Refractometer question

[Dland]

If anyone reading this thread and are feeling like they are missing something and need to get a refractometer and do particle/solution exclusion calculations, don't worry.

A cheap glass hydrometer, either brix or SG will let you know how your brew is doing and what is has done. Might take a few batches to get used to, but no batteries or software updates.

While using simple hygrometer will not get you lab accurate numbers you can use in a scientific paper or PHD thesis, it will tell most of us what we need to know regarding the fermentation progress and relative ABV of our brews.

Very accurate data does have it's place, especially in commercial applications, and many on this site like to voluntarily go down technical rabbit holes, and that is cool too.

 

[DBhomebrew]

If anyone reading this thread and are feeling like they are missing something and need to get a refractometer and do particle/solution exclusion calculations, don't worry.

A cheap glass hydrometer [or very nearly just as cheap plastic refractometer] will let you know how your brew is doing and what is has done. Might take a few batches to get used to, but no batteries or software updates.

While using simple hygrometer [or refractometer] will not get you lab accurate numbers you can use in a scientific paper or PHD thesis, it will tell most of us what we need to know regarding the fermentation progress and relative ABV of our brews.

Very accurate data does have it's place, especially in commercial applications, and many on this site like to voluntarily go down technical rabbit holes, and that is cool too.

FTFY

 

[AlexKay]

A refractometer will tell you when your fermentation is done. It will also let you monitor consistency batch-to-batch. Nobody I know has broken a refractometer. (My dogs chewed on mine a little, but it still works fine.) And you need only a few drops to make the measurement.

A refractometer will not tell you the ABV without using a calculator with both initial and final measurements. Neither will a hydrometer. And homebrewers don't need +/-0.3% accuracy anyhow.

If you know your volume, a hydrometer will tell you what your beer weighs. A refractometer will not.

You can get the apparent attenuation from initial and final measurements using a hydrometer, but will need a calculator to do this with a refractometer. Neither will let you determine actual attenuation without calculators and assumptions/guesses.

 

[dmtaylor]

To put it all a couple more ways:

Tools are about as useful or useless as the user.

There is a right way to use any tool. Meanwhile, using a tool the "wrong" way might still be OK, as long as the user understands the limitations and adapts application appropriately to ensure effective results.

In any case, if accurate results are desired, calibration is essential. Without calibration against known standards, you are shooting in the dark. Conversely, if accuracy or precision are not important, then why measure at all.

 

[shavy]

Reminds me that it’s time for the pseudo-semi-sometimes-bi-annual-ish mixing of 1.010, 1.040 sugar water solutions and hydrometer/refractometer double check hoedown soirée.

Right!

 

[balrog]

Nobody I know has broken a refractometer.

Well.
Does dropping it in the boiling brew kettle, such that it no longer functions count?

Yeah. I can teach you that golf shot.
It’s in my bag.