Hydrometer or refractometer?

[Gerryjo]

So here's my dilemma.
As some of you are aware I have been having troubles with my lucky 7 brew not attenuating down far enough from 1.048 to 1.024.
Now I have been using a refractometer on the Brix scale which my missus kindly got me at Christmas and everything seemed fine until I had this issue.
On the Brix scale my OG was 12 and even checking it now it's showing 6 although if I use my trusted hydrometer I'm getting 1.012 giving an ABV of around 4.7.
I've checked calibration using ordinary cold tap water with a reading of zero/1.000 on both.
Doing my but in as I was really interested on what this shall be like.
Any thoughts?
Cheers Gerry.

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[bigbud78]

are you taking into account the alcohol with the refractometer ? The reading has to be converted when using on alcohol :thumb:

https://www.brewersfriend.com/2013/...rrectly-for-maximum-accuracy-in-home-brewing/

I use a hydrometer for anything post fermentation as I cant be bothered xD

 

[Gerryjo]

are you taking into account the alcohol with the refractometer ? The reading has to be converted when using on alcohol :thumb:

https://www.brewersfriend.com/2013/...rrectly-for-maximum-accuracy-in-home-brewing/

I use a hydrometer for anything post fermentation as I cant be bothered xD

Just had a brief glimpse at this and I might just stick to the hydrometer as this is a lot simpler although I will delve a bit deeper with the correction factor.
Cheers for that bigbud78

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[bigbud78]

Just had a brief glimpse at this and I might just stick to the hydrometer as this is a lot simpler although I will delve a bit deeper with the correction factor.
Cheers for that bigbud78

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I find its ready handy when brewing, seeing what runnings are and OG ect. Because you use such a small amount of liquid it cools really quickly so you get a much more accurate reading, once I've pitched yeast thou I just use a hydrometer xD

 

[peebee]

Hydrometers smash easily and don't like being put in hot liquid.
You need to be a bit clumsy to break a refractometer.
Hydrometers need a big (250ml?) sample in a sample jar. Don't forget to sanitise everything.
Refractometers need a sample that can be extracted with a small pipette.
No contest.
But you must remember to convert refractometer readings of fermenting wort (to allow for alcohol). Refractometers with SG scales are pointless (except for unfermented wort).

 

[JapanBrew]

Peebee said it best. I haven't gone back to my hydrometer for over a year now. I just look for the spread from OG to FG. Tells me a lot. And if you brew in a scale of around 12 brix each time, you get real used to seeing the numbers and understanding them. It just takes time. Get used to your style and equipment.

 

[Gerryjo]

Cheers folks, clarifies a lot for me at present so shall do a bit more reading on these.👍👍👍👍

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