is about Fluke quality. The one thing where Fluke wins is the Touch Hold feature. Brymen typically has a traditional "Hold" which simply freezes the current screen reading when you press the button... the button you have to press with your nose because both hands are holding probes.

Many older Fluke meters and the nicer current ones (sadly not the 110-117 series thus I don't recommend them) have Touch Hold. You press the button, then touch your probes to the thing to be measured. When the reading is stable you hear a beep. Now you can take the probes away and look at the meter. This is stupidly helpful. The only reason I can think Fluke left this feature off the 11X meters was to help people justify buying the 17X and 87 family meters. Sine the 11X series doesn't have this feature I can see no reason to buy them over the Brymens like the EEVBlog branded model. The Brymens are somewhat cheaper and have more features with no loss in safety.

 

[bwringer]

Looooooooots of perfectly functional choices and brands out there.

One feature I would not live without is an "amp clamp" style that can read DC amps, not just AC. It's insanely useful for any sort of work on vehicles. It takes a little digging to find them, and they cost a bit more, but it's well worth the effort.

 

[todd_fuller]

One feature I would not live without is an "amp clamp" style that can read DC amps, not just AC. It's insanely useful for any sort of work on vehicles. It takes a little digging to find them, and they cost a bit more, but it's well worth the effort.

Citation mentioned the UT210e clamp meter which can do DC amps. I have one and it's pretty handy.

I wouldn't, however, use that meter with the leads for any mains measurements as it doesn't have a fuse in it.

 

[Dustball]

Consider Amprobe as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FZFTZO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[vpd66]

My favorite to go cheap multimeter is the Mastech MS8229.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JKMTDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I really like the feature it has where the correct terminal ports light up when you select whatever mode you want. I know this is basic knowledge but it never fails when your in a hurry you put the leads in the wrong place. I screwed up a Klein multimeter by accident doing this once when I was in a hurry.
I also have a UT210e and find it useful. Its just kind of small and has no stand so it makes it kind of awkward for me to use. It is a great meter to have for a grab and go situation, but I find myself going for the Mastech 90% of the time.

 

[javyLSU]

My favorite to go cheap multimeter is the Mastech MS8229.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JKMTDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I really like the feature it has where the correct terminal ports light up when you select whatever mode you want. I know this is basic knowledge but it never fails when your in a hurry you put the leads in the wrong place. I screwed up a Klein multimeter by accident doing this once when I was in a hurry.
I also have a UT210e and find it useful. Its just kind of small and has no stand so it makes it kind of awkward for me to use. It is a great meter to have for a grab and go situation, but I find myself going for the Mastech 90% of the time.

If you've got a Harbor Freight nearby, this exact multimeter is sold under their "Cen-Tech" brand (several people on YouTube have opened it and found the Mastech-branded board and components inside) for $69.99, and it's eligible for the 20% coupon which gets you down to $56.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

I've also got a UT210e - it's an excellent meter (very accurate) but I use it almost exclusively for automotive "amp-clamp" use. The clamp is small, and has been excellent for me in this use.

 

[Rinspeed]

Used Fluke T5 would be my suggestion.

 

[vpd66]

If you've got a Harbor Freight nearby, this exact multimeter is sold under their "Cen-Tech" brand (several people on YouTube have opened it and found the Mastech-branded board and components inside) for $69.99, and it's eligible for the 20% coupon which gets you down to $56.

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

I've also got a UT210e - it's an excellent meter (very accurate) but I use it almost exclusively for automotive "amp-clamp" use. The clamp is small, and has been excellent for me in this use.

I knew that Harbor Freight had a rebadged Cen-Tech meter but I shopped around on Amazon and got a better deal. It was a few years ago that I bought this meter. Also if anyone is buying this meter. This case works perfectly with this meter and leads. It has 2 compartments one for the leads and one for the meter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QW68OT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Citation]

Citation mentioned the UT210e clamp meter which can do DC amps. I have one and it's pretty handy.

I wouldn't, however, use that meter with the leads for any mains measurements as it doesn't have a fuse in it.

It doesn't need a fuse. An inline fuse is needed for meters that measure current via the test leads. They are not needed for high input impedance measurements (ie resistance, voltage etc). If you look at a Fluke 87 you will find the voltage/resistance input is also not fused, only the separate current jacks are fused. The Fluke 101 has no fuses at all since it has no current measurement mode.

 

[bonneyman]

Lardy, you and I are kinda in the same boat these days.

I'd give MA-Line meters a look.
I grabbed a clamp meter years ago at an HVAC open house. The vendor gave me a discount because I bought form him that day (I think they were a new company or maybe promoting a new line of equipment - can't remember). Paid like $60. Still have that thing! Right size, fit the hand well, did all the functions I needed. Their new model MA-12813 is very close to the one I have. No idea on price but they've proven to be a solid meter.

https://www.ma-line.com/meters/

 

[engineer2]

I have a Craftsman 3482141 digital multimeter. I think I paid $20 for it in the early 90's. It does everything I need for household use. The 1.5V and 9V battery test function is very handy.

I've would have hoped it would stop working so I could get a proper Fluke, but it refuses to die. I don't know who actually made them and they don't make them anymore. I'm sure similar ones are out there.

Extech is another budget brand to consider. Yes, they are made in China, but Extech was founded in the USA as an importer, and they've been around for 20 years.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have to say I really like the UT210e clamp meter.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/UNI-T-UT...e-Current-Capacitance-Resistance-NC/612031982

Also available on Amazon for about $50. IMHO, the extra cost to get a clamp ammeter is worth it !

There are a lot of GOOD meters in the $20-$30 range. Some have larger displays than others. Most have a backlight.

 

[nafterclifen]

Not sure about you guys, but I don't keep any 9v batteries on hand. I see some of these units take a 9v battery instead of AA or AAA. Just a heads up.

 

[nadogail]

Don't laugh, I have an Amprobe, a Beckman (purchased from Harbor Freight) and a few Harbor Freight "Free" meters.

IMHO, it all depends on your needs.

 

[lardy1]

I mostly just test continuity and voltage. I wouldn't mind something that will test batteries but it's not a must. For not knowing anything about it, I seem to use the analog one a few times a year troubleshooting minor automotive and yard related machines. I have a working knowledge of residential electricity and do all that work for myself.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For not knowing anything about it, I seem to use the analog one a few times a year troubleshooting minor automotive ...

12V incandescent test light.

Any decent meter will have a built in continuity tester/beeper. Some non-contacting high voltage (>50V) tester.