A dual scale refractometer quickly measures how much sugar is in a solution on a both a brix and specific gravity scale. The more sugar in solution, the higher the reading. Just put a few drops of wort or juice on the lens and close the cover. Then look through the eyepiece to read the sugar content in both brix and specific gravity (brix 0-32, specific gravity 1.000 to 1.130).
A refractometer is not a replacement for a hydrometer, as it cannot easily be used to check the brix or specific gravity of sugar solutions that contain alcohol. To do this with a refractometer, you can use brewing software like BeerSmith*. However, it is ideal for quickly checking initial sugar content, whether in the field when checking the ripeness of grapes, or when mashing to immediately see the specific gravity of the runoff.
Not all refractometers are the same. The picture at right shows a comparision view at the same camera exposure of our William's Refractometer on the right and a generic refractometer on the left with the same light source. Note the brighter and larger display made possible by the higher quality optics in the William's Refractometer.
Besides an LED light so you can use it in the evening in the vineyard, ours also features automatic temperature compensation, a vision adjustable eyepiece with removeable rubber eye cup, padded case, eyedropper, calibration screwdriver (calibrate to zero brix/specific gravity by using tap water) and instructions. This runs on three included LR41 button batteries (common in hearing aids).
Click HERE for product instructions.
This shows the case and accessories.
Jan 08, 2021 by Brew2B
Q: Does this lighted Refractometer - Brix & SG dual scale unit -have a metal body or is it plastic ?? Thank you
A: It has an aluminum body.
Excellent
Very much worth buying this model. The scale is much easier to read than my previous refractometer. And the built in light just makes it that much better!