A Quality Refractometer?

[gitchegumee]

I'm tired of throwing away cheap, Chinese-made refractometers. I'm using mostly for checking lauter runoff and would like something in the 0-5 or 10% range. Suggestions for something that will remain accurate and trouble-free? Thanks for any help!

[Starcat]

Scientific Grade

There is an Outfit Called Reichert that makes Science Grade units.
I was looking at some formerly for use with Refrigerant oils.
I have not used them, but by the price they may have some quality units.

All the best.

[beerman_smitty]

Refractometer

Give Atago a look.

http://www.atago.net/USA/products.html

[dick murton]

Do my eyes deceive me, or am I really seeing a query from you Phillip?

[TL Services]

I have always used Bellingham & Stanley refracs and can't recall ever having a problem with one!

[gitchegumee]

Thanks for the help!

Appreciate the feedback! And c'mon Dick, I've queried many, many times! I just usually have more simple answers than simple questions. I've got an extensive brewing library and other resources to get technical information, but supplier and philosophical questions I have no answers to. Like, Where can I get hops? And, What am I doing in Palau? Neither of those have easy answers!

[blueskybrwr]

+1 on Reichert

The Reichert Rhino series is a solid line. I use them in my day job and at the brewery. They stand up to student and brewery abuse and when needed can be re-calibrated.

http://www.reichert.com/product_details.cfm?skuId=3063&skuTk=1053168748#.Uwdf5fk7tcY

Cheers,
Bill

[Natrat]

+1 on Reichert AND Atago. Both are quality units. And I have a Bausch and Lomb 0-25 that has served me well for years...though it weighs a couple pounds!

[EMbrewCo.]

Reichert Rhino no good for me

Due to this thread I ordered a Reichert Rhino Brix30. Based on the price and what others have said, I expected an accurate, durable refractometer that would last. Well, not the case for me. Aside from the field of view being incredibly small and difficult for some to read, the thing got fuzzy, gray and undreadable after about 4 months of normal use - almost as if it was wet on the inside. I sent it in, they fixed and sent back with no explanation. So 3 months later it did the same thing again and I inquired about the original diagnosis, they called it "improper calibration" and fixed it as a one time courtesy. Even though we never attempted our own calibration and it had a supposed 1 year warranty, it was a struggle to even get the company to look at the instrument again. They finally agreed so I sent it in and heard nothing for 3 weeks. I reached out to them and the next day they sent this:

Your unit was reviewed yesterday and the comments from the engineer are the following:
THERE IS EVIDENCE OF SAMPLE INSIDE THE UNIT.
THE CUSTOMER REMOVED THE BOTTOM DATA LABEL EXPOSING ALL SCREWS.
(This allows easy ingress of fluid or sample into the unit. User Guide indicates to only pierce the label only at the circle indicating calibration adjustment, then re-seal with silicone sealant).
INSPECTED THE SEAL AROUND THE PRISM WHICH SHOWS NO EVIDENCE OF A POSSIBLE LEAK.
REVIEW OF UNIT INDICATES THE FIELD OF VIEW BRIGHT, SHADOW LINE SHARP BUT IS NO LONGER AT THE ZERO LINE.
CUSTOMER ATTEMPTED CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTED THE SCREW TO THE POINT OF IT NO LONGER BEING ENGAGED WITH THE INTERNALLY CAPTURED NUT.
DUE TO THIS CONDITION THE INSTRUMENT CAN NO LONGER BE ADJUSTED AND IS RENDERED USELESS.

Sorry to say that we cannot repair the unit.
The replacement is the BRIX 30 if you would like to order a new one.

We NEVER attempted calibration. I did peel the label back after the unit broke for the 2nd time but did not touch the screws and replaced the label immediately. In their report they mention a bright, sharp line and this was not the state of the instrument when I sent it in. I would not recommend the Reichert refractometer based on the lack of durability, lack of standing behind their product, as well as the poor customer service.

[barleyfreak]

love the Atago Plato digital handheld

a big +1 for this unit from Atago.
It is easy to take a reading, and the readings almost always match my hydro readings, or certainly within the margin of error of my eyesight.