Common Use: Beer Brewing Hydrometers

A hydrometer is commonly used in the beer making process to check specific gravity of the liquid which is about to be fermented. This specific gravity reading is important as it then can then be used to calculate the amount of sugar content in the liquid.

The general principle is:

• The more sugar in the liquid, the higher the reading. 
• The more alcohol in the liquid (after fermenting), the lower the reading.

Which hydrometers do I use?

There are two common hydrometers we sell for brewing purposes. The first hydrometer is the JD1011 density hydrometer which is calibrated at 20.0°C and the second is the HSG1011 specific gravity hydrometer which is calibrated at 15.6°C. Both hydrometers will serve the same purpose, however, selecting the correct model will depend on your specific process.

Details on both these models can be found by following the links below:

JD1011
Density Hydrometer with ranges between 1.000-1.100: https://www.labdirect.com.au/density-hydrometer-1-...

HSG1011
Specific Gravity Hydrometer with ranges between 1.000-1.100: https://www.labdirect.com.au/specific-gravity-hydr...

HJ40
Hydrometer Jar: https://www.labdirect.com.au/hydrometer-jar-40od-3...

DMA 35 BASIC Digital Brewing Density Meter
Digital Handheld Density Meter, 0g/cm³ to 3g/cm³ @ 0.001g/cm³: https://www.labdirect.com.au/digital-handheld-dens...

Quick points

• Most hydrometers used by home brewers are scaled for specific gravity readings between the ranges of 1.000 (for water) to 1.100 (for high gravity barley wines).
• An average beer generally has a starting gravity between 1.040 and 1.050 and a final gravity around 1.010.
• Both hydrometers are supplied with certificates of conformity for ATO purposes.
• Hydrometers placed water at 20°C should read 1.000.