Refractometer?

[Rick_UK]

Having finally dropped my cheapo Wilkos hydrometer on the garage floor I'm thinking of splashing out on a refractometer to replace it. However, I have read mixed views about their accuracy at taking FG readings and note many people still use a hydrometer for this which in my mind defeats the purpose of getting one. I understand you have to use a correction formula but it seems this may not always be accurate.

Just wondering what users of them think?

Thanks

Rick

[Morten]

I love my refractometer.

Very handy to take readings on the fly boil gravity, run off gravity and so on.

I use it for OG/SG/FG readings, but always use my hydrometer aswell (because I want to taste the product)
I use the refractometer tool in BeerSmith, seems to be on the spot every time.

[oldbloke]

Mine has auto temp correction and its readings agree with my known sugars calculations better than my hydrometer, and it wasn't particularly expensive (about 20 quid)
However, while they're great for getting a Brix reading when you've put your wort/must together, they're not really useful at the end of fermentation. So if you want to do OG-FG calcs, stick with the hydrometer.

[Rick_UK]

Thanks chaps. 2 opposite opinions on the FG readings echoes what I've read elsewhere!

Has anyone else had sucess ( or failure) using it for FG readings?

[boingy]

I use refractometer pre-ferment and hydrometer post-ferment. Refractometer is brilliant for measuring gravity of hot wort, one drop, a few seconds to cool and done. Hydro is the best tool for post ferment measurements and gives you the excuse to drink the sample afterwards. I don't bother with any measurements during fermentation these days. I just wait 7-10 days then take what I consider to be the final one!

[jmc]

Thanks chaps. 2 opposite opinions on the FG readings echoes what I've read elsewhere!

Has anyone else had sucess ( or failure) using it for FG readings?

I use refractometer for OG and to check on fermentation progress and to calculate FG.

I don't want to risk contamination by adding back hydrometer sample. I find it handy to be able to check progress with refractometer using a a few cc sample taken from tap.

Ocasionally I check OG with quality hydrometer from TMM (and drink sample). Its rare that FG calculated from refractometer is more than 0.002 different to hydrometer.

If you are adding other fermentables eg sugar or honey added in stages/ secondary then its not really practical to use refractometer to calc % alcohol but it is handy to check whether SG continuing to drop.

[Rick_UK]

Thanks chaps. Think I'm gonna have to get one and see how I get on. Can anyone recommend a decent one? Lots on fleabay around the 25 quid mark but not sure which would be suitable.

[Aleman]

I am one of the sad people that use a refractometer AND a hydrometer. The reason being that I am 'tuning' my refractometer 'calibration' factor . . . and have been for around 10 years

Refractometer is great for raw wort gravity especially from the mash tun during sparging, when you have an adequately tuned adjustment factor then it's also pretty damned good for fermentation gravity as well

[keith1664]

I do a quick calibration check with a drop of demineralised water prior to taking a reading, that's still quicker than cooling down 100ml or so of boiling wort. Hydrometer for FG reading as 100ml of fermented wort is easier to drink!

[oldbloke]

I use refractometer for OG and to check on fermentation progress and to calculate FG.

Do you have to do any correction when finding the FG, to allow for the fact that instead of measuring sugary water you're now measuring sugary water+alcohol?

To be honest I don't often bother measuring my stuff, but when I do I'd like to use both hydrometer and refractometer, just to see.

[jmc]

I use refractometer for OG and to check on fermentation progress and to calculate FG.

Do you have to do any correction when finding the FG, to allow for the fact that instead of measuring sugary water you're now measuring sugary water+alcohol?

To be honest I don't often bother measuring my stuff, but when I do I'd like to use both hydrometer and refractometer, just to see.

Yes you have to allow for alcohol as it affects Refractometer readings.

I use a print of an Excel sheet that converts Brix from Refractometer to SG based on OG and current SG in brix.

Its just a cross reference list I use in garage where I don't have a PC.

On standard brews with all fermentables added at the start its normally very accurate.

[Rick_UK]

Thanks chaps. Anyone recommend a decent one?

[Aleman]

If you are into BIG beers and wines get a 0-32 Brix One . . .If you are into reasonable beers (Up to around 1.080) get yourself a 0-20 Brix one . . Don't go for a dual scale Brix/OG one . . . The bigger the divisions in the scale the easier it is to read

For true ease of reading / use you can't beat a Digital Refractometer though

[oldbloke]

Yes you have to allow for alcohol as it affects Refractometer readings.

I use a print of an Excel sheet that converts Brix from Refractometer to SG based on OG and current SG in brix.

Any chance of a copy, or a link?

[bobsbeer]

I got one of the £20 type off ebay. I was a bit suspicious at first, and used both it and the hydrometer, but as both corresponded with each other, I now just use the refractometer. I'm not sure what you get by paying more, but my guess is you would have to pay hundreds for a professional type, before you notice the difference in the quality optics. Mine is 0-32 BRIX, 1.000-1.120 SG with .001 graduations. Model number RSG-100/ATC. The automatic compensation only works between 10c-30c, but calibrated at 20c. This one in reasonable light is easy to read. And it also came with a natty little padded bag you can fit to your belt, so you look cool on a brewday, and can whip out your refractometer at a moments notice.