refractometer for kits

[rhoffart]

In researching, watching video and reading, I think my next purchase is going to be a refractometer.

If I'm reading correctly ... as long as you get a good starting brix reading you should be able to follow the SG progress (without a hydrometer) till complete with very small samples ... just a few drops per test.

Is this true with kits? Does anyone use a refractometer with kits?

 

[Runningwolf]

In researching, watching video and reading, I think my next purchase is going to be a refractometer.

If I'm reading correctly ... as long as you get a good starting brix reading you should be able to follow the SG progress (without a hydrometer) till complete with very small samples ... just a few drops per test.

Is this true with kits? Does anyone use a refractometer with kits?

The short answers are no and yes!

It does only take a few drops to read a refractometer and your starting brix is very important just as the sg is. Once the fermentation begins though the refractometer by itself is no longer useful without a spreadsheet on your computer that will make all of the calculations for you. The hydrometer will give you the same reading just by dropping it in a test jar with some wine.

I use both methods and a spreadsheet can be found on Valley Vinters web site. I also you a digital hydrometer.

 

[rhoffart]

Once the fermentation begins though the refractometer by itself is no longer useful without a spreadsheet on your computer that will make all of the calculations for you. The hydrometer will give you the same reading just by dropping it in a test jar with some wine.

Ok, I got the spreadsheet from Morewine ... and I log every reading into a different tracking spreadsheet so it would be no problem ... I'm thinking it would be a heck of lot easier and better to take a few drops out out of a carboy and not return anything back into the carboy ... make sense?

I haven't made a kit that you have to add water ... would the starting brix be correct after you added water?

 

[Runningwolf]

Ok, I got the spreadsheet from Morewine ... and I log every reading into a different tracking spreadsheet so it would be no problem ...You will only have one tracking sheet per wine, not for each reading. I'm thinking it would be a heck of lot easier and better to take a few drops out out of a carboy and not return anything back into the carboy ... make sense? This works best for a few people but not for everyone. It all depends upon your set up.
I haven't made a kit that you have to add water ... would the starting brix be correct after you added water?

Yes you take the brix/sg reading after adding water or as your adding sugar.

 

[rhoffart]

Is THIS ONE ok?

 

[Runningwolf]

I think you'll be ok with that. I know they also came out with ones with sg measurements on them also. Again that would only be accurate (sg reading) in the vineyard before fermentation.