Herbert Miller
Are you wondering why you need a wood moisture meter? Well, this little device can help you with tons of things. For starters, a contractor will require a wood moisture meter for measuring any kind of water damage in wooden structures. Moreover, can you imagine buying fireplace wood from the market only to realize later that it’s too moist to burn?
A block of moist wood is equal to a headache, and every homeowner and contractor will agree to do this. Why become the victim of moisture when you can tackle it with a tiny device? A moisture meter can set things many things straight.
Let’s see which meters could make it to the top 10!
If you are in a hurry to buy wood moisture meters, you can take a quick look at our top 3 picks. All these three products are the top performers and can satisfy all your wood moisture-measuring requirements.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall Pick
Calculated Industries 7445 AccuMASTER Wood Moisture Meter
- Rubber grips
- Audio alerts
- Both pin and pinless mode
- Easy to read display
Best Premium Pick
Protimeter BLD5365 Wood Moisture Meter
- Powerful LCD
- Rugged construction
- One-hand operation
- Dual operation modes
Best Budget Pick
Proster Handheld Wood Moisture Meter
- Versatile readings
- Affordable
- Auto power settings
- Durable ABS plastic construction
There are tons of options in the market, but after extensive research and following customer reviews, we’ve got our top 10. In this list of the ten best wood moisture meters, you’ll surely be able to find a perfect match.
1. Calculated Industries 7445 AccuMASTER Wood Moisture Meter
Are you looking for a product power-packed with the best features yet is affordable? Though it sounds rare, the Calculated Industries 7445 has made it possible. It features a pinless pad and the pin-style method that can test a large area. The backlit display uses white color and bold lettering, which allows the users to read the results quickly.
The meter also has an audio alert facility. The range of measurements is 5-percent to 50-percent in the pin mode, and in the pinless mode, it is 0.1-percent to 100-percent. The rubber grips and the durable structure makes this product ready for rugged use. The best part is that it is easy to find a replacement for the pins if it breaks.
Pros
- It is a price-effective unit.
- The backlit display is easy to read.
- This unit has an ergonomic grip.
- It is highly accurate and reliable.
- The unit has audio alerts.
Cons
- No cons to this product.
2. Protimeter BLD5365 Wood Moisture Meter
The Protimeter BLD5365 is excellent for professional and domestic use. Along with the standard pins, this unit also utilizes 5-inch pins for deeper penetration. This feature allows the device to give you more comprehensive measurements. This Protimeter device also comes with a calibration tool.
You can operate this device in either pin mode or pinless mode, according to your convenience. The moisture measuring device works well on drywall, concrete, wood, vinyl, tile, and many other surfaces. The only setback of this product is its high price.
We appreciate how the manufacturer is providing a 2-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. The large display with big digits is easy to read. The ergonomic structure and one-hand operation contribute to the ease of use.
Pros
- The unit comes with batteries.
- The manufacturer is providing a 2-year warranty.
- It has dual operation modes.
- The is a wide variety of accessory plugins.
- It has a trouble-free usage.
Cons
- It is expensive.
3. Proster Handheld Wood Moisture Meter
Many buyers may be looking for a low-end product for occasional or light usage. This Proster Handheld moisture meter has all the perks of a premium product despite being economical. The device is offering an impressive accuracy of 0 to 99.9-percent. It is compatible with cardboard, logs, firewood, wood, paper, and almost all wooden surfaces.
The Proster meter has all the bells and whistles that you will find in a high-range product. The body of the meter has an ABS plastic construction, which is super durable. Also, you can adjust the device for four wood groups and almost 50 wooden species.
All in all, if you do not wish to spend top dollars on a small device like moisture meters, this product is a viable option.
Pros
- It comes with a protective cap and carrying case.
- The unit has a data hold feature.
- The accuracy is impressive.
- The auto power-off function is useful.
- There are several modes in this device.
Cons
- It does not come with batteries.
4. General Tools MMH800 Wood Moisture Meter
General Tools MMH800 wood moisture meter can give you more measurements than just the moisture levels. You can use this tool to keep track of the humidity and moisture levels of wooden surfaces. What’s more, this device has two displays; one for moisture and the other for humidity.
You can rely on the dual pad sensors to give you accurate moisture readings within 3-percent. You can use this meter on wood, plaster walls, flooring, grout, soil, drywall, papers, brick, and many more surfaces.
The range of moisture level for wood is 5-percent to 50-percent, and for other materials, it is 1.5-percent to 33-percent. You will also appreciate how the manufacturer has packed two sets of spare pins and batteries along with the unit.
Pros
- The unit can measure humidity levels as well.
- It comes with batteries.
- It can hold the readings for viewing later.
- The unit is available in a variety of styles.
- You can adjust the device for different wood species.
Cons
- It has accuracy issues.
5. Wagner Meters Orion 940 Wood Moisture Meter
This Wagner Orion 940 wood moisture meter works with the pinless method to pick up the moisture content in the wood. Its durable construction is going to stand up well with extensive use. It can also offer data storage and dual-depth readings.
As with many other products on this list, the Orion 940 also has an on-demand calibrator. The 7-year warranty is going to be very useful for people who use wood moisture meters frequently. The rubber boot and hard casing make this product resistant to wear and tears.
The controls on this device make it easier for the user to adjust the wood species. You should know that this device does not have a backlight display, which may cause inconvenience while reading.
Pros
- It comes with a seven-year warranty.
- There are many extra features.
- The hard case and rubber boot make the device durable.
- Even at lower MC levels, it has excellent accuracy.
Cons
- It lacks a backlight display.
6. Lignomat Moisture Meter Mini Wood Moisture Meter
Lignomat Moisture Meter Mini Wood Moisture Meter is another premium wood moisture meter that serves a specialized purpose. You don’t have to worry about the calibration as it comes pre-set by the manufacturer. The accuracy scale is from somewhere around 6-percent to 45-percent.
The manufacturer has made the pins so sharp so that it can push through even the most rigid surfaces. If you are looking for deeper penetration, this device has another pair of longer pins. The device follows an easy process for measuring moisture. You have to choose the wood type and insert the pins into the surface.
The LED display is quite bright, which will not be problematic in low light areas. Before you buy this product, you must know that it is not so great for professional jobs. It is because the device cannot read all types of surfaces.
Pros
- It has in-built calibration.
- The measurement range is extensive.
- The device is easy to use.
- It has a measurement depth of 3/16” and 7/16”.
- The pricing is reasonable.
Cons
- It is only ideal for domestic wood testing.
7. Tavool Wood Moisture Meter
If you own a woodworking shop, this Tavool Wood Moisture Meter will be an excellent addition for you. You can calibrate this device for seven different varieties of woods. Even for DIYers, this is a great tool. The accuracy range is within 2-percent, which is satisfactory. You can also track leaks with the help of the temperature measuring features of this device.
The range of measurement in this meter is 6-percent to 60-percent for all wood surfaces. For other types of surfaces, the range varies from 0-percent to 40-percent. You can press the ‘hold’ key to freeze the readings on the screen. For viewing, you can also access the in-built memory to store data for future use.
Pros
- It has eight calibration scales.
- The unit is excellent for both professional and domestic use.
- It has memory functions.
- The measuring pins are strong and durable.
Cons
- The calibration process is complicated.
- It cannot perform well in dry wood.
8. General Tools MMD7NP Pinless Wood Moisture Meter
This device is another excellent moisture meter from General Tools. If you require moisture readings for several materials, then General Tools MMD7NP Pinless Wood Moisture Meter is a perfect option for you. The pinless structure will ensure that it is not damaging your material for taking the readings. You can expect this device to work on drywalls, hardwoods, concrete, softwoods, and many more.
Since the device has autocalibration, you don’t need to keep entering the type of material all the time. The audible and visual alerts will notify you if it finds any moisture concentration.
The product will automatically switch off after a period of inactivity. The device is a great deal considering the price and features. Note that the product is not so great in terms of durability, but you’ll have no complaints beyond that.
Pros
- It is highly affordable.
- The product has an auto power-off function.
- It has an alarm for low battery and range issues.
- The audio alert system is helpful.
Cons
- The product may not be very durable.
9. Klein Tools ET140 Wood Moisture Meter
Klein Tools ET140 Wood Moisture Meter uses electromagnetic field technology to pick up non-destructive readings. It can detect the moisture content up to 19mm deep. You will not have any issues while reading the display, as it has a bright reverse-contrast screen.
Also, you can easily switch the materials from the mode button on the device. You may be wondering whether this product is long-lasting or not? Let us tell you that this product has a design that can withstand a 2m drop.
The nine LED bars will give you a clear understanding of the moisture status in the material. You can use this meter on softwood, hardwood, drywall, and masonry.
Pros
- The reverse contrast display is a great option.
- It is a cost-effective unit.
- You can easily select materials with the buttons.
- There are 9 LED bars for showcasing results.
Cons
- You require a screwdriver for opening the battery lid.
- The readings on concrete are not very accurate.
10. Delmhorst J-4 Pin Wood Moisture Meter
The final product on the best wood moisture meter list is the Delmhorst J-4 Wood Moisture Meter. This analog pin-type moisture meter can be used for wood and a variety of other building materials. However, the device is unable to maintain its accuracy when it detects surface moisture.
Also, this moisture meter pin is not robust and may easily break while trying it on hard surfaces. You might also face a few problems while using the correction tables present in the manual. These kinds of features make this product feasible only for casual testings.
The manufacturer is offering a carrying case, spare pins, and batteries along with the package. The built-in handle in Delmhorst J-4 Pin Wood Moisture Meter makes one-hand operation easier.
Pros
- You can use it with a variety of materials.
- It has an in-built calibration check.
- The two-button operation is easy.
- The design is ergonomic and sturdy.
Cons
- The surface moisture tends to affect readings.
- The durability of the pin is questionable.
Wood Moisture Meters – Buying Guide
Do you think knowing the best products is enough? Of course not! To select the best fit for yourself, you must know what features make up a good wood moisture meter. Check out these factors, and ensure that whatever product you choose should have these features. Get yourself the best product available in the market.
Accuracy
Do you want a wood moisture meter that is not accurate? A meter that is not accurate is worthless. Whether you are building cabinets or installing wooden flooring, you need to know the MC levels to prevent moisture-related failures. When you are buying firewood, the accuracy may not be a significant concern.
When it comes to building projects, accuracy is a no-brainer. Inaccurate readings will have catastrophic consequences on your work. A cheap moisture meter has a greater chance of producing inaccuracy. Also, the low-end models might not be able to detect MC in low concentrations.
User-Friendliness
When you are assessing the wood’s moisture levels, it’s essential to consider multiple meter results. If the materials are large, it would require more readings for a clearer picture. For this reason, you must select an option that is easy to use.
Apart from being easy to use, it should also give speedy readings. The quality of LCD is another factor that contributes to the ease of usage. You can also look for one-button control for greater flexibility.
Durability
Is the moisture meter built to last? You have to ensure that the body and the pins of the device are durable. As for the pin-less models, you don’t have to worry about the pins. The pins can get bent, damages, and dulled. The pin-based models might require you to change the pins frequently.
As for the meter’s physical casing, it should be made of high-quality materials. You may also want to pick up a model that comes with a warranty. Most producers are offering at least a year’s warranty on their devices.
Measurement range
The range of measurement is another important feature that none of the buyers should overlook. This feature is represented in terms of minimum and maximum percentage. The more comprehensive the measurement range, the lesser will be the accuracy.
The smaller and precise measurement range is excellent for fine carpentry and flooring purposes. However, if you work with a broad range of materials, you will get more benefits from a broad range. It would be best if you opted for the measurement range according to your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Having a moisture meter in your toolkit can be extremely useful. Incorrect MC levels in your wood can adversely impact the result of your product. Buying a wood moisture meter is a valuable investment that will prevent many of your headaches. It’ll ensure that the products you make will last for years to come.
The wood meters that are listed above can do a great job too. Hopefully, our reviews and buying guide will give you an idea about the most suitable product for you. Don’t let the moisture get in the way of creating stunning wood pieces.
