The hydrometer plays a vital role in the success of home brewing because the beer flavor depends on the rate of the ingredients. If the rate is not reasonable, your beer may not contain yeast, and you will fail. You do not need to invest a lot in a hydrometer, but it brings you a significant benefit.
Many beer brewers usually ignore calculating the ABV when they brew beer for the first time. However, experts said that it is a mistake. The way to use hydrometer is simple, but it can make your life easier. You may puzzle when deciding to buy a hydrometer among plenty of kinds and brands in the market. As a result, we write this review article to help you find the best hydrometer for home brewing.
Let us explore the best hydrometer for home brewing:
1. Specific Gravity Hydrometer Test Kit – The best hydrometer with the America criteria
It is one of the best sellers of Brewing America company which is operated by U.S. Veterans.
The main product of this brand is the hydrometer testing kits. They always pay attention to enhance the quality and performance of products. Specific Gravity Hydrometer Test Kit can help you have a perfect beer brewed at home.See also:
The benefit of this kit is to read accurate gravity. Therefore, you can use the excellent rate of ingredients to make the tastiest brews. The product is made from glass. This is one plus because by using glass, you could ensure the sanitization of the process of making beer. Besides, it is also simple to clean the item, and the glass material has a long life cycle. Moreover, other items in this kit are also made from non-toxic material. They are environmental-friendly and reusable.
In addition to this, the product includes many necessary items: Triple Scale Gravity Testing Hydrometer, Bottle Brush, and Triple Scale Gravity Testing Hydrometer. You can see a conversion chart in the instruction paper to get a perfect rate.
One more essential, remember to clean and sanitize all the tools before and after use to not only ensure the hygiene of final products but also maintain the hydrometer.
Pros:
- The hydrometer is made from glass, and other items are also made from non-toxic material.
- The conversion chart with direction paper makes it easy for brewers to use.
- It is simple to clean the product, and cleaning tools are included in the kit.
Cons:
- The price is a bit high.
2. Brewer’s Elite Hydrometer & Test Jar Combo – The must-have item for brewing beer lovers
This product belongs to the Brewers Elite brand. They focus on manufacturing high-quality equipment for you to make the best brews in the global.
This product is reviewed as the best hydrometer for home brewing.This hydrometer is 250ml that is appropriate for brewing beer at home. Each kit includes a hard case, cleaning part, and bag. Therefore, you have anything you need for the fermentation process. Brewer’s Elite Hydrometer & Test Jar Combo is one of the high- rated gravity hydrometers in the market. With this hydrometer, you can calculate the alcohol to have a suitable rate for a perfect beer, and even the wines, cider. It is an excellent tool to test the product when finishing the fermentation process.
The color scale is easy to read so that you will have the visual guide. Besides, the font is also evident for you to see. The hydrometer has the numbers on the side so that you could calculate accurately. With the hard case, your hydrometer is protected well and can be used for many years. In addition to this, the cleaning cloth is also high-quality, and it is really useful to clean the equipment.
There is one conversion table on the kit for you to adjust the temperature and ingredients easily.
Pros:
- The kit has everything you need: hard case, bag, cleaning cloth, and brush.
- The instruction is clear and easy to read.
- The price is reasonable.
- The hydrometer is made from glass that is clean to use and durable.
Cons:
- Some consumers say that the case is made from thin plastic.
3. LabStock Master Distillers Hydrometer Test Jar – one of the recommended hydrometer for experts
LabStock Master Distillers Hydrometer Test Jar is the product of LabStock company.
If you are looking for high-quality hydrometer, we are sure that this product will not let you down. It is made from glass, and it is reliable according to many reviewers. Besides, the product has a 3-inch diameter base to prevent the unexpected bad issue such as tipping during the process.The reviews of many customers of this product are favorable. It does its job well and does not require you any skills. The item has 12 inches in length and 3 inches in high. Therefore, it is enough for your brews. The hydrometer features a pour spout that brings you a wonderful experience when using. Besides, the fire-polished rim is also resisting chipping so that you could use it for a long time.
The numbers in the glass hydrometer are easy to read. Hence, you can calculate accurately. However, this product does not include the cleaning tool as well as the brush, so you should prepare them and purchase them. You should clean it before and after using it to have the best beer. Besides, be careful not to drop it too much to prevent it from being broken.
Pros:
- The product is made out of glass, so it is clean and reusable.
- There is too much room for your brews because the hydrometer is big.
- The 3-inch diameter base can prevent the unexpected bad issue during the process.
- The item features pour spout and fire-polished rim.
Cons:
- Some consumers say that the glass is hydrometer quite fragile.
4. Homebrew Guys Triple Scale Hydrometer Kit – the best choice for to measure specific gravity
Homebrew Guys Triple Scale Hydrometer Kit is the best choice for people who are looking for the hydrometer to brew beer at home.
It is versatile because of being used to calculate the potential BRIX, alcohol, and gravity of the beer, wine, cider, and other beverages. Therefore, you can use it for many purposes.The kit also includes one test tube and a plastic protective case. In addition to this, you get a direction sheet in the set which gives you the detailed instruction of hydrometer. Therefore, you do not need to have experience or smart skills to make use of this product. Everything you need to do is read and follow the instruction. It is easy to use and even clean. Furthermore, the ingredients in all parts are not harmful to beverage flavor, user’s health, and also the environment. Therefore, in case you are finding a safe and environmentally friendly product, you should consider this choice. Besides, the test tube is made of plastic, so it is durable for you to use for a long time.
Moreover, it is also considered as a money-saving solution because of the low price. It also helps you save your time once the 3 in one tool lets you calculate the essential information quickly and correctly as an expert.
In sum, it is an eco-friendly product without nasties, lead, or harmful plastic.
Pros:
- The materials is eco-friendly without nasties, lead, or harmful plastic.
- It is durable and easy to use according to many reviewers
- This product is considered as a money-saving solution and time-saving solution because it is inexpensive.
- The instruction is detailed and precise.
Cons:
- Some people say that the container is a bit larger than they think.
5. Hydrometer (Beer/Wine) & Glass Test Jar – the multi-function hydrometer for everyone
Many consumers note that this product is the elite tool for gravity measuring in the process of brewing beer at home.
When you are looking for a hydrometer for wine, mash, wort, or beer, this item can satisfy you because of its outstanding function. Therefore, we are confident to say that Hydrometer (Beer/Wine) & Glass Test Jar is the best hydrometer for home brewing.The item does not include a trace of lead or mercury in the table of ingredients. Therefore, people tend to use it because it is safe for not only the user’s health but also the planet. This brand is also famous and reputable. Hence, you do not need to worry about the accuracy of the readings. We are sure that you will be a pleasure.
With detailed instruction, this kit is easy to use for everyone, even the people who use it for the first time. Furthermore, the cleaning cloth goes with the hydrometer for you to clean it easily. The nice-appearance box will also attract you. There is no denying that the product is beneficial in the brewing beer process.
Pros:
- The direction is comprehensive, and it allows you to make full use of the hydrometer.
- The jar is made from glass that is safe for health and environment, and it is easy to clean.
- The kit includes one clean cloth.
- The triple scale hydrometer is helpful for different purposes.
Cons:
- According to some reviewers, they are not entirely satisfied with the plastic jar because it is not suitable for the higher percentage of alcohol.
Things to consider
In modern life, people tend to brew beer at their home. With the help of many modern and useful pieces of equipment, it is easy to have a delicious flavor. Making a beverage at home not only provides you the good tasted drink but also brings you an enjoyable experience. Many brands know this trend, and they focus on making high-quality tools. If you can purchase the suitable tools, you will have the perfect drinkable as well as a fantastic experience. However, in order to make the best finished product, we would like to give you some following tips:
Prepare for the necessary equipment
You should have a careful preparation in order to have the perfect brewing process, as well as the good-tasted finished product. A stirring spoon, the tongs, a pump, and a hygrometer are all essential. In addition to this, you may need a strainer and a funnel for the fermentation step. Furthermore, do not forget to purchase a consistent temperature hydrometer in order to calculate.
In the last step, the bottling equipment is vital. It can go with the home brewing beer kit. Keep the product in the dry and dark position for the fermentation step. It may take you 2-4 weeks.
Clean the equipment
Brewing beer at home has many steps, and all of them are important. From the first step, you need to ensure that all the tools and the ingredients are clean and fresh. Therefore, you will have the best beer flavor as well as the good solution for your health and environment. Clean the product before and after use. Then, notice to rinse all sanitizers from your tools.
In the fermentation step, you should prepare a sealed container to avoid bacteria. Besides, the kettle needs to be large and clean, too.
Pay attention to temperature and time
Time plays an essential role in the success of brewing beer. When making beer, it may be necessary for you to have a timer tool and a thermometer. It is essential to care about the time and temperature from the beginning. 170°F is too hot, so you need to keep the temperature under 170°F. Otherwise, beer will become sour.
Conclusion
Brewing beer at home is the best choice for people who loves beer. In order to have the best final products, people need to prepare suitable and high-quality equipment. There are many kinds in the market now, and they may feel a little confused. Hence, we believe that the reviews of consumers are helpful for them to choose the best product. In sum, we hope that the list of many popular items above can help you buy the best hydrometer for home brewing.