Best pH meters for making great tasting homebrew beers

The best ph Meter buying choices in 2023

Here are the 5 best portable pH meters to choose from:

• Milwaukee MW102 PH and Temperature Meter
• Oakton EcoTestr pH 2+ Pocket pH Meter
• Hach Pocket Pro + Ph meter
• Hanna Instruments HI 98128
• Apera Instruments AI312 PH60F Premium pH Pocket Tester

What's the best pH tester for home beer brewing?

Coming from the clean and green wilds of New Zealand, I've never really bothered wondering or worrying about the quality of water I use with my home brewing.

In most places of NZ, the water from the tap is simply delicious, clean and quite perfect for homebrewing and testing is not generally required.

But not all water is the same.

Ever heard of a place called Flint, Michigan?

My vague recollections of 5th-form science are that there's hard water, soft water and everything in between. 

And then there's the pH of water. 

But is that what we care about when making beer? 

Kind of. 

It's really the pH of the mash that brewers like to think about.

pH is the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, where the number of hydrogen ions is measured.

In the last 10 years or so, an increased understanding of the important role that the pH level of the mash plays in brewing really good beer has driven both commercial and backyard brewers to closely focus on monitoring and then adjusting their mash pH levels as required.

What is a pH meter used for in brewing?

A pH meter is a calibrated scientific instrument that measures the hydrogen-ion activity in water-based solutions, indicating its acidity or alkalinity.

The pH meter measures the difference in 'electrical potential' between a pH electrode and a reference electrode. This page has an excellent explanation of how ph Meters actually work and explains the science behind them really well.

pH meters may be utilized in many applications ranging from laboratory experimentation to quality control and checking that your batch of wine or kombucha is on the correct fermentation path but for the beer brewer, we are concentrating on the beer mash. 

The modern food and beverage industries cannot exist without them!

In terms of the home environment, their many uses include soil, aquariums, hot pools, drinking water, swimming pools, home hydroponics, preparation of kombucha and the like.

The best meters are leak-proof, maintenance-free (other than the electrodes), are robust and sturdy in that they don't break easily, and they're not affected by dirt and electrode probe replacement must be straightforward!

They should also be affordable and in many instances work best if handheld.

Here's 5 of the best, mid range and mid price meters that you can find online:

Oakton EcoTestr pH 2+ Pocket pH Meter

This is a fairly popular pocket product from Oakton. The display is fairly large with a good viewing angle.

It has indicators for battery life (1000 hours), readiness, and calibration (one touch), and shows both the parameter and temperature readings at the same time.

The cap was recently redesigned to be leak-proof and can be attached to the top of the meter when not being used— so no more lost caps for the homebrewers!

The cap features a fill line, so you know how much beer wort sample you need for an accurate reading when using the cap as a sample cup. It is also wider, providing a base to keep the meter upright for hands-free measurements.

The new housing is compatible with lanyards to prevent losing or dropping, but is still waterproof and floats just in case you drop it into your mash...

Takes four A76 1.5 V miniature alkaline batteries which can achieve a battery life of 100 hours. Why head to good old cheap Walmart when you can check the price on Amazon! Remember if you have Amazon Prime, you can get free shipping!

Milwaukee MW102 PH and Temperature Meter

<< This is our most popular seller! >>

The MW102 Standard Portable pH / Temperature Meter Standard is a standard yet affordable portable meter with no frills. 

The Milwaukee brand is recognized as having a reputation for producing low-cost durable meters for quick and reliable measurements. 

Milwaukee’s Standard manufacturer advertises that their digital meters are "manufactured to be easy to use, practical and accurate. Ideal for the classroom, laboratory or for general field use".

The MW102 is a microprocessor-based pH/Temperature meter with an extended range (-2.00 to 16.00 pH), Automatic Temperature Compensation, automatic calibration in 2 points and ±0.02 pH accuracy. The meter is supplied with pH electrodes and calibration solutions.

It's thus quite ideal for anyone working on a low budget but still requires fast and reliable measurements.

The full kit comes with:

• MW102 Unit
• 9v Battery
• Temperature Probe (MA830r)
• PH Probe (MA911B/1)
• PH Probe cover (a small bottle that fits on the PH Probe when not in use that holds storage solution)
• User Manual & Registration Card
• 20 ml sachet of PH 4.01 Calibration Solution
• 20 ml sachet of PH 7.01 Calibration Solution
• 20 ml sachet of PH Storage Solution Packet

The battery life is estimated by at 300 hours and it features an auto-off after 8 minutes of inactivity.

A keen brewer who actually used the instrument reviewed the Milwaukee MW102 as being a:

"fantastic tool to have in my brewing arsenal. I originally bought it for taking readings while kettle souring, but it's been invaluable as I dove deeper into water profile and mash pH adjustment. It's a bit more expensive than some of the cheaper meters out there, but you get what you pay for. Worth every penny in my book, and I regularly recommend it to those in the market for a high-quality meter."

That's a quality recommendation.

Bluelab Combo Meter

If you looking for an upmarket solution to measure your pH solutions then the tried and true Bluelabs brand has the measuring device you are looking for.

It's the real deal analyzer.

The Bluelab Combo Meter is a portable pH, conductivity and temperature meter all in one.

The meter has two probes, a pH Probe and a conductivity/temperature probe. When taking a reading, simply place them into the solution and the selected reading is displayed on the screen.

The calibration of the pH probe is fairly simple as instructions are supplied on the back of the meter and the easy push-button method makes this one of the no-brainer meters to try.

The pH probe is replaceable so you can use this meter for years to come. You really should be able to do as Bluelab offer a 5-year warranty on their product which should give you an idea of the quality of the product and the faith the brand has in it.

Hach Pocket Pro + Plus 9532000 with replacement electrode

Manufacturer Hach reckons that their digital Pocket Pro + will help "take the guesswork out of your measurements" which is entirely the point of a pH meter so a good start that we are on the same page.

Hach Pocket Pro+ is engineered to deliver accurate results. Hach boasts the Pro is backed up with built-in performance diagnostics, you never have to guess when to clean or calibrate the sensor.

Featuring a large, easy-to-read LCD screen, the pH range covers 0 to 14 pH meaning it can be used for more than beer brewing, like hydroponics.

The unit takes 4 Triple AAA batteries which are easy to replace. Hach recommends that the electrodes are replaced every 6 months. This unit comes with a replacement unit.

Hanna Instruments HI98128 pHep 5pH / Temperature Tester

The Hanna Instruments HI 98128 is a popular compact pH tester used in the laboratory and for industrial applications.

It features:

• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Automatic calibration
• Dual-line LCD reader screen
• Replaceable electrode cartridge
• PPM readings
• Housing that floats in case you drop it. 

The dual-line LCD screen simultaneously shows the current measurement and the current temperature, and a hold function freezes readings for recording. 

The meter has automatic calibration at one or two points with two sets of standard buffers (pH 4.01/7.01/10.01 or pH 4.01/6.86/9.18). 

The meter has water-resistant housing, a tactile grip casing, and floats. 

The unit requires four 1.5V AA batteries which provide approximately 300 hours of continuous use. The Hanna meter switches off after eight minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life. 

The meter also comes with an 'HI 73127 pH electrode', an electrode removal tool, and instructions on how to properly use and care for the unit.

This is a cheap and affordable unit so its long-term resilience may be questionable.

Check out the price on Amazon.

Apera Instruments AI312 PH60F Premium pH Pocket Tester

Apera is a well known and trusted brand and one we happily recommend.

It's a step up from the cheapest units out there and is a popular selling mid-price model. Diligent maintenance of the electrode will see this unit last the distance.

This handy unit boasts the following features:

• Easy-to-install 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, AAA batteries, and a lanyard all in a portable carrying case!

Check out the price on Amazon

But why do brewers care about mash pH?

First of all, beers brewed within a general range of ph tend to brew better than beers that are too acidic or too low in pH.

So, brewers like to take the ph of their mash to determine if it is in the optimal range for the beer they are trying to make.

The optimal range is generally considered to be pH 5.2 to 5.4. A high reading means the beer is too alkaline.

If a brewer's meter determines the pH is too high, they will then need to adjust the level downward by adding acid or calcium sulfate.

Hopbrewer shares their advice: “The conventional wisdom is that a mash pH of 5.0-5.2 is pushing a crisper beer — you’d aim for that with a pilsner or IPA or pale ale. Once you get to a pH of 5.3-5.6, you might get more roundness and less of that tart character. But you also run the risk of extracting tannins.”

So how do I use a Ph Meter to test my beer mash?

pH meters are basically glorified voltmeters that measure the 'electrical potential' produced by a special pH probe.

Using a pH meter is a fairly simple process.

One should generally draw a small sample of the wort and put it in a clean holding vessel such as a shot glass. Dip the probes fully into it to get a pH reading. 

Make sure your device is turned on and that you have calibrated the meter first!

And remember, the mash can be hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.

THAT said, pH levels should be measured at near room temperature to get an accurate result (that's just good science). So if you could cool your sample quickly (a short time in the fridge), maybe give a stir, you'll get a genuine reading.

Don't cool it too much as you'll go below room temperature. I've read that one dude keeps shot glasses ready in the freezer to help with cooling!

Eh, that's a bit of mucking around, maybe do not worry too much...

THAT said, many of the best pH meters will have Automatic Temperature Calibration features and speaking of features...

Why do I have to calibrate my ph Meter?

You need an accurate reading so you can make the best decision for your beer!

To make a calibration curve at least three standards are needed. Without the standardized pH buffer to calibrate the meter, the results will not be accurate and thus give you the wrong impression.

PH meters can 'drift' from their calibrated settings. It is important to calibrate your pH meter often so that the accuracy of results is maintained.

What are the specifications of a good ph Meter?

The best ph Meters can have the following specifications or qualities:

• Replaceable electrode 
• 2-3 point automatic calibration 
• Accuracy of 0.01 pH 
• Portable or fixed or 'benched' depending on your need but most home brewers go portable
• A price point between $100 - $150 gives confidence in the quality of the unit
• Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
• Built to last
• An easy to read digital display
• Waterproof
• Durable sensors

What is Automatic Temperature Compensation?

Many higher-quality meters use ATC functionality. This is when the unit compensates for the response of the pH meter's electrode with varying temperatures.

As mentioned elsewhere in this post the mash's pH measurement is ideally conducted at room temperature. This helps avoid measurement errors that can be caused by temperature effects on the probe and chemically in the mash.

So ATC accounts for differing temperatures of the mash.

Probes can wear out so require proper storage

Probes wear out over time and you should expect that you’ll have to replace quality ones every 2-3 years if you take good care of them and how much use they get.

The probes should be stored in a pH storage solution to preserve their lifespan. Open, dry air ruins their potential. So when buying your pH meter you need to purchase a pH buffer or 'calibration kit'.

This is why units like the Milwaukee MW102 and Omega PHH-7011 come with solutions but replacement calibration kits can be separately brought online. You might see them called 'reference solutions'.

The Bluelab Combo Meter is very popular with horticulturalists and hydroponics enthusiasts (yes, even marijuana growers...)

Keeping the probe clean after each use will prolong their life - it's a good idea to clean the outside with a soft toothbrush and deionized water, being very gentle with the bulb part of the probe if this is the kind you have.

It's extremely important to never let the probe dry out and this is a common mistake when storing ph meters. To this end, it is imperative that you store the electrode as per the manufacturers' instructions.

The normal way to store the probe electrode is in the recommended storage solution which is normally a concentrated form of potassium chloride.

Be wary of buying cheap pH meters

I see the phrase "where can I buy a cheap pH meter for brewing?" all the time. While I understand money talks, I don't think cheapness should really be a motivation when buying a meter or indeed most brewing equipment for that matter

The cheaper the unit, the more likely you will get less than accurate readings and the units electrodes themselves will not last long if used frequently.

Many brewer has found that by investing in a better quality unit, they get the best results.

To that end, we generally recommend a price point of 100 to 150 dollars. That said you can go 'cray cray' on price so if going high value, make sure you will get the benefit.

More serious brewers tend to go for benchtop units rather than the portable kind.

You could liken it to how beginner brewers start out. The first thing they buy is a brew kettle or pot and they usually get the cheaper, smaller size kettle – and then suddenly they find they want to keep going with beer making and so need to purchase the bigger kettle or brewing pot. 

It's the same with the pH meter - get the better one to save you from having to buy another later on.

Finally, a word on pH strips

Did you ever get to use litmus paper in school science to determine if a solution was an acid or a base?

The red paper turned blue or something.

While litmus paper is a yes or no test if a solution is acidic or alkaline, the pH strip gives you an approximate measurement of the actual pH.

Thus, you can use ph strips to test your beer if you wish but those will only give an indication as to your water or brew's pH level, and will never be as accurate as a quality meter.

OK, so my pH level is too high, what do I do?

You can use gypsum to increase bitterness and reduce pH levels. You can also consider changing your water source if possible, bad luck if you live near Flint.

1 comment acid, alkaline, calibration, kombucha, ph meter, ph tester, ppm, storage solution, temperature

↠ Apera PH60F pH Pocket Tester for brewing beer and wine

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:

1. Easy-to-install and replaceable flat sensor 
2. Triple-Junction structure prevents clogging, works great for regular pH measurement 
3. Easy Auto Calibration with auto buffer recognition 
4. Auto Temperature Compensation 
5. Unique High/Low Value HEADS-UP function, instantly reminding you of any results that need your attention with a red backlight; 
6. Auto recognition of stable values (with optional AUTO HOLD function) 
7. Large, clear Liquid Crystal Display with 3 backlit color (indicating 3 different modes) 
8. Display both temp and pH simultaneously 
9. 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 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.

How to calibrate the Apera pocket tester

Check out this video guide from Apera which shows how to calibrate Apera devices:

• 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!

Leave a Comment apera, calibration, calibration probe, instruments, ph meter, ph tester

Buyer's Guide for the Milwaukee MW102 pH Meter || 2020 Review

Review of the Milwaukee MW102 pH tester

If you've ever gone on to a beer brewing forum and seen the question "What's the best ph meter to use?" you are going to get 75 dudes all banging on about how great the Milwaukee MW102 pH meter is.

Truly you will if you do some google-fu. 

A few others might mention the Apera or the Hanna offerings but the MW102 is a killer instrument.

We're not kidding, brewers love it because it's reliable, durable and doesn't break the bank cost-wise. Indeed, it's at the cheaper end of the mid-range pricing scale.

Marijuana growers in California love it too! And just recently growers in Canada too! My, how the world has changed. Kombucha brewers can even use it!

The MW102 is portable and gives fast, accurate and reliable measurements whether you're in the classroom, laboratory or for general field use.

And by 'general field use', we mean brewers on the grass in their backyard, brewing up a storm on brew day!

The manufacturer's specifications:

• MW102 is a microprocessor based pH/Temperature meter with extended range (-2.00 to 16.00 pH)
• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Automatic calibration in 2 points and ±0.02 pH accuracy. 
• The meter is supplied with pH electrode and calibration solutions. 
• MW102 is supplied complete with a SE220 pH electrode, MA830R stainless steel temperature probe, pH 4.01 and pH 7.01 20 mL sachet of calibration solution
• 9V battery which should give approx 750 hours
• The user instructions manual

Actual user reviews from Amazon

Real humans, real beer makers have purchased the Milwaukee MW102 and left some pretty genuine feedback as to how this good unit is:

"So far I am very happy with this unit. I have more faith in the calibration & readings of this unit. During calibration, this meter requires you to calibrate to 7.01 & then do a slope calibration to 4.01. I have not seen this with other meters, but once calibrated the unit is very accurate & holds calibration without issues. I may have made it sound complicated, but it is pretty easy to calibrate."

"I've owned this meter for 6 months now and it has been very accurate and dependable. I use it for wine making. It's really nice that it has a separate temperature probe because sometimes I use it for just that. A word of advice, buy the Milwaukee probe storage solution. It will decrease the number of times you need to calibrate the probe."

Sounds like sensible advice!

"This is in every way a professional laboratory-grade instrument of the highest quality! It is easy to calibrate and the calibration is very stable and long-lasting. It reads the PH almost instantly and is a joy to use. The tip should be stored in Milwaukee's special storage solution as recommended for longest probe life."

"I elected to give this one a shot because I wanted confidence the readings were correct. And they are. No more dipping a pen wand in the water to find a 8pH then immediately redipping the meter and getting a reading of 3.8 in the same water! So far a great product for the price. Exceeded what I had grown to expect from ph meters."

The unit is rated quite highly on Amazon and you can see why it's reviewers are hugely positive about it!

Maintenance tips for the Milwaukee MW102

As you'd imagine, Milwaukee offers a wide range of calibration, maintenance & cleaning solutions.

The use of calibration and cleaning solutions is fundamental for the correct use of electrodes and for obtaining the most accurate and reproducible readings. If you do not store probes properly, they will dry out and give incorrect readings and then you will need to spend some of your hard-earned Earth dollars on a replacement (which Milwaukee will happily sell you!)

It's a very smart custom to clean your pH electrode fairly often. This is because a coating known as the 'hydrated layer' can develop on the glass bulb. This layer will cause your unit to display inaccurate readings. Which just defeats the whole point of using a meter!

The common method of cleaning the electrode is by submerging it in a cleaning solution for a whole 15 minutes. The solution will break down the hydrated layer.

After the cleaning solution has done its business, the probe must be rinsed with very clean or purified water and then placed in probe storage solution for at least 2-3 hours before calibration is begun.

Can  I get a replacement probe?

You sure can get a new probe - it's known as the 'Milwaukee SE220 '. You'll need one if you haven't looked after your main one by properly storing it - or you broke it by dropping it!

Replacing the electrode probes is as easy as changing a light bulb - just follow the instructions.

Milwaukee probes are given a warranty of 6 months - which is pretty standard.

When should I clean the Milwaukee ph Meter?

For accurate pH readings the Milwaukee's probe should be properly cleaned and then re-calibrated when:

• when the on-screen measurement is not close to the reading you were hoping to read. 
• when the batteries have gone flat, been removed or changed. This is because the unit will not remember
• when the pH probe is replaced with a new one

If the Milwaukee is not for you, then you might find something that meets your needs in our pH meter buyer's guide -  which features the popular Bluelab Combo Meter.

Bonus fact: Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, USA. We're not worthy...

Leave a Comment calibration, calibration probe, milwaukee MW102, ph meter, ph tester

Bluelab pH Combo Meter - Review 2020

Review: Bluelab Combo Meter for your pH measuring needs

If you are looking for an upmarket solution to measure and meet your pH solution needs then the tried and true Bluelab brand has the measuring device you are looking for:

Bluelab has a reputation for making devices that help with crop management, soil testing, nutrient meters, and home-based hydroponics.

It's apparently really popular with marijuana enthusiasts in California and kombucha makers everywhere!

The Bluelab Combo Meter has the triple functionality of being a portable pH tester, conductivity reader and temperature taker all in one. This can be quite a handy combination for home brewing
enthusiasts!

The meter has two probes, a Bluelab pH probe, and a Bluelab Conductivity and Temperature probe. When taking a reading, simply place them into the solution and the selected reading is displayed on the screen. 

Dead easy.

The beauty of the Bluelab system is that all their probes are compatible with their entire range. As with most decent pH testers, you'll need to purchase probe storage solution to maintain and prolong the life of the probe.

Calibration of the pH probe is quite simple as instructions are supplied on the back of the meter and the easy 'push button method' makes this one of the simplest meters to use for your brewing needs.

That said, there are plenty of mistakes people make when using meters, especially when calibrating.

The pH probe is quite replaceable so you can use this meter for many years to come. You should be able to do this as Bluelab offer a 5 year warranty on their product!

This surely gives you an idea as to the quality of the product and the faith the brand has in it. 

By utilizing the temperature function of the unit, you'll be able to take accurate readings during the boil and quite importantly, after you've cooled the wort sufficiently, you'll be able to record the correct temperature at which to pitch the yeast - old hands will know that if  you pitch yeast into a wort that's too hot, you will kill the yeast and no fermentation will begin. 

The Bluelab meter has the following features:

• Measures pH, conductivity / nutrient (EC, CF, ppm 500 and ppm 700) and temperature (°Centigrade & Fahrenheit)
• It's very lightweight and portable
• Large easy to read display screen
• Simple push-button operation for pH calibration
• Successful pH calibration indication
• No calibration is required for conductivity and temperature measurement taking
• The double junction pH probe is easily replaceable 
• Over range and under range indicators
• Low battery level indicator
• Two x AAA alkaline batteries included so you can start taking measurements immediately
• Auto off function to make sure that the battery doesn't wear down.
• Five year warranty for the unit itself, and six months for the probe.

Because of its demonstrated quality, this is a pricey unit but well worth it if you are a regular brewer who needs to monitor the hydrogen potential of their beer!

If you are looking for a mid-price range metering device, Blue Lab's portable pens are in the hundred dollar range. They are quite portable and come with a conductivity probe care kit.

Here's some reviewer comment from happy buyers on Amazon:

"I am going on 6 months and it hasn't even needed to be re-calibrated."

"Very accurate. Nice meter, the ph probe is extremely fragile, do not tap this probe on anything or it will break" (This is a pretty common occurrence with most glass probes so is not necessarily a design flaw in the product and replacement is an easy process - Ed)

"Be sure to do the recommended meter maintenance and proper storage of probes."

"Recommended if precision means everything to you! Calibrate twice a month minimum if used daily, and buy some storage solution for the probe! It doesn't come with any extra storage solution, but it is a MUST to get some as well as extra 4.01 and 7.01 buffer solutions and you're set for a while!"

And finally this absolute gem of a product endorsement & review from a user:

"Easy to use. Worked right out of the box. Easy to calibrate and maintain. I'd wanted one for years but didn't want to spend the $$. Well, I'll tell you, it was worth it. I never knew how far off I was with just using measurements and test strips. The next batch that I produced using accurate measurements with the combo meter was astounding. Try it and see the difference."

Try it indeed.

Here's the official video from Bluelab which shows you how to prepare the meter for its initial use and how to correctly calibrate the device with the proper buffer solutions.

When should I clean the Blue Lab ph Meter?

For accurate pH readings the pH probe should be properly cleaned and then re-calibrated when:

• when the on screen reading is quite different from what you were expecting. 
• when the batteries have been run flat, removed or changed. This is because the device forgets its readings.
• when the pH probe is replaced with a new one or is disconnected from the Combo Meter.
• the pH calibration indicators have disappeared from the unit. 

When calibrating the pH after the machine's first use, the pH probe needs to be cleaned after each subsequent use.

How to correctly calibrate the meter

To obtain a correct pH calibration reading, the unit's accuracy is very dependent on the accuracy and age of the calibration solutions used, and the condition and cleanliness of the pH probe tip. You will get a calibration error if the unit is not properly maintained as per the instruction manual.

For best results, the user must ensure the pH probe has been cleaned and that it is rinsed with clean water between calibration solutions to reduce contamination of the pH solutions.

One should only use fresh and uncontaminated solutions. This means if your buffer solution has been sitting open on a shelf for a couple of years, you probably should obtain a new batch.

It's also best practice to calibrate the pH at the same temperature as the solution to be measured. 

If you're not sold, you could consider these ph pens or check out our guide to five other top rated pH Testers.

Leave a Comment bluelab, buffer solution, calibration, conductivity, ph pen, ph tester, temperature, water testing

↠ Buyer's Guide to pH Testing Meters for beer brewing

Just want to pick a pH meter?

Choose from our recommend ph Meters list:

• Milwaukee MW102 PH and Temperature Meter (it's a brewer's favorite)
• Bluelab Combo Meter (it's all killer, no filler)
• Apera Instruments AI312 PH60F Premium pH Pocket Tester (strong buy 👌)
• Jellas pH meter (it's cheap and cheerful but will not last forever)

Choosing a pH tester for making beer, a buyer's guide

Once upon a time as a young lad, I used to work in a fast food restaurant that served chicken. It was a great gig as a student as I was never hungry - sweet deal eh?

Having never really paid much attention during school science, it was at this job I learned about pH.

How did I learn about pH levels and why are they so important?

You see I accidentally splashed some Sodium Hydroxide cleaning agent in my eye. In layman's terms, I bathed my eye in Caustic Soda!

It was a pain not worth knowing and resulted in a trip to the hospital and a saline bath and an eye patch for a week while my eye healed.

So after having learned that a strong alkali like NaOH has a high pH, it was no surprise to later learn that homebrewers care just as much about the ph of their beer as I do not want to blind myself with industrial-strength chicken grease cleaner!

Brewers (and kombucha brewers would you believe) are interested in the pH of their beer because different levels cause the beer to have different characteristics of flavor. 

There are many other reasons to use ph meters, of course. 

Those in the food and beverage industry need to ensure food is not too tart and the agricultural uses are plenty - soil acidity testing and hydroponic uses are pretty common. This is why testing water quality properly is so important.

How do beer brewers test their ph levels of beer wort?

They test their water and beer by using calibrated pH meters.

There are two approaches to this part of making beer - the cheap and cheerful units that will give a fairly accurate reading but not forever, or the more sturdy units that will give you a finely accurate reading and go the distance with a seasoned brewer.

Here are three of the cheaper options on the market.

Jellas Pocket Size pH Meter Digital Water Quality Tester

The Jellas pH meter is very affordable and useful for those who need a PH tester for household and laboratory use, it's not only ideal for household or laboratory use but also suitable for testing pH balance of drinking water, pool, aquariums and of course beer. 

Fair warning, as it's a cheap device, it's not suitable for all day everyday use.

The manufacturer claims it's highly accurate for measuring a range of 0-14 PH, 0.1 PH resolution, measure & display pH results simultaneously with LCD display and that it does a reliable and quick reading.

It's easy to use - you just simply remove the protective cap and immerse the pH meter electrode in your solution and turn on the pH meter.

The manufacturer does give fair warning that the glass probe can be fragile and that it should be gently wiped down after use with a clean, soft cloth before capping it again for storage.

The Jellas water tester comes with:

• 1 * pH Tester 
• 1 * Carry case 
• 1 * Calibration screwdriver 
• 2 * ph buffer powder (for calibration) 
• 1 * User manual 

Reviews on Amazon have said,

"I would absolutely recommend this meter to anybody that is looking for a PH meter/tester." "I love it as it is easy to use and takes the guesswork out of the PH of your brew"

 "Was spot on with calibration out of the box".

While you could always drive to Walmart and not get a car park, you'd do well to check out the price on Amazon.

Sharkk Basics PH Tester Full Spectrum Multi-Function Portable pH Tester with Calibration Button

Boasting a handy portable design, the Sharkk Basics ph Tester measures the full spectrum from 0-14, the pH Tester. The manufacturer states their product is guaranteed to display accurate results after each and every use.

Use of the Sharrk is dead simple, simply place the pH tester in any liquid to be tested and wait for the reading to display. The calibration button resets the tester in between reads.

A handy backlit LCD display means you can easily see acidity/alkaline levels of beer. You can of course also use it on your swimming pool, drinking water and even your food!

A user on Amazon gave a review and said of the Sharkk: "Nice quality and accurate, was able to calibrate and check aquarium pH in minutes.

Comes with a nice translucent plastic case.

Check out the price on Amazon.

If you are looking for affordable, quality devices, check out the below suggestions.

Bluelab Combo Meter

If you looking for an upmarket solution to measure your pH solutions then the tried and true Bluelabs brand has the measuring device you are looking for. 

The Bluelab Combo Meter is a portable pH, conductivity and temperature meter all in one. 

The meter has two probes, a Bluelab pH Probe and a Bluelab Conductivity/Temperature Probe. When taking a reading, simply place them into the solution and the selected reading is displayed on the screen.

Calibration of the pH probe is simple as instructions are supplied on the back of the meter and the easy push button method makes this one of the simplest meters to use.

The pH probe is replaceable so you can use this meter for years to come and you should be able to do as Bluelab offer a 5-year warranty on their product which should give you an idea as the quality of the product and the faith the brand has in it. 

The Bluelab has the following features:

• Measures pH, conductivity/nutrient (EC, CF, ppm 500 and ppm 700) and temperature (°C, °F)
• Lightweight and portable
• Large easy to read display
• Simple push button pH calibration
• Successful pH calibration indicator
• No calibration required for conductivity and temperature
• Replaceable double junction pH probe included
• Over range and under range indicators
• Low battery indicator
• 2 x AAA alkaline batteries included
• Auto-off function

This is a pricey unit. If you are looking for a mid range device, Blue Lab's portable pens are in the hundred dollar range.

Check out the price on Amazon.

One of the most popular testers that brewers use and swear by is the Milwaukee MW102 PH. If you check out any decent homebrewing forum, you'll find backyard operators only too happy to sing its praises:

Milwaukee MW102 pH Meter

The MW102 Standard Portable pH / Temperature Meter Standard is a standard portable meter that does the business for many home brewers.

The Milwaukee brand is recognized as having a reputation for producing low cost durable meters which give quick readings and ones on which you can depend. 

Milwaukee’s manufacturer boasts that their devices are "manufactured to be easy to use, practical and accurate. Ideal for the classroom, laboratory or for general field use". 

Which is code for, yes you can use it to check the pH of your water or wort!

The MW102 is a microprocessor-based pH and temperature meter with extended range (-2.00 to 16.00 pH).

Featuring Automatic Temperature Compensation, automatic calibration in 2 points and ±0.02 pH accuracy. The meter is supplied with a pH electrode and the necessary calibration solutions.

The full package comes with the following:

• MW102 Unit
• 9 Volt Battery
• Temperature Probe (MA830r)
• PH Probe (MA911B/1)
• PH Probe cover (a small bottle that fits on the PH Probe when not in use that holds storage solution)
• User Instruction Manual
• Calibration Solution sachets
• Storage Solution Packet

The battery life features a whopping 300 hours so that's a lot of brewing time! Especially as the Milwaukee features an auto-off that kicks in after 8 minutes of inactivity.

A keen brewer on Amazon reviewed the Milwaukee 102 as a "fantastic tool to have in my brewing arsenal. I originally bought it for taking readings while kettle souring, but it's been invaluable as I dove deeper into water profile and mash pH adjustment. It's a bit more expensive than some of the cheaper meters out there, but you get what you pay for. Worth every penny in my book, and I regularly recommend it to those in the market for a high-quality meter."

That's some fair praise indeed. Check out the price on Amazon.

What is a 'calibration solution' and why do I need it?

Calibration is a comparison between a known pH measurement (referred to as 'the standard') and the measurement using your instrument. A properly calibrated pH water tester will ensure that you have an accurate reading.

To get a proper reading, a calibration solution or 'buffer' is used. Standard pH calibration solutions are great for use in virtually any application and with most meters.

It's the absolute truth when we say that Milwaukee is the biggest seller on this site via Amazon, 

Don't forget to clean your electrode probes!

Electrodes can and will wear out after sustained use. To prolong their life, it is essential that you get into the practice of cleaning them after every use. A careful wipe with a clean cloth and ionized water is often recommended. 

A probe that has become 'dry' needs to be hydrated by placing it in a storage solution before calibration. The hydrated layer takes 3-4 hours to form.

What is the definition of pH?

pH is a figure that expresses the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a logarithmic scale on which 7 is considered neutral, the lower values are more acidic and higher values are more alkaline. It is a measure of hydrogen in the solution so pH stands for 'potential hydrogen.

How do I lower pH levels?

If you've found your wort has a pH level that is too high there are several steps you can choose to take:

• Add a small amount gyspum
• Try using calcium chloride
• Add a splash of lactic or phosphoric acid
• Try adding malic acid in wine to reduce pH levels

Leave a Comment automatic temperature compensation, bluelab, buffer, buyer's guide, caustic soda, kombucha, ph tester, sodium hydroxide, water testing

Using pH strips to test beer

Best pH strips for testing beer

Testing strips.

They are perhaps one of the oldest tricks of the trade that chemists have.

While you're testing for the number of hydrogen ions in a solution with a strip, you can actually pretty much test them for anything.

Salvia, soap, urine, wine, and beer to name a few things. Swimming pools, fish aquariums, hot tubs, and the ever popular kombucha are a few more!

But we want to focus on how you can use pH strips with your brewing.

Let's assume for the moment, you don't have access to a really good battery powered pH meter or you don't want to outlay the cash to buy one. The good news is that pH strips are really cheap as chips to buy.

So why do you want to use a pH strip for testing beer?

The pH level of your beer (both mash and wort) affects the way your beer turns out in several ways. Enzyme function is affected by an out of whack pH level, the efficiency of your hops can be manipulated and it affects how well your yeast ferments your brew.

So quite important then eh?

So the short version of using strip is the result you are looking for is a measurement of between pH 5.2 and 5.5. This is a general, ballpark, 'rule of thumb' number.

How then does one use a pH strip to test beer?

Fill a beaker or glass with the sample of wort or mash that you are testing. Your vessel must be very clean and free of any contaminants that may affect the test result.

Take a strip from the pack and add it to the solution. It will then change color.

You should then immediately compare this colour change to the colour chart that came with your strips. This chart will indicate the pH of your solution.

Your strips may have a recommended length of time to leave the strip in your solution, we suggest you follow that recommendation!

Are pH strips just litmus paper?

It's a fair question to ask. 

The difference lies in the intent of what one is trying to achieve by using either. 

By using litmus paper one is conducting a 'pass or fail' test that determines if a substance is acidic or basic. 

When one uses a pH strip, one is determining the actual pH value.

pH strips are thus more sensitive than litmus paper as they give you a more quantitative result - that said, it is still only indicative. If you need a precise measurement, then a quality pH meter will serve your needs.

Extra for Experts

If you are fairly petty Scrouge McDuck like kind of character, you can double the number of strips you have by carefully cutting them in half (down the length!) and then use as normal. Or, you can just stock up on Amazon, as they are really quite affordable. 

Leave a Comment litmus, pH strips, ph tester

Review of Hach 9532000 Pocket Pro+ pH tester

Enthusiastic home brewers know that a beer brew that is properly pH balanced will produce excellent drinking results.

Getting the pH level right is really important for getting the brewing results you want, especially when one invests some much money into gear and ingredients, let alone your time.

That's why many beer makers use the Hach 9532000 Pocket Pro+ pH tester to get the results they need.

The Hach company says that it's Pro+ is engineered to deliver accurate results.

Features:

• Backed up with built-in performance diagnostics, you never have to guess when to clean or calibrate the sensor. 
• You also get replaceable batteries for convenient field use, and a large, easy-to-read LCD screen.
• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Instructions are found in the manual, which can be downloaded.

All those specifications are nice and all, but what do brewers who have actually used and tested the Hach meters have to say?

"Hach makes pretty reliable products and the pocket Pro is no exception to that. It is easy to use and pretty hardy, we use them at work and they hold up well. This model does not have the replaceable tip, but they make one if needed. I use this meter at home as well for pool pH checks that are quick and easy. It only comes with a single buffer of 7, so you may want to get a 4 and 10 buffer, to allow a 3 point calibration."

"Works very well, I do recommend calibrating the unit soon as you get it and it will be correct"

"I am very pleased! fast and easy and stable"

"Works great for my home brewing"

What are you waiting for, order the Hach from Amazon.

If you don't think the Hack Pocket Pro is for you, check out our buyer's guide with further ph tester options. The Milwaukee MW102 meter is a hugely popular seller.

If you're new to using a pH meter, check out this guide for mistakes to avoid when checking pH levels. You can also use this device to test water in an aquarium or a hydroponic set up.

Leave a Comment hach, ph levels, ph tester