Refractometers: is there a recommended brand / manufacturer?

[gvhorwitz]

I saw a lot of postings out there regarding refractometers. Is there a brand or maker that I should look for when considering my future purchase of one?

Thanks in advance

Greg

 

[Greg.L]

I have an old atago model, they are very good quality. You don't say how much you want to spend, there are plenty of cheap models out there, you can spend $300 on a digital atago.

 

[gvhorwitz]

Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd spend. Certainly not that much ;-)

I just don't want to buy something that's not going to help me with my brewing.

And thank you for your quick and helpful reply.



Brewing in Connecticut

 

[Pogierob]

Just checked mine that I got from grain and grape. No hint of a brand on it at all. I Think it cost me around $70-80 last year

 

[luggy]

Cant remember which one but I got mine from one of the site sponsors, was just under $40 plus postage

 

[Batz]

http://www.nationalhomebrew.com.au/beer/brewing-equipment-pots-and-hardware/other-refractometer-portable-with-atc

 

[Moad]

ebay job works well for me. I think it was $30...

 

[gvhorwitz]

Thank you all for your help here.

 

[warra48]

I bought mine on ebay, looks to be identical to the one sold by CraftBrewer. Works just fine.

Just make sure you get one with automatic temperature adjustment.

I also bought a small bottle of distilled water from my local chemist. I use 2 or 3 drops once in a while to recalibrate it and make sure it remains accurate.

 

[Bribie G]

I bought the Craftbrewer model, the HBHB one looks identical at half the price. Whatever one you get, make sure it's got a SG scale as well as the Brix.

 

[ianh]

I bought the Craftbrewer model, the HBHB one looks identical at half the price. Whatever one you get, make sure it's got a SG scale as well as the Brix.

I would buy one with just a Brix scale, a lot less cluttered, then use a formula to determine SG. If you get one with an SG scale it is only any good (the SG scale) before fermentation starts. Once fermentation starts you need a calculation to determine the SG or a hydrometer which partly defeats the purpose of buying a refractometer.

If like me you dont brew high % alc beers (>1.07 OG) then suggest a 0 -18 brix model rather than the 0 - 32 brix model with temperature compensation. Also don't bother with the ones that have their own light source.

There are plenty on Ebay

my 2c

 

[DU99]

i just bought one of these units

RHW-25BrixATC