Moisture can cause a lot of problems. The quality and properties of materials depend on the moisture content. No matter whether we work in construction, or working with wooden products. We have to make sure that the moisture or humidity level is up to the given standard.
An excellent way to determine the quality and prevent costly damages is to determine the moisture levels accurately.
To do so, we need to have the best moisture meter. It is basically a very simple tool that helps us determine the presence of moisture in wood, furniture, buildings, homes, or any given situation.
Now, for a first-time buyer. It is sometimes challenging to pick a good moisture meter that suits his requirements. He may not know which parameter to look for in a top-quality humidity or a moisture meter, what brands to look for, and perhaps a lot of such questions.
Well,
In this article, I am just going to help you with all the questions. And I will try my best to give you a list of proven moisture meters.
At the end of this article, you should be able to know:
- What is a moisture meter
- What are the different types of moisture meter
- Technical parameters to look for when picking the best meter for moisture detection
- List of proven moisture meters, used by thousands of people around the world.
- Some cheap alternatives
Sounds interesting? Then I am sure you will enjoy the rest of this article.
Let’s get started.
Best moisture meters
Buying the best moisture meter depends on what situation you are in. If you are a professional and looking for something that would help you in your field then the moisture detector needs to have high quality and useful features.
The best moisture meter that I and field professionals recommend is either the FILR MR77 or the Protimeter BLD5365. They are the best because they come from proven brands, are used by thousands of people, are reliable, are of high quality, and the best part is they have a very decent price tag that almost anyone can afford.
In case, if you are looking for a cheap alternative that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Then the moisture meter MM8 from General Tools is for you.
In the rest of the article, I talk about these models in more detail.
How I came up with these models. Well, the following are the choosing parameters and criteria that I followed.
Choosing the best moisture detector
Here are a few technical parameters you should keep in mind to make sure you make the best possible purchase for your project requirements.
a. Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the most important parameters when it comes to measuring moisture. Taking accurate readings can make or break the functionality of a meter.
The general rule for any moisture meter is to look for a meter that has an accuracy range from 1 percent to 5 percent. Anything above 5 percent is too inaccurate for general use.
High-end moisture meters can detect moisture lower than 1 percent which makes them extremely precise and accurate.
b. Type of moisture meter
These are essential two types of moisture meters 1) pin type and 2) pinless type. With pin type, you have to insert the pins of the moisture meter into the surface of wood or other under-measurement surfaces. The shorter the probes, the less accurate the readings, and vice versa. So choose it when you are working with smaller pieces of wood or wood with shapes.
On the other hand, a pinless meter can measure moisture content without any probes. This is much easier to use than the above and is best for plane surfaces.
So select your moisture meter according to your situation.
c. Moisture range
It is the range of moisture content a moisture meter can detect with accuracy. Now we want this range to be as high as possible.
For flooring installation, woodworking, and furniture working, this moisture range must be from 6-7%. Not a lot of moisture meters can do this, so always keep an eye on this range.
d. Usability
No matter how good a moisture meter is if it is not easy to use, Chances are you won’t be able to take full advantage of its functionality.
Most of the people who are buying a moisture meter do not know how to use them. So an easy-to-use device will be better than a compact device with a poor user experience.
A straightforward easy-to-use device is always a plus point and something to keep in mind before buying a moisture meter
e. Versatility
The versatility of a moisture meter is determined by its range. If a moisture meter has a wide range that means it can be used with a variety of different materials.
A good moisture meter should be able to operate on a variety of materials ranging from wood to concrete, drywall, and many more materials
f. Other cool features
This includes a good display, a temperature sensor, a built-in humidity sensor, and the ability to hold readings, etc.
List of the best moisture detectors
Alright then, now that you know what the technical parameters are you would be able a good deal if it came along your way.
The given below products are selected on the basis of these above parameters. All the parameters I described above are applied to the products below.
1. Protimeter BLD5365
The first one on our list is the BLD5365 from the Protimeter brand. This brand is based in the United Kingdom for more than 70 years it has been the industry leader with years of experience. Many field professionals recommend it.
The BLD5365 uses both pin and pinless technology. Pin contact provides an accurate range of 7.9 to 99.9 percent on a scale while using pinless (pads) technology with a 1 percent accuracy.
Important features:
- It is a two-in-one-moisture meter for both pin and pinless situations
- You can use it for the non-invasive measurement up to ¾” (20mm) below the surface
- ABS plastic build provides excellent protection against damage.
- It also has a backlit LCD that provides excellent readability.
- The wide range of materials makes it very versatile with low-cost
To summarize the Protimeter BLD5365 (Amazon link) is the ultimate moisture meter with the perks and features. It will replace most of your measuring products like a thermometer, humidity meters, etc.
This product is focused more on general fieldwork. It can detect moisture in a variety of materials. This tool is field-ready, robust, durable, and reliable.
2. FLIR MR77
The second-best moisture meter on our list is also from FLIR because this company has been in the game for more than 70 years with tons of experience under its belt.
The model MR77 is a pinless and pin moisture meter that provides you the value of two in one device.
Important features:
- The professional nature of the tool can operate on a wide range of materials, making it very versatile.
- The pinless moisture range is about 0-100%
- Pin moisture range is about 7-100% which is well suited for all major wood measurements
- The sensors are very sensitive which provides absolute precise accurate measurements
- With Built-in temperature and humidity sensors, it would replace other tools
- The large LCD screen provides easy navigation through the modes
- It is also compatible with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth
To put it into simple words the FLIR MR77 (Amazon link) is designed with versatility in mind. You can use it for a lot of applications.
3. General Tools MMH800
The next on our list is the MMH800 from General Tools. Founded in 1922 General Tools is a US-based company that is responsible for producing some of the world’s most reliable tools.
The Moisture meter, MMH800, is an amazing product that not only you can use for moisture but also for mold, water leakage, and humidity detection. It is a 4 in 1 device with a portable price tag.
Important features:
- Can quickly determine what level of remediation is needed to keep your family safe from black mold.
- This device detects moisture through floors, walls, and wood making it very versatile.
- Provides a moisture level range of 5% – 50% in wood and 1.5% – 33% in building materials, such as concrete and drywall.
- Sturdy ABS build to protect the device from daily abuse.
- Double-dedicated displays help provide a wide range of information.
- Moisture, temperature, and relative humidity sensors eliminate the need for separate devices.
- The simple design makes it easy to use and very interactive.
The General Tools MMH800 (Amazon link) is a reliable and easy-to-use moisture meter that will get most of the daily taste done with little to no hassle. It’s a good investment in tools. If you are someone that is on a budget this is the absolute best option.
4. Extech MO50
Another best moister meter, the MO50, is from the Extech company. It is a company that is owned by FLIR and was built in 1971 in the US. It has been standing for more than 50 years.
The MO50 is able to detect moisture in wood, wallboard, and much more making it extremely versatile.
Important features:
- With robust pin contact, you can measure the moisture content of an object with great accuracy and precision.
- It has an accuracy of 3 percent overall. It has both a pin and pinless mode of operation. The pinless method provides an accuracy between 0 and 99 overall and 5 to 49% in woods.
On the other hand, pin mode gives an accurate reading ranging between 5 to 50% percent in woods and 1.5 to 33 percent overall.
- It also has an audible alert tone that beeps faster as the moisture level increases.
- It is designed for beginners so it is very easy to use and understand.
To summarize the Extech MO50 (Amazon link) is the best budget-friendly moisture meter on the market. It is easy to use and beginner-friendly with a sturdy design. It will last for a long time and will solve most of the issues. It is cheap and reliable with outstanding performance.
5. General Tools MMD4E
General Tools is a recognized leader in designing and developing specialized precision tools dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service.
Since 1922, they have encouraged artisans and DIYers to work smarter, measure better, and repair more productively. If you are looking for a durable and reliable moisture meter, then this MMD4E can be the one.
Important features:
- Pincontact is big in deep resulting in absolute precise readings
- The wide range of materials makes it very versatile.
- Backlit LCD provides excellent readability which makes navigation easy
- The robust ABS plastic builds well making sure it would last you for a long while.
- The user experience is on point with no confusing layout and modes it is extremely easy to use.
In short, the General Tools MMD4E (Amazon link) is a product from a well-established brand that gets the job done with relatively low cost and hassle.
6. Klein Tools ET140
The next best pinless moisture meter on the line is from Klein Tools. Klein Tool is a US-based company that has been producing tools since 1857. They are committed to their craft and have more than 150 years of experience under their belt.
This company produces some of the most robust and durable tools that can be used for many years. And the moisture meter, ET140, is not an exception.
Important features:
- The ET140 detects potential leaks and flooding issues with extreme accuracy.
- The pad contact can measure moisture without damaging them making it perfect for people in the furniture industry.
- It is versatile so you would be able to use it on drywall, masonry, hardwood, and much more.
- You would get a large LCD that provides excellent visibility making the navigation a piece of cake.
- Durable plastic construction provides absolute protection against damage of any kind.
- The device is extremely useful to use and navigate with its simple and easy-to-use layout.
In summary, the Klein Tools ET140 (Amazon link) is the best regarding reliability, brand, and functionality. It is produced by a company with 150 years of experience. It is affordable and will last a long time before you would need another one.
7. General Tools MM8
The last meter is from the same company, General Tools, as I talked about earlier. The moisture meter, the MM8 from this brand is designed for beginners. It is simple and comes with a low price tag.
Important features:
- This device is accurate for most of the tasks in a household environment.
- Non-invasive mode of measure provides measurements without stretching the object making it perfect for furniture inspection.
- This model can be used with a variety of different materials like wood, drywall, tiles, etc, making it versatile for most of the daily work
- The large LCD screen makes the navigation a piece of cake
- Sturdy ABS plastic ensures the device is protected against damage.
- The simple easy-to-use layout makes it perfect for beginners.
In short, the General Tools MM8 (Amazon link) is the most reliable and affordable product for detecting moisture. It’s an alternative to the above products that get the job done at a fraction of the price.
Conclusion
The homes we live in now are built from wood and concrete with water and electrical systems going in between the walls. If the wood you used in the construction of your house or furniture has lots of moisture content. It can warp and bend, putting the structural integrity of the house on the line.
Water leaks can greatly damage the foundation of your house. A help-cured or leaked floor can greatly impact the longevity of the wooden tiles with the added damage that it can crumble at any time.
To address all these issues we need to have the best moisture detector to tell about the moisture content.
Now,
Buying a moisture meter can be a time-consuming and tiring process. So here are a few things you should keep in mind before buying one.
- Accuracy
- Versatility
- Non-invasive
- Durability
- Easy to use
Based on the above parameters. the FLIR MR77 (Amazon link) and Protimeter BLD5365 (Amazon link) are the best moisture meters and detectors on the market when it comes to peak functionality, capability, and money well spent.
Alright,
This is it. Hope you learned something of value from my article, and it is my pleasure to inform you with the best of my knowledge about the best moisture testers out there.
Thank you and stay curious.
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