This product falls into one of those categories - it is something that you should have, but can't justify spending more money on a lab grade piece of equipment. There are too many other things that I need in brewing beer, and my hydrometers work rather well. The problem with using a hydrometer is the wasted beer. How much easier it is to pull several drops from your fermenting beer than to drain it into a test jar and then pitch it. After reading a lot about digital refractometers, I settled on this one.
To begin with, this is a precision instrument. After it arrived, I quickly assessed that a carrying case was definitely needed. Having it packed into a padded case allows me to sleep well every night. The instrument arrived in great condition, packaged really well. READ THE DIRECTIONS. Although you might think it is easy, take 5-minutes out of your precious time and read the directions. It might not reveal anything that you do not already know, but it does allow you to rest assured that when you take the reading the proper way, and clean the pan after each use.
It is also important to understand how Brix is different than OG/FG is different than Plato. If you use this instrument as it should be used and treat it as a precision instrument, anyone who brews beer should find this produce one of the best investments they make on any piece of equipment.
