refractometer vs hydrometer ???

[Pdaigle]

I've been experiencing some issues with my Refractometer. I've been doing both refractometer and hydrometer and my last brew I was off by 4-5 gravity. I already did a adjustment on my refractometer using water from my dehumidifier, I was told it was like distill water, It looks like it was already adjusted. FYI. I was aiming for 1.061 and Refractometer was showing 1.059 and hydrometer 1.063. Is it something I'm doing wrong or should I get something else to get more accuracy each time. Need you inputs please.

Cheers

 

[VTX1300]

That is a lot closer than my refractometer is compared to my hydrometer. Mine is just not reliable so I only use it when I break yet another hydrometer. Stick with the hydrometer. IMHO they are more accurate and easier to use. Just to be clear, my refractometer is a very cheap unit. If you have a quality unit may be a lot more accurate than mine.

 

[Yooper]

Don't forget to calibrate both together, determine your wort correction factor, and then use them.

Since refractometers are designed to measure sucrose (not brewing sugars) in solution, the wort correction factor needs to be applied before calculating your SG.

https://www.brewersfriend.com/how-to-determine-your-refractometers-wort-correction-factor/

 

[SoCal-Doug]

Buy one that's made for wort, with automatic temp correction. Maybe 50 bucks on amazon (you can spend a lot more if it makes you feel better). Calibrate it before each brew day. It only takes a minute or two. That and a good pH meter are golden tools. Get readings throughout the mash, you'll know when its done. End of sparge to check how you did. Preboil/postboil, OG. For FG, I use a hydrometer even though the refract die-hards will tell me otherwise. Knowledge is power and it will give you something to do while you stare at the temp readings all afternoon

Also be aware that some models will read differently under sunlight compared to florescent lighting. Take a reading outside in daylight then go inside and read it. If it differs you know you have to be consistent and if your brew day goes into the evening, do all your readings under the lighting you would have on at night.

 

[Pdaigle]

That is a lot closer than my refractometer is compared to my hydrometer. Mine is just not reliable so I only use it when I break yet another hydrometer. Stick with the hydrometer. IMHO they are more accurate and easier to use. Just to be clear, my refractometer is a very cheap unit. If you have a quality unit may be a lot more accurate than mine.

I know but with a Hydrometer the wort doesn't have time to cool down. I'd like to get my gravity constant each time so if I have to add water I want to know before boiling.

 

[jalc6927]

I only use refrac now,

 

[DonGavlar]

I use refractometer pre ferm and hyrdo post ferm. Man I’d love it if refracts worked post ferm without calculators.

 

[jalc6927]

With beer Smith you type in OG and Bruce and FG is displayed

Pretty quick and easy, no calculation required

 

[DonGavlar]

Don't forget to calibrate both together, determine your wort correction factor, and then use them.

Since refractometers are designed to measure sucrose (not brewing sugars) in solution, the wort correction factor needs to be applied before calculating your SG.

https://www.brewersfriend.com/how-to-determine-your-refractometers-wort-correction-factor/

This is he first I’ve heard of this. I’ve been taking the gravity my refractometer gives me pre ferm with no adjustments for all my brews, whoops! I’ll have to start following that guide.

 

[Sailingeric]

Have you tested your hydrometer in distilled water. I compared my refrac and hydrometer and saw that my hydrometer was lower by a few points.

 

[Pdaigle]

Have you tested your hydrometer in distilled water. I compared my refrac and hydrometer and saw that my hydrometer was lower by a few points.

How do you know which one is accurate. I've heard some hydrometer can be off?

 

[DonGavlar]

How do you know which one is accurate. I've heard some hydrometer can be off?

Because distilled water should always read 1. If either your refractometer or hydrometer don't read 1 whilst testing on distilled water then you know they are not accurate. For instance, my first hydrometer I ever bought read 0.990 in distilled water. So I then knew to add on .010 on to each reading I took. I ended up just buying a new one and it was accurate.

Also make sure the liquid you're testing is at the temperature that the hydrometer/refractometer is calibrated at.

 

[Sailingeric]

How do you know which one is accurate. I've heard some hydrometer can be off?

Like Don said. I used distilled water to float my hydrometer and calibrate my refractometer. To be honest once I got my refractometer to measure SG, I don't ever follow up with my hydrometer for FG. If my beer is not done in two weeks sitting my bucket it will never be.

 

[jalc6927]

I only use it for FG so I can get an idea of ABV, after 3 weeks in primary I’m not concerned about it being done

 

[Pdaigle]

The only reason I'm want to start doing this accurately is becsuse I have to now, going commercial otherwise I wouldn't make a big deal out of it

 

[jalc6927]

If that’s the case you should get the WiFi connections that monitor the co2 flow and not mess with hydrometer