The Brennenstuhl meters are more robust than the cheap ones in DIY stores. I have four. However, they do sometimes fail - I think because the battery changing is a bit error-prone. One of mine now only measures resistive loads correctly reactive loads s[end] it [into] a spin. The design is adapted [from] a European 2-pin, but the cable of a UK three pin plug then obscures the display - which is barmy. Nonetheless, reliability wins out in the [end].

The Brennenstuhl wattage and current meter is not the most funky product on offer at the Good Energy Shop, but if you are keen to calculate your carbon footprint and accurately measure your energy use then it could be the piece of kit for you.

The Brennenstuhl has seven functions that will tell you everything from the volts and amps being used to the running time and cost of the energy supplied to an appliance. You will need a copy of your electricity bill with you to input the unit price and the on- and off-peak times of your energy provider. This is no more difficult than setting the time on a digital watch or programming an alarm clock and once it's done you're off and away. The packaging is as simple as the product and is entirely recyclable.

The Brennenstuhl offers you the chance to undertake a really accurate carbon footprint and energy audit for your home. This can help you identify areas where energy and cost savings can be made. However measurements alone are meaningless without action.  So if you're the kind of person who buys gadgets at the drop of a hat but finds it harder to find the time to use them, then your new wattage and current meter will spend more time collecting dust than it will collecting data.