Misco Palm Abbe Refractometer

A convenient, handheld digital refractometer with multiple purchasing options depending on the measurement scales needed. Test unit included °Brix, percentage of dissolved sugars, gravity, and propylene glycol freeze point. PROS: The Misco unit is useful in both commercial and homebrew environments, with the tiny sample size being ideal for homebrew-scale batches. It delivers immediate results (5 seconds on average), and units can be purchased with up to five separate measurement scales (pricing depends on the number of scales one needs). For commercial breweries, the option to include measurements such as glycol freeze point adds another layer of utility to the device. It proved accurate and consistent when measured against other calibrated devices. Handheld device is easy to move around a commercial environment. CONS: Because it’s a refractometer, you will need to use a brewing calculator to determine gravity once fermentation begins. Only the manufacturer can install additional scales. The Misco PA203X is clearly designed for industrial use, and performs well at a fraction of the cost of other commercial units. It’s a highly accurate refractometer, and multiple independent scales provide a variety of uses around a commercial brewery. Since it’s not truly a hydrometer, it’s most useful before fermentation or for cases that don’t require a physical measurement of density. Price ranges from $335 (for a unit that measures only °Brix) to $535 for the tested unit. Available online at misco.com.