pH Meter

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by minderbender, Nov 2, 2015.

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  1. minderbender

    minderbender Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2009 New York

    Does anyone have any advice on buying a pH meter? I would be using it only for homebrewing. I've gotten into brewing sours and I would mostly be using it to measure those (including lacto starters), although I will also probably use it to measure the mash pH for both clean and sour beers. (If the meter ends up more or less confirming what the software predicts, then I probably won't measure the mash pH every time.) In keeping with the usual advice, I intend to cool the mash to room temperature before measuring.

    My price range is probably in the neighborhood of $100 for the meter itself (I understand I will also need to buy storage solution and two buffer solutions), but if there is a big quality difference not too far above that point, I might be willing to spend more (and of course I'm happy to spend less).

    Based on the Milk the Funk wiki, I am considering buying an MW102 from Milwaukee Instruments (this also appears to be the meter that @OldSock uses—see the comment section here), but I have to admit, this thread makes me a little worried. I don't have particularly high expectations in terms of how long the probe will last, but I would definitely appreciate precise, accurate readings while it is in good shape. Last year's thread makes me think that is not a given with either Hanna or Milwaukee Instruments.

    I appreciate any experience or advice anyone can share.

    [Edited to add: for future reference, this buying advice from Kai Troester is also helpful.]
     
  2. Hendrick24

    Hendrick24 Pooh-Bah (1,949) Sep 6, 2013 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    No experience with the MW102 but I'd take a look at the ThermoWorks pH meters, they have a range of models that fit what you are looking for.
     
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  3. Theheroguy

    Theheroguy Initiate (0) Jun 29, 2012 Maryland

    I use the hanna instruments bright red one that is about $90 can't remember the name atm. It works great and the probe is replacable for when it finally dies.
     
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  4. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah

    I'm pretty happy with the mid range thermoworks ph meter
     
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  5. IPeteA91

    IPeteA91 Initiate (0) Nov 10, 2012 Texas

    I bought a used Hanna around $75 and a new probe for $110, works great.
     
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  6. Tebuken

    Tebuken Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2009 Argentina

  7. minderbender

    minderbender Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2009 New York

    Thanks for your help everyone, it was a close call but I ended up going with the Milwaukee Instruments MW102. For future reference I will add my opinion once I've had a chance to use it.
     
  8. invertalon

    invertalon Pooh-Bah (2,249) Jan 27, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Let us know what you think! I am going to ask for a meter for Christmas this year, so it will be good to know.
     
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