Refractometers are invaluable tools for monitoring liquid concentration levels. By measuring the angle of refraction of the light entering the instrument and passing through the liquid, it can measure the amount of materials, such as sugar, within a liquid. It is a tool often used in food industries such as sugar, honey and beer manufacturing and makes continuous quality control possible. It is also quite useful in non-food applications such as battery coolant and antifreeze.

There is a range of types of refractometers available. Though some may be more useful than others, it could be advantageous to have several types at hand. Whether you are looking for beer refractometer, honey refractometer, sugar refractometer, or any number of other food and non-food refractometers, consider the following types to meet your monitoring needs:

1. Hand refractometers for quick and easy monitoring of a wide variety of materials.
2. Portable digital refractometers for accuracy and consistency in readings.
3. Benchtop refractometers for the most control and flexibility.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep an analog handheld refractometer on hand for immediate readings for quick decisions

Analog handheld refractometers are popular, especially for quick quality checks that don't require an exact reading. These types rely on manually visualizing the solution against an established index. While the individual types of these refractometers are made to work with only one substance, they are available for a wide range of uses, including sugar, saline solutions, battery acid, and milk.

I recommend: Cole-Parmer offers a variety of analog handheld refractometers for sugar, salt, and industrial fluids. Technika sells a full line of analog refractometers including sugar, honey, clinical, battery coolant and fruit refractometers.

Use digital portable refractometers for quick and accurate measurements in the field

These types of refractometers provide accurate measurements quickly, for when you need to make time sensitive, yet exacting, decisions. Many of these provide accuracy of plus or minus 0.1%, some offering even plus or minus 0.005%.

I recommend: National Microscope Exchange is well stocked in a variety of portable digital refractometers for a wide variety of applications including sugar, battery acid, hydrogen peroxide, urine, and isopropyl alcohol. Pulse Instruments provide digital portable refractometers for most industrial, clinical, and food related needs.

Choose quality benchtop refractometers for flexibility and controlled conditions

Some refraction measurements require controlled variables such as temperature or require measurements of thick or dark materials. Benchtop refractometers are able to make these measurements. Many can also be easily programmed to read a wide variety of substances, making it one of the most versatile refractometer options.

I recommend: Microscopes.com is a dealer of top quality Mettler Toledo and Reichert brands of benchtop refractometers, offering both digital and analog models. Nova-Tech International offers full lines of Schmidt & Haensch brand benchtop refractometers which offer flexibility to meet the needs of a wide range of applications, from simple testing to research and development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Each of the styles of refractometers offer their benefits and drawbacks. For the best production efficiency and end product quality, develop a plan to use each type to their full potential for your specific situation.