Best bang for the buck bench multimeter new or used what do you recommend?

[alank2]

Hi Everyone,

I've got too many handhelds and it always seems that when I want to use one at my bench that I don't have the desk space for a handheld so I'm thinking about having a bench one there I can use all the time.

What is the best bang for the buck, new or used, as far as getting a quality bench meter that will last a long time.

Thanks,

Alan

[Vgkid]

Where are you located, that will help with used meters.

[kjn4685]

Tell us the prices and y location. I would be interested.

[LaurentR]

If I translate "quality bench meter that will last a long time" by Keysight, Fluke, Keithley...,
you have basically three options:

A) New or near new. The darlings of the forum with a nice UI are the Keysight 34461A/34465A. 6.5digit, $1000-1400. Fluke's 8846A also a strong contender. Go up in price to a 7.5 (or 8.5) digit. Some 4.5 and 5.5 digit are available from these brands but they are less common. The 6.5digit seem to be the core of the market for brand bench DMMs.

B) Slightly older technology, used. You can buy a (still produced) "industry standard" HP/Agilent/Keysight 34401A for $250-400 on EBay and get a great meter. Those are very common second-hand, so you can find really nice ones at very good prices.

C) Old technology. E.g. HP3456A $100-200 on EBay.

As others have said, you need to specify your country, your budget and your needs. You can look the above up to get an idea. Based on your country, there might be other quality brands worth looking at.
Also look at the multimeter sticky: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/ as a lot of the bench DMMs new and old are listed and you won't find a better spec comparison resource.
There are also many bench DMM threads on the forum to look at once you have a few candidates in mind.

If this is too expensive, want new and are willing to go Chinese, a Rigol DM3058E ($450) or Siglent SDM3055 ($450) could do.
There are even cheaper options like on this active thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/vc8145-thread-it's-here-finally/

[JBaughb]

Your available money will change the answer to this question considerably but I would recommend an older HP/Agilent (3478A can be had for cheap) or Fluke (45 or 8840) multimeter from eBay. If you let us know how much you're looking to spend I am sure someone will have more specific answers for you.

Also, maybe more info about your needs or uses for the meter. If you need guaranteed accuracy, a specific resolution or certified calibration, that will alter the pricing considerably.

[max666]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

[nowlan]

Most people put bench meters on a shelf above work area. Keeps them off work space.

I dont think bang for buck implies brand new $1,000 agilent. Used or the rigol/siglent mentioned before.

[bingo600]

I'd recommend a HP/Agilent 34401 (that hasn't got a worn out VFD display)
Or a Keithley 2015 (they seem to go cheaper than the 2000's)

/Bingo

[nctnico]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

Stacking stuff frees up space. I have 2 VC8145s, a PSU and DC load stacked on top of each other. Handhelds don't stack very well; when you need more than one they clutter up the bench space.

To the OPs question: look at the Vichy / Vici VC8145. It costs less than $200 and it is a fine replacement for a 4.5 digit handheld DMM. It has a lot more features than a second hand A brand DMM.

[Wytnucls]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

No 4W measurements or GPIB, but it comes with USB, RS232, AC+DC and also has internal memory.

[EEVblog]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

A truly awful meter, don't touch it.

[BradC]

I picked up a HP3457a for the right price and I'm really happy with it. Like anything else however, my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

[JBaughb]

Another one to consider if you're on a budget and prefer to buy new, is the UNI-T UT804, which is basically a UT71D in a box. Sells for about 250$, out of Hong Kong:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT804-Digital-Bench-Multimeter-/131455912475?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e9b620a1b

No 4W measurements or GPIB, but it comes with USB, RS232, AC+DC and also has internal memory.

$250 would be better spent on a quality used meter versus a UNI-T. An HP 34401A can be had for that price if you spend some time waiting for a deal.

[Wytnucls]

Good second-hand Fluke, HP or Keithley machines can be expensive, depending on where the OP lives. If he resides in the USA, that's a no-brainer.
I bought a new Rigol DM3058E in Hong Kong and, with some luck, a lightly used Keithley 2000 ($290) in South Africa. Very happy with both meters.

[Smith]

It all depends on your budget and needs. I think a second handed Keithley/Fluke/Agisight is your best option in every way.
I absolutely love Keithley meters, but the Agilent 344xx meters look promissing too and the Fluke meters should be good too (never used their bench meters).

[max666]

I don't follow the logic. If you don't have enough desk space, then putting a bench multimeter on it will certainly not free up space?
Is one of your requirements that it has to be a small bench multimeter?

Stacking stuff frees up space. I have 2 VC8145s, a PSU and DC load stacked on top of each other. Handhelds don't stack very well; when you need more than one they clutter up the bench space.

To the OPs question: look at the Vichy / Vici VC8145. It costs less than $200 and it is a fine replacement for a 4.5 digit handheld DMM. It has a lot more features than a second hand A brand DMM.

Ah yes, of course. I must have been standing on the hose ... especially considering I do stack stuff myself 

[SeanB]

Time to do some repotting, I did that earlier the week, and they are enjoying the new potting soil and the extra room a lot. hopefully the seeds I also planted will actually germinate.

[eas]

Time to do some repotting, I did that earlier the week, and they are enjoying the new potting soil and the extra room a lot. hopefully the seeds I also planted will actually germinate.

Repotting is fine, if you have room for the new pots, and the plants when they take advantage of the new space. But that leaves less room for test gear...

[SeanB]

Window box.................

[xrunner]

What is the best bang for the buck, new or used, as far as getting a quality bench meter that will last a long time.

Best bang for the buck? Go to Ebay and get a used HP or Fluke. Yea I have a newish Rigol, but best bang for the buck is something like the twp HP's you see in the pic. An HP 3435 & HP 3466. Both exceptional quality meters and very good buys.

Shoot, I paid $19.99 (+ shipping) and $34.99 (+shipping) respectively for them. All they needed was some clean up and presto - you have two very nice meters for less than $100. Just monitor Ebay for a few weeks and you'll find one at a good price.

[nctnico]

I have a HP3466A as well. It has been sitting on the shelve since I have a VC8145. Those old meters lack several features which just make them less appealing to use.

[alank2]

I'm in the US.

[pascal_sweden]

Best bang for the buck? Go to Ebay and get a used HP or Fluke. Yea I have a newish Rigol, but best bang for the buck is something like the twp HP's you see in the pic. An HP 3435 & HP 3466. Both exceptional quality meters and very good buys.

Nice setup. But wouldn't it be more convenient to get a bigger bench and put the meters next to each other, in horizontal position? This way you can use shorter cables, and can look at the measurements in parallel more easily. Moreover I think that there is a limit on the amount of height you can stack these units

[xrunner]

Nice setup.

Thanks

But wouldn't it be more convenient to get a bigger bench and put the meters next to each other, in horizontal position? This way you can use shorter cables, and can look at the measurements in parallel more easily.

Yes, I need a bigger bench but I'm not willing to buy one at the moment. 

Moreover I think that there is a limit on the amount of height you can stack these units

Prolly, but I'm done stacking. 

[whipaway]

So Sorry to resurrect this thread, but I am in the same dilemma, wanting the best bang for the buck.
My criteria:
LED display
5.5 digits min
.005 basic DC accuracy
volt amps and ohm capability
No internal battery for ohms function
around $50 USD

Right now, I have a Fluke 8800A, which I paid $50.00 for, which meets almost all of the above criteria, but the only thing I don't like is the need for the internal batteries, although I would reconsider if the batteries were more easy to access, such as a battery compartment with an external door, I hate leaving batteries inside a unit for an extended period of time.
I am in the USA
Thanks in Advance!