Refractometer

[theCougfan97]

I am seeing refractometers that range in price from $20-$100. Is there a specific set of characteristics they need to have for beer brewing or are they all the same?

 

[bknifefight]

Make sure it has automatic temperature correction

 

[theCougfan97]

Will the RHB-32ATC work, these are the specs:
* 0-32% Brix Scale
* Accurate to +/- 0.20% Brix
* Scale Divisions: 0.20%
* Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
* Sturdy design, made of durable machined Aluminum, not "carbon" plastic

 

[Cyclman]

Looks like a nice unit. 2 year warranty, sounds good.

Nice to have one with a dual brix + OG scale, though.

 

[cluckk]

I use one without a gravity scale. I use a calculator in my BrewSmith app to convert from brix to gravity. I believe it may be the same unit.

 

[bknifefight]

Just for estimation purposes, multiply by 4 to convert Brix to SG. It's not 100% perfect but it is a good estimation

 

[stpug]

I would recommend a Brix-only model - no SG dual-scale. I find that by using the brix scale to be the most accurate throughout the brewing process, plus you won't fall victim to inaccurate SG scales that are sometimes used in the dual-scale versions. I have had very good results with my brix-only refractometer correlating closely to hydrometer numbers. Lastly, DON'T forget that a refractometer's brix reading requires adjustment calculations in the presence of alcohol, which means you need to use a refractometer calculator to adjust your final reading. I would recommend Sean Terrill's calculator for this (Beersmith's is close enough as well):

http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/