Sampling without a wine thief

[Canadianjen]

Wondering what you use to sample without a wine thief? I have cider in variable lid tanks but don't have a wine thief. As long as I use something really well washed and sanitized, does it matter if I scoop out a sample with a ladle?

 

[Coastalbrew]

I've used a sanitized turkey baster before. Works ok, but has a smaller volume so takes a few attempts to fill my hydrometer flask. As long as whatever you use is clean and sanitized and doesn't have a bunch of scratches or places for critters to hide you should be fine.

 

[Canadianjen]

I've used a sanitized turkey baster before. Works ok, but has a smaller volume so takes a few attempts to fill my hydrometer flask. As long as whatever you use is clean and sanitized and doesn't have a bunch of scratches or places for critters to hide you should be fine.

Thanks!

 

[_BullDog_]

Turkey baster as well

 

[Chalkyt]

Ditto... it can take two goes to fill the hydrometer flask, but so what.