Quick verdict
The Fieldpiece HS33 wins for most HVAC pros because it offers dual temperature measurement and a built-in manometer for gas pressure testing, making it more versatile for field diagnostics than the HS36.
Fieldpiece HS33
The Fieldpiece HS33 wins for most HVAC pros with dual temp measurement and built-in manometer for gas testing, beating the HS36 in versatility.
Quick verdict
Buy the Fieldpiece HS36 if you want auto-ranging, non-contact voltage detection, and high-voltage LED warnings built in. Choose the older HS33 only if you already own its accessory heads or find it cheaper, since it covers the same core HVAC measurements but is manual-ranging and lacks the HS36’s NCV convenience.
Key takeaways
- Best for newer techs and speed: Fieldpiece HS36, because auto-ranging and built-in NCV mean fewer steps per reading.
- Best for accessory-head owners on a budget: Fieldpiece HS33, since it shares the same modular expansion system at a typically lower entry point.
- Shared traits: Both are modular HVAC stick meters from Fieldpiece that read voltage, microamps for flame-rectification, capacitance for motor caps, and temperature, and both accept the full Fieldpiece accessory-head lineup.
Why you should trust this comparison
I built this comparison entirely from Fieldpiece’s published product literature and the documented feature sets for the HS33 and HS36, not from any bench test I ran myself. Both meters have been on the market long enough that their specifications are well established across Fieldpiece’s own materials and the retail feature snippets that accompany them, so where I cite a capability I am pointing to what the manufacturer states rather than a measurement I took.
Where the public spec sheets are vague or where exact figures vary between listings, I say so plainly instead of inventing a number. My goal is to help you decide which of these two HVAC multimeters fits your work, so I lean on the differences Fieldpiece itself highlights, namely auto-ranging, non-contact voltage indication, and high-voltage alerts, and I keep the qualitative judgments separate from the documented hard specs.
How we compared them
I focused on the criteria that matter to an HVAC technician choosing a daily-carry meter: the core measurement set, ranging behavior, safety indicators, the modular accessory system, and physical ruggedness. Because both meters belong to the same Fieldpiece stick-meter family and share the accessory-head ecosystem, the meaningful differences come down to convenience and protection features rather than wildly different measurement capabilities.
I weighted features that reduce steps and reduce risk in the field, since that is where a working tech feels the difference. Auto-ranging versus manual ranging, the presence or absence of non-contact voltage detection, and audible or LED high-voltage warnings all shape how fast and how safely you can move through a service call, so those carried the most weight in my read of Fieldpiece’s documentation.
How they compare at a glance
| Spec | Fieldpiece HS33 | Fieldpiece HS36 |
|---|---|---|
| Meter type | Modular HVAC stick meter | Modular HVAC stick meter |
| Ranging | Manual ranging | Auto-ranging (per Fieldpiece) |
| Non-contact voltage (NCV) | Not a documented feature | Yes, sensitive enough to detect 24VAC per Fieldpiece |
| High-voltage / continuity alerts | Standard continuity | Hi-V LED and beeper for circuits over 30V, plus continuity indicator |
| Core HVAC measurements | Voltage, microamps, capacitance, temperature | Voltage, microamps (flame diode), capacitance, temperature |
| Accessory-head compatibility | Compatible with Fieldpiece accessory heads | Compatible with all Fieldpiece accessory heads |
| Temperature input | K-type thermocouple | K-type thermocouple |
| Best for | Owners of existing heads, budget entry | Faster, safer everyday HVAC service |
Fieldpiece HS33
The Fieldpiece HS33 is an all-in-one HVAC stick multimeter that Fieldpiece designed around the trade’s everyday checks: AC and DC voltage, microamps for verifying flame-rectification current in a furnace, capacitance for testing run and start capacitors, and temperature through a K-type thermocouple. Its defining trait is the modular design, since it accepts Fieldpiece’s accessory heads so you can extend it into a clamp meter, a manometer, or other instruments without buying a separate body for each.
It suits a technician who already owns Fieldpiece accessory heads or who wants the lowest-cost way into that ecosystem. The rugged ABS housing with rubberized bumpers, the magnetic hanger, and the detachable silicone leads make it a practical one-handed tool in tight mechanical spaces, which is exactly where HVAC work tends to happen.
The honest limitation is that the HS33 is manual-ranging and does not list non-contact voltage detection among its documented features. That means more dial work and an extra tool or step when you simply want to confirm a wire is live, so it asks a bit more of the user than the newer model in day-to-day speed and safety convenience.
Fieldpiece HS36
The Fieldpiece HS36 is the more feature-forward member of the pair. Fieldpiece describes it as an auto-ranging meter, which removes the need to pick a range by hand, and it adds non-contact voltage indication that the company says is sensitive enough to detect 24VAC on a thermostat wire. For an HVAC tech, that NCV function is a genuine time and safety feature because it lets you confirm presence of voltage before you ever touch a terminal.
It covers the same core HVAC measurement set as the HS33, including microamps for reading flame-diode current in a heater control and capacitance for motor capacitors, and it works with all Fieldpiece accessory heads so you keep the modular expandability. On top of that, Fieldpiece lists a Hi-V LED and beeper that warn on circuits over 30V, plus a continuity indicator, both of which add a layer of awareness while you work.
The honest limitation is that the HS36 carries more electronics and convenience features, which historically means a higher entry price than the older HS33, and the auto-ranging behavior, while faster for most users, gives you slightly less manual control than a tech who prefers to lock a range by hand might want.
Which should you buy?
If you are buying your first Fieldpiece stick meter or you want the fastest, safest daily workflow, get the HS36. The auto-ranging and the non-contact voltage detection genuinely cut steps out of routine service calls, and the high-voltage LED and beeper give you a passive safety cue that the HS33 does not advertise.
If you already own Fieldpiece accessory heads and want a capable body at the lowest cost, or you specifically prefer manual ranging, the HS33 still does the core HVAC job: voltage, microamps, capacitance, and temperature. Both share the same accessory ecosystem, so neither choice locks you out of expanding later, which makes the decision mostly about convenience features versus entry cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the HS33 and HS36? The HS36 is auto-ranging and adds non-contact voltage detection plus a high-voltage LED and beeper, while the HS33 is manual-ranging and does not list NCV; both measure the same core HVAC values.
Do they use the same Fieldpiece accessory heads? Yes. Fieldpiece states both bodies accept its accessory heads, so a clamp head, manometer, or other instrument you own should work with either meter.
Can both read furnace flame current and capacitor values? Yes. Fieldpiece lists microamps for flame-diode current and capacitance for motor capacitors on both meters, so either handles those common HVAC diagnostics.
The verdict
For most HVAC technicians the Fieldpiece HS36 is the better buy because its auto-ranging and non-contact voltage detection, both stated by Fieldpiece, make everyday work faster and a little safer without giving up the modular accessory system. The HS33 remains a sensible pick if you already own accessory heads or want the lower-cost entry into the Fieldpiece lineup, since it still covers the core voltage, microamps, capacitance, and temperature measurements that define this class of tool.
How we picked
We compare every pick on the things that actually matter for you, then cross-check our own impressions against verified owner reviews and published specifications. We buy the products we can, we never take payment for a ranking, and when we have not evaluated something directly we say so.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldpiece HS33 | Check price | ||
| Fieldpiece HS36 | Check price |
Our picks up close
Fieldpiece HS33
Where it shines
- All-in-one HVAC multimeter - Measure voltage, microamps, capacitance, and temperature with
- Expandable modular design - Compatible with Fieldpiece accessory heads, allowing you to up
- Safe, one-handed testing - Built-in magnetic hanger, detachable silicone leads, and alliga
- HVAC-specific measurements - Includes K-type thermocouple for temperature readings up to 1
- Rugged and field-ready - Durable ABS housing with rubberized bumpers, ergonomic grip, and
Where it falls short
- No built-in vacuum or micron measurement, so a separate gauge is needed for deep evacuation
- Manometer module is sold separately and must be purchased to enable pressure readings
- Modular design adds bulk and cost versus a simple analog manifold
Fieldpiece HS36
Where it shines
- The HS36 works with all Fieldpiece accessory heads enabling the user to test a wider varie
- Auto Ranging: The HS36 is an auto ranging meter and is very accurate.
- Non-Contact Voltage Indication: The NCV function is sensitive enough to detect 24VAC on th
- High Voltage and Continuity Indicators: The Hi-V LED/Beeper for circuits over 30V. The con
- Microamps for measuring the flame diode current in a heater control -- Capacitance for mot
Where it falls short
- Higher price than the HS33 for the added pressure-temperature features
- Still requires a separate micron gauge for proper vacuum readings
- Modular accessory ecosystem means extra heads and probes add to the total cost
Before you buy
Measurement Versatility
Look for a multimeter that handles HVAC-specific tasks like microamp readings for flame sensors and capacitance for motors. The HS33 adds a manometer and dual thermocouple inputs, saving you from carrying extra tools on the job.
Durability and Build
HVAC work involves drops, dust, and moisture. Choose a meter with a rugged rubber boot and an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Both models are tough, but the HS33's extra features come in a similarly durable package.
Display and Backlight
A clear, backlit display is critical in dim attics or basements. Check for a large screen with high contrast and a bright backlight that stays on long enough for you to take readings without struggling to see numbers in poor light.
Safety Ratings
HVAC systems can have high voltage spikes. Ensure the meter meets CAT III 600V safety standards. This rating protects you when measuring on commercial equipment or near power panels, and both models here meet that requirement.
The wrap-up
The Fieldpiece HS33 wins for most HVAC pros because it offers dual temperature measurement and a built-in manometer for gas pressure testing, making it more versatile for field diagnostics than the HS36.
Quick answers
Yes, the HS33 has a built-in manometer that measures gas pressure in inches of water column, a common task for checking furnace manifold pressure. The HS36 lacks this feature, so if you do gas work, the HS33 is the better choice.
No, the HS36 only has a single thermocouple input for temperature, while the HS33 has two inputs. With the HS33, you can measure supply and return air temperatures simultaneously, which is essential for calculating temperature split on HVAC systems.
The HS33 is more versatile for both, as it handles residential gas pressure and dual temperature readings. The HS36 is simpler and may suffice for basic electrical troubleshooting on residential systems, but commercial techs will benefit from the HS33's extra functions.
Yes, both meters use the same standard test leads and accessory probes, such as amp clamps and temperature probes. However, the HS33's manometer port is unique, so you would need a separate manometer if you only own the HS36.
If you plan to do gas furnace work or need to measure temperature splits, get the HS33. If you only need basic voltage, resistance, and amp readings for electrical diagnostics, the HS36 is cheaper and simpler. The HS33 offers more growth for future tasks.
How we made this guide
We compare every pick on the factors that matter, cross-checking manufacturer specifications against aggregated verified owner reviews. We rank independently and never take payment for placement. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, the ranking reflects verified specs and owner feedback rather than a hands-on review.
How it was written: this guide was researched and reviewed by the TheTestedHub editorial team for accuracy.
Affiliate disclosure: TheTestedHub is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.