[crofter]

Is there a specific kind of refractometer that needs to be used for honey. On a FB market search I found coolant and saline refractometer for a lot cheaper than mann lake. Is there a difference? Any particular thing I should look for or stay away from?

It has to be in the right range area and for the product being tested. Here is an ebay link to one that is correct. I probably have the identical but bought from a bee supplier in a hurry and paid more than twice the price.

Honey Refractometer for Moisture Brix Baume 3-in1 Scale Range Tester Maple Syrup | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Honey Refractometer for Moisture Brix Baume 3-in1 Scale Range Tester Maple Syrup at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[elmer_fud]

I have this one and I am not sure it is as accurate as the $100 ones, but it seems to read about right with oil, and it is good enough for what I do Honey Refractometer for Honey Moisture, Brix and Baume, 3-in-1 Uses, 58-90% Brix Scale Range Honey Moisture Tester, with ATC, Ideal for Honey, Maple Syrup, and Molasses, Bee Keeping Supplies: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[Fivej]

The inexpensive ones work fine. Just be sure to recalibrate frequently. J

 

[Sam B]

I bought one from Amazon and it seems to work well - about $25. I can't compare it to the more expensive ones because I never owned an expensive one.

There was a good article about refractometers in Bee Culture (if I remember correctly). Look at Refractometer – All You Need to Know | Bee Culture

 

[JWPalmer]

That is the same one as I bought from Brushy Mountain for about $75. Works well for what we do, but the instructions for calibrating it stink. Better to use EVO and not the fluid they provide.

 

[Jack Grimshaw]

There can be some variations in olive oil.I recommend food grade glycerine.
I oz will last a lifetime.

 

[JWPalmer]

There can be some variations in olive oil.I recommend food grade glycerine.
I oz will last a lifetime.

Whatever I got with mine wouldn't even scale. Solid blue.

 

[Pithon]

There can be some variations in olive oil.I recommend food grade glycerine.
I oz will last a lifetime.

Where does food grade glycerin scale at on the refractometer? For a reference point?

 

[Jack Grimshaw]

73.8

 

[Omega]

I'm terrible with the regular refractometers, so I decided to get one of these. It's saved me a lot of headaches, though you do need to do the math or find a chart to convert the measurements for honey.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Instruments-MA871-Digital-Refractometer/dp/B007Z4IN58/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Milwaukee-Instruments-MA871&qid=1616629343&sr=8-1

 

[Steve_in_NC]

Be careful with olive oil. It's one of the most counterfeited foods out there, right along with honey.
The 15 Most Common Counterfeit Foods—and How to Identify Them

 

[Kay_B]

Sorry for the stupid question, but why would a beekeeper need a refractometer? What exactly can this be measured and what can be influenced in the future?

 

[Sam B]

Sorry for the stupid question, but why would a beekeeper need a refractometer? What exactly can this be measured and what can be influenced in the future?

Based on my experience...

Some beekeepers take honey by the super, instead of by the frame. When you take honey by the frame, you can examine the frame to make sure that the majority of cells are capped. The honey in those capped cells is "ripe" and at a moisture level that is "proper". That honey will not spoil, although it can crystalize.

When you take honey by the super, you are likely to get frames where the majority of the cells are not capped. The honey in uncapped cells is not "ripe" and will have a high moisture level. The question then, is "What is the moisture level in the extracted honey?" Is it "proper" or at a high enough level that it could ferment? That's what you'd use a refractometer to answer.

 

[elmer_fud]

I got one because I was curious what the moisture content of my honey was because it was really thick. If you are concerned about honey fermentation a refractometer can tell you are if you are in a danger zone or not for fermentation

 

[Pithon]

Sorry for the stupid question, but why would a beekeeper need a refractometer? What exactly can this be measured and what can be influenced in the future?

The reason that I'm wanting one is for fermentation. I keep honey till next season just to make sure I've got enough for friends and family but don't want it fermenting on me.

 

[MajorJC]

why would a beekeeper need a refractometer?

This is a pretty good video on the subject.