[Thirsty_Monk]

Technically, I think that's because a refractometer can't directly read SG. And the problem is the relationship between SG and Plato are not perfectly linear. For the same reason, a hydrometer can't directly read Plato.

So when a brewery gives starting and finishing plato, which instrument gives them that? Refractometers give degrees Brix and hydrometers give specific gravity. What gives plato?

Brix = Plato

Acutely that s not correct.
There is 1.04 correction factor.
I think it has to do with what kind of sugar it is.

I use hydrometer with Plato scale and thermometer with adjustment factor.
I have one for low range (0-9) and one for mid range (8-16)
I should also buy the high range but I do not brew too many beers over 16 Plato.
I like this hydrometer better then refractometer.
I think it is more accurate.
I measure only Last runnings and wort after cooling.

[a10t2]

Brix = Plato

Acutely that s not correct.

They're different, but the difference is so small it doesn't matter at all in brewing. 1.040 SG is 9.99325 °Bx or 9.99359 °P.

I think Plato is more intuitive. It scales linearly, and one "unit" is a significant variation for brewing purposes. It's also shorter/easier to read and write, which reduces the likelihood of mistakes.

[reverseapachemaster]

My understanding -- and this is probably some or all incorrect -- is that plato is used a lot in the professional brewing literature from continental Europe while gravity was more of an English preference. When brewers in the US learned to brew it was from continental literature but homebrewers adopted texts from English brewers which carried gravity forward into American homebrewing. I don't know where I picked up that story but it seems to have some potential truth to it.

[ccfoo242]

So what's used to measure the finishing Plato? I know they can use a refractometer only if they use a formula like Sean's. Sorry to seem dense. If they use a hydrometer then wouldn't that require them to convert to Plato?

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[denny]

So what's used to measure the finishing Plato? I know they can use a refractometer only if they use a formula like Sean's. Sorry to seem dense. If they use a hydrometer then wouldn't that require them to convert to Plato?

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My hydrometer reads in Brix, Plato, and SG.

[Kaiser]

I believe it's because Plato is more precise than sg when it comes to attenuation calculations, for example. Also, most of the brewing calculations are based on Plato or a similar measure of wort solids.

Sg works well enough and was picked up by home brewers. Sg based brewing calculations also originate in UK brewing if I'm not mistaken.

When I toured AB a while back I noticed extract displays in Balling.

Kai

[denny]

I believe it's because Plato is more precise than sg when it comes to attenuation calculations, for example. Also, most of the brewing calculations are based on Plato or a similar measure of wort solids.

Sg works well enough and was picked up by home brewers. Sg based brewing calculations also originate in UK brewing if I'm not mistaken.

When I toured AB a while back I noticed extract displays in Balling.

Kai

Good to see you posting again, Kai.

[Kaiser]

Good to see you posting again, Kai.

Let's see how much time I can find for the forums.

Kai

[denny]

Good to see you posting again, Kai.

Let's see how much time I can find for the forums.

Kai

Any is better than none!

[bluesman]

Good to see you posting again, Kai.

Let's see how much time I can find for the forums.

Kai

You have to make time Kai.

Happy to see you back. Your feedback is appreciated by many, including me.

[hopfenundmalz]

Good to see you posting again, Kai.

Let's see how much time I can find for the forums.

Kai

I too appreciate your insights and research posts.

One of the downsides of a 3500 person conference, is that you don't always get a chance to talk to people. I saw Kai across a crowded seminar room on Saturday, and did not see him again.

[Kaiser]

Thanks.

I should be able to find some time. You can also email me if you feel you need my input on a topic.

The NHC had become big. I wonder how much larger it can get.

Kai

[hopfenundmalz]

Thanks.

I should be able to find some time. You can also email me if you feel you need my input on a topic.

The NHC had become big. I wonder how much larger it can get.

Kai

4000 next year is what they are working on.

[drjones]

I says to myself - I'm sure there is a SG refractometer out there. Sure enough - dual scale ...
 
http://www.amazon.com/Beer-Wort-Wine-Refractometer-Scale/dp/B006GG0TDK
 
AND IT'S ON SALE FOR $15 (from $90). SCORE!!!

They are going for $23 now - still way less than I paid just a few months ago.  If you don't have a refractometer, there is no more excuse not to.  Maybe it's overkill, but I love taking regular readings off my sparge runoff, from the fermenter, etc. a drop at a time.  Besides, the geek factor will bring oohs and aahs from your brew day audience.  That alone is worth the $23!  White lab coat anyone?

[denny]

Thanks.

I should be able to find some time. You can also email me if you feel you need my input on a topic.

The NHC had become big. I wonder how much larger it can get.

Kai

4000 next year is what they are working on.

Yeah, that's kinda scary....