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Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:52 am
by jason.loxton
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.
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:39 am
by LeafMan66_67
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.
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:13 pm
by jeffsmith
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.
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 7:28 pm
by Halifax_Jeff
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?
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 9:51 pm
by eamwr
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.
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 7:13 am
by mthibodeau
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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Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2017 7:51 am
by LeafMan66_67
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.
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 10:21 am
by RasMouSein
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
Re: Brewhardware refractometer
Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:15 am
by LeafMan66_67
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