Trying Again but Confused by Kit Instructions

[BernardSmith]

I have found that refractometers are very unreliable unless you pony up and buy a high quality one.

Refractometers, I have found are accurate BUT they are accurate for reading juice or must and not a minute after you have pitched yeast. They are calibrated to measure the refraction (bending) of light as it passes through water with salt or sugar in solution. Alcohol bends light at a different angle.

 

[Raptor99]

Like any instrument, a cheap one won't be as accurate as a good one.

I have checked OG numerous times using both my refractometer and hydrometer, and the results have been very consistent.

Once fermentation has started, the refactometer is just as accurate, but you need to understand what it is measuring. You should read the Brix scale and ignore the SG scale, then use a calculator like this to calculate the current SG: Homebrew Refractometer Calculator. If you know the original and current Brix, this will give you the current SG.

 

[FlamingoEmporium]

whatever makes you most comfortable and assured is the way to go