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CRITICAL FLAW ALERT!
This meter exhibits a critical flaw—namely its inability to provide results below 8% moisture content, even though the manual states it gives readings to 5% moisture content. This flaw renders the meter essentially unusable for a number of common applications, including for flooring installations and furniture making. We deducted one star from our overall rating to reflect this critical flaw.
The Moistec 2 in 1 is a pin-style wood moisture meter with an easy-to-read digital readout. Diminutive in size at about 3 inches in length, it is billed as the world’s smallest moisture meter. This makes it very easy to slip into a shirt pocket for transporting from one job to the next.
In addition to measuring moisture in wood, this meter is able to measure moisture in a variety of building materials (such as brick, plaster, concrete, etc.), hence the meter’s “2 in 1” name. Better meters are available in this price range that can measure moisture at low MC levels.
Pros
- Simple-to-use with easy-to-read LED display
- Capable of measuring moisture in a variety of building materials
- Small; easy to transport in a shirt pocket
Cons
- Incapable of taking readings below 8% MC, although manual states otherwise
- Pins are prone to breaking and/or bending
- Does not offer a HOLD function for use in tight spaces
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.15 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter provided reasonably accurate readings above about 8% MC when compared to ASTM D4442 oven dry standards, although the readings were generally somewhat low. From 5% to 8% MC, this meter was not capable of getting readings at all during our testing, even though the manual states that the meter’s range extends to 5% MC.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter to post readings about 10% higher than the baseline. These surface moisture results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity environments where condensation may form on the surface could lead to questionable readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 1.5 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a significant effect on this meter’s MC readings. Our tests found that a high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of high MC decreased the reading by 2% MC. A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by about 2% MC, and in the presence of high MC increased the meter readings by almost 1% MC compared to the room temperature reading.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.7 out of 5.0
Wood temperature affected this meter’s readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC showed a 1% decrease in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased even more.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC showed a slight increase in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by about 2%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading repeatability – 4.0 out of 5.0
The readings of this meter were mostly repeatable but did show some tendency to vary.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 3.0 out of 5.0
Readings for this meter showed a small tendency to drift, with readings that were slightly lower after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
This meter does not offer cabled accessories so the cable interference test could not be conducted.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 2.9 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.2 out of 5.0
With only a power button and a second button for choosing between wood and other building materials, this meter is fast and simple to operate with only a little use of the manual needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is sufficient for being able to utilize this meter’s features and capabilities.
Quality – 2.3 out of 5.0
This meter is intended for the budget-conscious individual, and it shows. The meter casing is extremely basic, no carrying case is provided, and the pins are subject to bending or breakage.
Comfort – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter has an LCD display that, although somewhat small, is still easy to read. The meter is extremely small, which makes it easy to handle and very easy to slip into a shirt pocket for transporting from job site to job site.
Versatility – 1.0 out of 5.0
This is a pin-style meter that can be used with other building materials but is primarily intended for use with wood. Manual includes a very simple correction table for temperature and wood species adjustments. The display must be viewed upside down when meter’s pins are inserted in wood.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
Measures MC from 5% to 50%, at least in theory. In practice, however, as demonstrated during our testing, this meter did not appear capable of getting readings below about 8% MC.
Features – 2.5 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Offers simple-to-use auto calibration. Does not offer a HOLD function for use in tight spaces where the display cannot be easily viewed.
Customer Service – 3.0 out of 5.0
The Moistec 2 in 1 is manufactured by an Austrian-based company with available service centers for performing repairs in both the USA and Canada. This meter comes with a standard one-year warranty.
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.