Refractometers and Other Tools

[fizzix]

Tools.
I have the fermenting and distillation tools and community help here to make some hella good liquor, muchas grassyass.
Now I'm looking at making it more efficient and well, easier.
The wringer mop bucket someone recommended has been a Godsend for grains.
Refractometers seemed to be the next step. I have an Alcohol one and Gravity/Brix model on order. No more dipping!

The Alcohol refractometer was news to me as of just a couple of weeks ago.
What other secret toys are youse guys hiding that I should know about?

[RedwoodHillBilly]

A set of graduated cylinders and cleaning brushes come in handy for measuring things like liquid enzymes, etc.

[Bushman]

A wine thief, scale large enough to measure quantities of grain, sugar, etc., a good grinding mill.

[Single Malt Yinzer]

https://www.amazon.com/Corning-Pyrex-Gr ... B008C4RVYE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow <- Good for collecting heads as you can measure volumes. Good for rough measurements.

https://www.amazon.com/Thick-Graduated- ... B01ECAQPWA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow <- as RHB says these are a good to have as they measure more accurately than the beakers.

A 1, 2 or 5 liter Erlenmeyer flask is very useful. Great for making starters. I haven't had much use for smaller ones too often. Wide mouth versions can fit a carboy stopper and airlock.

Stir plates and especially heated stir plates are great for starters. Check Craigslist or do a DIY version.

I have a couple of extra 5+ gallon pots. Useful for working with hot liquids. Cheap used ones on Craigslist, look for turkey fryer pots too.

[raketemensch]

The one that still eludes me is a 10ft hose. Everyone seems to want to sell 50 footers or 5 footers.

[JellybeanCorncob]

One of the best things that I use for grains and liquids is a large funnel. One with a larger opening on the small end.

I made this out of stuff I had lying around.
JBC

[fizzix]

Thank you all for the responses. Beaker set is especially appreciated. Been guessing far too long.

[raketemensch]

I made this out of stuff I had lying around.
JBC

A copper bowl and a reducer, very clever. I’ll have to find a copper bowl now....

[Single Malt Yinzer]

JellyBeanCornCob - that's a great idea, I'm stealing that!

I also have a couple of large pitchers around. Good for low temp liquid transport or grains when dry. https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Clear ... B072VW35HB" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Small plastic funnels for filling bottles (after reminder from JBCC): https://www.amazon.com/Nopro-Plastic-Fu ... B000HJBFC6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

A large funnel or two is also good. Local homebrew shops will have a couple.

[Bushman]

The one that still eludes me is a 10ft hose. Everyone seems to want to sell 50 footers or 5 footers.

You can cut and make your own length hoses. Hardware stores carry all the supplies.

[raketemensch]

Oh, and I also use these "glass graduated pipettes" all the time for diluting cuts:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I used to use a graduated syringe that I picked up at PetCo, but it was made of plastic.

[Bvritr]

One of the best things that I use for grains and liquids is a large funnel. One with a larger opening on the small end.

F62B5BDA-4431-4A3D-982A-6BAF77EED19B.jpeg

CC7C2903-CFD4-444F-8E66-ED58BDBFAD33.jpeg

I made this out of stuff I had lying around.
JBC

i just scored a stainless bowl from my chef neighbor, your post inspired me to do the same. Im tired of siphoning into my keg.

[fizzix]

After a few boil overs, my wife pleaded with me to "quit doing that!"
But honey, it's just water... ..and wheat and barley and sometimes sugar.
Weak argument.
So it's a stainless "BOP" 40-quart pot for me.

This thing is MONSTROUS! It has gallon markers in it and I can fit my old pot inside for a double grain boiler.
Always listen to your wife!

40-quart Big Ol' Pot

[raketemensch]

Just don’t try to lift it by those handles when it’s full

[fizzix]

Just don’t try to lift it by those handles when it’s full

Yeah thanks. The most I'll ever have is 6 gallons probably. But, yes, I do not trust handles and have good mitten potholders to grasp it with.

[Bushman]

Just don’t try to lift it by those handles when it’s full

Yeah thanks. The most I'll ever have is 6 gallons probably. But, yes, I do not trust handles and have good mitten potholders to grasp it with.

I have an 8 gallon pot I use with a temp gauge and drain spout. Worth the extra money.

[fizzix]

I thought about that, but have an electronic probe thermometer that alerts me to beer mashing temperature.
I'm also hefty enough to lift and pour this thing with even 8 gallons in it. (My hairy knuckles still drag the ground from lack of evolution!)

[Bushman]

I thought about that, but have an electronic probe thermometer that alerts me to beer mashing temperature.
I'm also hefty enough to lift and pour this thing with even 8 gallons in it. (My hairy knuckles still drag the ground from lack of evolution!)

Wait til you get to be my age

[Pesty]

A chugger pump is at the top of my list right now. I’ve been usIng gravity, siphon and buckets to move liquid around and with a pump won’t need all the weird elevations I currently have.

[RedwoodHillBilly]

A chugger pump is at the top of my list right now. I’ve been usIng gravity, siphon and buckets to move liquid around and with a pump won’t need all the weird elevations I currently have.

You won't regret it. I'd be lost (or at least pissed off more often) without mine.

[Blarney Stoned]

Thank you all for the responses. Beaker set is especially appreciated. Been guessing far too long.

Very helpful when using liquid enzymes.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dosing+ ... e&ie=UTF-8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[fizzix]

Very helpful when using liquid enzymes.
https://www.google.com/search?q=dosing+ ... e&ie=UTF-8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

I like those syringes better. I've got a stockpile of dry enzymes right now. But if/when I go EnzyMash SEBs this info will come in handy.
(I was a ditz in chemistry and forgot about all these cool laboratory tools.)