Refractometer

[Daz1737]

I've just bought a refractometer and was wondering if you had any tips or advice on its use? Thanks

[f00b4r]

They are usually pretty easy to use but a couple of thoughts:

- calibrate it using distilled/RO water (I admit to not doing this every brew and sometimes using tap water to check is not been drifting but the homebrew ones and the usual hydrometers are not lab grade ones so I am not expecting lab accuracy)
- use a disposable pipette to put wort onto it, trying to put on clear wort and not bits of break material etc
- clean it straight after a reading (I just use water it sometimes starsan from a spray bottle when brewing, but then always rinse after with water before it dries and concentrates)
- take a reading under a bright light, this makes a big difference in how easy it is to read (you usually twist the eye piece end to bring it into focus)

Remember that once fermentation has started you cannot use one to measure gravity without using a formula/calculator to account for fermentation. TBH though I often do and find using the Terrill Cubic calculation (on the Refracto iOS app) is usually pretty accurate although some grists will require a different wort correction factor if you want more accuracy. If wanting to know when fermentation has completely finished then it is fine and you can then always take a hydrometer reading.

[Daz1737]

Thanks

[Eric]

Calibration varies dependent upon the temperature of the instrument. Other than that it is one of the most valuable instruments to have on a brewing day.

[MashBag]

It's also worth noting, they come in a variety of types (different scales). Make sure you have the right one, for the right job.

[IPA]

I have a Chinese one (are there any other ones?) I rarely calibrate it and it is spot on with my hydrometer. Invaluable on a brew day before fermentation

[Trefoyl]

I have a Chinese one (are there any other ones?) I rarely calibrate it and it is spot on with my hydrometer. Invaluable on a brew day before fermentation

they must all be made in China. I have a Vee Gee with automatic (whatever that means?) temperature compensation (10-30 C) that’s almost as expensive as a digital, and it’s made in China.
I checked calibration when I bought it but it was already perfect, and haven’t checked it since.
One of the most useful tools I ever bought along with the Thermapen. I used to dread trying to determine preboil gravity with a hydrometer.

[Daz1737]

Thanks everyone.

[MashBag]

I can third that. Brilliant tool.

[PeeBee]

Always remember; to load with sample, then take it outside... put one hand behind your back and stand bolt upright, holding the instrument to your eye with the other hand ...

The measurement won't be any better, but if anyone sees you, you'll look dead cool.

[ozroger]

Another recommendation is to use only three drops from the pipette. I've seen some videos where the operator near drowns the thing!

[MashBag]

Blimey. That is high tech.
I dip my finger in & smear it on the glass.

[thepatchworkdoll]

For what its worth. I use an 1/8 th of a teaspoon.
Regards
Patch

[Trefoyl]

Even coverage is needed so I confess I’m a drowner outer. I want to be sure I get a good sample with no dilution. The plastic flap squeezes out any excess.

[Eric]

Even coverage is needed so I confess I’m a drowner outer. I want to be sure I get a good sample with no dilution. The plastic flap squeezes out any excess.

Me too. Frequent washes between readings, dried with a clean soft cloth, and further readings if any doesn't fit with previous ones. Also it is vital when taking a kettle reading during sparging and there is likelihood of layering, that the wort be stirred. Vastly easier than using a hydrometer and equally accurate.