Cheap or expensive refractometer?

[Helloworld]

I'm considering a cheap refractometer from Amazon, but I am curious if there are any big differences between a cheap and an expensive one. The models I am comparing have the same features, but from my experience you get what you pay for.

 

[d3track]

My cheap one from Amazon has served me well. To me, this seems like a good place to go for the "economy" level piece of equipment.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

This is what you really need: http://www.atago.net/USA/products_pal.php#Plato

 

[Helloworld]

This is what you really need: http://www.atago.net/USA/products_pal.php#Plato

Hot damn, that is amazing.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

HAHA! I know. It is on my wishlist right now. I think I'll have it bought in about 6-months. I need to motorize my mill and build an RO system first.

 

[Cyclman]

My cheapo Amazon refracto works great.

 

[CUrchin]

I have a $20+/- ATC one from Amazon with Brix and SG. Works great. I even checked it vs a hydrometer.


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[drksky]

I have a $20+/- ATC one from Amazon with Brix and SG. Works great. I even checked it vs a hydrometer.


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I've got one of the cheap ones from Amazon and it's never even close to what my hydrometer is saying. I've even chilled a hydro sample complete to the calibrated 60° and they don't agree. YMMV or I've got a bum hydrometer.

 

[dk21]

I think the main advantage to spending more is that they're easier to read. It can be hard to determine the exact reading when looking through the cheaper ones, but this is a hobby, not rocket science, so close enough.

 

[Spartan1979]

My wife got me one of these for Christmas last year. I really like it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NX0WHS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[The10mmKid]

I went 'middle-of-the-road' and am very pleased with it.
VEE GEE BTX-1

Easily calibrated with DI water.
Only affordable one I found that stated it's accuracy up front.

Also nice when a fellow brewer borrows it and smiles back . . . man, this is nice.

'da Kid