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Digital refractometer

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ccfoo242:
I broke my hydrometer yesterday and while searching for a replacement I saw this digital refractometer:

http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Refractometer-Automatic-Compensation-Resolution/dp/B007Z4IN58/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1354542394&sr=8-10&keywords=beer+hydrometer

Does anyone have experience with using a digital refractometer? Is this model a piece of crap?

rob_f:
Far from a piece of crap, that is way overkill for homebrewing.  A purely optical model such as those sold at most homebrew shops will do the job for half the price.  It does look like a nice toy, though.

ccfoo242:
Well, overkill for homebrewing is in the eye of the beholder.  I like to think I'm spending the money I saved by not buying a sabco system.

I've had problems with using refractometers in the past. Multiple readings giving me multiple results. So I've stuck with the hydrometer.

gandelf:

--- Quote from: ccfoo242 on December 03, 2012, 09:08:43 pm ---Well, overkill for homebrewing is in the eye of the beholder.  I like to think I'm spending the money I saved by not buying a sabco system.

I've had problems with using refractometers in the past. Multiple readings giving me multiple results. So I've stuck with the hydrometer.

--- End quote ---

Well said; I have one of those and like it. I also have a Milwaukee brand bench pH meter. Both are not required to make beer. If your personal intent is to make beer as cheap as possible; equipment such as this is not for you.

On the other hand;a significant number of individuals who have developed their craft to a high degree. Have a high degree of appreciation for their tools and as a result; have acquired high quality tools. I have my grand father's hand tools he used to make furniture. My son will get them when I can no longer use them. It's how it has been done.

My grandfather made his own wood plane; I made my own stainless steel kettle and automated MIAB rig.

BrewingRover:
That looks pretty cool, but you'll still need to correct for alcohol content in your finished beer.

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