Review on Oakton EcoTestr pH 2+ Pocket pH Meter - 1 pack - AO-35423-01 by Negil Dunnigan

I have been using pH meters for many years and have been happy with them for the first 10 months. I was having issues with the readings and couldn't get the auto-calibration feature to work as usual, so I contacted the manufacturer, Oakton. My pH electrode turned out to be faulty, which is not surprising, they all wear out over time and can usually be replaced for $10-$30. What surprised me is that when I asked for the part number for a replacement probe, they said it was not interchangeable and that the pH probes were designed to last 6-12 months. He checked my serial number, said it had been 18 months since it was made and that "it has a very long lifespan". I bought it as an upgrade over the regular $15 pen, but it didn't perform much better. The buttons are also starting to wear out, although they still work. It was a very good counter while it worked, but when I invest $80 in a tool, I expect it won't be dumped after "6-12 months". per year, possibly more often to replace the whole.