Lab supplies
Handheld Hydroponic pH/EC/TDS Meter with Temperature Readout
Product description
This pen-style tester is a 4-in-1 instrument that can display pH, EC (conductivity) and temperature simultaneously, or pH, TDS/PPM and temperature when you change the display mode with the MODE button. A HOLD function locks readings for easier recording. The unit is intended for quick, in-situ checks of nutrient solutions, drinking water and aquariums.
Conductivity is measured across a range of 0.00–19.99 mS/cm with a 0.01 mS/cm resolution and a selectable PPM conversion (including a 500-factor hydroponic PPM option). The meter reads pH values in the standard range and shows temperature alongside either EC or PPM so you can view three parameters at once. The housing is a compact plastic pen design with a probe tip; the probe should not be immersed past the black o-ring (about 2 inches) to avoid damage.
The package includes the handheld meter plus three calibration solutions: pH 4.00, pH 7.00 and an EC standard at 1413 μS/cm. The meter leaves the factory pre-calibrated for immediate use, and the supplied liquids allow you to confirm or re-calibrate the device without mixing powders. Calibration is performed by immersing the probe in the appropriate solution and following the meter’s calibration routine.
This tester is useful when preparing base water sources for hydroponics—tap, filtered or collected rainwater—helping you aim for neutral pH near 7.0 and a low baseline PPM (commonly around 70 ppm for many setups) so added nutrients remain the main source of dissolved salts. It is commonly used for DWC systems, Kratky setups, vertical tower gardens, aeroponics and aquaponics, and for monitoring hydroponic vegetables, herbs and tomatoes.
Because of the compact, non-submersible design, it’s best for container or shallow-reservoir measurements. Regular calibration with the included solutions helps maintain accuracy. The meter’s straightforward interface and combined readouts make it practical for beginners and hobby growers who need quick, repeatable water checks.
Pros
- Displays pH, EC/PPM and temperature together
- Comes factory-calibrated with calibration solutions included
- Compact and easy to use for routine hydroponic checks
Cons
- Not fully waterproof; do not submerge past the o-ring
- Power-off requires a long button press which can be finicky
- Some users report occasional calibration or durability issues
VerdictA versatile, easy-to-use handheld tester that delivers pH, EC/PPM and temperature together. It’s factory-calibrated and ships with calibration solutions, making it a good fit for hobby hydroponic systems and routine water checks. Some users report durability and submersion limitations, but customer support is responsive in many cases.
Reviews
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Kasey N Corey Geter 5/5
Does the job for me
Simple and effective for my setup. Came with calibration fluids and met my expectations. I would buy this again.
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Bob M. 5/5
Surprisingly capable for a budget meter
I calibrated it and it matched my pricier model. No problems since calibration and the TDS readings are reliable — exactly what I needed.
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Wonder77 1/5
Stopped working quickly
Failed after only a few days. Calibration couldn’t restore it, so I had to buy a different unit elsewhere. Very disappointed.
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St8kout 4/5
Good starter tool but some usability quirks
Useful for beginners, but the long-press power-off is unreliable and drains battery if it fails. Not fully submersible — don’t push it past the black ring (~2 inches). Also, the calibration bottles are only for calibrating, not for use as reservoir fluid.
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John 5/5
Accurate and convenient
I’ve used this for months on two towers. Accuracy is sufficient and it’s very easy to operate. Battery life has been good so far.
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Michael J. 5/5
Solid performer for multiple systems
Very useful across several hydroponic setups. Easy to read, easy to calibrate, and consistently helps me maintain proper water conditions.
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LoonAZ 5/5
Worked well, excellent customer support
Meter performed well at first, then I had a calibration issue. Customer support replied quickly and sent a replacement within about a week; problem resolved.
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Dino Baldacci 5/5
Affordable and supported by manufacturer
After three months I had a calibration error. The manufacturer responded promptly and shipped a replacement under their 12-month guarantee. Replacement has worked flawlessly.
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Peter 3/5
Reasonable but inconsistent
Shipped uncalibrated and needed adjustment. pH typically differed by 0.1–0.2 compared with my reference meter and can take several minutes to stabilize. TDS was within about ±10 of a professional meter. Useful as a backup, but I’m cautious about relying on it alone.
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