Refractometer worth buying one?

[DC]

Hi all, Just wondering if it's worth buying a refractometer? I currently use my trusty old Hydrometer for checking gravity of my beers but that means I have to either cool a sample of beer to around 20C prior to taking a reading or take a reading and adjust the reading for temperature ! So I was thinking of maybe buying a Refractometer and just wondered if any of you could give your views on them ? Pros & Cons ? And could anyone suggest a decent Refractometer to buy?

Cheers DC

[alexlark]

I bought one after using one for fish keeping and like it's simplicity. I got mine off ebay and calibrated it with tap water. It's really quick to take a reading of OG but I use my hydrometer for FG.

I bought this style: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 0897173698

[Goulders]

There was a long thread which Jim started I think, maybe around Christmas last year

[Wezzel]

I bough a cheap one from EBay but it works well. Make sure you get one specifically for beer.

They are really useful for checking pre and post boil and to check final runnings when sparging as you only need a few drops and temperature isn't a problem (the wort cools quickly when dropped onto the glass).

I don't use it after fermentation though as the alcohol affects the reading and a calculation is required for the conversion. I prefer my finishing hydrometer plus I can drink the sample!

[Cazamodo]

I have a fancy one at work, but after a month of using that against my hydrometer just because I was paranoid, I realised I'd just stick to the hydrometer.

Very useful piece of kit however.

[Jim]

Some useful info in the thread I started when I was thinking of getting one.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=68441