Hydrometer- just chuck it in?

[jump_xiii]

My first batch I didn't measure anything...

My current batch (#2) I measured the OG (I think) at 1.030. Looking round that seems low- its a stout.

My question is: how to take readings? I'm sure I read somewhere that you can just throw a sanitised hydrometer into the FV to take readings... Really? Sounds easier than taking a sample- and less waste, but is that ok?

 

[yancydc]

You can put it in the fermenter, although you may have to wait until bubbles subside on top if it's after you've aerated.

As for your sample OG (assuming this is an extract brew), it's very possible the wort hadn't properly mixed, especially if you used top up water. It'll be fine, assuming you followed your recipe.

 

[rebelproud]

I like to use a wine theif and put that wort into the container that the hydrometer came in. My wort is way to foamy on top after oxygenating so use the method of just dropping it in there.

 

[gr8shandini]

After reading several threads about folks who broke their hydrometer while it was in the fermenter, it seems that taking a sample is the wiser move. It also usually helps get it near eye level for a more accurate reading.

 

[PIGMAN]

Hydrometers break easily. Use a wine thief or turkey baster to draw a sample, and then either drink the sample, or throw it away. Don't pour it back in. Make sure you're reading the correct scale on the hydrometer. Your stout OG sounds pretty low.

 

[jump_xiii]

From what I've been reading today it seems like my OG reading may not have been accurate due to the extract not being fully mixed with the water- plausible?

Tempted to take a reading now, but as it has only been 4 days I'll probably just wait until the weekend and see where we're at...

After the ups and downs of the temps on this brew I'm just relieved to have checked it at 64• F at 7am and 5pm today... So happy it has stabilised

 

[xjmox14x]

I don't get how people break their hydrometers in fermenters, certainly not how it's "easier" to. We're talking about buckets here right? If people are breaking their hydrometers by simply coating it in sanitizer, placing it in a bucket full of liquid, then removing it with your fingers, I feel they will most likely break it using any other method of taking a reading. I don't think it really gets much simpler than that...

 

[jump_xiii]

There is still way too much foam to put it in anyway, which I guess indicates that it's not finished anyways.

 

[nukinfuts29]

I don't get how people break their hydrometers in fermenters, certainly not how it's "easier" to. We're talking about buckets here right? If people are breaking their hydrometers by simply coating it in sanitizer, placing it in a bucket full of liquid, then removing it with your fingers, I feel they will most likely break it using any other method of taking a reading. I don't think it really gets much simpler than that...

This.

Even in a carboy, if you are breaking it you are doing something seriously wrong.

 

[xjmox14x]

There is still way too much foam to put it in anyway, which I guess indicates that it's not finished anyways.

If there's still foam, how long has it been fermenting? Give it a few days, what's the rush? Most beers, especially stouts, do well with a little age. You should only really use your hydrometer to check to make sure fermentation is finished (after getting your OG). If you've still got krausen, taking a hydrometer reading really won't tell you much. Well, it'll tell you your specific gravity at that point in time, but considering it's not done fermenting, it's not really useful information.

 

[jump_xiii]

Saturday morning it went in, so just 4 days. This is only my second brew and the first time I took an OG reading, so it's just curiosity regarding how the gravity is changing. My plan with this stout has always been to leave it a minimum of 14 days in primary and then bottle condition.

Edit: also I don't think fermentation started for at least 36 hours as the temp dropped way below 60

 

[william_shakes_beer]

I take an OG before I pitch the yeast. take a FG before I bottle, and toss it in the ferm chamber for 4 weeks in between.

 

[BamaRooster]

I take an OG before I pitch the yeast. take a FG before I bottle, and toss it in the ferm chamber for 4 weeks in between.

YUPS....that's what works for me too!!

 

[xjmox14x]

Saturday morning it went in, so just 4 days. This is only my second brew and the first time I took an OG reading, so it's just curiosity regarding how the gravity is changing. My plan with this stout has always been to leave it a minimum of 14 days in primary and then bottle condition.

Edit: also I don't think fermentation started for at least 36 hours as the temp dropped way below 60

I hear ya. You learn to just kind of let it do it's thing... but trust me, it's hard to not let curiosity get the best of you. My first few brews I was checking the gravity nearly daily. It was like magic!

 

[gr8shandini]

I don't get how people break their hydrometers in fermenters, certainly not how it's "easier" to. We're talking about buckets here right? If people are breaking their hydrometers by simply coating it in sanitizer, placing it in a bucket full of liquid, then removing it with your fingers, I feel they will most likely break it using any other method of taking a reading. I don't think it really gets much simpler than that...

It's not whether or not it's easier to break in the fermenter vs a sample jar, but the consequences when it happens. I'd rather not have lead shot stewing in the bottom of my beer for a couple of weeks until primary's over. And I certainly wouldn't want to take a chance on serving someone a beer with shards of glass in it.