spirit hydrometer or refractometer

[Mash]

I have a refractometer, which I do most measurements with.

I can see the benefit of & quite fancy building a parrot. However is there really any point when I can sample mid-flow with my finger on a refractometer?

[Almanac]

A Refractometer is a useful tool to be sure, and accurate too, but a parrot is only a fraction of the cost and more fun trying to build it yourself

I don't think I'd know where to begin to build a Refractometer

AM

[Mash]

LOL

[chill]

Isn't a refractometer for measuring unfermented washes? Is there one that measures alcohol content, not sugar content?

[Mash]

Two different refractometers
The principle is the same - it is just the scales are different.

[Mash]

In fact, I think you can buy a standardised one.

And it comes with a set of tables that you translate for whatever you are using it for.

But that seemed like a PITA and they weren't available cheaply on eBay

[Admiral Toad]

Seem to be selling 0-80% ones fo £20 or so on eBay

Are they any good? Thinking about measurements around the 40% mark when you're diluting finished products and the standard hydrometer scale is getting a bit small/inaccurate at that percentage

[Capt-Cudellez]

Of course the answer is.......It depends how shiny the refractometer is

[Mash]

"Seem to be selling 0-80% ones fo £20 or so on eBay"

They are the ones I have RH 25 or something like that....
I have a Brix calibrated one - with percentage alc the other side of the scale (very handy for starting up mashes) and also the 0 to 80% alcohol. IMO both are very good. quick and easy to clean and use.

[Easydrinker]

So,I am learning something new here yet again....

Robert.

[Admiral Toad]

I see SDE are offering this set at a very decent price IMHO

https://www.stilldragon.eu/en/meters/38 ... meter.html

Might be a better bet than a cheap refractometer

[billmcc]

On the bay a bit cheaper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Hydrometer- ... 1e973ba1b5

Cheers

[Admiral Toad]

Good spot thanks Bill gonna get em ordered !

[billmcc]

Mines on its way.
Cheers

[Mash]

Thanks Bill. Ordered mine too