Brewhardware refractometer

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jason.loxton
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Brewhardware refractometer

Post by jason.loxton » Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:52 am

I got a refractometer on a group order in 2012. It's been driving me crazy ever since. I have never seemed to be able to get it to agree with my hydrometer. I just tried it with set sugar solutions and it seems to read at least 1 brix off, while reading zero with just pure water. Just curious whether others had similar issues with their refractometers, either from Brewhardware or elsewhere.

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LeafMan66_67
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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by LeafMan66_67 » Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:39 am

I have a cheap eBay model that has served me well for the past number of years. Even though it states ATC, I always cool my sample before taking a reading. I buy 1ml pipettes, so cooling down the wort is pretty quick either in free air or, if I'm really impatient, under running water for a few seconds. Hot wort doesn't read correctly on mine.


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jeffsmith
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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by jeffsmith » Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:13 pm

This is the reason I tend to only rely on my refractometer (a cheap model as well) for ballpark readings. If I'm looking for a dead on accurate reading I break out my hydrometers.

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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by Halifax_Jeff » Thu Oct 19, 2017 7:28 pm

Are you guys just using it for OG or for FG as well?

I've only been using mine for OG I've found doing reading during and post fermentation take a little noodling around and I haven't had time to figure it out. Is there an easy way to use it during the whole brewing process?

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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by eamwr » Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:51 pm

Alcohol causes refractometers to read incorrectly, so for FG you can use this:
(part 2)

https://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/

I find it reasonably accurate compared with the times that i've double checked with a hydrometer.

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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by mthibodeau » Fri Oct 20, 2017 7:13 am

Halifax_Jeff wrote:Are you guys just using it for OG or for FG as well?

I've only been using mine for OG I've found doing reading during and post fermentation take a little noodling around and I haven't had time to figure it out. Is there an easy way to use it during the whole brewing process?
Beersmith can figure it out for you, there is a setting for og, and one for fermenting wort

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LeafMan66_67
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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by LeafMan66_67 » Fri Oct 20, 2017 7:51 am

Halifax_Jeff wrote:Are you guys just using it for OG or for FG as well?

I've only been using mine for OG I've found doing reading during and post fermentation take a little noodling around and I haven't had time to figure it out. Is there an easy way to use it during the whole brewing process?
I use my refractometer during brew day to measure pre-boil and post boil gravities. For my final gravity, I rely on my finishing hydrometer for an accurate reading rather than the refractometer corrected for alcohol.
"He was a wise man who invented beer." - Plato

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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by RasMouSein » Sat Oct 21, 2017 10:21 am

LeafMan66_67 wrote:
Halifax_Jeff wrote:Are you guys just using it for OG or for FG as well?

I've only been using mine for OG I've found doing reading during and post fermentation take a little noodling around and I haven't had time to figure it out. Is there an easy way to use it during the whole brewing process?
I use my refractometer during brew day to measure pre-boil and post boil gravities. For my final gravity, I rely on my finishing hydrometer for an accurate reading rather than the refractometer corrected for alcohol.
Good day :)
What scale his that finishing hydrometer and where to get it?

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LeafMan66_67
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Re: Brewhardware refractometer

Post by LeafMan66_67 » Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:15 am

RasMouSein wrote:
LeafMan66_67 wrote:
Halifax_Jeff wrote:Are you guys just using it for OG or for FG as well?

I've only been using mine for OG I've found doing reading during and post fermentation take a little noodling around and I haven't had time to figure it out. Is there an easy way to use it during the whole brewing process?
I use my refractometer during brew day to measure pre-boil and post boil gravities. For my final gravity, I rely on my finishing hydrometer for an accurate reading rather than the refractometer corrected for alcohol.
Good day :)
What scale his that finishing hydrometer and where to get it?

Envoyé de mon Nexus 6P en utilisant Tapatalk
I have a couple, both range 0.098 to 1.020, my favourite being from Winemakeri in Lower Sackville, and another from Noble Grape. I don't think Winemakeri sells to the public anymore, but Noble Grape still lists one on their site, https://www.shopnoblegrape.ca/products/ ... h-accuracy

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