lifetime of pH meter electrodes

[timsch]

I've been searching this forum for info on pH meters since I've not been happy with my brews since going to water profiles built from RO. I have used water profile spreadsheets for mineral additions, but that's no substitute for an actual measurement.

I'm looking at the most recommended meters in the $100 dollar range, and see that the lifetime of the electrodes is generally stated to be a year or two. Replacements seem to be around $40.

My question is what wears out the electrode? Is it usage or is it shelf life? I brew around 6-8 times a year and it seems strange that I may only get a dozen or so uses per electrode. Is this what I should actually expect?

Also, what should I do to ensure the longest electrode life possible?

 

[Bensiff]

Well, you get what you pay for. I had a Milwaukee that I paid $100 for and after a few years it died. Up to that point it worked fine, just the electronics were obviously piss poor. Based off what AJ's research showed I bought a Hach pocket Pro+. It is a bit more expensive after shipping and taxes are figured; but, my initial test showed as others have seen, it is extremely stable. And that is really what is important, is it a stable meter? I can't answer your probe questions, perhaps AJ will jump in on that one. In the meantime I would read his primer on pH meters to get a good idea of what you are dealing with as they are much more complex than you might expect.

 

[timsch]

That Hach pocket Pro+ is around $100, and is one I'm considering.

I was looking at some of the threads that AJ was commenting on that are probably the ones you are referencing. I see that sufficient quality can be had around this price, and yes, without stability a meter is worthless. I'm just trying to get some clarification on electrode life.

 

[mikescooling]

They have storage solution that the meter electrode may need to be keeped in. It's just one more thing to think about refilling. I keep mine in a beaker so it won't dry out as fast