Sub-$100 DMM recommendations

[wardrop]

Hey Guys,

I want to get a new multimeter. I've currently got some el-cheapo thing that doesn't even have continuity testing. I don't want to spend more than $100, because it's not going to be something I use everyday, or even every month. I've been looking at Jaycar, and the QM1551 seems reasonable. I like the idea of the non-contact voltage testing, so I've been limiting my selection to meters with that feature.

Any recommendations?

Cheers,
Tom

[Muttley Snickers]

For around that money I would be seriously considering Dave's BM-235 which I already own and I think he occasionally offers a slight discount to nice people but don't quote me on that, It's certainly worth the extra money so save up a bit more.   

EEVblog BM-235
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EEVblog-Brymen-BM235-Multimeter/222221899081?

Otherwise if you are content to tolerate the CEM brand of meters and on a limited budget then the one listed below is a better meter and better value than the Jaycar one you listed which by the way are rather slow and use potentiometers which are prone to drift if dropped, I also own the QM-1323 which I would consider a second knock about meter and not much more.

CEM DT-9919
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-PRO-ELECTRICIANS-TESTER-WATERPROOF-AUTO-RANGE-/111205371704?

Any of the smaller Flukes would also do the job but if possible ensure the meter has min/ max, it is a handy feature particularly when working alone.

[wardrop]

Yeah I've been looking at the EEVblog BM-235. What about the Extech EX330. I've heard good things about it, and I can get it for $100 from Amazon delivered.

[retiredcaps]

I normally stay away from these discussions because everyone's opinion has some merit, but I strongly would avoid any CEM based multimeter due to poor soldering and build quality.

If you are not going to use this meter even on a monthly basis, I wouldn't spend more than $20 for a meter.

I don't have this meter, but the Uni-T UT136D for about $20 USD has NCV.  It is a variation of the UT136B reviewed by Lightages.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/review-uni-t-ut136b-tired-of-the-multimeter-snobs-a-very-nice-budget-meter!/!/

[wardrop]

Looking at UNI-T, the UT136 must be an older series, as they're website only lists the UT139. I've also been trying to determine the difference between the UT139A, UT139B and UT139C. I would like a meter that measures capacitance also, and the UT139C seems to so far fit the bill. $60 is ok by me. Thoughts on that one?

EDIT: The UT139C is being sold at SCA, albiet at a somewhat premium price: http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/SCA-Multimeter-Digital/387595

[EEVblog]

For around that money I would be seriously considering Dave's BM-235 which I already own and I think he occasionally offers a slight discount to nice people but don't quote me on that, It's certainly worth the extra money so save up a bit more.   

EEVblog BM-235
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EEVblog-Brymen-BM235-Multimeter/222221899081?

Don't use Ebay, it's cheaper on my web store
https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/

And what do you know, my coupon code WAFFLE has been extended for another day! $20 off

[wardrop]

I've just bought the UNI-T UT139C for $69 delivered from eBay. Had all the features I wanted, and UNI-T doesn't seem like such a bad manufacturer... and I've been looking at multimeters for hours, haha, and I'm sick of it.

[todbnla]

For around that money I would be seriously considering Dave's BM-235 which I already own and I think he occasionally offers a slight discount to nice people but don't quote me on that, It's certainly worth the extra money so save up a bit more.   

EEVblog BM-235
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EEVblog-Brymen-BM235-Multimeter/222221899081?

Don't use Ebay, it's cheaper on my web store
https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/

And what do you know, my coupon code WAFFLE has been extended for another day! $20 off

Just ordered one Dave, send it to me, thanks! 

[Nuzzler]

For around that money I would be seriously considering Dave's BM-235 which I already own and I think he occasionally offers a slight discount to nice people but don't quote me on that, It's certainly worth the extra money so save up a bit more.   

EEVblog BM-235
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EEVblog-Brymen-BM235-Multimeter/222221899081?

Don't use Ebay, it's cheaper on my web store
https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/

And what do you know, my coupon code WAFFLE has been extended for another day! $20 off

Just ordered one Dave, send it to me, thanks! 

D'oh, just missed it. I guess it's already tomorrow in AU.

- Nuzz