The presence of moisture in your home can be alarming. Likewise, if you have a facility with products that naturally contain moisture in them, having a handy moisture meter can prove to be helpful. Wood, which is a common material used in various structures and furniture, may develop and contain moisture. If not regularly checked, the moisture can cause major problems such as product loss, flooring failures, and other professional liability issues. Even at home, an undetected moisture increase might also be damaging to your property. Thus, having the right kind of meter is just as important. That said, here are the seven best moisture meters you might just be looking for.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCT Pin Type Moisture Meter | Water damage is the first sign of mold infestation. Thus, untreated high levels of moisture can breed harmful growth of mold. The DCT Pin Type Moisture Meter is guaranteed to prevent mold before they create further damage in your home. This general moisture meter can be used to measure moisture content on wood or drywall before even painting it, wallpaper, seal, or locate and treat water spots above ceilings, on the carpet, subflooring (below floors), and behind walls. | ||
| NoCry Digital Moisture Meter | NoCry Digital Moisture Meter helps you pinpoint any slow leaks behind your walls, under floors, and above ceilings, which can eventually lead to water damage, mold, and mildew. This product will help you maintain and keep your property moisture-free. You can also use it on firewood to ensure what you are burning is dry and won’t cause creosote buildup in your chimney. | ||
| eOUTIL Digital Moisture Meter | The eOUTIL Digital Moisture Meter has a state-of-the-art LCD that does the reading and viewing the numbers a lot easier. Proven effective in measuring moisture levels in different surfaces, this device is perfect for homeowners and contractors alike. | ||
| Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter | Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter can quickly detect hidden water damage in floors, walls, and carpets caused by roof leaks, flooding, burst pipes, and underground seepage or other water infiltration sources. Hence, helping you save a lot of money on costly damages and avoid toxic mold or other health risks. | ||
| General Tools MM1E Moisture Meter | General Tools MM1E Moisture Meter is utilized by professionals to measure the moisture content of wood and other construction materials. It’s a perfect choice when you want to detect water leaks in roofs, floors, and walls, check for moisture in carpets and sub-flooring and make sure that wood and drywall are dry enough before applying paint, wallpaper, and seal or even begin treating it. | ||
| Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter | Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter is specially designed to pinpoint hidden moisture content up to 3/4-Inch depth non-invasively. With this pinless moisture meter, you can now easily select between materials using its mode button to test the surface of drywall, masonry, hardwood, and softwood. | ||
| General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter | General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter provides you with accurate moisture level reading to determine possible leaks, dampness, and moisture in wood, ceiling, walls, carpet, and firewood. This water leak detector is an essential tool for new home inspections and home restorations, locating roof leaks, or ensuring that the firewood is ready to burn. |
Detailed Reviews on the 7 Best Moisture Meters
DCT Pin Type Moisture Meter
Water damage is the first sign of mold infestation. Thus, untreated high levels of moisture can breed harmful growth of mold. The DCT Pin Type Moisture Meter is guaranteed to prevent mold before they create further damage in your home. This general moisture meter can be used to measure moisture content on wood or drywall before even painting it, wallpaper, seal, or locate and treat water spots above ceilings, on the carpet, subflooring (below floors), and behind walls.
Product Highlights
This best moisture meter features it’s tested and proven durability. The device is made from ABS plastic, known for its ability to resist rust and corrosion with integrated sharp metal probe pins. It also includes rubber sides for an easy and comfortable grip while in use. Further, its measurement reading speed is displayed in a matter of seconds.
The Good
DCT Pin Type Moisture Meter is so easy to use. Remove the prong cover, turn the device on, select the appropriate unit option, touch pins gently to material, and the screen will then display environment temperature and environment humidity and material moisture reading. For a more accurate result, it’s also worth noting that drilling pilot holes is advised when measuring more rigid materials such as concrete.
The Bad
According to several customers, the moisture meter device tends to have a slight malfunction after several months. Also, this device requires some batteries and has an auto shut-off feature that activates after 10 minutes of inactivity, which can cause a delay if you’re working on a project.
PROs
- Great for woodworking, lumber selection, water damage tracing, etc.
- Easy to use and has rubber sides for ergonomic handling.
- Measurement reading speed is displayed in a matter of seconds.
CONs
- The moisture meter device tends to have a slight malfunction after several months.
- Auto shut off feature that activates after 10 minutes of inactivity.
NoCry Digital Moisture Meter
NoCry Digital Moisture Meter helps you pinpoint any slow leaks behind your walls, under floors, and above ceilings, which can eventually lead to water damage, mold, and mildew. This product will help you maintain and keep your property moisture-free. You can also use it on firewood to ensure what you are burning is dry and won’t cause creosote buildup in your chimney.
Product Highlights
Weighing only at 5.4 oz., this product won’t cause any strain when in use. It is comfortable enough to use and has been proven to be both durable and unbreakable. Further, the device features an auto-calibration to the ambient temperature and humidity.
The Good
This best moisture meter also features built-in sensor that measures and displays moisture level, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) in your walls, floors, and ceilings. If you want to avoid spending too much money on water damage to your home, give this product a try. It also has two brightness settings and shows everything you need to know: the moisture level, the temperature in C˚ and F˚, the active measurement mode and setting, and even the remaining battery percentage of the actual device.
The Bad
According to several customers, the device came with some apparent accuracy and preciseness issues. The package also includes a 9V battery but tends to stop working after a few times of using the device.
PROs
- Detects any slow leaks behind walls, under floors and above ceilings.
- Settings are adjustable for more than one hundred different materials.
- It can be used on firewood to ensure what you are burning or using is dry.
CONs
- The device may come with a soldering issue that prevents a small percentage of moisture meters from working properly.
- It may come with some apparent accuracy and preciseness issues.
eOUTIL Digital Moisture Meter
The eOUTIL Digital Moisture Meter has a state-of-the-art LCD that does the reading and viewing the numbers a lot easier. Proven effective in measuring moisture levels in different surfaces, this device is perfect for homeowners and contractors alike.
Product Highlights
The product features its ergonomic design, which makes it easier for you to hold the device. It can accurately identify leaks and water damage that has been buried into the walls and woods you are working on. Further, with its building mater measuring, you can also estimate the potential for moisture growth throughout your home, for early leak prevention.
The Good
This best moisture meter is an excellent tool for manufacturers, flooring installers, inspectors, and lumber suppliers to quickly and easily scan the moisture content in woodworking. It’s also equipped with a backlit, which allows you to see a more straightforward reading, while a hold button has also been included to allow you to freeze the reading until you press it again to unfreeze.
The Bad
To use the digital moisture meter, you must know the wood species you are to measure and set a range for that wood, which causes a hassle. It’s also worth noting that oak was not among the hundreds of wood species shown in the paper table and the Purple Heart or Paduak.
PROs
- Detects hidden leaks in drywalls and surfaces to protect wall heath in time.
- An excellent tool for manufacturers, flooring installers, inspectors, and lumber suppliers to quickly and easily scan the moisture content in their woodworking.
- Ideal for prolonged and detailed writing tasks
- Works as temperature tester as well.
CONs
- To use the device, you must know the wood species you are to measure and set a range for that wood.
- The device’s protective top is made of slippery plastic and difficult to grab to remove to expose the measuring tips.
Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter
Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter can quickly detect hidden water damage in floors, walls, and carpets caused by roof leaks, flooding, burst pipes, and underground seepage or other water infiltration sources. Hence, helping you save a lot of money on costly damages and avoid toxic mold or other health risks.
Product Highlights
This convenient moisture meter makes a great tool when measuring moisture in various construction materials. This device is also ideal in testing for moisture content in brick, drywall, and plaster, and it also works well on all types of wood, including firewood and lumber. With AccuMASTER digital moisture meter, you can prevent moisture before it becomes a costly problem.
The Good
This best moisture meter is fairly easy to use. Just pop off the protective cover, and then firmly push the replaceable sharp, stainless steel pins into the material you want to measure. The results will then be displayed in large, easy-to-read digits, and clearly-designed icons tell you immediately if the Moisture Content is High, Medium, or Low. At the same time, it also comes with audible alerts so you will be able to hear the level even if you are in a dark or awkward space where you can’t see the screen.
The Bad
Several reports say that the device came with some apparent accuracy and preciseness issues, so you will have to think twice about its result. And while it’s better than other pinned moisture meters in this price range, pins may easily break when used in hardwoods.
PROs
- Quickly checks the moisture content percentage of expensive lumber and hardwoods.
- Prevents further damage to your home by detecting hidden leaks in walls and surfaces.
CONs
- The device came with some apparent accuracy and preciseness issues.
- Pins tend to break when used in hardwoods easily.
General Tools MM1E Moisture Meter
General Tools MM1E Moisture Meter is utilized by professionals to measure the moisture content of wood and other construction materials. It’s a perfect choice when you want to detect water leaks in roofs, floors, and walls, check for moisture in carpets and sub-flooring and make sure that wood and drywall are dry enough before applying paint, wallpaper, and seal or even begin treating it.
Product Highlights
This digital moisture meter can give you moisture readings in two ranges on its 10-LED graph display. At the same time, its protective cap also works as a calibration checker.
The Good
This CE and RoHS approved device comes fully equipped with battery indications and an included 9V battery. With the MM1E Moisture Meter, tradespeople, artisans, and people who like home improvement projects are now offered with a broad range of affordable, specific-purpose mechanical hand tools and precision measuring inspection tools.
The Bad
According to reports, the device would not display a reading most of the time, and customers say that it tends to show inconsistent readings when it works. The moisture meter also tends not to work on dense wood like oak.
PROs
- Includes protective cover, battery, and instruction manual.
- An excellent tool for homeowners, contractors, and inspectors.
- Ideal when locating and identifying water leaks in roofs, floors, and walls.
CONs
- The device may display inconsistent readings.
- The moisture meter also tends not to work on dense wood like oak.
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter is specially designed to pinpoint hidden moisture content up to 3/4-Inch depth non-invasively. With this pinless moisture meter, you can now easily select between materials using its mode button to test the surface of drywall, masonry, hardwood, and softwood.
Product Highlights
This best moisture meter features its easy viewing of meter readings with its bright, reverse-contrast display and LED bar graph. With its pinless, electromagnetic field (EMF) technology, nondestructive moisture content detection in building materials can finally be achieved.
The Good
ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter has nine LED bars indicate moisture range, and also have the hold, low battery, and auto-power off functions. For more comfortable and guided use, the product also comes with a detector, 9V battery, and instruction manual.
The Bad
Several customers say that the device’s LCD screen tends to be corrupted after a couple of times of using it. Also, checking or changing the batteries can be troublesome since the device requires a screwdriver to open the battery cover.
PROs
- Moisture detection of up to 19mm deep.
- Easy-to-select materials with mode buttons.
- Comes with a comfortable viewing feature with a bright reverse-contrast display.
CONs
- LCD screen tends to be corrupted after a couple of times of using it.
- The device requires a screwdriver to open the battery cover, which may cause delays.
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter provides you with accurate moisture level reading to determine possible leaks, dampness, and moisture in wood, ceiling, walls, carpet, and firewood. This water leak detector is an essential tool for new home inspections and home restorations, locating roof leaks, or ensuring that the firewood is ready to burn.
Product Highlights
This pin style digital moisture meter also makes an essential tool for assessing water damage and remediation efforts after flooding from storms, hurricanes, roof leaks or broken pipes to reveal hidden water damage in floors, walls, and carpets. By using the pin sensors to find the moisture content in your wood or drywall, it will help you to identify whether you need to dry the existing materials or replace with brand new ones.
The Good
With this device, you can now determine whether the area is wet, which makes it a perfect breeding ground for mold, or has long since dried. Further, it’s easy to read and use large high digits in a backlit LCD for quick and easy viewing plus a hold function to freeze a reading, auto power-off, and a low battery indicator.
The Bad
Several customers say that the unit would not display a reading most of the time. If it does, it’s worth noting that there are apparent inaccuracies and inconsistencies with the results. It only tends to work on softwoods, not on denser woods such as oak.
PROs
- Determines the moisture content of wood and other building materials.
- Includes stainless steel pins, a protective cap, and a 9V battery.
- Easy to read and use the feature.
CONs
- The unit doesn’t display accurate reading most of the time.
- It only tends to work on softwoods, and not on denser woods such as oak.
Conclusion
As you can see, moisture meters are essential devices for home and professional use. This equipment enables you to measure, estimate, and monitor the moisture levels of your home and other structures. While ensuring that it is at the appropriate moisture level, it is also vital that you invest in the best moisture meter to prevent further losses or costly repairs. Find out more about moisture meters.