A multimeter is a basic tool when it comes to measuring and testing various electronics parameters and quantities. But when we want more features than a normal meter can provide, we go for the best benchtop multimeter.
A benchtop multimeter is a big tool that sets on our lab table or bench that is why it is called a benchtop multimeter. It is not small and very pricey and that is why it is recommended to go for a benchtop when you really know what you are doing.
And because a reliable bechtop multimeter is so important that from day one there are a lot of industry-leading power supply manufacturers out there on the market i.e Tekpower, Keithley, Keysight, Aim-TTI, Rohde and Schwarz, and some new guys like Rigol, Siglent Technologies, Korad Technology, and GW Instek
Besides voltage, resistance, and current, a decent benchtop is most useful for the following quantities:
- Capacitance
- Inductance
- Conductance
- Decibels
- Frequency
- Duty cycle
- Diode drop
- and much more
If the above has got your attention then I am sure the rest of the article will be quite a help for you.
Hi, I am Abbas. In the rest of the article, I will talk in detail about some best benchtop digital multimeters. What makes them unique? What parameters to look for when buying a new one, and so much more.
I am not perfect, nor this article is going to be. This is just my limited knowledge try to help you somehow.
I hope you will enjoy it.
Best benchtop multimeters
Benchtop multimeters are preferred when it comes to better accuracy and performance. Also, this type of multimeter has got way more features than the normal digital multimeter.
For the above reasons, benchtop meter is must have tool for any professional level electronics work and measurements.
Following are some features you should look for when picking your meter:
- Accuracy
- Automatic measurements
- Grounding
- Communication for remote sensing and measurements
- Computational capability
- Precision
- Cost
The best benchtop multimeter that field professionals recommend is either the Siglent Technologies SDM3045X, or the Fluke 8808A. These are the best because they come from proven brands, are used by thousands of people, reliable, of high quality, and have decent price tags that almost everyone can afford.
Let’s see some of the best multimeters for bench top use.
1. Siglent SDM3045X
Siglent is a very famous brand when it comes to electronics measurements and testing. They make a lot of a high quality instruments for any level of professional.
The benchtop multimeter from this brand i.e., the SDM3045X is an amazing device with a lot of useful features and functions.
Important features:
- Real 4½ digit (66,000 count) readings resolution
- Dual display system which is very handy
- Up to 150 rdgs/s measurement speed
- True-RMS AC Voltage and AC Current measuring
- 1 Gb NAND flash size, Mass storage configuration files, and data files
- Built-in cold terminal compensation for thermocouple
- Various math and statistical functions.
- With easy, convenient, and flexible PC software
- USB & LAN remote interfaces support a common SCPI command set.
- Compatible with other popular DMMs on the market.
In a short summary, the Siglent SDM3045X (Amazon link) is a remarkable benchtop multimeter that comes with a variety of communication interfaces with easy setup, comes with a 4.3-inch tft-lcd screen, and is designed for users who need high performance, multiple functions, and automatic measurements.
2. Siglent Technologies SDM3055
Siglent is new in the market, but it has proved itself the most valuable brand over time. I get the feeling of trust from this brand and like it second to Tekpower. Now Siglent makes a lot of models from mid-range to professional level usage. I like this model i.e., SDM3055. I think it has got everything.
You can think of it as the best alternative to the above model. Choose according to your requirements. Both are capable to deliver highly accurate results.
Important features:
- Real 5½ digits readings resolution
- Up to 150 rdgs/s measurement speed
- True-RMS AC Voltage and AC Current measuring
- 1 Gb Nand flash size, Mass storage configuration files, and data files
- Built-in cold terminal compensation for thermocouple.
In a short summary, Siglent Technologies SDM3055 (Amazon link) is best for research and development, detection, maintenance, and calibration.
3. Fluke 8808A
When it comes to multimeters Fluke is the most famous brand out there. This brand has thousands of users for decades and new users are falling in love with its product quality and reliability.
Fluke Corporation is the world leader in the manufacture, distribution, and service of electronic test tools and software. From industrial electronic installation, maintenance, and service, to calibration and quality control, Fluke tools help keep businesses and industries around the globe up and running.
The best benchtop multimeter from this brand is the 8808A. Why? Because it is remarkably easy to use, even by unskilled operators, because it makes the measurements you perform most often extremely easy and fast to do.
Important features:
- The broad range of functions
- Measuring volts, ohms and amps with a basic Vdc accuracy of 0.015 %.
- It is remarkably easy to use, even by unskilled operators, because it makes the measurements you perform most typically extremely easy and fast to do.
- Solid and reliable
- Setup buttons eliminate the need to follow complex work
- Has a 5.5 digit resolution with a dual display
In a short summary, the Fluke 8808A benchtop multimeter (Amazon link) is the best choice if you want a meter for a lifetime. The best part of this meter is you no longer need to press multiple buttons to set up a measurement function and range, test limits, or enter other parameters to make a measurement.
4. Rigol DM3058E
Let’s start talking about our fourth oscilloscope from the Rigol brand. I am sure, you may have heard of this brand in your own research on the best beginner oscilloscopes if this post is not your very first.
Talking about the Rigol. It is a well-known company, making digital oscilloscopes since 1999. Its products have been used worldwide and people are very much satisfied with its products.
I found that they have great customer service, and answer any question you ask them.
Important features:
- DC Voltage: 200 mV ~ 1000 V
- DC Current: 200 μA ~ 10 A
- AC Voltage: True-RMS, 200 mV ~ 750 V
- AC Current: True-RMS, 20 mA ~ 10 A
- 2-Wire, 4-Wire Resistance: 200 Ω ~ 100 MΩ
- Capacitance Measurement: 2 nF ~ 10000 μF
- Continuity Test: Range is fixed at 2 kΩ
- Diode Test: Range is fixed at 2.0 V
- Real 5½ digits readings resolution
- Up to 123 rdgs/s measurement speed
- True-RMS AC Voltage and AC Current measuring
- The best part is, that you can quickly save or recall the 10 groups of Preset Configuration
- Preset 10 groups of Standard Sensor Configuration, built-in cold terminal compensation for thermocouple
In a short summary, the Rigol DM3058E (Amazon link) is precise and best for research and development work. It has a built-in help system that makes information acquisition easier.
5. BK Precision 2831E
Another amazing multimeter for bench top use is the 2831E from the BK Precision. BK Precision is a very popular brand for making industry level accurate and precise products for testing and measurements.
The multimeter from this brand is unique and comes with a set of detachable test leads.
Important features:
- It is true RMS multimeter
- Autoranging which is very useful and handy
- The dual LCD displays two readings at once, such as voltage and resistance.
- An audible continuity sensor confirms a circuit conducts electricity
- A diode test detects the proper functioning of a circuit’s diodes
- Can measure the time period of your signals
- Can also express AC and DC voltage in decibels (dB), the power ratio of decibels to milliwatts (dBm), and the percent of the reading relative to a preset reference value
- A hold function keeps a reading on the display, even after the meter has been disconnected
In a short summary, the BK Precision 2831E (Amazon link) can be a great option if you have the budget and want to have high mathematical and statistical features in your meter.
Similar to this product is the Keithley 2100 benchtop multimeter. You should also check this model as well.
6. Tenma 72-1055
Tenma is another popular brand for making gaming electronics products. This meter doesn’t have the same features as the above meters, but for the price, this is a good all around multimeter.
The beauty of this meter, the 72-1055, is that this bench top multimeter has the ability to be powered with either AC power or batteries, making it an excellent choice for portable testing.
Important features of this multimeter:
- This unit measures AC/DC voltage and current
- Resistance
- Capacitance
- Frequency
- Transistor hFE and temperature.
- It also provides diode and audible continuity test functions.
In a short summary, the Tenma 72-1055 (Amazon link) is ideal for an education setting, a hobbyist, and any service bench. It has a low price tag and has high built quality.
Now, if you like this model and want to have look a t similar options. Then the following few models are the best alternatives to this one. You should definitely check them out.
7. OWON XDM1041
The last multimeter I have for you is from the OWON brand. Now chances are you may not have heard of this brand before. But it is a very good and new emerging brand. A Thousand people used the products from this brand and have a great experience.
The benchtop multimeter from this brand, the XDM1041, is a mini desktop digital multimeter with a 3.5 inch LCD display screen.
Important features:
- It is portable and easy to use. Most of the above meters are not portable and sit on the bench top.
- Simple and easy user interface
- Store process and manage data by simply displaying the results in tabular form
- True RMS AC voltage /current measurement
- Data record function, you can record the measured data into internal memory, and then read and process the recorded data with your computer
In a short summary, the OWON XDM1041 (Amazon link) is made of high quality ABS material, an excellent tool for instruments and laboratories, factories, radio enthusiasts, and researchers.
Conclusion
A multimeter is a basic tool we need for making important measurements. It is one of the tools that we require on a constant basis when working on various electronics circuits and projects.
It helps us measure the following quantities:
- Voltage measurements for both AC and DC
- Current measurements for both AC and DC
- Resistance measurements
- Capacitance measurements
- Diode testing
- Continuity testing
- and so much more
But sometimes we require more features rather than just the above. We require some statistical and mathematical features as well. To help us in having those advanced features we go for a dedicated best benchtop multimeter.
Benchtop multimeters are designed for heavy duty work. They help us test and measure signals, components, and blocks of electronics circuits and projects. You can consider the benchtop meter as the advanced multimeter that is heavy and set on the top of your lab bench.
Alright!
In a short summary, this article is all about benchtop meters. In this article, we look at some best benchtop multimeters out there on the market. And try to conclude why you need a meter of this nature, what are the famous brands, and what key things you should look for when picking a multimeter.
So, that is it. This is all I have for you about the bench top multimeters. I hope you enjoyed it.
Thank you and have a grateful life.
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