A frequent request on many home inspector message boards is “What is the best moisture meter”. Like any other tool, software, or whatever you are looking for, you will get many different answers from that question from your colleagues. We have spent the time and went through most of the home inspector message boards to do the work for you. You can use this as a starting point in evaluating moisture meters, but still do your own research.
There are many moisture meters to evaluate, at all different price points. If you do a survey from home inspectors, you will see the same moisture meter brands come up over and over again. If you happen to need a refresher of why using a moisture meter is necessary during a home inspection you can start here.
When choosing a device, it’s important to consider the following.
- The accuracy of the moisture meter.
- The speed of the moisture meter.
- Ease of use.
- Versatility of device (how many building materials can it test)
This blog will focus on what other home inspectors are using and recommending for their daily inspections. We do not endorse any of these devices, nor have we done any product testing or evaluations of these moisture meters.
Below are the most recommended and trusted devices by home inspectors.
Protimeter Survey Master – The world’s original and best-selling dual-function moisture meter with both pin and non-invasive measurement capabilities. This versatile pin and non-invasive moisture meter is ergonomically designed for easy, one-handed operation to measure moisture in buildings, and other related structures, both on and below the surface. This allows you to assess moisture levels for both new and refurbishing activities, as well as to diagnose moisture-related problems in existing buildings.
Protimeter Reachmaster Pro – No more climbing on ladders or working on your hands and knees. Telescopic handle adjusted from 27” to 48”. The ReachMaster Pro is a non-invasive moisture meter enabling the rapid assessment of moisture conditions in buildings. For use with wood, drywall, building material and concrete. ~$600
Extech – Extech delivers a wide selection of moisture meters, both pin and pinless.
For a basic pinless model, the MO52 is frequently mentioned. Easy-to-operate with display icons that indicate the levels of moisture content plus audible alert feature. -$65.99
For a more enhanced meter, look at the MO220. This is specifically designed for monitoring moisture in wood and other building material. Built in recalibration check and replaceable electrode pins.~$197.99
If you’re looking for a combination pin/pinless moisture meter the M055 may be the answer. This unit displays moisture level in wood and building materials such as wall board, sheet rock, cardboard, plaster, concrete, and mortar. Easy to use with an audible alert. ~$109.99
Flir If you’re willing to make a major investment, Flir starts at $600, but you are getting a device that uses thermal image censoring.
MR160 – The MR160 helps you quickly target moisture issues, visually guiding you to the spot where you can confidently take measurements and analyze readings. An integrated pinless sensor and an external pin probe provide the flexibility to take either intrusive or non-intrusive measurements.
MR77 – A pin less moisture sensor and pin probe, a temperature and relative humidity sensor, and an IR thermometer. The meter includes Bluetooth® for remote viewing and sharing.
The Tramex Moisture Encounter – ME5 is a Dual-depth, non-destructive, instant moisture meter for measuring and evaluating moisture content wood, plaster, drywall, brick, roofing. ~$525
Delmhorst offers both pinless and pin meters. The non-invasive meter uses radio frequency signals to quickly scan wood, drywall, concrete or other building materials without damaging the sample. Non invasive models start at $375.
For a combination device, the TotalCheck and TotalCheck Plus meters provide ease of use, bright clear digital displays, and other features to help you determine moisture. Prices start at ~$520.
Klein provides basic affordable meters. Pinless Moisture Meter with electromagnetic field (EMF) technology allows for nondestructive detection of moisture content in building materials. ~$39.99
For a more advanced meter, you can try the MMH800 Pin/Pinless device. This has two dedicated displays: Moisture percentage, and ambient temperature plus relative humidity (RH). ~$89
These are the brands and models that have come up most frequently when home inspectors have been asked what meter they use. You can start your search here, but there are many other moisture meters to look at. You can find more information online as well as at the Moisture meter buyers guide.
Reader Note: HomeInspectology may receive a commission from some of links on this blog.
This is the never ending question??? I’m in school now and want to get something reliable now. Also don’t want to spend the $630 for the protimeter. I tried the AccMaster pin & pinless and returned it because it wasn’t accurate. Right now I’m between these
1. General MMH800 4 in 1 – $90
2. Extech MO55 both pin $ pinless
Or buying both of these
Klein ET140 pinless – $39
General pins MMDE4 – $34
Don’t get the General MMH800 4 in 1 It’s not accurate either, I have tried a couple cheaper alternatives and went to the protimeter and it’s worth every penny, when it comes to moisture meters there is no other comparative option for reliability and accuracy.