Refractometer recommendations?

Dallasbeek · August 14, 2016, 05:34:56 PM

Can anybody recommend a good, reliable refractometer that doesn't cost a fortune? I see them available for less that $20 and up to several hundred bucks. I assumer the one for $18 is probably not so good. But where are the lines between okay, good and Rolls Royce of instruments?

divemaster1963 · August 14, 2016, 05:44:33 PM

I got mine for 38.00 dollars online. So look for reputable companys that makes measuring instruments there are some . just look for what you comfortable with paying. Your measuring water content they don't have to be exactly perfect. If they a good they will read to plus or minus 1/2% which is fine. It's not like the FDA is going to come and measure it before you sell it.

John

If it's 18% or less is great. 18-19% it may ferment over time.but few of my customers keep it longer than a month then there want more.

John

Dallasbeek · August 14, 2016, 05:52:07 PM

Thanks, John. What brand do you have and how long have you used it? I read something somewhere that said instruments under $100 were a problem, but saw a lot of different makes for under $100, so that's why I asked the question.

divemaster1963 · August 14, 2016, 07:56:21 PM

Not sure of the brand. I got it over 10 years ago. Before that I just used the old way of testing. With spoon and eye by looking at the stream of honey coming off spoon. You look for a thick string. It always worked for my uncle. He could tell if he needed to dry it out an extra day.

John

Dallasbeek · August 14, 2016, 08:42:18 PM

Nothing beats experience, does it?

harlowr · August 17, 2016, 05:55:00 PM

I bought one a couple weeks ago off amazon for $28.99. It's an Ade Advanced Optics Brix Refractometer. Sold by sportswarehouse. Made pretty heavy. It's much better than I expected considering the price.

Duffydog · August 19, 2016, 08:12:26 AM

I have a Misco Palm Abbe Digital Refractometer. It was very expensive but I am concerned about moisture content and it has been a great investment and is very accurate. If you only have a few hives it would be too expensive. I give my honey to people who may be ill and I did not want to add to their burden. I am also treatment free as of now.