Refractometer Purchase Help

[corypedia]

So I'm looking into purchasing a refractometer but as many of us like to do...i just want to purchase it once and not regret my decision later.

Currently I'm eyeing these:
Teika RSG32ATC-515
Ade Advanced Optics RHB-32ATC

Being new to this type of equipment I wasn't sure which would be preferable. I've also read some ppl stepping up to a digital one...is the convenience worth it? I'm willing to spend more if it is.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[BrewerBrad82]

Those appear to be pretty much the same thing, so I would not get too picky over which one you go for. Maybe look at the ratings and see what people have to say about them. Otherwise if you want to go digital, I have used one of these to great sucess:

http://labequipmentdepot.com/product/milwaukee-instruments-ma871-digital-sugar-refractometer-for-general-purpose-with-atc?format=visible&source=ads&gclid=CMPol-uNkscCFYcCaQodx0kL9A

 

[Gavin C]

Both look similar to my now unused refractometer. Don't use it for a variety of reasons I won't bore you with.

Either of the ones you show should serve you well.

For less money you can get a set of 3 narrow guage hydrometers. Just a thought. That's what I now use.

 

[corypedia]

i have a hydrometer and am good with it and will still use. I just like the idea of having a refractometer for quick, on the fly measurements.

 

[Staestc]

The only difference I can see between the two is that the Teika states that it is dual scale and shows you in the picture the case, the calibration screwdriver, and the pipet that it comes with. I would go with that one if I was choosing. But I'm still a hydrometer guy so have no experience actually using one.

 

[corypedia]

Those appear to be pretty much the same thing, so I would not get too picky over which one you go for. Maybe look at the ratings and see what people have to say about them. Otherwise if you want to go digital, I have used one of these to great sucess:

http://labequipmentdepot.com/product/milwaukee-instruments-ma871-digital-sugar-refractometer-for-general-purpose-with-atc?format=visible&source=ads&gclid=CMPol-uNkscCFYcCaQodx0kL9A

Are you able to tellme the difference between these two?

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Ref...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B007Z4IN58

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-MA8...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B005EHKRM0

 

[jrcrilly]

The dual scale unit would be handier, but it is no big deal to convert "on the fly" as you use it.

 

[IslandLizard]

All those refractometers look and are pretty much the same, mass produced in China. Even ones that claim to have a corrected SG scale are NOT corrected.

I bought mine off eBay, some large outfit in Oregon, IIRC. About $23 shipped, a few years ago.
I went for their "heavy duty" model, a bit heftier by 25%, since I can't stand handling lightweight crap. The SG scale is as wrong as any other, but is fine for reference. If I need absoluteness I'll use a Bx to SG table or a hydrometer.

I wouldn't spend $100+ on that electronic refractometer. But would on an accurate pH meter, which could make you better beer.

 

[BrewerBrad82]

Are you able to tellme the difference between these two?

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Ref...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B007Z4IN58

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-MA8...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B005EHKRM0

Those are the same thing, both model MA871. One is sold directly by Amazon, the other is sold by a lab equipment company but fulfilled by Amazon.

 

[corypedia]

Picked up the Milwaukee...in regards to a pH meter, I'm in the market for one, but anything near the $100 pricepoint seems to be finnicky at best. Any recommendations?

 

[BrewerBrad82]

Milwaukee/Martini pH56 is a damn good meter. Be sure to get the calibration standards with it as well.

http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/pH56.html

 

[Qhrumphf]

I had the Milwaukee/Martini pH55, the step below the pH56, and would recommend the pH56 over the pH55. But for the price difference, you might as well upgrade to the MW102.

If you're going to go with a refractometer, you might as well get used to working in Plato and not bothering with SG (since Brix and Plato are basically interchangeable, and will be more accurate). As said, the "dual scale" ones are always off with SG. I haven't gotten around to it yet, but I'm going to pick up a more narrow low range hydrometer (0.990-1.020 I see regularly which is probably what I'll go with) for my FG readings.

Also, a great tip I heard for calibrating a refractometer (Jamil mentioned it, I think on an episode of Brew Strong) was to use a good known hydrometer to measure wort at reference temperature, and then use that wort and that gravity to calibrate your refractometer rather than using water to a level of zero. That way you know you have the refractive index correct.

 

[Roadliner]

The MA887 digital refractometer is supposed to be able to give you the measurements in Specific Gravity. If it's accurate and works that would be a sweet toy.

 

[okiedog]

If you are buying a refractometer, just make sure that it has a non-linear scale. Some of the cheap ones from China have linear scales. 20 deg. Brix is closer to SG 1.083, not 1.080. If you brew only low gravity beers it is not as big a difference, but with a linear scale, the higher the gravity, the larger the error. There can also be quite a difference in readability. Williams has a decent dual scale refractometer for a resonable price:
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/DUAL-SCALE-REFRACTOMETER-WITH-ATC-P3562.aspx