Brewing with Bobby M Refractometer vs. Hydrometer

[metalicmario]

Sorry if this has been asked a million times but... Would the refractometer work well with high proof liquors. Like say moonshine? Whats the highest reading a refractometer reads? What would it have to read using the multiplication of 4 to come out to say 180 proof?

[tartredarrow]

OMFG dark beer is my favorite. What are/were you making?

[raul83duke]

Great video! Just what I wanted to know! Do I need to be a member of Morebeer in order to access that conversion program?

[dbd1964]

Bobby. Can the refractometer be used during the sparge? I usually take gravity readings after first runnings of a batch sparge and the last runnings and then the gravity whole wort in the brew pot before boil with a hydrometer; but it takes time to cool each sample before I know the outcome. Can I get a fairly quick reading with a refractometer between 212F - 60F .

[andrewt248]

Hey Bobby, could the turbidity of a sample effect the reading on a refractometer? I did a brew a few weeks ago with a target OG of 1.070. I took my OG reading from a sample right out of my counterflow chiller and oserved a lot of cold break in the sample. It read way high, 19˚Bx (the MoreBeer spreadsheet calculated 1.079 SG), and I'm wondering if the break material was a factor. Maybe I should have waited a few minutes for it to settle out in the fermentor and then thieved a sample.

[andrewt248]

I see that you recommend waiting 20-30 seconds for the ATC on the refractometer to compensate. How much in which direction can not waiting for the ATC compensation throw off the reading?  I bought a refractometer about a month ago and my readings are coming in lower than anticipated across the board, although I have been taking my reading immediately after dropping the cover. If this is an issue for me, I will have to go back through each recipe in BTP and recalculate my efficiency. Dang it!

[hardchaw]

While I think a refractometer is a worthwhile device using a hydrometer can be easier than you mention. 1. a hydrometer with a thermometer. 2. use the sample taker from morebeer. Also I don't think 3oz is much of a sacrifice as it gives you the opportunity to sample the beer for any issues, as you stated. Also, if you put the hydro in the sample taker you can empty back into the fermenter through the bottom.

[manosaxy]

Bobby, Love your stuff. I took a reading on my Pils that I have going and the results was a bit disturbing. I have the refractbeer thing from Morebeer.com (thanks) but the two readings I got were dramatically different. OG 10% Brix = 1040. Currant gravity was 5% Brix which Refractbeer adjusted to 1009. i took a hydrometer reading and it was 1018. What am i doing wrong?

thanks man.

[videogamegod88]

I'm getting a refractometer much less wasted beer and less guess work trying to determine which exact line it floated at on hydrometer

[steeljan]

Thank you so much for this video, sorry, but I just watched it for the first time. You showed me what I was doing wrong with my refractometer - that xls spreadsheet solved it all! Man, wow. I knew my beer was coming in at higher alcohol than what I was seeing with my brix reading. With the spreadsheet, I now have them all corrected. Again, thanks!

[prccap]

working in a lab we get the sg by using weight. just weigh 10ml of your beer in grams. the net weight of the beer should come in around 10.45g. I'm sure you can figure out where to move the decimal point. note, you do need a good scale like one for gunpowed or other illegal things to do this

[jhb68]

can't find refractbeer.xls on morebeer website...can you help

[1997LT1Camaro]

Also when using my refractometer with saltwater, you wanted to make sure that there was no air bubbles in the sample window after closing plastic door on top. Not sure if that applies, but worth noting. It would affect accuracy.

[BobbyFromNJ]

Thanks. Good point. I've never had that happen so I didn't think to mention it.

[baddust]

@1997LT1Camaro The EDICK method is better because: 1. It accurately measures how many beers it takes to knock you down. 2. automatically adjusts to each persons characteristics. 3. requires no extra equipment. 4. easy and fun to use. 5. does not waste any beer. 6. contamination is not an issue.

[unfun72]

FYI, the Beersmith program refractometer tool takes into account fermented vs Unfermented refract readings. You DO have to tell it the original gravity if your taking a fermented reading.

[aekdbbop]

where is the option for this.. i have BS and am trying to figure this out..

[unfun72]

In BS, go to Refractometer Tool under the tools section. you can then change the setting between fermented and unfermented readings.

[BareTreeBrewingCo]

k, so when i do this:

when unfermented is selected (for example)

10brix = 1.039 OG

then when finished is selected

10brix = 1.056 (still says OG, but I am guessing they mean FG)

Does this look about right?

[aekdbbop]

got it .. thanks

[BobbyFromNJ]

Thanks, I went with BTP a long time ago so I couldn't remember if BS had a utility.

[StewMeat]

does the temperature of the wort matter when using a refractometer?

[aekdbbop]

Yes, so let your sample sit in the lens with the cover over it for 20-30 seconds before taking your reading.. this will give your sample time to cool and be of a correct temp to take the reading..

this is true, as long as you have an ATC enabled 'fract.

[BobbyFromNJ]

Exactly. No need to adjust temp.

[brewyourown4life]

How do i get the spread sheet? maybe I'm blind but i was on the MoreBeer site and didn't see it. Great vids keep 'em coming

[egautreaux]

insightful and precise as usual. Awesome vid!

[1997LT1Camaro]

Hey Bobby, can I use my refractometer from my saltwater aquarium? I have one that used in the past.

[BobbyFromNJ]

I suppose you can. I would imagine it read in SG not Brix, but that's fine. Make sure it is auto temp compensating otherwise make sure your samples are the correct temp.

[BareTreeBrewingCo]

dude.. i just got a 'fract for xmas.. thanks for posting this..