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opinions on this refractometer

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by grilledsquid, May 24, 2012.

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  1. grilledsquid

    grilledsquid Initiate (0) Jul 10, 2009 California
    Trader

    I'm looking to move towards all-grain very soon so I began to search for pricing on refractometers. I came across this unit that's on sale and was wondering what everyone's thoughts on it are.

    http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=1014

    I've noticed there are cheap units that cost around $20 on ebay that say they're made for beer and wine brewing. Would it be safe to assume these units are cheap for a reason and that I should stay clear from them?
     
    #1 grilledsquid, May 24, 2012
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,055) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    That looks like the 'standard' refractometer most people have. I have one that looks just like it and it works great. Don't know about what you're seeing on eBay.
     
    #2 VikeMan, May 24, 2012
  3. grilledsquid

    grilledsquid Initiate (0) Jul 10, 2009 California
    Trader

    #3 grilledsquid, May 24, 2012
  4. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,055) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    $32 seems like a very good price. I'm not sure about the one on eBay. It may be perspective or some optical illusion, but the barrel seems proportionally shorter. I don't know how important that might be though.
     
    #4 VikeMan, May 24, 2012
  5. grilledsquid

    grilledsquid Initiate (0) Jul 10, 2009 California
    Trader

    Cool. Well I guess it doesn't hurt to give it a shot. I'll likely be pulling the trigger. Thanks!
     
    #5 grilledsquid, May 24, 2012
  6. jbakajust1

    jbakajust1 Pooh-Bah (2,540) Aug 25, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah

    I have an eBay refractometer, works great, no problems, accurate. Paid $25.
     
    #6 jbakajust1, May 24, 2012
  7. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,409) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Looks like the one I use, though there's really no way to tell. FWIW, if I was in the market for another one, I might be inclined to look for one with a built in light. When I brew outside, the sunlight makes for a very clear reading. The fermenter is in the basement, so I use a nearby CFL ceiling light when I'm checking FG. Much easier to read with sunlight. But if that added more than maybe a couple dollars to the price, I wouldn't bother. It's not that big of an issue.
     
    #7 mikehartigan, May 25, 2012
  8. CASK1

    CASK1 Pundit (951) Jan 7, 2010 Florida

    Same here.
     
    #8 CASK1, May 25, 2012
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