Wood moisture meter recommendations

The more I hang around this site, the more I read about the importance of a moisture meter. I guess I've been running blind for the past several years. I didn't have a stove or flue thermometer(have both now). Evidently, I don't really know how dry my wood is either. I has all been seasoned for a minimum of one year, but if I understand correctly that does not necessarily mean it's dry. So, any insight on these moisture meters and what brand/model may be recommended will be appreciated.

I have a cheapie from Harbor Freight. A few members of this site recommended it.

bjorn, i also have the cheapie from h.f. it works fine for what i need.

Probably a few threads on this. I bought mine off of eBay - I don't think HF had one at the time. Also mentioned before - make sure you measure on a freshly cut or split surface.

Thanks, I had no idea HF had them. So to properly check seasoned wood, I need to cut a piece open to be accurate?

is this the HF unit?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95696

yes, that's the one.

I don't want to stir this up any more that it already is, but why do you need a moisture meter to burn wood????? It's either dry (not hissing, not bubbling out the end, not popping) or it's not. I like gadgets as much as the next person, but I'll save the $$$ for another toy.

Perhaps to evaluate your stacks of wood before the burning season starts, to see which are dryest and which need more time?

Those of us in the gasifier world need to know. These units will burn dang near anything, but they're kinda sensitive to moisture content, especially at startup.

Besides - half the reason for doing this is to justify more toys, isn't it?

and its $20

what other more beneficial toy for woodburning will $20 buy?