12 best multimeters

This line of the simplest multimeters of one of the most famous OEMs includes four devices. Model UT33A on the general background stands out quite sharply. It has an automatic range selection for measuring voltage and resistance, while for all other models of the range - manual switching. In addition, the UT33A multimeter is equipped with a panel for testing transistors, which is not available in other versions. On the other hand, this model does not have the ability to save measured readings and does not have screen backlighting. Modification C differs from the basic UT33B device by the presence of the temperature measurement function using the external thermocouple supplied. The UT33D multimeter is capable of generating a rectangular test signal.

So an inexpensive DT-101, made on the principle of “nothing superfluous,” will be sufficient for many of you if possible. It is easy to deal with it: there are only two nests for probes, it is not necessary to constantly switch red back and forth. The power switch is a separate one; for a cheap tester, this is a plus: their “twist” contacts go straight along the tracks of the printed circuit board, and there is no need to constantly turn the selector in both directions, turning the device on and off, wearing out the contact surface.

The case is rubberized, which in case of a fall is definitely useful. True, there are small concerns for the test probe jacks: here they are not on the front panel, like most digital multimeters, but on the bottom of the case. The probes themselves are decent enough for this price.

The delivery package is the simplest: a blister in which the multimeter itself, probes and the most basic instruction lie. However, do you really need a manual for such a simple device?

The downside is the applied battery - instead of the usual “Crown” here is a tiny 12-volt A23. Although for the garage master this can be considered a plus - it is enough to attach the cigarette lighter plug to the multimeter in order to forget about replacing the batteries altogether.

Fluke 106 is not only minimalistic, but also compact: it does not take up much space, it is easy to carry in your pocket or carry in the glove compartment of a car. In height and width, many smartphones are now larger than this multimeter.

And guess - why is this baby worth so much? That's right, its accuracy allowed to get into the State Register of measuring equipment, all testers must be calibrated at the factory. So his money is definitely.

This versatile device is a whole minilaboratory allowing to study the environment in numbers. In addition to the basic characteristics, the DT-61 multimeter is capable of measuring the temperature in a contactless manner (by the power of thermal radiation), up to very high values. In addition, the device can be used to measure the level of humidity, light and noise, so it is convenient to use it for inspections of premises for compliance with standards for labor protection. The device is able to perform both direct and relative measurements, has a data hold mode, automatic selection of the required range, a contrast display backlight and can automatically turn off after a certain idle time. The design of the multimeter meets the requirements for electrical safety at the level of categories IV for non-contact search of static electricity with voltage up to 1000 V, and III - when performing contact measurements.

The combined device, in addition to the basic parameters, allows to measure the inductance of coils and chokes. Only the MS8260E model has such capabilities, and other features of this line have their own characteristics. For example, the ability to measure frequency, temperature or the possession of extended ranges. The multimeter is equipped with a module for testing bipolar transistors, is able to test diodes and ring the circuit for a short circuit. Ranges are switched manually, there is a backlight and the ability to capture the current readings on the screen.

The functionality here, despite the external absence of “bells and whistles”, is very interesting - to the standard set here, the manufacturer added a measurement of capacitor capacitance, signal frequency and temperature. In this case, the input resistance when measuring voltage is increased to 10 MΩ (for multimeters of the initial level, it is usually about 1 MΩ).

The multimeter itself is also not “memoryless” - the True RMS (True RMS value) measurement mode requires you to record streaming data, albeit with a small buffer size. Considering that in the operating modes with alternating current, the limiting frequency is not hundreds of hertz, but all 100 kHz, you will immediately guess that here you can talk about RMS in relation to sound equipment. And in the frequency counter mode, the top of the measurement range is 200 MHz!

Well, with this set of functions and the width of the automatically tuned ranges, the multimeter even starts to seem inexpensive. Alas, the price also indicates its main disadvantage - the accuracy to the state register does not hold out. But in the home laboratory, he will definitely find his place!

Multimeters of the Fluke brand are considered as a peculiar standard of measuring devices and differ in the highest reliability and accuracy of a professional level. Among the possibilities of the model 17B - measurement of DC and AC voltage (up to 1000 V), current, resistance, capacitance, frequency and temperature. The device allows you to check the diodes and ring the circuit for a short circuit. Ranges are automatically selected, but there is a button for manually scaling the results. There is a mode of relative measurements and the ability to record the current readings. Using a complete thermocouple, the multimeter allows you to determine the temperature in the most practical range. In the line of the company there is a more simple and affordable model Fluke 15B +. It is made on the same element base and in a similar case, but does not have some functions and measurement modes. But it costs almost half the price.