Moisture Meters Reviewed & Rated for Quality
We all want to get rid of that awful moisture that damages our tools, vehicles, buildings, and other stuff. It comes from nowhere and takes us by surprise. We are just not prepared for ruined furniture, bad-looking walls, and other consequences! The presence of moisture can not only be lethal for objects around us but it can jeopardize our health. That’s why we have to prevent it from rising in the first place. You probably know what we are about to suggest, but there’s no better option from using moisture meters! This little device is super useful and efficient in tracking moisture. If you didn’t know about it earlier, now is the right time to get one for your household. Seriously, how did you even get so far without one in your toolbox? Well, it’s never too late to make things right. Now you have a new task to complete and it should be fun too. A moisture meter will make you look like a serious home investigator!
Featured Recommendations
- General Tools
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Our rating - Outstanding Performance
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- Calculated Industries
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Our rating - 2-in-1
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- Sam-Pro Tools
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Our rating - Versatile
- Price: See Here
If you’re a first-time buyer and don’t know what to look for, we got your back! We have done thorough market research and came out with 10 best moisture meters. You should be able to pick the perfect one from these top products. On the other hand, those who are here to replace an old device will be thrilled with some new releases! We also provided some additional tips and recommendations. Did you think that we will let you go through this tiresome searching process all alone? No way! Using our detailed guide you should be able to pick the perfect moisture meter without any issue! Now, may we present to you:
10 Best Moisture Meters
General Tools
This moisture meter works perfectly in discovering moisture under all kinds of surfaces. It has a separate leak detector for different types of wood, which is very useful for every homeowner. The device offers a ¾ inch sensing depth as well as +/-4% accuracy on wood. It operates at temperatures that range from 32° to 122°F.
We only have to notice that it isn’t as accurate as we would like it to be. Don’t get us on the wrong way, it’s ideal for a variety of situations and purposes. We only think that the range +/-4 it's not the best one out there!
Easy to Use
The device works on a 9V battery that you get to change in a matter of seconds. It features an LCD screen with a colored graph for better readings. The operation runs smoothly thanks to the intuitive design. There’s a simple button that works as a power switch and changes operational modes as well. Additionally, a very loud alarm will notify you when you step out of range, and the tiny indicator will remind you when’s the time to power up the low battery.
All in all, the design is pretty straightforward and you should be quite satisfied with it! The device is fairly compact and easy to handle. It has a textured size for a more comfortable and secure grip. Along with all these features, the unit is built from durable ABS plastic that can withstand quite a lot!
Cost and Value
People mostly praise the price of this product. It does offer outstanding value for the reasonable price and comes with a 1-year warranty. Although it’s not a meter with all the bells and whistles, it offers many features to meet different needs. We think you’re going to love it!
Works with all kinds of surfaces
Easy to use
LCD screen for better readings
Alarm and a battery indicator
Durable
Well priced
Not the best accuracy
Calculated Industries
As we already mentioned, this one works great in large areas. It's especially useful for surfaces that you don't want to damage during the process. You get to use a pinless option for this purpose! However, if you want to perform an accurate test to measure the specific surface or material, you can use a pin. It allows for better accuracy and works at various depths. We find it very useful for checking moisture in wood! You get to use it when working on the furniture, home building, and other similar situations!
We only didn’t like the fact that pushing the pin into the material could get a little tricky sometimes. This is especially true for wood. We recommend being careful if you don't want to waste the pin every time you want to check the moisture!
Intuitive Design
This device has an intuitive design that allows for easy use. It comes with a rather large and easy-to-read display. The unit is made of sturdy materials that are meant to last. The company made sure to use only the most durable ones because of the pin design. The meter has to be durable enough to withstand frequent hole making. Also, it offers a loud alarm and battery indicator (9V battery included). The set of replaceable stainless steel pins is included in the package as well!
When it comes to the user-friendly experience, we have to say that this tool performs well in this area too. It’s not bulky nor hard to handle thanks to the textured side material. It allows for a firm and comfortable grip when you need to use it at an extended period.
Cost and Value
With this impressive tool, you can find any moisture that's sneaking around your house! You won't even have to pay a lot to get this great device. It comes at a reasonable price and offers great protection for your walls, furniture, and other materials.
Both pin and pinless option
Great accuracy
Versatile
Simple design
Durable
Reasonable price
Issues with the pins
Sam-Pro Tools
This one measures moisture and temperature in over 100 materials! Pretty impressive, right? It’s super useful for checking the temperature in wood and concrete. This makes it a perfect option for every construction worker as well as every homeowner. It features the steel pin that you get to push into the surface to measure the moisture.
Considering the fact that it measures between 0% and 70% of moisture, this device really stands out from the competition! It’s one of the most versatile moisture meters on the market. It doesn’t have too impressive accuracy with the range of +/-1%, but it’s quite decent. There’s no handyperson that will be unsatisfied with its performance, that’s for sure!
User-Friendly
The device is very easy to use. When you insert the pin into the material you only need to follow the LCD screen to check the readings. The unit comes with an extra protective nylon case and a set of extra pins. The 9V replacement battery is included too. All in all, you’ll get all the necessary things to measure the moisture straight from the box. The tool is also well protected from outside damages which means that it should last for quite a while!
Cost and Value
You probably won’t find a better-performing moisture meter for the same price! This one is perfect for those who are on a limited budget yet want a powerful and accurate device.
Versatile
Works on over 100 materials
Easy to use
Simple design with intuitive readings
Sturdy and durable
Budget-friendly
Not the most accurate device on the market
Dr. Meter
As we mentioned, you don’t have to bore a hole and use the steel pin to check the moisture in materials. You can use this pinless tool and get the readings without damaging the object. It will still give an impressive accuracy by measuring moisture from 4% to 80% with a maximum error of 1% Rh. We say this is a great performance!
The only issue that could annoy you with its performance is a frequent calibration. Dr. Meter does this automatically, which is great because it provides improved accuracy. However, because it requires frequent re-calibration it can become a real nuisance!
Automatic Shut Off
The large LCD screen allows for accurate readings. You get to shut off and change the modes with 3 simple buttons. There’s also an auto shut off feature that turns off the device when it’s not in use. Although this is a great feature, it could also get a little annoying. For example, if you have to track the moisture in a particular area for a while, you don't need this feature. It could sabotage you by turning off every once in a while!
The device is very compact and made of durable ABS plastic. It allows for simple transportation and storage, but also easy handling. It has a texturized sides for a firm and more comfortable grip.
Cost and Value
This amazing little device also comes at an attractive price! We definitely recommend making it a part of your tool equipment. You’ll find it useful for moisture checkups all around your house, workshop or construction site! The device uses three 1.5V AAA batteries which are included in the package. You’ll also get a carrying pouch and a detailed manual.
A pinless device with excellent accuracy
The large LCD screen with clear readings
Easy to operate
Auto shut off feature
Made of durable plastic
An attractive price
Requires frequent re-calibration
Auto shut off feature could be quite annoying
Lignomat
The Lignomat Moisture Meter offers a measuring range from 6% to 45%. It’s not very impressive, but it’s a decent range and the device is quite accurate. When it comes to other features, you’ll be pleased to know that it offers an automatic calibration. You don’t have to bother about this, the meter will do everything on its own.
Easy to Use
The device offers a simple and straightforward design. You get to easily replace the steel pins according to the material thickness. The display is wide and bright enough for you to read the measures with great ease. It takes about 2 minutes to get the tool ready and measure the moisture. It’s simple as that!
Cost and Value
The Lignomat Moisture Meter is not a perfect tool, we give you that. Nevertheless, we didn’t see any similar tool in the same price range! This is one of the best budget-friendly moisture meters on the market. It’s efficient, reliable, and durable. What else could we ask from it?
Decent measuring range
Accurate readings
Automatic calibration
Easy to use
Useful display
Inexpensive
Not the best range
MEP Tramex
This is a pinless moisture meter that measures moisture from 5% to 30%. It’s quite accurate and it doesn’t require damaging the object for precise results. It offers the best readings when used for wood, drywall, plaster, and more. This makes it a perfect option for construction workers that need to check the building materials!
User-Friendly
This device is not only accurate and versatile but also user-friendly! It allows for simple and fast measurements no matter where you are and when you want them. We especially liked the hold feature that freezes the readings until you check them out. There is also an automatic shut off feature and an alarm that comes very useful. All in all, the device comes with an entire set of features to provide the optimal user-friendly experience. It’s also very sturdy and durable thanks to the solid construction. We would only like to see larger buttons, but that’s more like nitpicking!
Cost and Value
Now we come to the real drawback with this device. MEP Tramex is not only a little pricey – it will cost you an arm and a leg! Professionals who bought this device are very satisfied and they say it’s worth every penny. We also say go for it, if you have that amount of cash! It’s just that most people won’t have the means to get it.
Pinless yet powerful
Versatile
Accurate
Easy to use
An entire set of useful features
Sturdy and durable
Small buttons
Very expensive
Amphenol Thermometrics
As we mentioned above, this mini moisture meter is quite useful and very portable. It measures moisture in all kinds of materials such as wood, drywall, concrete, and more. The compact design makes it suitable for every tradesman's kit. You get to store it wherever you want, from your pocket to the tiny toolbox.
Additionally, the device is made from sturdy materials that make it quite durable. We didn’t expect that kind of durability from such a tiny device. It also has a convenient design for comfortable use and a firm grip. We only want to see the plastic little cap better designed. It can be really tricky sometimes, that little devil!
Color Indicator
Although this is a pin moisture meter, it uses so small steel pins that it bores almost invisible holes. You won't be able to notice any holes on the surface, that's for sure. The device has a small yet practical scale. It shows the temperature by switching green, orange, and red lights. The green means that the material is not wet and the orange shows a little moisture. The red warns about too much moisture in a particular material. There are also numbers on the side of the scale to show the percent of moisture along with the color indicator.
Cost and Value
So this one is not cheap like some of the previously reviewed products, but it won’t be too hard on your pocketbook. Considering the compact design and outstanding versatility, AT Mini is a real steal! It also comes with a 1-year warranty, so make sure not to miss this opportunity!
Compact design
Versatile
Portable and accurate
Durable
Easy to use
Convenient colored indicator
The plastic cap is poorly designed
Pricey
Protimeter
This one offers two operation modes. You can either search without using pins or measure the moisture by using the pin. The choice is all yours! What can we say more about it? It’s super efficient and accurate, allowing for measuring moisture in all kinds of materials. It catches the moisture on the surface as well as beneath it. This allows for outstanding precision. It's super useful when constructing buildings and dealing with similar jobs.
The tool is specially designed to allow for easy, one-handed use. It has a useful little screen to show the measures and two buttons for simple operations. This is about it, there are no other things that could complicate your life when using this meter!
Sturdy Construction
This amazing device comes with sturdy construction that is pretty much resistant to everything! It will withstand all the harsh conditions and situations we put our tools through on a daily basis. The only thing that could improve is the cap at the top of the device. It’s poorly designed and not as durable as we would like it to be.
Cost and Value
We couldn’t find any major drawback in this tool’s performance, but then we came to the price. Let us say this – Protimeter comes with a sky-high price tag! All those who have that money to spend will be satisfied with the meter. However, most people will have to search for another option. If you do decide on this product, you’ll get a 2-year warranty for some peace of mind!
Pinless and pin-type
Efficient and precise
Easy to use
One-handed operation
Sturdy construction
The cap could be better
Sky-high price
Extech
As we mentioned, Extech doesn’t require making holes in the object to get the most accurate results. It efficiently measures the moisture on the surface as well as underneath it from 0.78 to 1.6 inches. People mostly use it to check the moisture in building materials such as wood and concrete. You can also use it around the house and for other purposes, it won't fail you not even once. All you need to do is put the device close to the object and follow the audio alarm. It will notify you about the wet surface, and you get to see those results on the screen. It’s simple as that!
Automatic Features
This device comes with an automatic hold feature as well as the automatic shut down one. There’s also an indicator that will let you know when the battery level drops down. Let’s not forget the automatic calibration feature that comes very useful!
We only have to warn you that some users had really bad first impressions with this tool. It seems that the item that came for the first time wasn’t accurate at all. This happened to several users! The amazing customer service did a great job in replacing them for the new ones, that's true. However, having to deal with this is rather inconvenient!
Cost and Value
Although it’s not the cheapest product out there, we can’t really complain about its price. Extech is quite reasonably priced, and it comes with such a great value! You won’t be disappointed with it by no means.
Great performance
High precision
Versatile
Several automatic features for improved performance
Easy to use
Reasonable price
Several issues with the arrived package
Wagner Meters
This is a pinless moisture meter. It allows for excellent accuracy and flawless performance in general. It works great with all kinds of materials, giving the most precise readings. It doesn’t even require for you to bore holes in the surface to work!
Automatic Features
Along with excellent performance and a high level of accuracy, Wagner meter offers a self-calibration. You’ll also have a hold feature that comes more useful than it seems on first sight. Not to mention the adjustable audio alarm that notifies about the moisture level. All in all, you’ll get all the necessary features for simple use.
Our only gripe comes from a confusing design. It will take some time for you to figure out how this tool works. Even then, you’ll have a few issues with pressing the buttons accurately.
Cost and Value
Although this device is on the expensive side, we have to say that it comes with a nice compensation. It offers a 7-year warranty. Yes, you read it right! The company really stands behind its products. If you run into any issues within that period, feel free to contact the amazing customer service!
Excellent performance
Precise
Self-calibration
Hold feature and an adjustable alarm
7-years warranty
Difficult to figure out
Pricey
Criteria Used in Evaluation of the Best Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are simply designed yet very complex little devices. That’s why we had a hard time comparing and evaluating the best picks! We had to examine every little detail that influences their performance. And the list isn’t short at all! If you’re interested in our line of thought, here are some of the important things:
Accuracy
First thing first, accuracy! The most powerful and the most precise moisture meters are at the top of our list. Don’t get us wrong, they all have their flaws and we had to take them all into consideration. However, we tried to leave the best places for those who promise the highest accuracy. The measuring range and precision are the most important things when it comes to moisture meters. Therefore, they were the most important factors in our criteria too!
Design
It might not seem that way at first, but the design of every moisture meter is very important. Easy or difficult operations depend on intuitive or complicated interface design. Some devices come with several big buttons that are very simple and easy to use. Others are hard to figure out and they can give us quite some difficult time! The cases that are designed to provide more comfort and secure grip also got some extra points. Not to mention their sturdiness and durability! Moisture meters are tools that operate in harsh conditions. From construction sites to garages, they are constantly exposed to countless threats. Only good and sturdy design can protect them from this. Therefore, we looked for and ranked the best-designed moisture meters – they are at the very top of the list!
Price
Last but not least, let’s not forget that the price plays a big role when it comes to these devices. They are all rather expensive, and we had to make sure that you’ll get what you paid for. Some cheap products are also at the top of our list because they do provide exceptional value for the money. We ranked all products according to their performance, accuracy, and overall value. But the price was very important too!
Other Factors to Consider When Looking for Moisture Meters
We know that you’re impatient to get done with this tiresome searching process and get your new device! However, there are some things you might want to consider before the very purchase. It will take a few moments but it could influence your final decision. Here’s what this is about:
How accurate should it be?
Not everybody needs the same accuracy from the moisture meter. If you’re a home inspector that casually checks the house for moisture, you can easily go for less accuracy. You don’t have to have all the bells and bristles that come with first-class devices. On the other hand, if you’re a professional tradesman you should definitely consider buying the most accurate meter out there! The purpose and the type of job you have will determine how accurate your device should be.
Where do I intend to use it?
This question is all about the materials you intend to inspect. Of course, you can’t know this with for sure, but you probably have some idea. Is it wood, concrete, or drywall? Consider the material type and how accurate readings you want, and then opt for a particular type.
Pin-type or pinless moisture meter?
This one is huge! Most people stick with new digital moisture meters because they don’t bore holes in the material. However, there are many users that still opt to have a traditional one with pins for more accuracy. The choice is all yours, and it mostly depends on your personal preferences! Again, when you answer the previous questions you’ll be able to answer this one with more confidence.
Do I have budget limitations?
Moisture meters are expensive devices. Well, at least the best-performing ones are! If you’re on a tight budget you should consider making some compromise. Even then, you shouldn’t go at the expense of accuracy and power if you don’t have to. You can withstand bad design, but you can’t compensate for the lack of accuracy! Also, if you have a few more bucks to spend on this tool, do it. It’s very important that you detect the problem on time, and only the quality tool will allow for this!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between pin and pinless moisture meter?
A: The main difference is in the way they get the readings of the moisture. Pin-type features a steel pin on the top of the unit that goes straight in the material you want to measure. The device can then measure how wet is the substance of the material around it. As the name says it, the pinless or digital type doesn’t use pins! This device only has to be close to the object to determine the level of moisture in it.
Q: Why to choose a pinless one?
A: Digital or pinless moisture meter is a better option when you have to deal with solid surfaces. When you have to bore a hole in a tightly packed material you can easily damage the surface. People opt for a digital device because they don’t leave any trace on the material. The surface remains intact and perfectly smooth!
Q: Why are moisture meters so expensive?
A: The best-performing moisture meters are rather expensive, that’s true. The main reason for this is the technology used for its construction. A lot of expensive parts had to be used for them to have the most accurate moisture readings! Measuring the moisture isn’t an easy task at all, and the technology that allows for this is a little expensive. You can still find a budget-friendly product that works great, but not just as accurate as of the pricey ones!
Q: How should I store my moisture meter?
A: This is a good question! These are not cheap devices and you want to store them in a proper way if you want them to last. Firstly, put it in a dry place. Moisture meters don’t love wet places. Funny thing, we know! Secondly, make sure to change batteries (and pins) regularly. If you need to clean the device, you should only clean the visible parts and not the internal ones. Also, follow the instructions about the re-calibration. Some of the newly designed devices have this set on automatic. Still, if your particular type doesn’t have it at all, it’s always a smart choice to consult the customer service!
Sources
- , How Accurate are Moisture Meter Readings, Really?, Article
- , Pinless Moisture Meters vs. Pin Meters, Article
- , Moisture Meters: Types and Uses, Article
