Digital Verses Analog VOMs
For appliance and electronic repairs, buy a digital, not analog, multimeter. This type is much simpler to read and you can change the functions on it more easily. Digital multimeters (Photo 2) have LCD readouts and do continuity testing. Some digital multimeters also feature auto-ranging and overload protection and other advantages analog multimeters lack.
Analog multimeters have multiple scales on the dial (Photo 1), a moving needle and many manual settings on the function switch. It's tricky spotting the correct scale to read on the dial, plus you sometimes have to multiply the reading by 10 or 100 to get your final value. Depending on features (make sure it can do continuity testing).
For easier, hands-free viewing, choose a multimeter with a stand that will prop it up or hang it on a wall. If a multimeter doesn't come equipped with either jumper wires or alligator clips, buy them.
Alligator clips are often used to firmly grip wiring or contacts for hands-free safe and accurate readings. Both types of multimeters and these accessories can be purchased at electronics stores, home centers and hardware stores.