After watching brewing video after video, seeing the host utilize their fancy Anton Parr digital refractometer, I started to wonder if there were alternative options that came in below the $250-300 price point. The idea of having a digital unit has always appealed to me. Measuring pre-boil and original gravity is an important part of the brewing process, and certainly helps you figure out your brewhouse efficiency for future recipes. Consistency is the goal, regardless of whatever efficiency you are running.
In my case, I usually set the efficiency in Brew Father to 62.5% based on more than 100 batches on my current Anvil system without using recirculation during the mash. I would likely hit 70% if I used the pump to recirculate during the mash but I find it's easier to not have to clean the pump and hoses every time I brew. I can live with the lower efficiency number for sake of an easier cleanup...
My biggest frustration is knowing how to properly take a sample for gravity readings that is consistent and accurate. I usually try to stir up the wort before taking my sample or sparge for a minute or two, hopefully eliminating any stratification of the wort in the mash. Does anyone know the best way to get an accurate gravity reading consistently?
Getting back to the Brix unit, I did some research and ended up finding several digital brix refractometers that are used for measuring the sugar content in fruit juices. This is also useful for checking gravities of grape juice for wine makers. They are accurate to 0.1 Brix which is more than we would need for home brewing. Plus the price point is under $50, which is pretty awesome. So I ended up get one on Amazon for around $46
Once you get the reading (in Brix), simply open the "tools" menu in Brew Father and click on the "Refractometer / Brix" option to get your conversion to specific gravity. Couldn't be easier. Here's how it works:
I used it once so far and it gave me a predicted OG of 14.3 brix, which converts to 1.056. It was very easy to use and hopefully it will be accurate and consistent moving forward.
One Caveat: Even though it says it has automatic temperature correction, the instructions recommend getting the sample to ambient room temp before taking a reading. Also, note that this unit is intended for wort, not fermented beer. Alcohol will give an errant reading so this is pre-fermentation only. So far so good, really happy with the unit.
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