Klein Tools MM700 Review: The Value-Packed Electrician's Multimeter

Can Klein's True RMS multimeter compete with Fluke at half the price? We examine whether the MM700 delivers professional capability on a smarter budget.

Quick Verdict

The Klein Tools MM700 offers serious value for electricians who want True RMS accuracy, Low Impedance (LoZ) mode, and 1000V capability without paying the Fluke premium. At around $110, it undercuts the Fluke 117 by nearly half while adding features like temperature measurement and higher voltage range. The trade-offs are slower response times and a two-year warranty versus Fluke's three. For residential and light commercial work, the MM700 delivers professional capability at a practical price.

Best for: Budget-conscious electricians, apprentices building their kit, HVAC technicians, and DIYers who want professional features without professional pricing.

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Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

Perfect for:

• Residential electricians – All the capability you need for house calls at reasonable cost
• Apprentices and journeymen – Professional features without the professional price tag
• HVAC technicians – Temperature measurement and capacitance testing built-in
• DIY enthusiasts – True RMS accuracy for serious home projects
• Backup meter users – A capable second meter when your primary is in the shop

Skip it if:

• You need industrial durability – The IP42 rating and 2m drop test are adequate but not industrial-grade
• Response speed matters – Continuity and auto-ranging are noticeably slower than Fluke
• You need non-contact voltage detection – Unlike the Fluke 117, the MM700 lacks VoltAlert
• Longevity is your priority – Fluke meters often last 10+ years; Klein typically fewer

Key Features That Actually Matter

True RMS Accuracy

True RMS (Root Mean Square) provides accurate readings on non-linear loads—the distorted waveforms from VFDs, switching power supplies, LED drivers, and other modern equipment. Non-True RMS meters assume pure sine waves and can be significantly off. For modern electrical work, True RMS is essentially mandatory, and the MM700 delivers it at a budget price point.

Low Impedance (LoZ) Mode

Like the more expensive Fluke 117, the MM700 includes LoZ mode to eliminate ghost voltage readings. In buildings with packed conduit runs, capacitive coupling between energized and de-energized wires creates phantom voltages that confuse standard meters. LoZ mode presents low input impedance (~3kΩ) that dissipates these ghost voltages, giving you accurate presence/absence readings.

1000V AC/DC Capability

The MM700 measures up to 1000V AC/DC, versus the Fluke 117's 600V limit. For most residential and commercial work, 600V is sufficient. But the higher range provides headroom for industrial applications and eliminates one reason to upgrade later.

Temperature Measurement

The included thermocouple enables temperature measurements without carrying a separate instrument. For HVAC work, equipment diagnostics, and general temperature verification, this integrated capability adds genuine value. The Fluke 117 lacks this feature entirely.

Capacitance Testing

Test capacitors up to 100µF—useful for HVAC work where run capacitor testing is routine. This is another feature the Fluke 117 doesn't offer, making the MM700 more versatile for HVAC technicians.

CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V Safety

Higher safety ratings than the Fluke 117 (CAT III 600V only). CAT IV 600V means the MM700 handles direct connection to service entrance equipment. The higher rating provides meaningful additional protection for the work environments where most electricians operate.

Real-World Performance

The first impression when handling the MM700 is solid—Klein built this meter with a meaty, rugged case that feels substantial without being heavy. The holster adds protection and provides a decent stand, though it lacks a magnetic hanger option without buying an accessory. After six months bouncing around in a tool bag, my MM700 shows cosmetic wear but functions perfectly.

The interface is intuitive and well-designed. When you switch to resistance/diode/continuity mode, it defaults to continuity first—a small touch that reflects Klein's claim of designing by electricians for electricians. The backlit display is bright enough for dim electrical panels and dark attics without washing out in sunlight.

Where the MM700 shows its value-tier positioning is response speed. Continuity testing has a noticeable lag compared to Fluke—maybe half a second slower to beep. When you're rapidly checking multiple connections, that delay adds up. Auto-ranging is similarly unhurried. For careful diagnostic work, this doesn't matter. For fast continuity checks on a panel full of wires, the slower response is noticeable.

Accuracy matches what True RMS promises. On known reference voltages, the MM700 reads within spec. The LoZ mode genuinely eliminates ghost voltages—I've verified this in buildings where standard high-impedance meters show phantom readings. The 4000-count display resolution is adequate for most work, though not as precise as higher-end meters.

One interface quirk: you must press the "Sel" button to toggle between AC and DC. The Fluke 117's AutoVolt automatically detects which you're measuring. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's an extra step that Fluke users won't miss.

The test leads deserve mention—they're actually nicer than Fluke's stock leads, with more flexibility and better probe tips. Klein got this right.

What I Like (Pros)

• Excellent value – True RMS, LoZ, temperature, and 1000V capability at ~$110
• Higher voltage range – 1000V versus Fluke 117's 600V limit
• Temperature measurement – Built-in thermocouple the Fluke 117 lacks
• Capacitance testing – HVAC-friendly feature not on Fluke 117
• Better safety rating – CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V exceeds Fluke 117
• Quality test leads – Flexible leads with good probe tips included
• Intuitive interface – Defaults to continuity mode logically

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Slower response – Continuity and auto-ranging noticeably lag behind Fluke
• No VoltAlert – Lacks non-contact voltage detection that Fluke 117 offers
• Manual AC/DC selection – Must press Sel button; no AutoVolt feature
• Limited resolution – 4000 counts is adequate, not exceptional
• Shorter warranty – 2 years versus Fluke's 3 years
• IP42 rating – Splash-proof but not dustproof like industrial meters
• No magnetic hanger – Requires separate accessory for hands-free mounting

Specifications Table

Specification	Value
Display	4,000 counts with bar graph
True RMS	Yes (AC V and A)
DC Voltage	400mV to 1000V
AC Voltage	400mV to 1000V
DC Current	400µA to 10A
AC Current	400µA to 10A
Resistance	400Ω to 40MΩ
Capacitance	4nF to 100µF
Frequency	4Hz to 100kHz
Temperature	-40°C to 400°C
LoZ Mode	Yes
Safety Rating	CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V
IP Rating	IP42
Drop Rating	2 meters (6.6 feet)
Battery	2x AAA
Warranty	2 years

Klein MM700 vs Fluke 117: Quick Comparison

Feature	Klein MM700	Fluke 117
Price	~$110	~$220
Max Voltage	1000V	600V
True RMS	Yes	Yes
LoZ Mode	Yes	Yes
AutoVolt	No	Yes
VoltAlert (NCV)	No	Yes
Temperature	Yes	No
Capacitance	Yes	Yes
Safety Rating	CAT IV 600V	CAT III 600V
Warranty	2 years	3 years

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $110, the Klein MM700 is one of the best values in professional-grade multimeters. You get True RMS accuracy, LoZ ghost voltage elimination, temperature measurement, and 1000V capability at roughly half the price of a Fluke 117.

The MM700 is worth it if:

• Budget matters and you want professional features without premium pricing
• You need temperature measurement (which Fluke 117 lacks)
• You want higher voltage range (1000V vs 600V)
• You're building your first professional kit or need a backup meter
• HVAC work requires capacitance testing

Consider the Fluke 117 instead if:

• Response speed matters for your workflow
• You want non-contact voltage detection (VoltAlert)
• Automatic AC/DC selection (AutoVolt) is important
• You value the longer Fluke warranty and reputation for longevity

The honest assessment: the MM700 offers about 90% of the Fluke 117's capability at 50% of the price. Whether that trade-off works depends on which features you prioritize.

The Bottom Line

The Klein Tools MM700 punches above its price class. True RMS, LoZ mode, temperature measurement, capacitance testing, and 1000V capability at around $110 is genuinely impressive. Klein designed this meter by electricians for electricians, and the thoughtful interface touches show it.

The compromises are real but reasonable for the price: slower response than Fluke, no non-contact voltage detection, manual AC/DC selection, and a shorter warranty. For professionals who need the absolute fastest, most polished experience, Fluke remains the benchmark. But for electricians who want professional capability at a practical budget—apprentices, backup meter users, HVAC techs, and value-conscious pros—the MM700 delivers.

Rating: 4.2/5 – Outstanding value with professional features, limited by response speed and missing NCV.

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