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CRITICAL FLAW ALERT!
This meter exhibits two critical flaws: its inability to read below 11% moisture content and the poor accuracy by over-reporting moisture content. These flaws are detrimental to many applications including flooring installations and furniture making. We deducted two stars from our overall rating to reflect these critical flaws.
The Dr Meter MKL-W01 is a dual function pin and pinless meter and has settings for drywall, masonry as well as softwoods and hardwoods. This review is for the pinless method. Please see a separate review for the pin method.
According to the manual, the moisture range is 0% to 35% for hardwoods and 0% to 53% for softwoods. Species selection is in groups such as hardwood and softwoods. This meter includes a soft case for carrying on a belt. A statement in the manual states this meter is not for professional use because the type and temperature of materials can affect results.
Pros
- Large backlit display
- Small soft carrying pouch
- Dual function pin and pinless measurements
Cons
- Not able to set meter for specific species
- Poor accuracy results
- Poor documentation
- No calibration check method
- No service center
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 2.3 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 1.2 out of 5.0
This meter read high on all species and moisture contents.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
This meter’s reading increased by 8% moisture content when subjected to a small amount of dew or condensation on the wood.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 2.5 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 did reasonably well when the meter was cold. However, when the meter was warmed to 110 degrees F, the error in readings was off the chart.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 3.5 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 read about 2% low when wood temperature was cold. It varied more on the high moisture content wood samples.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 1.0 out of 5.0
This MKL-W01 did poorly when comparing sequential readings. The first sequential reading was 2% off which is significant, but the rest were consistent.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – N/A
No drift for the MKL-W01 meter. As with any pinless meter, there is no observable drift in readings.
Cable Interference – N/A
No cable interference test for this meter. This was tested in pinless mode.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.6 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.2 out of 5.0
This Dr Meter has a large bright display but was docked for having an insufficient manual.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
This MKL-W01 (Pinless) meter is compact and held up well during our tests.
Comfort – 4.5 out of 5.0
This meter is small enough to fit in a pocket. The soft ballistic pouch is handy for wearing on a belt loop.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 scored fair in Versatility. Its inability to program individual species settings decreased this rating.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
According to the manual this Dr Meter’s measuring range is 0% to 35%. This range is good for all species in all climates. However, our accuracy test showed no readings below 15%.
Features – 2.5 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 is a compact meter and features both pin and pinless measurements. It has a large bright display. Its inability to check calibration and send to a service center for calibration decreased this star rating.
Customer Service – 2.5 out of 5.0
An email message was answered but little help was provided. There is no mention of a warranty period in the manual or a phone number to call.
Warranty and repair information:
- No warranty period is stated in manual
- No service center or phone number
Our review is based on Moisture Meter Experts' independent evaluation of the meter, which was purchased by Moisture Meter Experts or provided free of charge by the manufacturer. By purchasing this meter through the links above, Moisture Meter Experts may be compensated either by your purchase directly from Moisture Meter Experts or from commissions from an affiliate. View our Review Procedures section to learn more about our proprietary evaluation procedure and expertise in the field of moisture meters.