What to look for when shopping for a multimeter

Steven E / Friday February 28, 2025

A multimeter is one of the most useful tools for DIY appliance repair. Whether you’re checking a fuse, testing a heating element, or troubleshooting a faulty switch, the right multimeter makes the job safer and easier.

But with so many options out there, how do you know which one to buy? Some are basic and budget-friendly, while others are packed with advanced features you might not ever need.

Let’s break down what to look for so you can pick the best one for your repairs without overspending.

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Contents hide

I What to look for when shopping for a multimeter

I.I Analog vs. digital multimeters: Which one is better?

I.I.I Why to choose a digital multimeter

I.I.II Why to choose an analog multimeter

I.II Essential multimeter capabilities for DIY repairs

I.III Safety ratings: Don’t ignore this!

I.IV Multimeter display & ease of use

I.V Cheap vs. expensive multimeters

I.VI We’re here to help

I.VI.I Share this entry

Analog vs. digital multimeters: Which one is better?

Multimeters are available as analog and digital models. While both can measure voltage, resistance, and continuity, digital multimeters are usually the better choice for DIY appliance repair. They tend to provide more precise readings and are easier for beginners to work with when testing parts like fuses, heating elements, motors, and switches.

Analog multimeters can offer benefits when you need to monitor changes or trends more quickly during testing, but digital multimeters are usually the better choice for everyday use.

Why to choose a digital multimeter

Digital multimeters show readings on a digital screen and rely on batteries to power the display.

They’re generally more accurate
They often have additional features, like auto-ranging, data hold, and the ability to measure frequencies or capacitance
They’re more user-friendly, with straightforward readings and clear displays, making them especially helpful for beginners

Why to choose an analog multimeter

Analog multimeters use a moving needle on a scale to show readings. This can sometimes make it harder to read exact values, but you get a real-time look at any changes that might happen during a test.

May not be as accurate as digital meters, though they provide reliable readings, especially for general diagnostics.
Has more basic features
Often preferred by some professionals because the needle movement can show trends (like slowly increasing voltage) that might be harder to spot on a digital display
Don’t need batteries to function (though they might need one for certain functions like continuity testing).

Essential multimeter capabilities for DIY repairs

Your multimeter should have the right features to handle all appliance troubleshooting easily and safely. For most DIY repairs, a digital multimeter with auto-ranging, AC/DC voltage, resistance, and continuity mode is all you need. If you plan on working with appliances that have capacitors, then you’ll also need a multimeter with capacitance testing.

The most important functions to look for in a multimeter are:

Voltage measurement (AC/DC) – to check if power is reaching an outlet, switch, or part.
Resistance (Ω) – Measured in Ohms and determines how well electricity flows through a part. Useful for testing fuses, heating elements, and motor windings. A high or infinite resistance reading usually means the part is bad.
Continuity mode – Checks whether or not a circuit or wire is broken. When testing a fuse or wire, the meter should make a beeping sound if it’s good. If there’s no beep, then the circuit is broken.
Capacitance testing – Helps diagnose capacitors, which are common in microwaves, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Not all multimeters have this feature, but it’s useful for more advanced troubleshooting.
Auto-ranging vs. manual-ranging – Auto-ranging adjusts settings automatically, which is easier for beginners; manual-ranging requires the user to select the correct range themselves, which is something more experienced users may do.

Safety ratings: Don’t ignore this!

When working with electrical appliances, safety should always come first. Not all multimeters are designed to handle the same level of electrical load, so you’ll need to check the safety rating before buying one.

For DIY appliance repair, a CAT II or CAT III-rated multimeter with built-in fuse protection is the safest choice. Avoid cheap, unbranded models that don’t list a safety rating.

The CAT (category) rating tells you what kind of electrical environments the multimeter can safely handle.

Here’s a breakdown:

CAT I – For low-energy circuits like small electronics (not useful for appliance repair)
CAT II – For household appliances and standard wall outlets (good for most DIY troubleshooting)
CAT III – For high-voltage appliances and circuit breakers (ideal for working with major appliances like ovens, dryers, and refrigerators)
CAT IV – For industrial and commercial electrical work (not needed for home repairs)

Multimeter display & ease of use

A multimeter is only as good as its readability and ease of use. If the display is too small or the settings are confusing, then troubleshooting an appliance becomes much harder.

Here’s what to look for to get a user-friendly experience, no matter your skill level:

Large, clear display, which makes checking measurements faster. Look for a backlit display if you’ll be working in low-light areas, like behind appliances or inside cabinets.
Simple interface with the dial and buttons clearly labeled and easy to navigate. Avoid multimeters with overly complicated settings if you’re just using them for DIY repairs.
Hold function, which freezes the reading on the screen so you don’t have to remember it immediately.
Auto shut-off – Happens after a few minutes of inactivity can can really help save battery life so you don’t end up with a dead meter when you need it most.
Quality test leads – The included test leads should be sturdy and flexible, with well-insulated grips. Cheap or stiff leads can break easily and lead to inaccurate readings.

Cheap vs. expensive multimeters

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a multimeter that’s reliable for all your DIY appliance repairs. The key is finding the right balance between features, accuracy, and durability.

For home appliance repairs, a mid-range multimeter is usually the best investment. It provides all the necessary functions without unnecessary complexity.

If you’re just getting started, a budget multimeter can work, but you might outgrow it quickly.