Three piece hydrometers?

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Matt in Birdham
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Three piece hydrometers?

Post by Matt in Birdham » Fri Dec 11, 2015 8:32 pm

I've got the bog standard hydrometer that runs from about -20 to 150 or so - a much bigger range than I ever need - and I always fancied the idea of getting a hydro with a smaller range and bigger divisions to get a better read. I found this on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydrometer-Al ... Sw7FRWVAvb, a three piece set with 0-40, 40-70 and 70+, which looks great. Anyone tried them? Tbh I'll order one anyway since they are so cheap but if they're no good I'd be keen to hear about it.

Rhodesy
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Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by Rhodesy » Fri Dec 11, 2015 11:34 pm

I am tempted by these but would only likely need the lowest range one for FG readings as I have my refractometer for pre and post boil readings. The Malt Miller sells 2 versions of smaller ranges for upper and lower scales which I know many users on here swear by. More expensive than the link you provided for a 3 piece but tried and tested.

http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... mit=%C2%A0

GeeThom

Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by GeeThom » Sat Dec 12, 2015 2:17 pm

I got one recently that is 1000 - 1020 for determining when beer is finished. Can't remember where I got it from but wasn't expensive. For me this is the most important so I can easily tell when the beer is almost done.

Matt in Birdham
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Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by Matt in Birdham » Sat Dec 12, 2015 3:02 pm

I like to take a confirmation reading before pitching, and again when I think ferment is finished. All other readings taken with refractometer, but it's nice to cross-check, and FG readings on the refract can be a bit iffy even with the calculators (but I find they are usually pretty good).
I'll order these I think and let you know if they are any good. Not much to lose at that price.

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mooj
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Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by mooj » Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:53 pm

I don't know if I'm too late and I could be wrong but I think these might be alcohol not sugar hydrometers ie. For liquids lighter than water. The scale has the highest values at the top as opposed to an sg hydrometer which has the lowest value at the top. Also, who's ever heard of a wine over 60% like they mention? :?
A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it's better to be thoroughly sure.

Matt in Birdham
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Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by Matt in Birdham » Mon Dec 14, 2015 10:05 pm

mooj wrote:I don't know if I'm too late and I could be wrong but I think these might be alcohol not sugar hydrometers ie. For liquids lighter than water. The scale has the highest values at the top as opposed to an sg hydrometer which has the lowest value at the top. Also, who's ever heard of a wine over 60% like they mention? :?
Thanks mate - I didn't notice that! Looks like you are right - not much use for us, which is a shame. I would still really like a larger scaled hydro - actually something split exactly along the lines of this one but measuring SG would be great (especially if it was a fiver :) ).

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mooj
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Re: Three piece hydrometers?

Post by mooj » Mon Dec 14, 2015 10:21 pm

Actually, reading again it says for measuring white wine not red wine, nor spirit. I would therefore assume it measures alcohol but with a presumption of sugar content for white wine. Dodgy, I would say.
A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it's better to be thoroughly sure.

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