Which one is the best – Klein or Fluke DMM? Do you want a multimeter for industrial use or basic home testing and measurements?
Choosing a digital multimeter of choice can be a bit challenging. This is because various brands on the market offer the same product but with varying features, quality, and price. Some electricians end up regretting when they purchase a poorly built meter. Look wisely and get a quality and reliable multimeter that meets your needs.
My Recommendation: According to My Test, I have gotten Better Accuracy IN THIS MULTIMETER ➡️.
Summary of Contents
Comparison: Klein VS Fluke
If you are stuck between choosing a multimeter from Klein or Fluke, we will help you make a well-calculated decision after going through this post. Both Klein and Fluke have a great reputation, but which is the best?
Features |
Klein Tools |
Fluke |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1857 | 1948 |
| Product Range | Electrical tools, test equipment, safety gear | Electrical test equipment, thermal imaging, safety gear |
| Target Audience | Electricians, technicians, DIY enthusiasts | Electricians, technicians, industrial professionals |
| Price Range | (Klein 700) $-$$$ | (Fluke 117) $$-$$$$ |
| Warranty | Varies by product (usually 1-2 years) | Varies by product (usually 1-3 years) |
| Reputation | Reliable and cost-effective tools | Premium and high-precision tools |
| Multimeters | Yes | Yes |
| Clamp Meters | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation Testers | Yes | Yes |
| Circuit Testers | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage Testers | Yes | Yes |
| Infrared Thermometers | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Imaging Cameras | No | Yes |
| Oscilloscopes | No | Yes |
| Made In | USA, Mexico, Taiwan, and other locations | USA, China, and other locations |
| Batteries: | 2 AAA batteries are required. (included) | 1 AAA batteries required. (included) |
| Voltage AC/DC: | 1000 volts | 600 volts |
| Ohms (Resistance): | 60MO | 40 MΩ |
| Capacitance: | 6000µF | 10,000 μF |
| Frequency: | 1Hz – 500 KHz | |
| Current AC/DC: | 600A | 10 A |
| Item Weight: | 1.55 pounds | 10.6 ounces |
| Battery Cell Type: | Alkaline | Alkaline |
| Review: | Detail Reviews link | Detail Reviews link |
| Price: |  Check Price |
My Choice Check Price |
Differences and similarities between Klein and Fluke multimeters
- Reliability – Klein tools might not be as famous as Fluke, but it has been on the market for over a long period of time. Klein brand was started in 1857, while Fluke was established in 1948. But when it comes to reliability and trust, Fluke has the edge over Klein. Fluke tools are reliable and provide accurate readings. This is not the case with all Klein tools, as they have some low-quality multimeters.
- Construction – after using different digital multimeter tools from both Klein and Fluke, I can gladly say that both brands offer durable multimeters. But when it comes to longevity and toughness, Fluke is the best multimeter brand to choose from. Klein multimeters can defy dropping of up to 3.3 meters off the ground. While Fluke is purely constructed for industrial use and they can defy shock, humidity, and dropping.
- Purpose – if you want a simple and small device for everyday use, then Klein tools have several digital multimeters to offer. But for industrial or professional use, then Fluke is the brand to consider.
- Safety – I can say that both Klein and Fluke meet different safety standards. They are both CAT III 600V safety rated. So, you can use them without any fear, but with caution. Always use a meter for its intended purpose to avoid accidents.
- Ease of use – features like a large display screen, simple to use buttons, battery level indicator, and labeled ports make using Klein or Fluke digital multimeters to be easy. Some DMMs from Fluke are a bit difficult to use, and they need professional assistance.
- Design – The fluke multimeter brand has some of the best-designed multimeters on the market. Most of their tools are compactly designed to fit in tight areas and are lightweight as well. Klein has excellent multimeter devices, but they are not as durable as Fluke.
Related: Amprobe VS Fluke
- Cost – if you are not ready to break your bank, it is better if you stay away from Fluke. Fluke multimeters are some of the most costly on the market. This is not the case with Klein, as they offer several low-quality digital multimeter tools. So, if you want the best, you should consider buying from Fluke. But if you want a simple multimeter, you can check out Klein multimeters.
Check Price - Warranty – a warranty is important as it will have your investment protected in case of anything. Fluke provides an excellent lifetime warranty, which is unmatched by any brand on the market. Klein as well provides a warranty but on request.
Is Fluke or Klein Better
Choosing between Klein and Fluke multimeters can be a bit like choosing between apples and oranges — it really depends on your specific needs and preferences, as both companies produce high-quality multimeters.
Fluke is known as a world leader in the manufacture of electronic test tools and software, and their multimeters are known for high precision, durability, and a wide range of features. They offer a variety of multimeters tailored to different industries and uses, from general-purpose models to highly specialized tools. Fluke multimeters are often chosen by professionals in the fields of service, maintenance, installation, and R&D due to their high reliability, accuracy, and comprehensive features.
Klein Tools, on the other hand, is a reputable American company known for its durable and reliable hand tools. Their multimeters are generally more affordable than Fluke’s, which can make them a better choice for hobbyists or professionals on a budget. While they may not offer the same breadth and depth of features as Fluke multimeters, Klein Tools’ multimeters are still robust and accurate enough for most common electrical measurements.
So, the winner between Klein and Fluke multimeters really depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you need a highly precise, feature-rich multimeter for professional use and don’t mind spending a bit more, you might prefer a Fluke multimeter. If you’re looking for a more affordable multimeter that still offers solid performance, a Klein multimeter could be a great choice.
Conclusion
The final decision between choosing a DMM from Klein or Fluke depends on what you intend to use it for or your budget. If it’s for professional and longtime use, Fluke is the best brand with a great reputation and reliable tools. But if you want a cheap and fun tool to have at home for simple HVAC repairs and other things, Klein is the tool for you.
Mark Garvey seems to be a huge fluke fan that already had his mind made up before he wrote this article. Im not sure why he even bothered writing it!
There are a lot of important differences that he never touched on, for instance-
Kleins auto ranging AC/DC feature is outstanding for troubleshooting a 30 year old control cabinets with multiple voltages and a spaghetti mess of wires that don’t seem to adhere to any color code.
The Klein is much TOUGHER in terms of drop/fall & ampacity.
The Klein is certainly more affordable.
The Klein has an available magnetic strap not found anywhere else at it’s price point.
The Fluke is lighter.
The Fluke has better capacitance and will be better for troubleshooting drives in that regard.
CONCLUSION- The Klein MM700 will be better suited for most electricians……
“I can say that both Klein and Fluke meet different safety standards. They are both CAT III 600V safety rated.”
Sounds like they both meet the same standards. Reword?
No way ! Fluke is only one to buy. Forget Klein.
Electricians use Fluke. Apprentices use Klein.
Maybe because electricians don’t pay their apprentices enough to blow a wad on a Fluke? I agree that Fluke is the industry favorite, but maybe that allows Fluke to charge for the name.