K-Meta vs Campden Tablets

[Dordelli]

My understanding was that these two were same thing except the Campden tablets were just in tablet form, so when I dosed my wines, I crushed the Campden tablets and measured out the dose rate as if using K-Meta, is that incorrect? I just read another post that said when using Campden tabs, it’s 1 per gallon but one tab is approx 1/8tsp. I guess I have been under-dosing?

 

[sour_grapes]

I think it is probable that you have been underdosing. Campden tablets contain k-meta, but I am confident that there are other, inactive ingredients (binders, etc.). Yes, Campden tablets are supposed to be used at a rate of 1 tablet per gallon (regardless of whether they are crushed or not).

 

[BigDaveK]

Why do I collect information like this?!

A Campden tablet weighs .55 gr and 1/8 tsp of k-meta weighs .8 gr.

 

[Rocky]

If I am doing the math correctly and using BigDaveK's numbers, 6 campden (enough for 6 gallons of wine) tablets would weigh 3.3 gr, and 1/4 teaspoon of K-meta (the dosage for 6 gallons of wine) would weigh 1.6 gr, indicating that the tablets are about 1/2 binder. Seems to compute.

 

[Raptor99]

Campden tablets including a binding agent, so I they contain only 0.44 g Kmeta. For small amounts, measuring by weight is much more accurate.

 

[Hazelemere]

Campden tablets leave a sodium aftertaste in wine which you don't get with k-meta which contains potassium. I only use powdered kmeta.

 

[BigDaveK]

There's both. Just need to read the label.

 

[wineview]

Never used the tablets. I’m guessing they are more expensive and there is the additional step of crushing the tablet. Kmeta powder is a no brainer for me.

 

[Hazelemere]

There's both. Just need to read the label.

View attachment 111403

you are right - you can get sodium or potassium

from wikipedia:

Campden tablets typically contain 0.44 g each of sodium metabisulfite (plus filler) and 8 of these are equivalent to one half level teaspoon (2.5 mL) of sodium metabisulfite. Other Campden tablet formulations use potassium metabisulfite. See more

 

[winemaker81]

Never used the tablets. I’m guessing they are more expensive and there is the additional step of crushing the tablet. Kmeta powder is a no brainer for me.

Generally, I agree. Campden can be a PITA, especially if the outer coating doesn't break up finely.

However, for folks making small batches, e.g., 4 liters, it makes sense to do so. Also, folks have reported that in some areas they can get Campden, but can't get powdered K-meta.

you are right - you can get sodium or potassium

When I started winemaking, Campden was Na-meta. It was only a few years ago that someone clued me in that Campden is made with K-meta as well.

 

[Christopher Anderson]

Generally, I agree. Campden can be a PITA, especially if the outer coating doesn't break up finely.

However, for folks making small batches, e.g., 4 liters, it makes sense to do so. Also, folks have reported that in some areas they can get Campden, but can't get powdered K-meta.


When I started winemaking, Campden was Na-meta. It was only a few years ago that someone clued me in that Campden is made with K-meta as well.

WM81 See one can be an old dog and learn new things!

 

[winemaker81]

WM81 See one can be an old dog and learn new things!

Old dogs can learn new tricks ... but they have to be willing to do it.