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gift question

Ariando

Apprentice
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Nov 2, 2014
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Location
Lewisville TX
Here come christmas . should I continue using hydrometer or be asking for a refractor? Basically should I be wanting to change?
 
I still use a hydro for the final 'authoritative" reading of OG, but also use a refractometer many more times during the brew to check gravity of wort.  Pre-boil, change during the boil, end of boil, SG of final runnings, SG of the leftover wort that I boil down and put in a pressure canner for starter wort, etc.  A refractometer is very useful during the brew day.
 
I went to a refractometer and I'm glad I did. I use it throughout the brewing process to give me an idea I'm on track for what I wanted to produce. By the time I get to the final reading I use the Hydrometer for info, but one way or the other the brew is getting drank
 
I went to a refractometer for use during all grain batches.  For final readings I go with my hydrometer.
 
Just received a replacement for one I ordered on line.  First one would not stay calibrated.  I only have had the refractometer for a short time.  I do 3 gal all grain batches so the the small sample size is good :) .  Not very much for tasting though :( .  Hated to give up a bottle or two of beer checking SG.  I will still double check FG with hydrometer.  Haven't used the refractometer on dark beers like stouts and porters but it's working well on the IPA in the secondary.
 
Just got a refractometer and I love it.  Plus it only needs a few drops.  They're right about accuracy for the final reading because refractometers only deal with sugar and water, not so much alcohol.

The reading pre-pitch is accurate, but your final reading will be a little tricky.  There are calculators to help determine your FG but you should know your wort correction factor:

http://www.brewersfriend.com/how-to-determine-your-refractometers-wort-correction-factor/

It says you should do 30 samples, but I don't know if that's necessary.  Basically you're going to do readings side by side with the refractometer and the hydrometer.  Make sure you do different batches.  I've read that 5 or 6 batches is enough but I'm sure it varies with whatever refractometer you decide on.

Just make sure you calibrate your refractometer for distilled water.
 
I made a point of buying an "automatic temperature correcting" (ATC) refractometer because I wanted to be able to measure during the boil and during fermentation.

My ATC refractometer does not automatically correct for temperature!

Simple solution: dip or drain a few drops into a thick glass or stainless container, let the sample sit a few seconds, drip onto the sample glass, and read the refractometer.
 
durrettd said:
Simple solution: dip or drain a few drops into a thick glass or stainless container, let the sample sit a few seconds, drip onto the sample glass, and read the refractometer.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Condiment-Cups/14964954

I love these s/s cups for just that.  And if you put some cold water/ice in a cereal bowl, it's cooled in seconds for a quick read. 
 
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