STM Instruments edrometer

An affordable accurate digital hydrometer that offers a wide variety of measurements (standard gravity, density, °Brix, °Plato, °Baume, potential alcohol, and more) with built-in temperature compensation in an easy-to-clean form factor. PROS: Our testers put the edrometer through its paces and found that it offers quick measurement response time, very precise measurements (measures to the thousandth of a point), and a wide range of units of measure to choose from (it’s useful for everything from brewing to wine making to distilling). Testers were very happy that the unit measures actual density, not just refraction. Nine-volt battery power makes it portable, yet the base is stable and self-supporting. It offers digital performance for a fraction of the price of typical commercial units. CONS: Our testers found that the unit does take some time to stabilize if you move it from a warmer to a colder environment (or vice versa), and it can yield slightly variable results if ambient temperatures fluctuate. The sample size, while significantly smaller than what an analog hydrometer test jar requires, is roughly 25ml—a larger sample than a refractometer requires. The edrometer is a nice piece of technology, derived from an expired Anton-paar patent and can fully replace a hydrometer as a homebrew, lab, or brewery tool. Its very slight variability in results is a drawback, but it’s worth considering if it will be set up in a stationary location.

$395. Available online at stm-instrument.com.