Home Fruit: Digital Refractometer Needed?

[rshosted]

I am growing my own Cab Sav and Merlot grapes at my house. I am thinking I want to get a refractometer.

I'm one of those people that has to do hours of research on something before I can decide. I've looked at a lot of units and found that I can get a refractometer for about 60$, or a digital one for about $210

How easy are the non-digital ones to read?

Would it be worth it to you to have a digital read out?

Anyone have expirience with either and can offer some guidance?

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[bilbo-in-maine]

For a small production vineyard, can you get by with using your hydrometer and test jar in lieu of the more expensive equipment? All you need is the Brix value of your crop when harvested. I don't have any experience in this, but just ask the quesion.

 

[masta]

I have used the non-digital type at work checking the brix of corn sugar and they work fine. Would be a great tool to check the grapes in the field to know when they are ready to harvest since you only need a drop of juice.