What is the Best digital refractometer ?

Timrpn · Jul 17, 2020

Hi everyone!

What would you say the best digital refractometer is?

Would you go with the Milwaukee Seawater Digital Refractometer, or Hanna ? Or something different?

Thanks for your opinions!

Montiman · Jul 17, 2020

I have only used the Milwaukee but I have to say I have been very happy with it. I have used a total of 3 units one at the LFS I used to work at, one at my office for the office tanks and 1 at home. I have had 0 issues with the 2 units at my office and at home the unit at the LFS I used to work at had issues but I believe they were all caused by neglect. The unit was used as much as a dozen times a day for years and sometimes employees wouldn't clean the sample well and this would lead to errors. Once the sample well has salt buildup on it it is very difficult to get clean. If you get the unit it is imperative you clean the sample well and calibrate often. I calibrate with DI water every time since it is super easy.

((FORDTECH)) · Jul 17, 2020

I love my Milwaukee

Reef. · Jul 17, 2020

Been looking into this myself, never seen a bad word against the Milwaukee, the Hanna from my research is 50/50 people either love them or hate them for not being very accurate, remember too the Milwaukee the calibration fluid is free i.e rodi water, whereas the Hanna it’s around $2 a time!

((FORDTECH)) · Jul 17, 2020

Reef. said:
Been looking into this myself, never seen a bad word against the Milwaukee, the Hanna from my research is 50/50 people either lover them or hate them for not being very accurate, remember too the Milwaukee the calibration fluid is free i.e rodi water, whereas the Hanna it’s around $2 a time!

The Milwaukee does come with a large bottle of calibration and validation solution

Rybren · Jul 17, 2020

Never tried the Milwaukee, but I am very satisfied with the Hanna. Works well, holds calibration for a long time and is easy to use.

Reef. · Jul 17, 2020

((FORDTECH)) said:
The Milwaukee does come with a large bottle of calibration and validation solution

which goes further to make my point, when that runs out, the replacement is free!

siggy · Jul 17, 2020

I have a Milwaukee that I don't use anymore, it is consistent.
It does come with lots of cal. Solution. But It reads a point low.
I emailed twice regarding this within the warranty and never received a reply, I even offered to pay for calibration still nothing so I lived with it. Then the hanna pen and I'm in love.
I have lots of hanna checkers, never needed service but I hear CS is good. I would go with the big white or pen before big green. Keep an eye on ebay

Timrpn · Jul 17, 2020

Montiman said:
I have only used the Milwaukee but I have to say I have been very happy with it. I have used a total of 3 units one at the LFS I used to work at, one at my office for the office tanks and 1 at home. I have had 0 issues with the 2 units at my office and at home the unit at the LFS I used to work at had issues but I believe they were all caused by neglect. The unit was used as much as a dozen times a day for years and sometimes employees wouldn't clean the sample well and this would lead to errors. Once the sample well has salt buildup on it it is very difficult to get clean. If you get the unit it is imperative you clean the sample well and calibrate often. I calibrate with DI water every time since it is super easy.

How do you clean in? Do you just drop RO water in and wipe? Or can you use an alcohol wipe?

Montiman · Jul 17, 2020

Timrpn said:
How do you clean in? Do you just drop RO water in and wipe? Or can you use an alcohol wipe?

I just clean with DI water and a clean cloth. You mainly want to avoid any salt crystals forming in the well.

bgoldb · Jul 17, 2020

Timrpn said:
Hi everyone!

What would you say the best digital refractometer is?

Would you go with the Milwaukee Seawater Digital Refractometer, or Hanna ? Or something different?

Thanks for your opinions!

I use a Misco which, I’ve read, is what some researchers use. I really like it. I also have a Milwaukee which gives me the same results as the Misco.

Matt Cole · Jul 17, 2020

I had an Icecap and ditched it, couldn't get consistent readings. Bought a Hanna a month ago and so far its great.

quaker · Jul 17, 2020

Timrpn said:
Hi everyone!

What would you say the best digital refractometer is?

Would you go with the Milwaukee Seawater Digital Refractometer, or Hanna ? Or something different?

Thanks for your opinions!

Very happy with Milwaukee. I like that it gives readings in ppm or specific gravity.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 17, 2020

Milwaukee and Hanna

Mjl714 · Jul 17, 2020

Milwaukee, agree with comments above, have used for many years. Periodically test accuracy with Tropic Marin Hydrometer.

thunderreefer · Jul 17, 2020

Mjl714 said:
Milwaukee, agree with comments above, have used for many years. Periodically test accuracy with Tropic Marin Hydrometer.

I do the same. Test with Milwaukee and periodically check with Tropic Marin hydrometer.

Timrpn · Jul 18, 2020

If Tropic Marin hygrometer is so precise then why spend the extra $90 on Milwaukee ?

YandyRiv · Jul 18, 2020

Timrpn said:
Hi everyone!

What would you say the best digital refractometer is?

Would you go with the Milwaukee Seawater Digital Refractometer, or Hanna ? Or something different?

Thanks for your opinions!

i use a hanna and i love it. Trick to it is rinsing it with rodi water after every use. If you use it and just put it away it will not be as accurate