Power Meter Electricity Usage Monitor Review

The Mecheer Power Meter is a simple 'pass-through' socket device featuring an LCD backlight and eight distinct monitoring modes. It displays voltage, amperage, wattage, and total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. For UK households, its primary function is to bridge the gap between a vague smart meter reading and specific appliance performance, allowing users to input their own unit price for direct cost-per-hour calculations.

In testing, the backlit screen is a significant advantage over cheaper non-lit models, especially when checking plugs tucked behind white goods. However, the internal rechargeable battery (used to save settings during power cuts) can be temperamental if left unplugged for months. The '8 modes' provide plenty of data, though navigating them with small buttons can feel unintuitive.

The device itself saves no energy; its value lies in behavioral change. By identifying a faulty fridge-freezer or an old 'leaking' halogen lamp, a UK household could realistically save £20-£50 per year by replacing inefficient tech. However, for modern LED lights or low-power electronics, the potential for savings is negligible.

Zero installation required. Simply plug it into a standard UK wall socket and then plug your appliance into the meter. Ensure you have your recent utility bill handy to input the 'Cost/kWh' for accurate financial data.

Negligible. The device consumes less than 0.5W to power its own internal circuitry and display.