Hydrometer For Brewing is used to measure the specific gravity of your home-brewed beer, wine, or hard ciders. Good hydration will help you achieve consistent quality throughout because it ensures no bottled-up carbon dioxide is released too early before completion which can create an unpleasant taste in finished beverages.
Brewing beer at home can be a great hobby and provide you with some delicious brews to enjoy. One of the most important tools that you will need is a hydrometer, which measures the specific gravity of your wort or sugar water solution. This post will teach you about 13 different types of Hydrometers For Brewing and how they work as well as what their best uses are. After reading this article, you should be able to choose one for your brewing needs.
What is a Hydrometer For Brewing?
A hydrometer for brewing is a device that measures the density of your beer compared to pure water. When it comes to home-brewed beers, a specific gravity of 1.040 to 1.060 will be ideal for ales and lagers respectively. A hydrometer works by measuring the weight of a sample of liquid at a given temperature in comparison to the weight of an equal volume of water. This difference in weight is what is used to calculate the specific gravity.
How Does a Hydrometer For Brewing?
A hydrometer for brewing is used to determine the specific gravity of your home-brewed beer, wine, or hard ciders. This can be achieved by mixing yeast with a small amount of sugar and water in order to create carbon dioxide which builds up pressure within the bottle. The more sugar that was added to start this process, the better the fermentation will yield more gas pressure. This process is called gyle. It takes place in six stages that are separated into three phases:
Attenuation Phase
This phase starts when the yeast is added to the fermenter. As it consumes sugar, it creates carbon dioxide, which builds up pressure inside the bottle creating a restriction in the opening via a water lock.
Stationary Phase
This is where CO2 cannot escape through purging because of the lack of any gas flow. The yeast falls into three phases known as flocculation, where residual yeast and fragments of dead or dying cells fall to the bottom of your fermenter forming sediment that will be removed by racking.
Fermentation Phase
During this period, fermentation takes place and sugars are broken down into alcohol, carbon dioxide, and heat energy. Depending on how much sugar was used during gyle (fermenting), you can then determine the final specific gravity of your beer.
Types of Hydrometers for Brewing
- Glass hydrometer: This is the most common type of hydrometer, and it is made from borosilicate glass. It is also the most fragile type, so it should be handled with care.
- Plastic hydrometer: This type is made from plastic that is resistant to breaking and is less likely to shatter if dropped.
- Alcohol hydrometer: This type of hydrometer is used to measure the alcohol content of distilled spirits.
- Wine hydrometer: This type of hydrometer is specifically designed for use in winemaking and measures the sugar content of grapes before fermentation.
List of 13 Best Hydrometers For Brewing Reviews
1. Thermometer World Hydrometer For Brewing
- The Thermometer World Hydrometer for Brewing is the perfect tool for testing the specific gravity of your fermenting homebrew. This handy hydrometer measures the specific gravity of your beer or wine, allowing you to easily determine the strength and fermentation progress of your batch.
- Get a free hydrometer test jar when you purchase this kit! Perfect for homebrewers of all levels, this hydrometer also includes everything you need to measure the Specific Gravity of Your Home Brew. Quality guaranteed this unique kit is a must-have for anyone aspiring to make great tasting home brews.
2. Brewing America Maple Syrup Hydrometer For Brewing
- Making delicious maple syrup is an easy process that can be done by anyone. With Boil Your Best Every Time, you will have accurate results every time- perfect for those aiming to be the best at this activity! This easy-to-use reference booklet has a large writing area and numbers that are easily seen and read, making it ideal for use on the go. The height of the hydrometer according to the scale is 10.25 inches and .75 inches wide – perfect for measuring your batches accurately.
- The materials used in this Professional tool were sourced for only the best quality and American craftsmanship. The thickness of glass and metal is also to ensure that this tool will last a long time. They are all concerned about the environment that continues to produce delicious, all-natural products.
- Brewing America is known for its American-made, high-quality calibrated professional hydrometers. You can trust their product quality and customer service to be top-notch. The protective plastic sleeve, foam padding, bubble wrapping, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, and outer cardboard box are all added layers of protection for your new sugar testing hydrometer.
3. American-Made Precision Hydrometer For Brewing
- The American-made, N.I.S.T. Traceable Hydrometer For Brewing is perfect for beer finishing! It is designed and manufactured by multi-generational American glassblowers in America, and its Specific Gravity Alcohol ABV Tester is specifically intended for this purpose.
- They are home brewers and love providing the highest quality brewing equipment, tools, and beer brewing supplies to help you craft the tastiest brews. This Brewing America meter final scale is easier to read because of the larger numbers and no color bands.
- This easy-to-read scale is designed to help homebrewers be more precise in their readings. In addition, the scale has a large font for easier reading and smaller numerals making it easier to understand. The specific gravity (0.950 – 1.100) is shown on this scale in increments of .001 instead of the typical .002 making it easier to read so you can be more precise.
4. Thermo-Hydrometer ABV Tester Hydrometer For Brewing
- This is not a hand sanitizer! The BEST Beer & Wine Making Tool is not meant to be used as a hand sanitizer. This tool is designed specifically for measuring alcohol levels in wine, beer, cider, and mead. It also has a built-in thermometer and conversion chart so you can check the specific gravity of each beverage.
- The Brewing America meter scale is easy to read and made with thick and sturdy lab-grade borosilicate glass. It measures your brewing temperature, so you can easily see how much Alcohol (or water) is in your beer. Plus, our GLASS Test Cylinder ensures that your brew will be the tastiest it could possibly be.
- They designed our glass test jar to use less liquid (wort or must) to conduct your hydrometer tests. It is a 1-piece thick borosilicate (Boro) 3.3 glass test flask with a bumper guard. This sturdy and stable flask can be used by brewers who prefer glass Test Jars.
5. Brewing America Hydrometer For Brewing Test Tube Jar & Cylinder Brush
- Wasteless beer is designed to use far less liquid (wort or must) to conduct your hydrometer tests. You only need about 125ml of water instead of 250ml or more! This is the test jar only. The meters are sold separately by brewing America.
- Brewers love glass test jars because they are more hygienic and easier to see through. High-proof distillers need to use glass for a number of reasons, including avoiding chemical compound breakdown with their strong alcohol levels. If you’re looking for an extra level of purity in your drink, buying from a high-proof distiller may be the best option. No pH changes and contaminants potentially leached from soda-lime glass make it an environmentally friendly choice as well.
- This 1-piece thick borosilicate jar is made with a bumper guard and high-temperature resistance. It is STRONG and stable, laboratory-grade: low expansion rate, high-temperature resistance, high intensity, and high transmittance.
6. Triple Scale Hydrometer For Brewing, Cleaning Brush, and Cloth
- The Triple Scale Hydrometer For Brewing, Cleaning Brush, and Cloth is your perfect tool for measuring alcohol, Brix, and gravity. With an easy-to-read scale and accurate reading system, this hydrometer is perfect for homebrewers of all levels.
- The 1*clear cylinder test jar features durable, water-resistant housing and the 1* bottle brush is the perfect tool for cleaning beer bottles and other glassware. The instruction sheet with conversion chart and microfiber cleaning cloth makes it easy to learn how to make perfect wine.
7. North Mountain Supply – NMSTS-H Glass Triple Scale Hydrometer For Brewing
- The North Mountain Supply – NMSTS-H Glass Triple Scale Hydrometer For Brewing is a glass triple scale hydrometer that comes packaged in a protective hard plastic case. The hydrometer is easy to use, just float the hydrometer in your beer or wine.
- The specific gravity (SC) scale measures the sugar content of your beer or wine. The scale is between 0. 760 – 1. 150 take an initial reading before fermentation and one after fermentation is finished to find the alcohol content. The potential abv scale gives you the potential alcohol by volume percentage.
8. MiTBA Hydrometer For Brewing & Testing Jar Kit
- Making your own alcohol is all about innovation, independence, curiosity, and above all, accuracy. Whether you follow a recipe or brew it freestyle, make sure you know the right ABV, Brix, and gravity before and after the fermentation. This color-coded triple scale glass hydrometer is the right tester for you passionate brewers and wine-making enthusiasts.
- At Hard Working Wine and Beer, we don’t settle when it comes to this equipment and supplies. That’s why this hydrometer is made from high-quality and durable glass that is BPA, mercury, and lead-free. This new hydrometer is easy to use and read, perfect for testing your beer, wine, mead, kombucha, cider, moonshine, etc., before or after adding the yeast.
- It’s always great to receive a safe and healthy starter kit in beautiful and protective packaging. They made sure that all the products in this kit will arrive in perfect condition, with no damage or flaws! This package comes packaged with everything you need to start your own brewing journey- from the ingredients to the packaging.
9. Circrane Hydrometer For Brewing & Glass Test Jar Set
- If you’re into brewing, then the Accurate Hydrometer & Glass Cylinder Kit is a must-have. It helps make sure your alcohol content, sweetness, and gravity measurements are right in the sweet spot with every batch – no more leaving off important components.
- This essential proofer is easy to read and free of harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, and other hazardous compounds. It measures specific gravity from 0.99-1.17, Brix/balling from 0-35, potential alcohol by volume from 0%-20%, and more. This is your environmentally friendly way to make pinpoint measurements of your homebrew without having to deal with toxic materials like mercury or lead.
- The way our test tube is designed, you only need 125ml of beer or wine for testing. This makes it perfect for those who like to have small amounts of alcohol in their drink.
10. Brewing America Store Hydrometer For Brewing Alcohol Tester Kit
- Looking for a water testing kit that is able to track alcohol levels and ABV? Look no further than the American-made, N.I.S.T. Traceable Triple Scale Hydrometer and & Test Jar Combo – with Cylinder Brush – Specific Gravity Alcohol ABV Tester that is designed and manufactured by multi-generational American glassblowers in America. This high-quality hydrometer will help you measure alcohol content in wines, beers, ciders, and Meads at home.
- Knowing your brewer’s (alcohol percentage) and specific gravity is critical for brewing. This Gravity Hydrometer Abv Tester lets you do just that. This easy-to-use tool measures the alcohol content of any beverage. It also features a Brix/Balling tool to measure potential alcohol levels and a Potential Alcohol reading capability of 0%-22%.
- The Brewing America Test Jar is designed to be tough and stable. It is made out of borosilicate (Boro) glass, which makes it more clear so you can see the results of your tests in a positive light. Many brewers prefer using test jars made out of this type of glass because they are easier to clean.
11. Aichose Beverages Hydrometer For Brewing, Homebrew Kit
- The Aichose Beverages Hydrometer for Brewing, Homebrew Kit is a durable and easy-to-use device that can be used to test the suger content and specific gravity of the liquid. It’s designed for testing the sugar content and specific gravity of liquid with precision, making it an ideal tool for Home Brew, Winemaking, Agricultural, Gardening & Educational Purposes.
- The automatic temperature compensation makes it even easier to get quick results. With a durable build and easy-to-use interface, the Aichose Beverages Hydrometer for Brewing, Homebrew Kit is a great choice for anyone who wants to brew their own beer or homebrew wine.
12. Tilt Wireless Hydrometer And Hydrometer For Brewing (Blue)
- Do you like making homebrew beer but hate having to open your fermenter or take a sample each time? Tilt Wireless Hydrometer and Hydrometer For Brewing (Blue) is perfect for you! This free-standing hydrometer will automatically determine the specific gravity and temperature of your brew while it’s fermenting, making brewing beer much easier and faster than ever before.
- Plus, compatible with most Bluetooth 4.0+ devices, it makes homebrewing an easy affair! Log data to the cloud using this free Google Sheets template or other 3rd party cloud platforms.
13. Brewer’s Elite Hydrometer For Brewing – Specific Gravity ABV Tester
- If you’re looking for a quality hydrometer and a free microfiber cleaning cloth, then this is the set for you. The Brewer’s Elite Hydrometer – Premium Set – comes with a handy storage case and a FREE microfiber cleaning cloth.
- This alcoholmeter is easy to use and has Graduated color bands that help you know when it is ready to brew. This crystal clear fonts font makes the perfect tool for testing beer, wine, cider, or Kombucha when your sample liquid has finished the fermentation process.
- The specific gravity of a fluid is the measure of how heavy it is compared to a reference material (usually water). The higher the specific gravity, the denser it becomes. A liquid’s density can be measured using a hydrometer or an alcohol density tester.
Tips and guide to buying the best Hydrometer For Brewing
Homebrewing beer has become a popular trend in modern times. People are using much useful and high-quality equipment to create their own delicious drink at home that will be enjoyable for them as well. Brands focus on providing quality tools that can help you make the best Hydrometer For Brewing possible so it tastes just as good when drank as how much time was put into making this wonderful beverage. We have gathered some tips below:
Easy to use
The best hydrometer for brewing should be easy to use since it takes up some time. The more comfortable the equipment is, the longer you will have fun experimenting with different recipes for your drink.
Fits any size
You do not want to have another piece of equipment that cannot fit into some smaller spaces in your home bar or beer kit. There are many varieties of high-quality Hydrometers For Brewing that can fit every kind of enclosure and enclosure that you may choose to purchase.
Case and care
Some equipment, such as the hydrometer, can come with a case to store it in and keep it protected. Not all do, so if this is an important feature for you, be sure to look out for it when shopping. The best part about having a case is that you will not have to worry about losing or breaking your equipment.
Component materials
The material that the hydrometer is made of will affect its performance. If you are looking for a high-quality product that will last, be sure to choose one that is made from a sturdy and durable material. Glass and plastic are two popular options, but there are many others to choose from.
Certification
As with any other equipment, the best Hydrometer For Brewing will have a certification. This means that the product meets certain standards for safety and quality that are required by law to ensure all products meet these requirements.
Certification is different from labeling in that it shows the product has been thoroughly tested against an industry-standard not just reviewed for quality by a third-party company. This can help you make sure your home brewing beer is safe to drink!
Budget
Of course, there are many options for Hydrometers For Brewing available on the market, but they do not all come with the same price tag. You may need to browse around and compare prices before purchasing one since some of them can be more expensive than others depending on what they offer.
Tips for using your Hydrometer For Brewing
Before you begin using your hydrometer, be sure to read the instructions that came with it. Each brand and model may have its own specific set of instructions.
- To use a hydrometer, first, fill a test jar or flask with beer. If you are measuring the sugar content of wine, grape juice, or other liquids, be sure to use a sterile container.
- Then, carefully lower the hydrometer into the jar or flask and give it a few moments to settle. Make sure you do not touch the sides of the container with the hydrometer as this can affect the reading.
- Finally, read the hydrometer at the place where the surface of the liquid meets the meniscus line. This is the curved bottom edge of the glass that joins with a straight vertical line on most hydrometers.
- Once you have taken your reading, note it down and compare it to previous measurements to see if there are any changes in sugar content or alcohol concentration as these can affect the taste of your drink.
FAQs about a Hydrometer For Brewing
What is a Hydrometer For Brewing used for?
A Hydrometer For Brewing is used to measure the amount of sugar in your drink, as well as its potential alcohol content. This information will help you fine-tune your drinks to ensure that they are juicy and flavorful.
Are there different types of Hydrometers For Brewing available?
Yes! There are different types of hydrometers available to suit different needs. Some are made for measuring the sugar content of drinks such as wine and beer, while others can measure liquids with a higher concentration of alcohol.
How do I know if a Hydrometer For Brewing is working correctly?
If you have followed the instructions that came with your hydrometer, then you should be able to get accurate readings. However, if you are still unsure, there are many online resources that can help you troubleshoot the issue.
How do I know if my hydrometer is calibrated?
If you don’t know how to calibrate your hydrometer, there are many online resources that can help you. Alternatively, you can take it to a local brewing store so they can help you calibrate it.
How often should I calibrate my hydrometer?
This varies depending on the type of hydrometer you have and how often you use it. However, most hydrometers should be calibrated at least once a year.
Conclusion
A Hydrometer For Brewing is an important tool for any home brewer. By using it, you can ensure that your drinks are juicier and more flavorful. Be sure to read the instructions that came with your hydrometer before using it, and calibrate it regularly for accurate readings.
If you are looking for a way to brew beer that is outside the norm, hydrometers might be what you need. We’ve shared 13 of our favorite Hydrometer For Brewings with all their pros and cons so you can pick one out yourself. Whether it’s your first time brewing or if you’ve been at this for years, there are plenty of options here to suit any budget. Take some time now to see which model will work best for your needs.
Brendan Roberts is a writer, photographer, and editor for Food 4 Kitchen. He is always eager to share useful knowledge with everyone. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Northwestern University in 2016 and now lives with his wife.