PH Meter

[redrocker652002]

OK, so going down the water rabbit hole has got me thinking of a PH Meter. The Brew 4 Life guys were pushing the Milwaukee one but I am wondering what you all use and is it really all that necessary?

 

[mac_1103]

Lots of people seem to love the Milwaukee 101 and 102. And will say you should "buy once, cry once." But I use a cheap one because I basically trust Bru'nWater and only check to make sure that I'm not miles off (which would indicate to me that I made a mistake measuring out my salts and/or acid).

 

[day_trippr]

I and many HBT members have been using Apera ph60 handhelds. They not only work great and don't take up hardly any space in my brew cabinet, the meter and its replacement sensors are quite inexpensive compared to other ph meters. At just $80 the ph60 costs less than half the Milwaukee (either one)...

Meter: https://www.amazon.com/Apera-Instruments-AI311-Replaceable-2-00-16-00/dp/B01ENFOIQE?th=1
Sensors: https://www.amazon.com/Apera-Instruments-AI1201-Replacement-Pocket/dp/B01GA9EI3E

Cheers!

 

[MaxStout]

The Apera PH60 is a decent meter, and comes in a kit for around $80 on Amazon.

 

[Maylar]

I had a cheap 'yellow' tester first and got tired of the display always bouncing around. Couldn't get the same reading twice in a row. Bought the Milwaukee one and never looked back. That was a few years ago, I'd probably get the Apera one now.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

is it really all that necessary?

It's necessary for 'post-boil' pH adjustments.

Beyond that,

... those who strive to make the best beer possible with every batch will likely say it's necessary

... those who RDWHAHB will likely say it's nice to have

I brew with "no mineral" (RO/distilled) water and use the Brewers Friend Mash Chemistry and Brewing Water Calculator. When I started with BIAB, I measured pH. Over time, I stopped because the estimates matched reality. (I haven't used other software for pH estimates so I won't mention them here).

 

[Maylar]

And those who make cider/mead/wine will tell you it's indispensable.

 

[redrocker652002]

Thanks for all the replies. I might put the inexpensive one on my Xmas list. LOL

 

[mac_1103]

I might put the inexpensive one on my Xmas list. LOL

Didn't you say in another thread that "Santa" already has you on the naughty list?

 

[redrocker652002]

Didn't you say in another thread that "Santa" already has you on the naughty list?

LOL. Not that I remember but hell, I am getting old. Who knows.

 

[Kickass]

is it really all that necessary?

Very little in this hobby is “necessary” but there are LOTS of fun toys.

I don’t use one, it seems like the fuss isn’t worth the money or effort. I definitely favor simplicity and thriftiness, however.

 

[DuncB]

I've got two cheap meters and a TDS meter but can't seem to find the time to use any one of them.

So I'm on the naughty step.