Customer Reviews

Extech PH100 ExStik Waterproof pH Meter

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have been using this instrument for 4 years and found that for the most part it works okay, however at times it has been known to suddenly stop working (it doesn't give a reading above 1 and/or has a strange flashing symbol in place of a number) for no apparent reason. In 4 years I've sent 2 units back to the manufacturer who sent replacements, but did not explain what was wrong or how to avoid future problems. I take good care of the instrument - cleaning, calibrating and storing correctly. The unit stopped working again a couple of weeks ago and I have to assume it needs a new electrode, even though there was no 'RENEW' signal (I've never actually seen the symbol the whole time I've used the meter). I do find I'm left guessing about what to do to make the meter work again if it packs up! Something else that bothers the heck out of me is that the electrode needs to be replaced fairly often (every 6 months - using it on average 2 to 4 times per week) - and $39+ each time hurts (and forget the refillable model too - never worked again after it needed refilling).

The unit is accurate and works as advertised. Minor detail they DON'T mention. You really want to calibrate it for the most accurate readings. To do this you need PH 4 and PH 7 solutions which are NOT included. Luckily I have a friend in the chem business so I got some free. Otherwise you are stuck having to buy a bottle of each. The unit does work out of the box, comes with batteries (little watch style, so will be $$ to replace down the road, but hey the do give you batteries to start with) and does a decent job even without calibration.

The ExStik pH100 does not work. If I had the time, I'd make a video review to go along with these words. Even after calibration, using ExTech's own solutions, the pH100 fails to read pH levels anywhere near-accurate. It randomly reports its 'findings', even when using the same sample being tested. The fault may be with the included pH electrode (and sealed solution), which you have no way of knowing the condition or age of, because it's not packaged separately or appropriately for sensitive electronics. For the cost of this item, you'd expect some level of quality. Look elsewhere, because this product will disappoint both you and your wallet. But, if you still want to buy this piece of junk, I'll mail you mine for just the cost of shipping. You'll still be getting ripped off, but you won't feel so bad as purchasing at full price.

It's only marginally more expensive than the Hanna pH Checker I had, but worth at least twice as much. The auto calibration feature works great (put it in a buffer solution, press "Calibrate" and it automatically detects the buffer pH level and calibrates itself).

I bought this for our business. Usually when inspector comes, he complains of the old PH meter that we used and it had to be calibrated manually. So, he thought that it wasn't accurate and we were trying to cheat on him. Honestly, many of our staffs/chefs don't know how to adjust up to the point. This helps so much and it automatically adjust and calibrate to the most common PH 7 and PH4 (depending on the buffer solution). I strongly suggest to purchase this. The downside is the cost which is pretty much close to $90 and the not renewable part. The other model can renew the part but that model is more expensive than this. So, over all, it's excellent and 4 stars item.

Been working well for us in our indoor garden. Surprising quality for the price, definately helped figure out what is happening to our sickly tomatoes!

The four stars are for the fact that when I called Extech to tell them the meter didn't work, they immediately told me to throw it away and they were sending a new one. Our problem was that it wouldn't hold a reading after a couple uses. The features seem good, but we will see if the next one actually works.

Purchased for use on factory floor in routine mixing of industrial formulation. Works well and can be used by basically untrained personnel. Service life remains to be determined, initial experience is good. Made in China, but seems to be one of their better (export) products.

OK, so PH meters are expensive. Most lab equipment is. If you need top of the line precision, this isn't your meter. But if you are, you are not looking for a meter on Amazon. For most of us, who need accuracy within a tenth or so, this is an amazing deal. I owned one of these, it stopped working after about 9 months, I called tech support, had a new one to me in days. Top notch service. Eventually I got tired of how long it took to get results, and getting inconsistent results on fabric. I stepped up to a $600 (Average Price for a low to mid level lab meter)Hanna Unit. First, Awful Customer service. Second, Exactly the same performance as my Extech! Turns out that's how long it takes, and that fabric itself is inconsistent. Much more expensive, and super delicate, The Probes for the Hana are between $150 and $200 to replace, broke mine in just a couple of months. Although, it turns out it was only supposed to be good for about 6-9 months anyway, before the fluid was spent. At Half the price for just a replacement Probe on the other unit, this thing is a steal (even with a $40 probe in 6 months, and worst case a new unit every year), and I will not buy anything else in the future!