Looking for a refractometer but overwhelmed by choice? Follow our seven proven, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll feel the stress melt away as you quickly and confidently zero in on the perfect refractometer for your application and budget!
Get Instrument Choice’s 7-step refractometer selection guide here.
About Refractometers
Refractometers determine the concentration of a particular substance within an aqueous solution by measuring the sample’s refraction angles and correlating them to already established refractive index values.
Refractometers are used extensively in manufacturing, food, beverage, chemical, agricultural, and medical industries.
Parameters measured by refractometers include (but are not limited to):
- Brix
- Refractive index
- Specific gravity
- Salinity
- Moisture content
- Ethyl alcohol; and
- Peracetic Acid.
Six things to look for when buying a refractometer
1. Select a refractometer that measures what you need
Refractometers measure numerous parameters. It may seem basic but deciding what you need to measure for your known application(s) will eliminate a huge number of products.
2. Model Selection
While you’ll encounter many models, you may notice they fall into two main groups - digital refractometers and optical refractometers.
Check out the pros and cons of each meter type in the table below and decide what’s right for your needs. That will remove a chunk of time-wasting!
Digital Refractometers |
Optical Refractometers |
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Pros |
Cons |
Pros |
Cons |
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3. Measurement Range
Your chosen parameter will have a corresponding measurement scale. Not only browse the meters that measure your required parameter – focus on devices with the scale and range you require.
Scientist’s Comment: An extended range often means reduced accuracy or a higher price. To illustrate, check out the range difference for the three Brix meters we’ve listed below. If you click the links, you can also compare current prices.
Digital Hand-held Pocket Refractometer - IC-PAL-1
Range: Brix 0.0 to 53.0% |
Digital Hand-held Pocket Refractometer - IC-PAL-2
Range: Brix 45.0 to 93.0% |
Digital Hand-held Pocket Refractometer - IC-PAL-3
Range: Brix 0.0 to 93.0% |
4. Accuracy
Accuracy comes at a price. Generally, the more accurate, the greater the refractometer’s cost. In situations where accuracy is vital, you need a meter that meets your minimum acceptable level of accuracy. In less critical circumstances, you can get away with less precision.
5. Automatic Temperature Compensation
Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) is becoming an essential feature of refractometers. It’s because ATC massively increases the accuracy and speed of your measurements. This is done by correcting each measured value factoring for ambient temperature.
What’s the alternative? To obtain an accurate measurement using a meter without ATC, you must wait for your sample and your meter to reach an ambient temperature. If not, you’ll need to make a manual temperature adjustment calculation.
Scientist’s Comment: Your time is too valuable. Wherever possible, choose a multimeter with ATC.
6. Additional Functions & Features
Your search should be narrowed to a handful of more suitable products following the five factors listed above. Next, we recommend asking yourself the following questions.
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In what environment will you use the refractometer? |
Do you need a meter with a high IP rating to protect against dust and water? Are you working in a food-safe environment that requires adequate cleaning and sanitisation? |
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Who will be using the refractometer? |
Consider the skill set of the persons expected to use the refractometer and what you would like them to achieve. A laboratory-grade refractometer with a complex interface would be overkill for everyday use. On the other hand, a basic optical meter might not cut it in a research role. |
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Is the meter’s design right for your task? |
Hone in on refractometers design. Will you need to transport it often? Or will a benchtop meter be suitable? |
7. Price
By now, you may have already found the best multimeter for your application(s). If not, comparing the prices of your short-listed models to get value for money now makes sense - but not before.
The Final Word
If you become stuck on any of the steps listed prior, contact us! Our customer service team members are qualified, experienced scientists ready and available to give professional, unbiased recommendations. We guarantee we’ll help you find the best refractometer for your needs.
Browse all refractometers here
Need more information or assistance finding the right refractometer for your application? Speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist: Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.