[denny]

Maybe it was Studach who dropped it 

Hey, I'm always up for blaming the Bald Guy!

[denny]

guess I will throw my 2 pennies in - since I initially calibrated my refractometer to my hydro about 2 years ago and through data found my correct adjustment factor in the refracto tool in Beersmith, I have never had a problem with it - its always dead on, even for post fermentation readings (which I always take a hydro of since I like to taste).

Its most helpful to me for determining the gravity along the boil so I can know where I stand as far as extraction from the mash.

YMMV.

Promash has a correction factor also that I've tried to use.  It recommends a generic correction of about 1.04 IIRC and doesn't let you go below 1.  The problem is that when I do the math, mine always ends up under 1.

[denny]

I wouldn't give up on them. It one of the best brewing investments I ever made and I paid a lot more for mine than they are going for now.

I'll definitely break it out again next brew session and see how it does.

[akr71]

I use my refractometer pre-fermentation and stick to the hydrometer for post fermentation.

+1

This is my practice as well.

I just bought mine and have yet to use it, other than calibrating it, but this is my intention - besides, licking the couple of drops off of the prism isn't really much of a taste is it...  

[narcout]

I could never get an accurate FG reading out of my refractometer. When it broke, I didn't bother to replace it.

[Malticulous]

I've yet to use one. 

[glastctbrew]

Thanks for the data Tom, your results have me wondering if my adjustment factor for my hydrometer has changed.  I haven't recalibrate it in about 8 months.  I've got an alt finishing up and the brown I brewed last weekend fermented like crazy and should be done by the weekend.  I'll recalibrate and run FG both ways this weekend and post my results.

Ok,   I just finished up doing my FG testing.   I recalibrated everything before I took my readings.  Since I always have a lab wash bottle of Distilled water handy I check my refractometer every time I use it.  It is sensitive to ambient temperatures.  Also, while it is an ATC model, I always cool my sample down to at least 90F before taking a reading.

Batch 1 Dusseldorf Alt
OG  1.048/11.9 Brix (by refractometer only)
FG 1.011 by Hydrometer (1.01 at 69.4F corrected to 1.011)
FG 5.8 Brix calulating to 1.011FG using Sean's algortihms

Batch 2 Northern English Brown Ale
OG  1.046/11.4Brix (by refractometer only)
FG 1.012 by Hydrometer (1.011 at 69.5F corrected to 1.012)
FG 6 Brix calulating to 1.012 FG using Sean's algortihms

Most of the beers I brew are 1.045 to 1.065 OG and Sean's correction factors give me great results. At this point I am content with storing my hydrometer for use on high OG brews.

Thanks again Sean.  I appreciate all the time and effort you put into your refractometer analysis!

[phillamb168]

I went looking for one the other day, I heard that patisserie/confectioners shops carry them. But JEEZ, 250 big ones before tax, no thanks. I'll stick with my hydrometer, thanks.

For what it's worth, I think a good quick-reading pH meter would be a better buy.

[tygo]

I went looking for one the other day, I heard that patisserie/confectioners shops carry them. But JEEZ, 250 big ones before tax, no thanks. I'll stick with my hydrometer, thanks.

For what it's worth, I think a good quick-reading pH meter would be a better buy.

Here's an ATC one with free shipping worldwide for $30:  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-0-32-ATC-Brix-Refractometer-Wine-Beer-CNC-Sugar-/390202796300?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad9e6290c

[phillamb168]

I went looking for one the other day, I heard that patisserie/confectioners shops carry them. But JEEZ, 250 big ones before tax, no thanks. I'll stick with my hydrometer, thanks.

For what it's worth, I think a good quick-reading pH meter would be a better buy.

Here's an ATC one with free shipping worldwide for $30:  http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-0-32-ATC-Brix-Refractometer-Wine-Beer-CNC-Sugar-/390202796300?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad9e6290c

Oh hellooooo.. Don't mind if I do. Thanks! 30 euros WITH SHIPPING, ftw.

[maxieboy]

I've got an ATC 0-32 Brix unit made by Alla in Chemille, France!