Recommend me a digital refractometer

Brew_DD2 · Nov 20, 2024

So I'm wanting another gadget. I'm not going to spend silly money on Antor Paar stuff (as cool as it looks), but can anyone recommend a digital refractometer? Seen a few Milwaukee ones go for decent prices second hand, but wouldn't be adverse to one of the many Chinese clones that are out there. I wish Inkbird would branch out in this direction, although it probably is a bit niche.

Any recommendations?

Brew_DD2 · Nov 24, 2024

Going to bump this. I'm guessing that there aren't too many on here that own one. Would be keen to here from anyone who has.

MashBag · Nov 24, 2024

DocAnna · Nov 24, 2024

Short version - is along the lines of Mashbag ... nope. Trust me, I've looked and I like shiny things

.

The Anton Paar easyDens is neither good value nor particularly accurate, it's sort of none of what anyone needs. The basic entry level density meter for accurate measurement also made by Anton Paar- which is similar to the ones used in the labs on my course, start at £17730 https://www.anton-paar.com/uk-en/products/details/portable-density-meter-dmatm-35-basic/

Now I'd love this sort of kit but I'm not even close to bonkers enough to look at it. I have one of these which is more accurate than your usual hydrometer, and you can always dilute your beer to half strength if it's above this range and double the result.
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/large-hydrometer-1000-1060/

Brew_DD2 · Nov 24, 2024

DocAnna said:
Short version - is along the lines of Mashbag ... nope. Trust me, I've looked and I like shiny things .

The Anton Paar easyDens is neither good value nor particularly accurate, it's sort of none of what anyone needs. The basic entry level density meter for accurate measurement also made by Anton Paar- which is similar to the ones used in the labs on my course, start at £17730 https://www.anton-paar.com/uk-en/products/details/portable-density-meter-dmatm-35-basic/

Now I'd love this sort of kit but I'm not even close to bonkers enough to look at it. I have one of these which is more accurate than your usual hydrometer, and you can always dilute your beer to half strength if it's above this range and double the result.
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/large-hydrometer-1000-1060/

I've looked at that hydrometer funnily enough. I don't brew that many high gravity beers anyway, but the dilution idea is a great one.

I have a refractometer that I use on brew days, and it works very well for me. Just fancied something that gave a digital reading. I might take a pint on one the Chinese cheapies just to have a wee play. I'd not even stretch to the cheapest of Anton Paar stuff tbh. Would be too hard to justify given I already have perfectly accurate solutions.

Larse · Nov 24, 2024

What about the WiFi/Bluetooth enabled hydrometer/thermometers you just bung in your FV?

Sadfield · Nov 24, 2024

They also do a high gravity large hydrometer. I had one until it rolled.

I'm pretty sure I've seen pro brewers using these.

https://www.hannainstruments.co.uk/food-and-drink/2350-hi-96841-digital-refractometer-for-brewing

I guess it depends on what you require, a definitive highly accurate reading or a quick reading that's close enough to monitor changes in gravity.

Brew_DD2 · Nov 24, 2024

Larse said:
What about the WiFi/Bluetooth enabled hydrometer/thermometers you just bung in your FV?

It's more for brew day for quick readings. I use hydrometer for post-fermentation.

RoomWithABrew · Nov 25, 2024

Milwaukee refractometer, been using it a few years, couple of drips of wort and use the Tool in brewfather to get OG or FG.

I used to check with my hydrometer at OG and FG but don't bother now as it matches the refractometer reading every time.

6Trails · Nov 25, 2024

DocAnna said:
Now I'd love this sort of kit but I'm not even close to bonkers enough to look at it. I have one of these which is more accurate than your usual hydrometer, and you can always dilute your beer to half strength if it's above this range and double the result.
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/large-hydrometer-1000-1060/

For such a low cost item, that one has to be one of my favourite gadgets I've got amongst all the gadgets.

Mash Monster · Nov 25, 2024

I bought one off AE very similar to the one sold by TMM and other homebrew outlets . It’s not as accurate as my hydrometer but I use it on brewday to check the mash progress to get me in the right area.
I have just tried to find a link for the price and AE are offering 99% discount current price £1.27 !!!!! Plus £8 delivery and then tax on top

I’ve just checked the listing and it’s for WINE ONLY !!!!!!!
SORRY

peebee · Nov 25, 2024

Pyknometer!

Well, it has to be said (by me!).

Far cheaper (<£10 for an adequate 25ml one) than any of them fancy Milwaukee and Anton Parr glitter balls. But you do need some decent weighing scales (about £50 will do) ... but they do come in handy for other things (like mine are weighing ingredients for "Poolish" 61% pizza dough at present).

Technology-wise these things are the "real deal". Even hydrometers have to emulate them! SG to four (not three) decimal places if you want. Little bit of maths, but I've got spreadsheets dotted about. "SG" was designed for them ... in place of temperature compensation (that'll confuse the hydrometer-philes).

peebee · Nov 25, 2024

That's an expensive 100ml bottle, and the weighing scales are "fiddled" so it's showing the liquid's SG to be 1.3929.

But this "trick" with them is not an economical recommendation. But it shows what can be done!

Davegase · Nov 25, 2024

Larse said:
What about the WiFi/Bluetooth enabled hydrometer/thermometers you just bung in your FV?

I use my Rapt pills all the time, they are fantastic for monitoring the progress of fermentation and temperature, I wouldn't be without them now.
But not good for final gravity readings.
I use a similar hydrometer to the one recommended by doc Anna for final gravity. Mine reads 1000 1070 (Stephenson 20°C precision brewing), and an optical refractometer on brewday.

Kman · Nov 25, 2024

https://digitizefluid.com/en-gb/pages/refractometers
i have one from these guys and works a treat

MashBag · Nov 25, 2024

DocAnna said:
Short version - is along the lines of Mashbag ... nope. Trust me, I've looked and I like shiny things .

The Anton Paar easyDens is neither good value nor particularly accurate, it's sort of none of what anyone needs. The basic entry level density meter for accurate measurement also made by Anton Paar- which is similar to the ones used in the labs on my course, start at £17730 https://www.anton-paar.com/uk-en/products/details/portable-density-meter-dmatm-35-basic/

Now I'd love this sort of kit but I'm not even close to bonkers enough to look at it. I have one of these which is more accurate than your usual hydrometer, and you can always dilute your beer to half strength if it's above this range and double the result.
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/large-hydrometer-1000-1060/

Au contraire mon ami, mine was short

Recommend me a digital refractometer

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