Which pH Strips to Buy?

[jimp2003]

I have been looking at the narrow range pH strips that Hop and Grape sell HERE but am unsure which would be most appropriate.

If the ideal range for the mash to hit is 5.2-5.5 it seems I might need a pack of each of the 3.8-5.5 strips and the 5.2-6.8 as I don't know yet which side of the ideal range my mashes are (if they are outside of that range) - hope that makes sense

Am I just confusing myself (as usual )? Does anyone else use these strips?

I have also looked at the pH meters sold on ebay. At about a tenner for a cheap one maybe that would be a better option - unless they need lots of maintenance, calibration etc.

[Dr. Dextrin]

You can also find narrow band pH strips on eBay quite cheaply that may suit your needs better. They come and go, so just do a search.

[Jim]

Most people that know about these things reckon that pH meters are not worth the bother for homebrewing.

You have to calibrate them every time you use them using standard solutions that you have to buy; the electrodes only last a short time and are expensive; the 'cheap' ones aren't very accurate etc etc.

[jimp2003]

I was wary of the meters, especially the cheapo ones and having to calibrate every time is a PITA and gives more scope for making an error.

I hope to get a brew on next Saturday and was curious as to where I was with the pH of the mash so Hop and Grape seems a good supply of strips - but which one...

[gregorach]

Most people that know about these things reckon that pH meters are not worth the bother for homebrewing.

You have to calibrate them every time you use them using standard solutions that you have to buy; the electrodes only last a short time and are expensive; the 'cheap' ones aren't very accurate etc etc.

You shouldn't have to recalibrate every time unless you're trying to achieve unnecessarily high levels of accuracy, and the electrodes should last OK provide you take care of them properly. I forget how long I've had mine, but it's not needed recalibration yet and is still working fine. But it's the proper Hannah high-accuracy one (about 75 quid from H&G), not some cheapo piece of shit from eBay.

For just looking at the mash pH, the 5.2-6.8 ones should do the job - if you're below 5.2 you're too low anyway. But having both won't hurt... I did manage to pick up some on eBay once that were 4.0 to 7.0, which was ideal, but I've never seen them again.

[jimp2003]

Cheers Dunc.

I have ordered both sets of strips from Hop and Grape. I have not used them before but they have a good range of kit. Also added a pack of the Mauribrew Ale yeast to try out.

Jim

[gregorach]

You shouldn't have to recalibrate every time unless you're trying to achieve unnecessarily high levels of accuracy, and the electrodes should last OK provide you take care of them properly. I forget how long I've had mine, but it's not needed recalibration yet and is still working fine. But it's the proper Hannah high-accuracy one (about 75 quid from H&G), not some cheapo piece of shit from eBay.

Checking my records, it seems I've only had my pH meter for less than a year, so I guess I should reserve judgement...