Best Hydrometers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: September 11th, 2024

đŸșIf you're into brewing your own beer, wine, or even mead at home, you know a hydrometer is a must-have. It helps you keep track of your alcohol content, sugar levels, and fermentation process. We've rounded up the best hydrometers of 2024, catering to different needs and budgets.

Let’s take a look at our top choices to help you find the perfect match for your brewing adventures.

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Overall Best: Brewing America Hydrometer

Brewing America American-Made Specific Gravity Hydrometer Alcohol ABV Tester - Pro Series Fermentation Testing Homebrew: Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead - Triple Scale Hydrometer

The Brewing America Hydrometer is our top pick for its versatility and top-tier features. Capable of measuring Alcohol By Volume (ABV) for beverages like wine, beer, mead, and kombucha, it's a versatile tool for any home brewer. Made from high-quality glass, this hydrometer ensures precise readings and includes a durable plastic insert. The kit comes with a glass sample jar, cleaning brush, and cloth, providing great value. Additionally, it is housed in a hard case for extra protection, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. According to our research, its consistency in performance and user-friendly design make the Brewing America Hydrometer the best overall choice.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$22.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Brewing America Hydrometer? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the dimensions of the Brewing America Hydrometer?
The Brewing America Hydrometer doesn't just get attention for its precision; it's a favorite among homebrewers who need to measure the specific gravity of their creations. Now, in terms of dimensions, the manufacturer mentions that it fits into a specialized kit offering specific measurements like gravity (0.990 to 1.160), Brix/Balling (0-35), and potential alcohol (0% to 21%). What you'll notice with this hydrometer is its length, which some folks find helps with easier reading, mainly because it doesn't have those colored bands like older versions. But, here's the thing — you'll need a taller test jar. That's one heads up to keep in mind if you're considering adding this to your brewing toolkit. As for the build, it's pretty solid — made in the USA and all, with a special mention of the quality standard traceability (N.I.S.T.). It's designed by a family of 4th generation glassblowers, which speaks a lot for its precision and longevity. There are mostly positive vibes around this hydrometer, but a small number of people did notice the internal paper slip occasionally affecting their readings. Not very common, but something to be aware of so you get your measurements right. If homebrewing is your thing, this hydrometer may be worth considering. Just remember to check if your current equipment fits it — that taller jar is kind of a must. Whether you're experimenting with beer, wine, cider, or mead, this can be a handy tool in your brewing adventures.
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Does the Brewing America Hydrometer come with a test tube?
So, the Brewing America Hydrometer is pretty popular for folks who are into homebrewing, whether you're making beer, wine, cider, or mead. It's there to help you figure out the alcohol content by measuring the specific gravity of your brew. The manufacturer highlights that it has a triple scale, letting you measure specific gravity, Brix/Balling, and potential alcohol content. To give you an idea, its range is 0.990 to 1.160 for specific gravity, 0-35 for Brix/Balling, and 0%-21% for potential alcohol. It also comes with a protective hard plastic case, a microfiber cloth for cleaning, and instructions with a conversion table. Now, about your question on the test tube: our research indicates that the product description doesn't mention including a test tube. This means you might have to use your own or pick one up separately. Just a heads up, you’ll want to make sure your tube is tall and wide enough since this hydrometer is a bit larger than some others. From what we've gathered, people tend to like its quality and find it easy to use. It's praised for being easy to read, especially since it doesn't have those flashy bands that can be tough to interpret. But, since it’s on the larger side, you might need a taller cylinder for testing. One thing to watch out for is that like many glass tools, it's a bit fragile, so careful handling is essential. Some folks mentioned theirs got damaged during shipping or use, so just be gentle with it. Overall, it's viewed as a solid tool from a veteran-owned American company. If you're looking for accurate measurements in your brewing adventures, it could be a great fit; just keep in mind the size and the possible need for extra equipment.
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How accurate is the Brewing America Triple Scale Hydrometer?
If you're thinking about using the Brewing America Triple Scale Hydrometer for your homebrewing, it's good to know how accurate it is. From what we've gathered, the hydrometer itself tends to be pretty accurate, but using the right setup really makes a difference. The device comes with a plastic sleeve that's great for storage, but it's not the best for testing. It's a bit narrow and tall, so while some folks have used it for testing, it can be a balancing act that you might want to avoid. If you want consistent results, getting a proper test jar is a good idea. According to our research, you'll need a taller-than-average test jar because the hydrometer is longer than most. A few people have been surprised by this, so you're not alone if you didn't expect it. Investing in a test jar with a stable base will make handling easier and help keep your readings accurate. So, it's a pretty solid pick for anyone into homebrewing or fermentation, as long as you're set up with the right tools. You can find suitable test jars online to match up with this hydrometer. With the right setup, you'll stay on top of your brewing process with reliable measurements.
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Runner-up: Thermohydrometer

Thermohydrometer

Our runner-up, the Thermohydrometer, impresses with its dual functionality, combining specific gravity and temperature measurement. Typically priced between $10 and $15, it offers a built-in thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings, which is vital for precise specific gravity measurements. While it costs a little more than basic models, its combined features provide excellent value. Ideal for brewers keen on maintaining exact control over their brewing process, this hydrometer strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$13.91 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Triple Scale Hydrometer

Triple Scale Hydrometer

For those on a budget, the Triple Scale Hydrometer is a tried and true option, priced between $5 and $15. This economical tool measures specific gravity, Brix/Balling scale, and potential alcohol, making it versatile for a range of brewing needs. Despite its lower price, it offers a wide measuring range (0.00–1.170), covering most homebrewing requirements. It might not be as precise as higher-end models, but it's an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for an affordable, effective hydrometer.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$5.72 at Amazon

Best Precision: Precision Hydrometer

American-Made Precision Hydrometer Alcohol by Volume ABV Tester – Accurate Final Gravity Testing, Finished Beer - Easy to Read Pro Series Finishing NIST Traceable (Single) Brewing America

If precision is your top priority, look no further than the Precision Hydrometer. Designed for those who need meticulous accuracy, this tool features a smaller scale for more exact specific gravity readings. It's particularly advantageous for brewers looking to fine-tune their recipes. Priced around $30, it can measure ranges of 1.000–1.070 or 1.060–1.130, although you may need to buy two to cover the full spectrum. This precision is worth the investment for advanced homebrewers seeking perfection in their craft.

Lowest at Amazon
$27.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$24.99 at Walmart

Best Bang for the Buck: Brewer's Elite Hydrometer

Brewer's Elite Hydrometer - for Home Brew Beer, Wine, Mead and Kombucha - Deluxe Triple Scale Set, Hardcase and Cloth - Specific Gravity ABV Tester Hydrometer Set

The Brewer's Elite Hydrometer is a standout for its blend of accuracy and durability. Equipped with a hard case and a glass sample jar, it is both user-friendly and easy to store. It's an ideal choice for those who want a dependable and precise hydrometer without breaking the bank. Made from high-quality materials, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer guarantees consistent performance, representing excellent value for its price.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer easy to read?
From what we’ve found, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer is pretty straightforward to read. It's designed to measure Specific Gravity, Potential Alcohol, and Brix levels for homebrew projects like beer, wine, mead, and kombucha. But before you start using it, keep in mind that you'll need a separate [graduated cylinder](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgraduated%2Bcylinder%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to get accurate readings since it's not included with the hydrometer. This extra step is necessary because it lets the hydrometer float properly, which is crucial for getting accurate measurements. As for readability, it has these colored bands that make it easy to see when your brew is hitting the right spot. People have found this pretty intuitive, especially if you’re just starting out. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this hydrometer is a bit fragile. You have to treat it gently because it can break easily, either during shipping or while you're using it. So, having the right accessories and handling it with care is key to making the most out of it. In short, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer is easy to read thanks to its clever design. Just be sure you're prepared with the necessary parts and take care of it to enhance your brewing experience. Even though you'll need a little extra equipment and some careful handling, our research suggests it's a handy tool for any brewer who uses it right.
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How accurate is the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer?
The Brewer's Elite Hydrometer is generally pretty accurate for homebrewers who need to measure things like specific gravity, potential alcohol by volume (ABV), and Brix for their beer, wine, mead, or kombucha. According to our research, most folks find it accurate and easy to read, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind before buying it. First off, it doesn’t include a [test jar](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtest%2Bjar%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which you’ll need to get accurate measurements. The manufacturer's description mentions you'll need a separate container that holds at least 250ml of liquid for proper use. Some people were caught off guard by this since they didn’t realize they needed something extra, which led to a bit of an initial hiccup. While many people like the clear calibration lines and the color-coded scale—which does make things easier—the missing test jar can be a bit of a hassle. So, make sure to have your own jar ready to avoid any surprises. As for how it performs, reviews we've seen often highlight its accuracy, which is great for keeping track of fermentation. However, a common gripe seems to be about its durability. Even though it comes in a hard case, quite a few people have mentioned it arriving damaged, probably because the packaging isn't the best for shipping. So, to wrap it up, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer can be a precise tool for your homebrewing as long as you're ready to get a suitable test jar on your own and handle the hydrometer carefully to prevent breaking it. With these things in mind, it could be a nice addition to your brewing gear.
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Does the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer come with a test jar?
Nope, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer doesn't come with a test jar or beaker. From what we've gathered, along with the manufacturer's description, the kit includes the hydrometer, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a sturdy protective case. However, you'll still need a 250ml or larger graduated test cylinder to measure your brew. So, if you're picking up this hydrometer, make sure to grab a compatible test jar too. The [Brewer's Elite Hydrometer & Plastic Test Jar Kit](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DBrewer%27s%2BElite%2BHydrometer%2B%26%2BPlastic%2BTest%2BJar%2BKit%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is available and can make life a little easier since it includes the plastic test jar you’ll need. It's a bit of a bummer that the test jar isn't included in the basic set. But the hydrometer itself seems to have a good reputation for being precise and easy to use. Many homebrewers have given it a thumbs up for its clarity and versatility—perfect for handling beer, wine, mead, and even kombucha. Just be careful with it, since some folks mentioned it can be a tad fragile. All in all, the Brewer's Elite Hydrometer is quite a hit with homebrewers, thanks to its accuracy and friendly design. Just remember to add a test jar to your shopping list to make the most out of it!
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