Alcohol hydrometers, alcohol meters or refractometers can be used in the production of alcoholic beverages in industrial enterprises and private producers. With their help, you can significantly improve the quality of the product produced. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of hydrometers, alcohol meters and refractometers for 2020.
Content
Types of devices
Such devices are usually subdivided into types of design features and the method of their application. Among them are:
- Household;
- Electronic;
- Optical;
- Wine glasses;
- Laboratory;
- Winemakers.
In appearance, household appliances resemble glass flasks, which are equipped with a weight. In common people they are called "floats". They are designed for performing measurement procedures at home. The range of such products ranges from 0 to 96%. Exact adherence to the instructions for use makes it possible to reduce the measurement error to 0.5%. Such products are distinguished by their low cost and ease of use.
Electronic hydrometers show high testing accuracy, but they have a more complex design and are distinguished by high cost. The measurement results are displayed on a special LCD display. They can be used to measure the temperature of the solution, the concentration of alcohol in vapors, and also to monitor the distillation process.
Optical instruments are used for wines, liqueurs and other similar drinks. They are also called "refractometers". They will help you find out not only the concentration of alcohol in the solution, but also the sugar content. Optical instruments can even be used for multi-component formulations. The devices are highly accurate, but operate up to 40 degrees. These devices are demanding in terms of temperature control. Otherwise, the measurement error may be significant. The high functionality of such devices is simply amazing. The main disadvantage of such devices is the very high price. At home, such a product is used very rarely.
Glass alcohol meters can only be used for household measurements. Their accuracy raises justified doubts. Testing is usually done in small vessels. Alcoholic beverages are often checked with such devices at home before they are consumed, but often the measurement error is quite significant. Moonshine and vodka are cooled before use, so the device may show less degrees than it actually is.
The industrial production of alcoholic beverages requires high measurement accuracy. In this case, laboratory alcohol meters are used. The fixtures contain several test tools in the kit. Sometimes their number reaches 18 pieces. Such devices can be glass or metal. Metal products consist of a ball with 2 rods. The upper one is equipped with a scale with degrees, and the lower one is used for hanging special gilded weights. The alcohol content can be measured with such devices with high accuracy.They even take into account fractions of a percent. Recently, these devices are often used by private alcohol producers. Sets of a variety of devices allow you to accurately determine the alcohol content of any drink, but they will be somewhat inconvenient to use. Ease of measurement is not a priority when using laboratory devices.
Wines and tinctures require a completely different approach to measuring the content of different components in a solution. Wine meters are used to prepare these drinks. These devices allow you to find out the strength and sugar content of alcoholic beverages. The range of the alcohol scale is designed for an indicator up to 12%, and the sugar content - up to 25%.
When purchasing a hydrometer, alcohol meter or refractometer, you must make sure that this measuring device is accurate. To do this, you need to carefully study the instructions for use of the device. The principles of using the device must be fully followed, otherwise the results will be far from the truth. You can check the purchased device on the purchased strong alcohol.
How to choose an alcohol meter for your needs
When the hobby for home brewing is at an initial level, they usually purchase an ordinary household or glass alcohol meter. Chinese-made goods are fragile and fragile. The error of such devices can only be determined empirically. Recently, there are too many defective devices among Chinese-made products, therefore, despite the affordability of the price, many prefer products from other manufacturers.
The dream of any moonshiner will be an electronic device. It is distinguished by its measurement accuracy and ease of use. If a distiller or moonshiner is convinced that his hobby is not just a momentary whim, he can afford to purchase such an accurate and reliable assistant.
Rating of hydrometers, alcohol meters and refractometers for 2020
To help many novice distillers or manufacturers of other alcoholic beverages, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared a small overview of the most popular devices among domestic users.
Refractometers
Handheld refractometer Kelilong RHW-80ATC for measuring alcohol
This optical device from a Chinese manufacturer is used in the mass or private production of wine, vodka, cognac, beer, schnapps and other alcoholic beverages. It accurately measures the percentage of alcohol in the solution. To measure, it is enough to put a few drops on a special prism.
The principle of operation of the product is completely based on the methods of refractometry - the study of the quantitative and structural analysis of substances based on the determination of the refractive index of sunlight. The test result can be seen on the scale displayed through the eyepiece of the device. A refractometer reads the relative weight of the sample compared to distilled water. The measurement error is 1%. The aluminum housing allows for a long service life of the device and high measurement accuracy. The bimetallic plate inside the reflectometer is connected to the optical system. It shrinks or stretches depending on the temperature difference. This makes it possible to move the optical system when the temperature changes. The effect of temperature on the refractive index of a substance is fully compensated.
The dimensions of the device are 20.5x4x3 cm, and the weight is 0.24 kg. The cost of the product is 3,990 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Convenience;
- Design;
- The scale of the device is graduated in percentage;
- Does not require a power source;
- Durability;
- Wear resistance;
- Measurement accuracy;
- Does not require recalibration when temperature changes;
- Analysis speed;
- Ergonomics;
- Reliability.
Disadvantages:
- Price;
- Minor error.
Refractometer for alcohol MEGEON 72014 k0000018700
This Chinese-made refractometer is designed to determine the refractive index of the substance under investigation and project the reflected light onto a graduated screen. The aluminum body of the product is characterized by increased strength and durability. The analysis requires a minimum amount of raw materials. The adaptation error is 1-2%. The model works in a wide temperature range. All received data is displayed on the screen. The measurement range is 60-80%. The dimensions of the device are 2.8x8.7x5.5 cm, and the weight is 0.22 kg. The cost of the product is 1 890 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Automatic temperature correction system;
- Does not require a power source;
- Compactness;
- Focus adjustment range;
- Rubberized handle;
- Convenience;
- Strength;
- Durability;
- Design.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Refractometer PAL-1
This device from a Japanese manufacturer is perfect for measuring the amount of sugar in alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, sauces and ketchups. It is appreciated for its compact size and light weight. The prism shape allows measurements to be taken with the instrument in one hand. The process itself takes no more than 3 seconds. Additional convenience is provided by the built-in automatic temperature compensation function. The device operates on batteries. Calibration is performed with distilled or tap water. The dimensions of the device are 5.5x3.1x10.9 cm, and the weight is 0.1 kg. The testing error is 0.2%. The cost of the product is 25,781 rubles.
Advantages:
- Design;
- Measurement speed;
- 2-3 drops are enough for testing;
- High level of protection;
- The ability to measure even with high temperature material;
- Tools are cleaned with water;
- The presence of protection of the test sample from spilling;
- Compactness;
- Weight;
- Convenience.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Refractometer Milwaukee MA884
This device measures the amount of sugar in alcoholic beverages by private and public wineries, drinks and food concentrates. Testing is carried out on the principle of determining the refraction of light rays passing through the measured material. It is enough to place just a couple of drops on the prism of the device. The higher the sugar concentration in the sample, the more pronounced the refraction of the rays will be. The refractometer has an error of 0.2%. The test result will be ready in 1.5 seconds. The package includes a measuring pipette and a battery. The body is made of ABC plastic. The dimensions of the device are 19.2x10.2x6.7 cm, and the weight is 0.42 kg. The cost of the product is 12,990 rubles.
Advantages:
- Accuracy;
- The speed of obtaining the result;
- Design;
- Ergonomics;
- Reliability;
- Autonomy;
- Convenience;
- Dimensions;
- Weight;
- Strength.
Disadvantages:
- Price.
Hydrometers
Alcohol hydrometer ASP-3
Such a device from a Russian manufacturer is used to measure the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol in aqueous solutions. It is preferred by many private producers of alcoholic beverages, laboratories of distilleries, enterprises that use alcohol as a raw material. High measurement accuracy can be guaranteed only at a temperature of the measured liquid of 20-22 degrees and the presence of only alcohol mixed with water in the solution. The presence of other components in the liquid can reduce the measurement accuracy.
The principle of operation of the device is based on the density of the solution - the ratio of the mass of the device to the volume of its immersion in liquid. The hydrometer will sink deeper into a solution with a lower density. The readings are verified by the lower meniscus. The range of measurement of the volume fraction of alcohol is possible from 40 to 70%. The error can be no more than 0.5%. The hydrometer is designed as a float. The dimensions of the device are 22x2x5 cm, and the diameter of the rod is 0.5 cm. The weight of the device does not exceed 35 grams. Lead and glass served as the material for the manufacture. The cost of the product is 250 rubles.
Advantages:
- Accuracy;
- Measurement speed;
- Durability;
- Reliability;
- Ease of use;
- Design;
- The size;
- Price;
- Weight;
- Low error rate;
- Verified manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes a marriage comes across;
- Suitable only for non-carbonated liquids;
- Cannot be used to measure the strength of beer.
Areometer ASP-T
A hydrometer for alcohol with a thermometer makes it possible to measure the concentration of alcohol in a water-alcohol solution, as well as simultaneously control the temperature of the material being measured. The thermometer is located at the bottom of the product. The strength of the solution can be measured in the range of 60-100%. The device is made of glass, therefore it requires careful handling and accuracy during use. The device is not intended for measuring carbonated drinks. To take measurements, the hydrometer must be lowered into the cylinder with the test material and allowed to move freely. The dimensions of the device are 36.5x1.6 cm. The cost of the product is 750 rubles.
Advantages:
- Quality;
- Accuracy;
- Multifunctionality;
- The size;
- Weight;
- Ease of use;
- The speed of obtaining the result;
- The ability to find out the temperature indicators.
Disadvantages:
- Price;
- A special container is required.
Alcoholmeters
Alcohol meter "Sea buckthorn"
This device from a Chinese manufacturer will be a real find for many true connoisseurs of home tinctures. The ease of use and affordable cost of this product made it quite popular in the vastness of the Russian Federation. The material for the manufacture of the device was glass. The box contains 320 pcs, and the packing in one package is 20 pcs. The dimensions of the device are 15.5x1x1cm, and the weight is 25 grams. The cost of the product is 54 rubles.
Advantages:
- Price;
- Accuracy;
- Ease of use;
- Compactness;
- Measurement speed;
- Convenience;
- Design;
- The presence of stickers in the kit, on which you can indicate the name and date.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes you come across defective products.
Alcohol meter Thermal ASP-96
The device is used to control the alcohol content in an aqueous solution. This allows the production of quality alcoholic beverages. The measuring range reaches 96%. The dimensions of the device are 14x1 cm, and the weight is 8 grams. Affordable price and ease of use are the main advantages of this device. The error of the measuring device is 2%. The cost of the product is 200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Accuracy;
- Cost;
- Compactness;
- Weight;
- The speed of obtaining the result;
- Price;
- Availability.
Disadvantages:
- Errors;
- There is no storage tube.
When choosing such a product for your own use, it is worth paying attention to precisely those characteristics that will be relevant to the user. If you plan to produce wine and other fermentation products, you need to select a device designed for such purposes. It will cost a little more, but will allow you to accurately determine the sugar values or alcohol ratio in the test material.
We reviewed the most popular devices in the Russian Federation for measuring the strength of alcoholic beverages and the level of sugar content. Now choosing such a device for yourself will be quite simple. If you have experience in using hydrometers, alcohol meters and refractometers presented in this rating, or a more interesting option, tell us about it in the comments.
