Digital multimeters are one of those things that you either know how to use or don't. If you don't know how to use one, this contraption with a dial, electrodes and an LCD display can be pretty confusing.

A multimeter is a very useful electronic device which measures amps, volts and ohms. Some more expensive multimeters will even measure temperature too! Effectively, the majority of multimeters combine three measurement meters in to a single instrument, the ammeter (measures current), the voltmeter (measure voltage) and the ohmmeter (measuring resistance).

Multimeters are really useful hand held tools that you can use for simple troubleshooting or taking measurements in the field. You can use them at home or in a manufacturing environment for measuring electrical output with good accuracy.

They are useful for checking electrical supply in a variety of different situations from the car to batteries, appliances and pretty much any situation involving the flow of electricity.

There are two basic types of multimeter performing similar functions:

Analog: This is the older type of multimeter, but is still in common use around the world. Analog multimeters have a dial for a display with a needle that indicates the result.

Digital: These are the more modern multimeters which have either an LED or LCD display for the results.

With a digital display, the digital multimeter provides a much more accurate measurement. As such, these are replacing analog multimeters, particularly with the low cost of manufacturing.

Whilst a digital multimeter may seem simple, it's actually a fairly complicated piece of machinery used in many different fields by electricians, electrical engineers and service technicians in industries ranging from car repair to computer repair and more.

The cheaper multimeters don't tend to have a lot of bells and whistles and are simple devices to operate. They measure ohms, amps and volts which is more than enough for the majority of home users.

Unless you are an advanced user working in a job that requires a digital multimeter, you are not going to need the advanced features in more expensive multimeters. If you are a professional then the more expensive and complicated multimeters may be more suited to your needs.

You can buy digital multimeters from many offline shops such a electrical retailers or car spares shops. You may find it easier to purchase yours from an online store which is likely to have a wider range of multimeters for sale.

At the lower end of the market you can buy a digital multimeter for to , but if you are a professional you may look at the higher end multimeters, which come with a higher price.