30 replies to this topic

[ncbeerbrewer]

I did that a couple of years back. Had the same hydro for 7+ years. Bought a new one and broke it the next time. Sucks I know but as long as you didn't break it into your brew at least you won't lose a batch!

[beach]

Two years ago a broke two within a month or so. Bought two more so I'd have a back up. Yeah, I still have two...Beach

[MtnBrewer]

You need to start using a refractometer. Breaking them is so much more fun.

[gnef]

Have you thought of using a refractometer for brew day, and a hydrometer just for post-fermentation samples? That should help to minimize the breaking.Or you can do what I do now - don't take readings. Haha.

[Jdtirado]

Or you can do what I do now - don't take readings. Haha.

I have done the no reading technique but the guys in this group won't let me get away with ot

Edited by Jdtirado, 05 May 2012 - 11:55 AM.

[Mya]

You need to start using a refractometer. Breaking them is so much more fun.

haven't done that yet

[MtnBrewer]

haven't done that yet

No worries. I've broken enough for both of us.

[Mya]

No worries. I've broken enough for both of us.

whew

[gnef]

I have done the no reading technique but the guys in this group won't let me get away with ot

If you are new, or haven't brewed too much, then definitely take gravity readings, especially if you want to be able to troubleshoot problems or any other issues.I have now been brewing for over 7 years (I know, not that long compared to some of you!), and have been brewing all-grain on my current system for about 4 years, so I feel very comfortable with my equipment, and I have standardized on my base grain, work with brewing salts intuitively, grain mill, walk-in cooler for fermentation temperature control, etc.At this point, I typically only measure the gravity if it is a new style that I haven't brewed before and want to know how well I brewed it, if I am having issues with something, or if it is a really big beer. Otherwise, I typically don't worry about the gravity reading. I don't even measure my volumes typically. I know roughly based on the bands around the keggles, and the rest is formulated on my past experience and what type of beer I am brewing (I am very much a brew-by-feel guy). This is not necessarily what I recommend for most though, and you need to be absolutely comfortable with your equipment and your process control. I have a friend in the brew club who is an engineer through and through (cheflamont), and would cringe at the way I brew (I wouldn't be suprised if he measured to .1 oz for grain), but he still seems to enjoy my beer.

[jammer]

I broke one a few years back. I bought two more. I havent broken one since. (crosses fingers)

[beach]

I did go with a refracto pre-boil about a year and a half ago. Hydro is now used for post-boil and post-ferment readings. That maybe one reason I haven't broken one in a while.Beach*furiously knocks wood*

[ncbeerbrewer]

You need to start using a refractometer. Breaking them is so much more fun.

I used the refractometer today when I brewed, set it on the brew table I use and jumped as I thought it was ready to fall. Good timing on your comment. I was happy mine really did not fall but that would be much much worse than a hydro.

[Mya]

I used the refractometer today when I brewed, set it on the brew table I use and jumped as I thought it was ready to fall. Good timing on your comment. I was happy mine really did not fall but that would be much much worse than a hydro.

$7 doesn't hurt as bad as $50

[Deerslyr]

I have both. There have been times where I've used neither. Beer is beer.I've broken a couple of hydrometers. Pro-Tip... don't carry the hydrometer by placing the tip between your teeth.

[Mya]

I have both. There have been times where I've used neither. Beer is beer.I've broken a couple of hydrometers. Pro-Tip... don't carry the hydrometer by placing the tip between your teeth.

the science nerd in me HAS to know the gravity

[djinkc]

I have 2 new shiny hydrometers. Lets see how long these will last.

Should have bought 3.Then you could practice juggling with them too.

[Deerslyr]

I have 2 new shiny hydrometers. Lets see how long these will last.

You should have saved your $$ and spent teh $30 on a refractometer at Austin Homebrew (one of this week's specials).