Brix Refractometer with ATC, Dual Scale - Specific Gravity & Brix, Hydrometer in Wine Making and Beer Brewing, Homebrew Kit

When I made my first all-grain beer, I had some equipment problems and no experience and ended up with a low starting gravity, but didn't know that until the brew was done and cooled and I checked with my floating hydrometer. With this refractometer, I am able to check the progress of mashing process along the way and watch the gravity increase, letting me know how things are progressing and when complete. It also allows me to adjust the total volume to hit my target OG. But that is true of all refractometers.This one works well (caveat - its the only one I've used). Seems pretty solid. Readings are consistent. Using just 2-3 drops, its easy to use and easy to clean. You will need to twist it to adjust the focus on your first use and it will then be a little longer and not fit the foam in the case as well, but still fits it.I compared my numbers with my floating hydrometer (after compensating for temperature) and they matched within about 0.002 which is about as precise as the floating unit gets - this is quite readable down to 0.001 SG.I'm looking forward to using it during the fermentation to check for completion with only taking a few drops rather than a cylinder full of wort/beer.Don't know yet how well it holds up but will update if I ever had problems.

Easy to use, basic Refractometer. I've had no trouble reading a number of liquids, including wine, tea, home made vanilla extract and fruit juices. Well packaged and in a nice storage case as well. Comes with pipettes, screwdriver, manual and cleaning cloth. (Check under the foam for the manual and cloth).Seems well made.

I originally left a negative review due to my own misunderstanding. I’ve since learned that refractometers like this one are accurate for wort, but not for beer after fermentation without applying corrections—because alcohol skews the readings. That was my mistake.Now that I understand how to use it properly, I can say it’s a great tool for the price. It’s accurate, easy to read, and perfect for measuring original gravity on brew day. I’ve updated my review to reflect this.

Works pretty good at normal fruit sugar levels sg 1.053+ and is fast to use. when it gets towards the lower end of sugar content, you’ll still need a hydrometer.

Since this unit includes an SG Wort scale (specific gravity of wort), do not assume this is a universal specific gravity measurement. The SG is calibrated for wort, but can be used with other liquids if you know the math.Refractormeters work on the principle of measuring refractive index. Since there is a known relationship between the refractive index (ri) and specific gravity (SG) for a particular liquid, the reticle on this model scale is graduated to read Brix for sugar solution and SG for wort only.Some negative reviewers have commented that their aquarium's salt content was way off using this device. They should either use a refractometer with a scale specifically for saline, or do some math while using this unit.This model is made for Brix (sugar solution concentration), and SG Wort (specific gravity of wort). These are the formulas for conversion:SG Wort as function of Brix:SG Wort = (Brix / (258.6-(Brix / 258.2)*227.1)) + 1Brix as function of refractive index (ri):Brix = 0.0087 + 699.82353*(ri - 1.3330) - 1801.9215*(ri - 1.3330)^2+ 4696.422*(ri - 1.3330)^3 - 6427.26*(ri - 1.3330)^4For extra credit, you can substitute the 2nd formula into the 1st to find SG Wort as a function of ri.For example, if at a certain temperature the refractive index (ri) of seawater is 1.3394 when its specific gravity is 1.0264, you can calculate the Brix and SG Wort values using the above formulas where ri is set to 1.3394:Brix = 4.4SG Wort = 1.017In other words, you need to observe 1.017 in the reticle SG Wort scale to know that a seawater solution has a specific gravity of 1.0264 (and be sure the temperature of the measured sample matches that of the source data). This may explain why some are obtaining readings which do not compare when used for other purposes other than sugar/wort.As far as my experience with the unit, it is sturdy, reliable, and is a great value at this price. Just know what you're getting into.

The media could not be loaded. Just arrived on time and pa lagged packed well. It comes in a sturdy hard case, I really like to help keep things together. It’s made of what feels like strong quality materials some metal some durable rubber, and very hard thick plastics. It’s easy to hold because of its size and it has a none slip grip, that feels great it my hand Instructions Manual is clear and very to readable. It’s in English only. I’m have not used it yet because out of distilled water for calibrating, but I will test the accuracy and update here and report back regarding how functional this device is. But it’s ready to go and small enough to take with you. Very fast shipping!

This is a good refractometer for the money. The one I had for years finally broke so I got this one and it works great. Just remember to calibrate it with distilled water, by putting a small amount on the face plate and then with a very small screwdriver turn the screw to move the blue line up or down to calibrate it at zero. Then test your sample and it will be very accurate.

Metal body, rubber where it needs to be, all the tools and instructions included in the handy plastic box. The refractometer is well made, feels solid to hold with a metal body and will be used for measuring beer original gravity.