Homebrew Kits - Using A Hydrometer - By: Ron King

If you question a homebrewer about the most necessary components in homebrew kits for their pastime, the most prevailing answers you'd discover would be: the fermenter, ingredients (such as hops, malt syrup, and yeast), and then an item called a hydrometer.

What Is A Hydrometer?

A hydrometer is a device for determining the density or "specific gravity" of a liquid. You review the hydrometer to see how heavy (the specific gravity) the brewed liquid is compared to average water. The heaviness of the brew is determined by how much sugar has been used by the yeast during the fermentation growth.

You want to view what this reading is to understand when your homebrew is completely fermented. And once this has occurred, you can then bottle the brew and shortly thereafter test drinking what you have made.

How Do You Understand A Hydrometer?

The process is very easy, and doesn't take long to learn. To setup, fill a mason jar (or anything similar with proper sides) two-thirds full of water. Make sure this water is close to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the hydrometer into the water. It will bob up and down for a minute, and then even out. The reading should be 1.000 (or very near to this reading). Once you have verified this reading, take the hydrometer out of the jar and towel it off.

After, take another jar and fill it to 2/3 full with your homebrew. Once again, set the hydrometer into the brew, allow it to bob around until balanced out, and obtain your new reading. Fermentation is still occurring if the reading is above 1.015, but it is close to fruition when the hydrometer reads between 1.010 and 1.008.

That is just for sugar -- honey, malt extracts, and numerous other brewing ingredients all have slightly unique results. When you're brewing beer, there are a lot of variables you need to account for. That's why it is effective for beginners to use beer kits, so that the details have all been worked out for you.

To confirm fermentation has completed, take two readings over 24 hours. If the readings repeat, your brew is ready to be bottled. If it is still changing, the fermentation process is still working.

Tips

Always make sure your jars, as well as the hydrometer, are clean and dry before use.

If your brew has any foam or bubbles, pour the mixture into a glass, then back into the jar, until they wane.

Make certain your hydrometer is not touching the sides of the jar before taking your readings.

A hydrometer is an instrument for determining the density or "specific gravity" of a liquid. You use the hydrometer to see how heavy (the specific gravity) the brewed liquid is compared to plain water. You want to know what this reading is to tell when your homebrew is completely fermented.

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