PH Meter
A pH Meter is not only considered by some to be an essential tool for all grain homebrewing and commercial brewing, but is also a very useful tool to have for making sour beer.
Contents
Recommend pH Meters
High End pH Meters
Higher end pH meters recommended by our members.
- Mi150 pH and temperature Laboratory Bench Meter (runs about $250 US) [1]
Budget pH Meters
pH meters can range from $30 to $500+. The problem with many of the cheaper pH meters is that their reliability and longevity are often questionable [2]. Commonly, two pH meters are recommended by trustworthy sources (AJ Delange and Kai Troester).
Hach Pocket Pro+ pH Tester with Replaceable Sensor.
Features:
- This pH meter is recommended by AJ Delange [2][3].
- Does not require storage solution (there is an o-ring seal on the cap, which only needs to have a few drops of distilled water in it).
- Replaceable sensor.
- Stability [2].
- 2 Buffer calibration.
- Electrode longevity [2].
- Junction resistant to fouling by sugars, proteins [2].
- Lets the user decide when to accept a buffer calibration reading [2].
- ATC [2].
- Automatic buffer recognition [2].
Disadvantages:
- Despite having an automatic calibration message, this pH still often needs to be calibrated before each brew day [2].
Milwaukee MW102 pH/Temp Meter (formerly SM101 and MW101).
Features:
- This pH meter is recommended by Kai Troester (SM101 originally) [4].
- 2 Buffer calibration.
- ATC.
- Stability [5].
- Separate pH and temperature probes (can use as RTD for temp monitoring) [6].
- Storage solution container screws into probe [6].
Disadvantages:
Buffer Solution
Buffer solution will be required to calibrate a pH meter. In general, it is recommended that a pH meter have a 2 point calibration method, which requires 4.0 buffer solution and 7.0 buffer solution. Many buffer solutions for pH meter calibration can be found on Amazon or other retailers.
External Articles
- AJ Delange's Guide on How to Calibrate and Use pH Meters for Homebrewers.
- Kai Troester's Guide on Purchasing a pH Meter for Homebrewers.
- Measuring Mash pH in Practice, Accidentalis Blog.
References
- ↑ Conversation with Jonathan Newman from The Virginia Beer Company on Milk The Funk. 04/19/2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 AJ Delange. Homebrewtalk Thread. Posted 02/08/2012. Retrieved 04/18/2015.
- ↑ Testing the Hach Pocket Pro+ by AJ Delange Homebrewtalk. Retrieved 04/18/2015.
- ↑ Kai Troester. Braukeiser. Updated 09/23/2009. Retrieved 04/18/2015.
- ↑ Comment by AJ Delange on Homebrewtalk. Posted 08/01/2014. Retrieved 04/18/2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Conversation with Dustin Carver on Milk THe Funk. 4/18/2015.