Review Apera Instruments AI312 PH60F Premium pH Pocket Tester
If you are looking for a quality, yet reasonably priced, ph Meter for testing your beer's water and wort, you might want to consider the Apera Instruments PC60 Multi-parameter Tester.
The PC60 meter tests for pH, EC, TDS, salinity and temperature in an accurate, quick and reliable manner for most regular water solutions so much so that it's used across a range of commercial and hobby ventures such as hydroponics, aquaculture, pools and spas, water treatment, cooling towers and of course beer making.
The multi-parameter probe is replaceable and equipped with Apera's 'Brush-Resistant Platinum Black' sensor, which ensures an accurate and reliable EC measurement in a wide range.
As for all pH meters, probes must be properly cleaned and maintained or else they can dry out, won't work, or perhaps even worse, give incorrect readings, and how will that be good for your beer?
This handy unit boasts the following features:
- Easy-to-install and replaceable flat sensor
- Triple-Junction structure prevents clogging, works great for regular pH measurement
- Easy Auto Calibration with auto buffer recognition
- Auto Temperature Compensation
- Unique High/Low Value HEADS-UP function, instantly reminding you of any results that need your attention with a red backlight;
- Auto recognition of stable values (with optional AUTO HOLD function)
- Large, clear Liquid Crystal Display with 3 backlit color (indicating 3 different modes)
- Display both temp and pH simultaneously
- Also comes with calibration buffer solutions, calibration bottles, storage solutions
The instrument has an easy menu setting, which means you can customize your tester’s functions according to your needs.
It's waterproof and dustproof and it floats on water so you don’t have to worry if it falls into water or your beer by accident.
If you purchase the tester from Amazon, you'll find a complete kit of premixed calibration solutions (4.00 and 7.00), soaking solutions (3M KCL), calibration bottles and of course enough AAA batteries to give you approximately 2000 hours of use.
A handy lanyard is included and everything mentioned fits in the portable carrying case which protects your gear when traveling or simply storing.
Here's a pros and cons chart for the Apera Instruments Pocket Tester, detailing why it may be a suitable choice for testing the pH in beer brewing applications:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multi-Parameter Measurements | Price Point |
| Capable of measuring pH, EC, TDS, salinity, and temperature, making it versatile for various applications in brewing and beyond. | While reasonably priced for its capabilities, it may still be considered expensive for hobbyists or those on a tight budget. |
| Replaceable Multi-Parameter Probe | Maintenance Required |
| Features a replaceable probe with Apera's 'Brush-Resistant Platinum Black' sensor for accurate and reliable EC measurements, enhancing longevity and reducing long-term costs. | Probes require regular cleaning and proper storage to maintain accuracy and prevent drying out, which could lead to incorrect readings. |
| Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) | Complexity for Beginners |
| Includes ATC, which is crucial for accurate measurements in varying brewing temperatures, ensuring that pH readings are not affected by temperature changes. | The multiple functions and settings might overwhelm beginners or those not used to technical instruments. |
| Easy Auto Calibration with Buffer Recognition | Size and Portability |
| Simplifies the calibration process with automatic buffer recognition, making it easier to ensure the device is ready for accurate readings. | Despite its portability, the size might still be cumbersome for those needing a more compact solution. |
| Waterproof and Dustproof; Floats on Water | Sediment Susceptibility |
| The device is robust, suitable for harsh brewing environments, and can survive being dropped in liquid without damage. | If not properly handled, the sensor could be susceptible to damage or clogging from sediment if immersed directly in unfiltered brews. |
Here are some reviews from real users who have real experiences with Apera's tester.
"Having previous experience with scientific research grade pH meters, I've maintained this pen in electrode storage solution between uses, and always rinsed the electrode with deionized water between measurement and before storage. With those precautions, both the pH and EC readings have remained on-point without recalibrating for more than a month at this point. When I do check the calibration, the instrument is never more than 0.05pH off-target."
"The back-lit display is excellent for working under low-light (tap the power button once while the unit is on to activate), and the instrument fits perfectly into the top of 1-gallon water jugs.
A note of warning, make sure the EC electrodes are not submerged in the electrode storage solution while not in use, only the glass pH bulb should be in the solution."
"The Apera PC60 instrument is super easy to use. It comes with everything needed to calibrate and feel confident in your readings. I even tested it against a 1000 TDS calibration solution I had and it read great! The display is easy to use and the backlight is very handy. I love that the "cap" is built in a way to put your liquid in, with a fill line, and closes securely around the pen.
It then is able to calculate the different levels in the liquid. I no longer have to bend over and hold my pen in the nutrient reservoirs. One of the best features is the ability to set the TDS factor. This is important because PPM is calculated differently in different parts of the world. It gets very confusing."
Finally, here's a testimonial that seems pretty fair:
"After having gone through 3 different cheap meters last year I decided to spend a little extra on this one. I am not disappointed. It's well worth the money. It's fast, accurate and covers a range of tests. I read the previous reviews and was somewhat sceptical. However, after using this product for a few weeks on a daily basis, I would recommend it to anyone.
The LCD screen is a little small but I can read it without glasses. I found the instructions to be thorough and fairly well written. I think they must have updated their manual after previous reviews. I have backups just in case but after the first week, it became obvious I wasn't going to need them. By far the best meter I have used without spending a couple of hundred dollars."
If you think those reviews sound fair, check out the price on Amazon.
Check out this video guide from Apera which shows how to calibrate Apera devices:
How to calibrate the Apera pocket tester
- If it is the first time use or the tester hasn't been used for a long time, soak the probe in the 3M KCl solution for 15 to 60 minutes (the longer the better) to restore the probe's sensitivity and accuracy. In order to achieve maximum performance, soak it for around twelve hours. That means do it the day before you need to use it!
- When not in use, soaking in the storage solution is recommended, but not necessary.
- For pH calibration, 1st point calibration must be 7.00 pH
- For EC/TDS/Salinity calibration, just dip the probes into accordant standard calibration solutions and follow the same steps in pH calibration.
- 10.01 pH buffer solution is not included in the kit, this needs to be purchased individually.
- Try to avoid these common calibration mistakes
- Download the instruction manual here.
What's the warranty for the Apera?
If purchased by the manufacturer, the meter is CE certified and comes with a 2-year Warranty period and 6 months for the probe.
The company has designed and manufactured scientific analytical instruments like meters and sensors for pH, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen for over 25 years, and meets ISO 9001:2008 Standards so they know how to make these units work, and work well.
Check out the price on Amazon!
Check out the price on Amazon!
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