Digital Ph meter help

[orlando]

Not happy with paper ph test strips and would like a recommendation for a reasonably priced and accurate ph meter. Anyone using one for under £50 that they can recommend and point me in the right direction as to where I can purchase them from?

[barneey]

Never used one have thought about it, was going to try a Hannah meter, but decided to stay with strips in the end.

A thread I looked at 6 months ago was quite useful http://jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewtopi ... =6&t=46627

[orlando]

I'm looking at this one, which superficially at least ticks a few boxes assuming the claims are genuine. Price is certainly attractive.

[Martin G]

I do not use one at home, but used to use one at work. Sorry, but I cannot remember the make. We used to use sachets for calibrating them, they came in high, low and neutral. Very quick, easy and accurate way to calibrate, which we did daily.

[orlando]

This one comes with the 3 types of sachet you mention so it really is good value. if it works.

[tigerpaws]

You have to calibrate digital Ph meters before every use session as the cheap ones are notorious for drifting by miles even within 24hours

You will need some buffer solution to set them up properly.

[barneey]

I'm looking at this one, which superficially at least ticks a few boxes assuming the claims are genuine. Price is certainly attractive.

Any idea how long those buffer solutions last for?

[tigerpaws]

Liquid Buffer solution typically has a shelf life of 1 year from opening as long as stored according to manufactures instructions.

Powder buffer solution maybe longer if you can store it in an airtight container. Powdered buffer is.hygroscopic so add some silica gel pack to the container to drop the moisture level

[orlando]

I'm looking at this one, which superficially at least ticks a few boxes assuming the claims are genuine. Price is certainly attractive.

Any idea how long those buffer solutions last for?

No details given, but if that is a weak link I can obtain others and still be ahead.

[orlando]

Liquid Buffer solution typically has a shelf life of 1 year from opening as long as stored according to manufactures instructions.

Powder buffer solution maybe longer if you can store it in an airtight container. Powdered buffer is.hygroscopic so add some silica gel pack to the container to drop the moisture level

So as long as the seal is OK they may well be viable.

[tigerpaws]

You will find liquid buffer easier to use by miles

[orlando]

I made them an offer, which they refused, but they counter offered a quid off so we have settled at £19.30 inc delivery. Coming from HK so may have to wait a few weeks, will keep you all posted, might just be a bargain and at that price almost an affordable loss

[Dave S]

Not happy with paper ph test strips and would like a recommendation for a reasonably priced and accurate ph meter. Anyone using one for under £50 that they can recommend and point me in the right direction as to where I can purchase them from?

I bought this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meter-Digital-A ... 478&sr=8-8 and have used it several times. Every mash it has registered bang on 5.2. So at £12.49 I reckon it's pretty good.

[orlando]

I did look at that one (even watched a YouTube video of it in use) and was a little perturbed by how the figures it was registering wobbled about so much, plus there was no ATC facility and you need a screw driver to adjust and it didn't come with buffer solutions for calibration. Good price though.

[gregorach]

You have to calibrate digital Ph meters before every use session as the cheap ones are notorious for drifting by miles even within 24hours

You will need some buffer solution to set them up properly.

Or you could just buy a decent one... Calibrating them is a massive faff, because the buffers are only accurate at the specified temperature.

Cheap pH meters aren't any better than the test strips really. Easier to read, but I wouldn't rely on them for accuracy. My Hannah HI 98128 was great until it died. (The O-ring sealing the pH electrode failed. Probably my fault for sticking it straight in the mash...) But that was the thick end of £80...