A moisture meter is a specific device that is used to measure the moisture content in different materials. The product is widely used in the construction and woodworking industries. Many people use the device at home. Before purchasing this type of product, you should study the characteristics, parameters and ratings of the highest quality products for 2022. The degree of popularity was compared by the editors of the Vyborok website. Reviews from device owners and opinions of professional analysts were used. The rating included the highest quality models with minimal measurement error.
The best manufacturers
Moisture meters are produced for use in household and construction purposes. They are manufactured in Russia, Europe, Asia and the USA. Products from China are gradually finding their buyers. Increasingly, in our markets you can see products from the Middle Kingdom. When selecting a moisture meter, you must take into account the fame and popularity of the company. A well-known brand will help the buyer decide on the choice of device for his needs and reduce the risk of purchasing low-quality products. The ranking of the best manufacturers is as follows:
- Control. The domestic company produces high-class devices. Currently, they are highly valued here and abroad. The devices are considered to be of the best quality in the world. The company regularly provides the market with updated models. They have the necessary accuracy and are easy to use. The build quality is excellent. The products are reasonably priced, which has a positive effect on sales.
- K.W.B. The German brand produces products intended for use in the construction industry. Moisture meters have a long service life, excellent quality and negligible error. However, the cost of the devices is quite high.
- CMT. The Italian manufacturer produces products intended for the woodworking industry. There are several types of moisture meters in the range of manufactured products. They are easy to use, reliable and have a long service life.
- MEGEON. Another domestic manufacturer makes devices for measuring humidity. The devices are assembled in Russia. Component parts are delivered from abroad. Consumers like the moisture meter due to its combination of characteristics such as cost and quality.
- Testo. Devices of this brand can measure humidity, ambient temperature, air speed and many other characteristics. The products have a high price, so they are purchased mainly for large productions.
- CEM. Chinese representatives did not stand aside. They produce at their enterprises devices for determining the moisture content of materials, testers, pyrometers and thermometers. The devices work normally indoors and outdoors. The measurement accuracy is within normal limits.
Peculiarities
A moisture meter is a device that measures the percentage of moisture in a gas or solid. Such a device can also be used for working with bulk materials. The well-known hygrometer (determiner of relative air humidity) is a special case of a moisture meter. The purpose of using such devices is varied: they allow you to control the microclimate and comply with technological requirements. Modern moisture measuring instruments are manufactured almost exclusively on an electronic component base.
This technique is especially important in industry, where many types of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products can absorb significant amounts of moisture from the air. It inevitably affects the quality of finished products, their durability, and sometimes even prevents you from getting at least a decent product. Therefore, very strict requirements are imposed on the moisture meter.
Due to the variety of applications, it is impossible to get by with just one version of such a device. And therefore, many varieties of such technology have appeared.
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Recommendations for selection
Moisture meters come in different types. After all, you have to measure the level of humidity in materials such as plaster, air, wood, brick, drywall, grain crops and many others. Depending on the design and device, they are divided into the following types:
- Needle instruments (conductometric). Moisture meters are equipped with short, thin electrodes. To measure, they are immersed in the material being studied. The advantage is low weight and compact size. The device has high accuracy. However, it can only be used at positive temperatures. Most often the product is used in the woodworking industry.
- Deep devices are large. They are equipped with a needle probe. It penetrates the wood texture and determines the presence of moisture in it. The device must be handled very carefully. If you are careless, you can break the probe, which is expensive.
- Contactless devices are proving popular with consumers. A device is installed on the surface to be measured. It sends information to the control unit. This type of moisture meter has a different design and operating principle. It does not destroy the surface being measured.
Many products are available with additional features. The following options may be useful in certain situations:
- When measuring moisture in large volumes of materials, an average can be taken. To do this, the worker takes several instrument values from different samples. The device produces the final result based on the average data.
- In some cases, when taking humidity readings, it is necessary to take into account the heating of the surrounding air. Therefore, many models are equipped with thermometers. This option helps to change the microclimate inside the building in a timely manner.
Not all work requires reliable temperature and humidity measurements. However, when performing certain operations, high accuracy of the device is very important. The error most often ranges from 0.1 to 5%. For work at home, a moisture meter with an indicator of 1-3% is suitable. In the woodworking and construction industries, fixtures with an error of up to 0.5% are required.
How to use it correctly?
Despite the fact that these devices always come with instructions for proper use, some people cannot always correctly interpret the information described in the instructions for use. Now we will explain everything clearly to you.
Let's say you need to determine the moisture level of a parquet board. In this example, it is better to use a non-contact model; it will not harm the finished product. So, the measurement process goes like this:
- The board itself is prepared (cleaned of debris, it is advisable to ensure a flat surface).
- The device turns on (the button on the device itself).
- The calibration is set (according to the table in the instructions).
- The moisture meter is brought with the sensor side to the surface of the board or inserted into it.
- The display shows the measurement results we need.
Devices for measuring moisture in wood
Products from different manufacturers differ in size, appearance, functions and price. These models are necessary to control the moisture content of wood. This material is especially susceptible to deformation. Large gaps may appear in it, which will increase defects during production. High humidity can lead to twisting and cracking of expensive material. Those who work in the woodworking industry need high-quality instruments.
Condtrol Hydro-Test
This model costs 1539 rubles. It is considered one of the best for measuring the moisture content of wood. The device is also used in the construction industry. Measurements can be taken in screed, plaster, concrete and bricks. Wide functionality and low cost have made the product the most popular in our country. The device can measure wood moisture in the range from 6 to 44%. This is a good indicator that not every manufacturer can boast of. Light weight and compact dimensions make the device convenient to use. There are many good reviews about the device on the Internet.
Condtrol Hydro-Test
Advantages:
- low cost;
- wide functionality;
- sufficient measurement range;
- compact size and light weight.
Flaws:
- slowly produces the final result.
KWB 0121-00
A moisture meter can be purchased in a store for 2190 rubles. The device is among the devices in the middle price range. The multifunctional device has high accuracy. It can be used to measure moisture content in wood and building materials. The power source is AA AA batteries. They will last for 2-3 weeks of daily use of the moisture meter.
Users like the availability of additional options. They highlight the ability to measure temperature, automatic shutdown, determination of residual battery charge, low energy consumption, reasonable price and high measurement accuracy. The disadvantages include the fragile body.
KWB 0121-00
Advantages:
- availability of additional options;
- low energy consumption;
- reasonable price;
- high measurement accuracy.
Flaws:
- fragile body.
CMT DMM-001
This moisture meter costs 2999 rubles. The product weighs only 86 g. Therefore, many workers constantly carry the device with them in their pockets. It is equipped with a reliable housing that is not susceptible to moisture. The base will protect the device from temperature changes and mechanical damage. They can measure the moisture content of drywall, concrete and wood.
CMT DMM-001
Advantages:
- compactness and light weight;
- the body is not afraid of moisture;
- sufficient measurement interval;
- high accuracy.
Flaws:
- overcharge.
Challenges for measurers
In addition to different raw materials, these devices also perform different tasks, let's look at the most common tasks:
- Quick approximate moisture check on boards without mechanical damage to the material;
- Qualitative inspection of lumber;
- Continuous monitoring of the drying process in drying chambers;
- Inspection of hot lumber;
- Quickly check the water content of hot and cold chips;
- Flow control of hot chips;
- In-line precise control of cooled chips.
And this is not the full range of products and tasks that measurers face. That is why there are so many different types of moisture meters and modifications. I propose now to consider all types of moisture meters and the tasks that each type performs.
Devices for building materials
These devices are designed for measuring moisture in plaster, drywall, concrete and brick. Inies are light in weight, compact in size and have low accuracy.
Megeon 20550
The device will quickly determine the moisture content of building materials. It has high functionality. The device can measure not only humidity, but also temperature, as well as the mass of individual bulk materials. The kit includes a measuring cup, with which it is convenient to carry out analysis. The device is equipped with the option of adjusting the taken indicators. Humidity is measured in the range from 3 to 35%. Users have no complaints about the operation of the device. It is inferior in characteristics only to the winner of the rating.
Megeon 20550
Advantages:
- the presence of a large number of additional options;
- The set includes a measuring cup;
- data can be corrected;
- The small monitor is backlit.
Flaws:
- small humidity measurement range;
- high cost.
Testo 606-2 16
The price of the device is 9,000 rubles. It has the functions of a moisture meter, thermometer and hygrometer. Using the device, you can measure the humidity and temperature of brick, concrete, and screed. The device will also determine the moisture content in the air. The device body is reliably protected from moisture penetration. It can be used both at home and outdoors. Users note the high reliability of the device, long service life and low error. Light weight and small dimensions make the device convenient to use. Buyers cite only the high price as a disadvantage.
Testo 606-2 16
Advantages:
- high functionality;
- the body is not afraid of moisture penetration;
- low error;
- long service life.
Flaws:
- high price.
Control Hydro Pro new
This device can be found in stores for 11,050 rubles. The product is intended for measuring the moisture content in concrete. The specialization is quite narrow. However, the high price is compensated by the high accuracy of the readings taken and the availability of additional options. The advantage of the device is the ability to take measurements without contact. The manufacturer has developed an external sensor, which is located at the measurement location. Humidity is measured in the range from 1 to 35%. This is a good indicator. One set of batteries lasts for a long period.
Control Hydro Pro new
Advantages:
- low error;
- availability of a large number of options;
- measurements are carried out using a non-contact method;
- long service life;
- low electricity consumption.
Flaws:
- too much cost.
Review of popular models
As already written above, the domestic market offers a fairly wide selection of models of moisture meters from Russian and foreign manufacturers. In this section of the article we will talk about some of them.
"Control Hydro Pro"
This model is a Russian development, its main technical characteristics are given in the table below:
| Device type | Measurement limit, % | Weight, gram | Operating temperature range, °C | Measurement error |
| Contactless | 2,0-65,0 | 200 | +4,0 – +40,0 | 1,0 |
The cost of the model according to Yandex.Market as of the third quarter of 2022 is:
"EM4806"
This model is produced (Germany), its main technical characteristics are given in the table below:
| Device type | Measurement limit,% | Weight, gram | Operating temperature range, °C | Measurement error |
| Needle type | 6,0-42,0 | 50 | +0 – +40,0 | 2,0 |
The cost of the model as of the third quarter of 2022 is 1,500 – 2,000 rubles.
"GMH 3830"
The model is produced by GREISINGER electronic GmbH (Germany), its main technical characteristics are given in the table below:
| Device type | Measurement limit, % | Weight, gram | Operating temperature range, °C | Measurement error |
| Electronic, universal | 3,0-100,0 | — | -25,0 – +50,0 | 0,2-2,0 |
The cost of the model according to Yandex.Market as of the third quarter of 2022 is:
"SEM DT-125N"
The moisture meter is made in China, its main technical characteristics are given in the following table:
| Device type | Measurement limit, % | Weight, gram | Operating temperature range, ˚С | Measurement error |
| Electronic, universal | 6,0-99,9 | 0,175 | -35,0 – +85,0 | — |
The cost of the model according to Yandex.Market as of the third quarter of 2022 is:
In soil, air and grain
Manufacturers present several more types of products. These are instruments that measure moisture in soil, air and grain. Most of these devices are quite expensive, but there are no complaints about their performance. The products are made of very high quality and will serve their owner for a long time.
LASERLINER MoistureMaster Compact 082.333A
A German-Chinese company has launched the production of simple and reliable moisture meters. The device is designed to measure parameters in different materials. The instrument error is only 0.2%. This is a very good indicator. Measurement interval from 0 to 66.5%. Users enjoy the wide reading range and versatility of applications.
In the construction industry, the product is used to measure the humidity parameter in gypsum plaster, concrete and cement screed. The device is also used in woodworking. It has its own flavor. Woodworkers are attracted to the moisture meter by the presence of 56 types of wood in its memory. The indicator consists of 12 segments. Data is processed very quickly, and the backlight will help you use the product in the dark. The model is in first place in the ranking. Users like the low accuracy, ease of use and unpretentiousness. The disadvantages include the high price.
LASERLINER MoistureMaster Compact 082.333A
Advantages:
- excellent quality;
- high measurement accuracy;
- multifunctionality;
- The device provides readings quickly.
Flaws:
- high cost.
Megeon 20540
The cost of the device is 6557 rubles. A universal device will help measure the amount of moisture in a standard and non-contact way. The device is used mainly for researching cereal crops. The product has an impressive size display, which is equipped with bright backlighting. Therefore, the tool can be used even at night. The device is multifunctional. The most useful options will be automatic shutdown, battery charge indication and storage of current measurements. The body of the product is made of durable material, so the device is resistant to minor shocks and falls.
Megeon 20540
Advantages:
- multifunctionality;
- wide backlit display;
- low error.
Flaws:
- Batteries have to be changed frequently.
CEM DT-172
The product is made in China. Products from this country are winning the market from their competitors every year. The device is popular due to its low price, light weight and compact size. The main advantage is that the moisture meter is included in the state register. Now you can carry out tool verification in special centers. Not every manufacturer can boast of such services.
Humidity is measured from 0 to 100%. The device can detect air temperature. It responds well to changes in humidity. The error of the device is about 3%. It is equipped with a USB output. Through the port you can transfer information to another medium.
CEM DT-172
Advantages:
- light weight and small dimensions;
- there is a certificate;
- verification can be carried out in a specialized center;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- relatively large error;
- runs on a rare type of battery that is difficult to buy.
We study the tool: moisture meters for wood and the nuances of their use
Wood is an environmentally friendly material, in demand in the construction of various types of objects, at all stages of construction and installation work, as well as in the manufacture of furniture and interior items. To determine the quality of wood, there are special instruments and devices that facilitate the implementation of work on incoming control of raw materials and compliance with production technologies for products and blanks made from wood. Moisture meters for wood - types and descriptions of popular models, how to choose, as well as an overview of prices for the most popular models, this is the topic of this article.
general information
Without knowing what types of moisture meters the industry produces, it is impossible to make the optimal choice.
The fact is that the devices differ in their operating principle, but in fact they have to work with different workpieces. Wood is a general concept. This category of building materials includes logs, timber, boards, plywood, and so on. If you have to work with wood constantly, with its various species and preparations, then it is worth purchasing at least a couple of different types of moisture meters. It will be cheaper than one universal one, but at a high price.
Most modern moisture meters, or hygrometers, are based on the electronic principle of data presentation. Direct determination of the humidity value is carried out by a sensitive element that reacts to molecules of the aquatic environment. The sensor then transmits the recorded information to the microprocessor.
Based on the processed data, custom readings are displayed on the device display. But there are other functions that moisture meters can perform. The latest models of wood moisture meters are capable of storing the received information in memory, maintaining statistics, and also transmitting information to a computer via wireless channels. The device itself is mobile and independent of the power supply. Batteries or an accumulator are enough to power it.
