Hydrometer

[Alside101]

What does every body use. Im looking for a new one but looking to splash out on some good tackle

 

[terrym]

I use a standard beer/wine Stevenson Reeves hydrometer which is absolutely fine for the purpose it is intended.

 

[Alside101]

I have 2 cheap hydrometers that give me different readings. Both not near what my og and fg should be

 

[Crystal_Ball]

One of these for a little more accuracy.
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/large-hydrometer-1000-1060/
Usually alongside a refractometer

 

[stz]

I've a S&R triple scale one at home which is completely adequate. I'm always within a point or two and that is fine. I like that you only need a little sample which fits home brewing volume perfectly. At work we've them in 10 degree intervals from 0 to 80, we need to know the significant figures. You need to pull at least a litre and use quite a large trial jar which would be ridiculous for home brewing. When you care that much about accuracy you start to do temperature compensation as well and when you are into that game it becomes a bit of a question of why.

 

[Ghillie]

What does every body use. Im looking for a new one but looking to splash out on some good tackle

Stevenson Reeves just like @terrym.

I got a cheap refractometer from China on eBay, it was £9.20 and it's the best brewing tool I've bought. My hydrometer is now almost explicitly for FG readings. I use it from time to time to make sure my refractometer is behaving. Which surprisingly for <£10 it is

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=263164017825

 

[terrym]

I have 2 cheap hydrometers that give me different readings. Both not near what my og and fg should be

I assume you have tested them against water at the calibration temp.

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi @Alside101
I use the plastic Herculometer from Beer Hawk - they come in various "scales"

 

[Alside101]

Hi @Alside101
I use the plastic Herculometer from Beer Hawk - they come in various "scales"

Il look into these i think

I assume you have tested them against water at the calibration temp.

No i haven't but i will do before i buy another

Thanks Al

 

[Drunkula]

If you can get a single scale one that just does gravity then get it. Multiple scale ones are a pain in the fekkin arse - the scale you want will ALWAYS face away from you.

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi @Drunkula
The Herculometers have a single scale, but come in three varieties. I have the "finishing" model for easier measurement of FV, as well as a more general model for OG.

 

[Grealish]

I invested in the big Malt Miller ones due to failing eyesight and was disappointed that I need to take approx 500ml samples, especially as I like to do a lot of 1ol test batches. I knocked it over the other day and broke it. My Wilko one is inaccurate and hard to read but I don't want to buy another large one. Are the Stevenson Reeves ones a bit bigger than Wilko's, which is about 18cm? Who sells them, if so?

 

[Cwrw666]

was disappointed that I need to take approx 500ml samples

Personally I just float my hydrometer in my FV. As long as you've sanitised it what's the problem. Never had an infection doing this.

 

[Grealish]

I have tried doing that but I can't see it very well.