Question about hydrometer testing

[Brew2]

What's the best way to fill the graduated cylinder. Should siphon it or just dip the whole cylinder in to fill it?

 

[BrewPharm]

Sanitized turkey baster.

 

[BryceL]

Sanitized turkey baster.

+1. Or pick up a wine thief, they are cheap.

 

[ledhead72486]

sanitized turkey baster.

+1

 

[ptadennis]

Now see that's why I love this forum... Sterile turkey baster!! I will be using that during next brew!! Brilliant!!

 

[dickproenneke]

+1 on a wine thief. But if you do go the baster route (totally fine) just make sure it's a new one or at least VERY CLEAN - you don't want the leftover drippings from the thanksgiving turkey fouling up your brew.

Cheers!

 

[Brew2]

Does you guys dump the beer you test back in or just throw it away?

 

[houle]

Don't put it back! Taste it, get a idea of what your brew will be like. Then dump it.

 

[Soc]

Does you guys dump the beer you test back in or just throw it away?

Drinking the hydrometer sample is one of my favorite parts about brew day!

 

[homebrewdad]

To me, the thief is the way to go. Costs about $9, and lets you take gravity reading with a fraction of the beer you would otherwise have to pull. Just dip the thief into your beer, pull it out, drop the hydrometer in.

 

[freisste]

To me, the thief is the way to go. Costs about $9, and lets you take gravity reading with a fraction of the beer you would otherwise have to pull. Just dip the thief into your beer, pull it out, drop the hydrometer in.

+1. This is exactly what I do.

I have heard that some combinations of hydrometer and thief do not allow it (thin thief, wide hydrometer).