Refractometer suggestions.

[Jako]

I broke my hydrometer tube and purchased a new one. I also bought what I thought was a hydrometer that was more specific apposed to just close as the cheaper ones get you. Ended up being a hydrometer used for distilling *sigh*.

So now I am just looking to upgrade to a refractometer and make my life easier. Any suggestions on brand?

 

[Brewmasher]

I bought the cheap Chinese model on Amazon, and am happy with it.

Refractometers will make your life easier, but they are not at all accurate in the strictest sense. First, as far as I know, all refractometers are calibrated for wine. You have to make adjustments over several brews using an app like Brewers Friend to compensate for the residual sugars found in beer that are not in wine. When fermentation starts, you are really taking your best guess on how much alcohol is there, because alcohol will throw off readings and must be compensated with a calculator as well. The usefulness is for seeing when fermentation stops, then take a hydrometer reading for accuracy. That is if that kind of accuracy is important to you.

 

[Yesfan]

I can't remember where I got my refractometer, but it wasn't a big name brand or anything. Honestly, I'd look for one that has a small LED backlit which is great if you don't have a light source bright enough (night time brewing for example). I brew a lot in the early morning hours, so the garage lights are my only source til the sun comes up. I've seen some clip on style LED lights that I might get for mine.

For the hydrometer, I bought this one from Brewing America a couple of years ago and have been happy with it. I still like to use a hydro post fermentation as I've read refractometers aren't that accurate once fermentation is completed...that and the ability to drink the beer in the test jar after taking the gravity reading.

 

[Jako]

Thank you for the help much appreciated. For some reason I thought it was used for everything and more accurate.

Not sure what my move will be. Hydrometer is cheaper but I would like the ease of use pre and post boil.

That hydrometer is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Going to do that and a cheap refractometer.

 

[smata67]

The hydrometer is essential, but the refractometer has its uses. I have the cheapie $18 one from Amazon. I use it to monitor the progress of my starters. They start at about Brix of 9 (1.035) to 10 (1.040) and end at around 4. Usually takes about 12 hours. I also use it to check whether fermentation is complete. If the reading doesn't change over a 3-5 day period, then I know its done. But for OG and FG, the hydrometer is what I use. For OG, the refractometer is fairly reliable and I know mine consistently reads 2 or 3 points too low. But once the sample has alcohol in it, the refractometer's readings become difficult to deal with, so I only use it for comparative measurements.