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The Wagner MMC220 is one of the most accurate meters we tested for measuring wood moisture. It is a pinless meter that measures moisture deep in the wood without damaging the wood surface and without interference from surface moisture.
Ideal for wood flooring and woodworking applications, this meter measures moisture in a wide variety of softwoods and hardwoods as well as rare tropical species.
Users who need to operate in tight places will appreciate the HOLD function which “freezes” the reading until the user can see the display.
This is a well-constructed meter. It comes in a comfortable, compact size and can provide quick, accurate scanning of either lumber or wood flooring. This meter is worth buying.
Pros
- One of the most accurate meters we tested
- Features 7-year manufacturer’s warranty and exceptional customer service
- Ensures measurement without interference from surface moisture
- Measurements range from 5% to 32% moisture content (MC)
- Provides programmable adjustment for an extensive range of wood species including hardwood tropical species.
Cons
- No backlight display
- No audible or visual alarm
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.6 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.6 out of 5.0
This meter provided accurate readings from 5% through 17% MC when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. Accuracy diminished somewhat in the 18% to 30% range.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 5.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture had no effect on this meter’s readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 5.0 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had very little effect on this meter’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by only 0.2% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 0.8%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 0.3% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by only 0.1%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.3 out of 5.0
Wood temperature had a small effect on this meter’s readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC saw a reduction in the reading of 0.6% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading dropped 1.9%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC indicated that the reading increased 0.1% when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased by 2.1%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
The Wagner MMC220 meter readings were repeatable.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
The Wagner MMC220 meter showed no drift after 3 seconds of taking a reading
Cable Interference – N/A
Because this meter is pin-less, it could not be tested for cable interference.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.0 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0
With only two buttons to push for on/off and species settings, this meter is simple to operate with very little reference to the manual needed to get started. Documentation in the manual is clear and easy to understand.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Manufactured in the USA. This meter is unlikely to malfunction or break with normal use.
Comfort – 4.0 out of 5.0
Compact size fits comfortably in a jacket pocket and comes with a durable soft case that can clip to a belt. Large, easy-to-read display.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5
This is a single-mode meter (pinless), which is standard. It is capable of internal species correction once specific gravity is entered. The meter’s extended range for specific gravity enables users to take multiple measurements of most softwoods, hardwoods, tropical species, as well as laminated wood products, in just seconds.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
Reads wood MC from 5% to 32%. Easily and accurately measures MC down to 5%.
Features – 3.2 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Measures moisture deep in the wood without surface moisture interference. Simple, easy-to-use 2-button control, including a HOLD function that enables the user to operate meter in tight places and “freeze” readings whenever the display can’t be seen.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
Customer service appears very knowledgeable and is able to answer all the basic questions, including the cost of repair, turnaround time on repairs, etc. The representative we spoke with was pleasant and his tone of voice gave the impression he genuinely wanted to help. Fast response to both email and telephone inquiries. Manual available online.
Warranty, repairs, and calibration:
- 7-year warranty covers product defects or if device is out of calibration
- Repair comes with a 90-day warranty
- Wagner doesn’t sell replacement parts except for battery cover
- Turnaround time is 3-5 business days
- Users can purchase a device to check calibration
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.