Wagner MMI1100 is rich with features and is one of the most accurate meters (scored 4.7 out of 5) we tested for measuring moisture in wood. It is a pinless meter that measures moisture without damaging the wood surface and without interference from surface moisture.
Suitable for applications in either lumber production or wood manufacturing markets. This meter measures moisture in a variety of softwoods and hardwoods as well as tropical species, with an extended range of specific gravity settings. It also offers a HOLD function which “freezes” the reading until the display can be viewed.
This is a well-constructed meter. It comes in a comfortable, compact size, and provides quick, accurate scanning of lumber and wood flooring. This meter stores up to 50 readings for data analysis.
This meter is worth buying.
Pros
- One of the most accurate meters we tested.
- 7-year manufacturer’s warranty and exceptional customer service.
- Minimizes interference from surface moisture.
- Measures range of moisture levels from 5% to 32%.
- Feature rich: stores up to 50 readings; displays the high, low and average of the stored readings, and includes an extended range of specific gravity adjustments.
Cons
- No backlight display.
- No audible or visual alarm.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.7 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.7 out of 5.0
This meter showed very accurate readings from 5% through 17% MC when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. Accuracy began to diminish from 17% through 32%.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 5.0 out of 5.0
The Wagner MMI1100 meter showed only a small 0.3% difference in the reading in the presence of surface moisture, indicating that surface moisture has little effect on this meter’s readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature – 4.7 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a small effect on this meter’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 0.6% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 0.9%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC lowered the reading by 0.4% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by 0.3%.
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 lowered the reading by 0.4% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by 1.7%.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by 0.4% compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading increased 2.3%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
The meter consistently repeated readings throughout testing.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
This meter did not show drift after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
Because the Wagner MMI1100 is a pinless meter, a cable interference test could not be conducted.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 4.1 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 4.1 out of 5.0
With 3 buttons to push, 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. Built with the highest quality control standards, 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 5.0
This is a single-mode meter (pinless), which is typical. Capable of internal species adjustment 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 moisture content (MC) from 5% to 30%. Easily and accurately measures MC down to 5%.
Features – 4.3 out of 5.0
This meter is rich with features. Readings precise to 0.1%. Low battery indicator. Measures moisture deep in the wood without surface moisture interference. Stores up to 50 MC readings for data analysis, and is able to display the high, low and average of the stored readings. Simple and easy to use with 3-button controls, including a HOLD feature that enables the user to operate meter in tight places and “freeze” MC readings until display can be viewed.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
Customer service appears very knowledgeable and is able to answer all questions about how to request a return authorization, the cost of repair, turnaround time, etc. The person we talked with was pleasant and his tone of voice gave the impression he genuinely wanted to help. Fast response time to both email and telephone inquiries. Manual available online.
Warranty, repairs, and calibration:
- 7-year warranty covers product defects or if the 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.
- The user 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.