FG variations

[Limey]

I had to look it up too
Fancy $300 electronic refractory meter.
Looks to be in Brix but the details in the add I saw make it look like it would also read SG.

I did go for a Milwaukee MA871 digital refractometer and am VERY pleased with it! Very simple to use and seems to give believable readings. I tried it against my optical one and it gives more repeatable results, haven't tried it against a floater! I tend to believe that if the readings are consistant, I don't worry too much if they are perfectly accurate. As has been mentioned, it is the trends that are important!

 

[J A]

Not to be argumentative, but why would I need a refractometer if I have a hydrometer? If the argument is that a refractometer requires only a smidge of liquid, fine. But I brew 2.5 gallon batches and have no trouble accounting for two 8oz hydrometer samples. I’m not a gadget guy, and maybe that’s blasphemy as a homebrewer. But less equipment in my kit is better for me.

It's not just gadgetry but a very handy tool to have in the box. A refractometer is very useful for tracking conversion during the mash. I take readings as I go and can tell when conversion has slowed and stopped. I find that it helps me get very good efficiency. When it comes to actual gravity readings, I depend on a hydrometer.
My vessels are sized in such a way that I can always get plenty of beer for samples and packaging so I start with 6 gallons to make sure I fill a 5-gallon keg. When I have needed to worry about cutting into final volume, I use a thief to get hydro samples - only takes about 4 ounces per sample. That makes a big difference when doing small batches.

 

[Megary]

It's not just gadgetry but a very handy tool to have in the box. A refractometer is very useful for tracking conversion during the mash. I take readings as I go and can tell when conversion has slowed and stopped. I find that it helps me get very good efficiency. When it comes to actual gravity readings, I depend on a hydrometer.
My vessels are sized in such a way that I can always get plenty of beer for samples and packaging so I start with 6 gallons to make sure I fill a 5-gallon keg. When I have needed to worry about cutting into final volume, I use a thief to get hydro samples - only takes about 4 ounces per sample. That makes a big difference when doing small batches.

Tracking conversion during the mash is something I never thought of. Fair point.
I still can’t get worked up about the volume “wasted” in hydrometer samples though. I just account for those ounces in my initial volume.

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

since i have a 3 vessel herms, you can tell when it's done by how clear the top of the mash is, the foam will go away and will be crystal clear at that point

 

[Brew Cat]

Not to be argumentative, but why would I need a refractometer if I have a hydrometer? If the argument is that a refractometer requires only a smidge of liquid, fine. But I brew 2.5 gallon batches and have no trouble accounting for two 8oz hydrometer samples. I’m not a gadget guy, and maybe that’s blasphemy as a homebrewer. But less equipment in my kit is better for me.

Especially if you're brewing 2.5 gallons
You can check a pre boil post boil without chilling maybe a top up or adding DME if needed
Steal a bit with a wine thief during fermentation not to mention 2 or three times to check the end of fermentation

So even if you only check Pre boil and OG then twice for FG if you're getting say 20 pours from your 2.5 gallons your dumping 5% of your product
Not a gadget a tool can probably get on one for the cost of a hydrometer it takes up less room and doesn't break as easily

 

[J A]

since i have a 3 vessel herms, you can tell when it's done by how clear the top of the mash is, the foam will go away and will be crystal clear at that point

True! It gets nice and clear. I give it a stir a couple of times during the process and that always kicks up more stuff. Invariably, the gravity goes up when it settles again after a stir, especially at the end of the process when I'm in alpha-amylase temp range. That's how I can tell I'm getting all the dextrins I need for body and head retention.

 

[Megary]

Especially if you're brewing 2.5 gallons
You can check a pre boil post boil without chilling maybe a top up or adding DME if needed
Steal a bit with a wine thief during fermentation not to mention 2 or three times to check the end of fermentation

So even if you only check Pre boil and OG then twice for FG if you're getting say 20 pours from your 2.5 gallons your dumping 5% of your product
Not a gadget a tool can probably get on one for the cost of a hydrometer it takes up less room and doesn't break as easily

Fair enough. I’ll still never own one, however.

 

[Brew Cat]

Fair enough. I’ll still never own one, however.

Fair enough
I make maple syrup, wine, mead and cider so need it for that anyway
I need to test my grapes for sugar content so just squeeze a berry and can judge when they are peak

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

True! It gets nice and clear. I give it a stir a couple of times during the process and that always kicks up more stuff. Invariably, the gravity goes up when it settles again after a stir, especially at the end of the process when I'm in alpha-amylase temp range. That's how I can tell I'm getting all the dextrins I need for body and head retention.

yes when recirculating the bigest mistake people can make is not stiring late in the mash, some grains can get trapped under that big layer of grain