Gravity, Brix and process trends

One reading cannot answer every brewing question.

Match the measurement principle to the decision. This page compares current manufacturer specifications; it does not rank products or repeat the detailed final-gravity lesson already owned by BrewMyBeer’s hydrometer-versus-refractometer guide.

Read the final-gravity guide Download the blank test log

Choose by decision

Define the job before the device.

Decision	Starting method	Record with the result
Pre-fermentation concentration	Refractometer or direct density method	Representative sample, temperature limits, calibration and the instrument’s stated scale.
Original and final gravity	Suitable direct density method	Sample temperature, bubbles, cleaning, instrument calibration and repeat readings.
Fermentation direction and rate	Continuous logger plus an independent endpoint check	Krausen, bubbles, vessel signal, receiver uptime and whether the trend has genuinely stabilised.

Three methods with different evidence

These are different tools with different jobs. The figures are manufacturer specifications, not BrewMyBeer bench results. Specifications can change by model or region; open the source and confirm the exact product before acting.

Small-sample pre-fermentation checks

MA871 digital Brix refractometer

Milwaukee Instruments

You want a fast Brix reading from a small, representative wort or juice sample before alcohol is present.

Specification	Published value
Brix range	0–85% Brix
Brix resolution	0.1% Brix Resolution is not the same as accuracy.
Stated Brix accuracy	±0.2% Brix
Minimum sample	100 µL; prism fully covered
Compensation range	10–40 °C

Check before choosing

The instrument reports Brix from refractive index; it is not a direct finished-beer gravity meter.
Automatic temperature compensation applies only inside the maker’s stated 10–40 °C compensation range.
After fermentation begins, use a validated alcohol correction with an original reading or cross-check another suitable method.

Source checked 8 October 2026: Milwaukee Instruments MA871 manual

Small-sample density measurement

EasyDens smart density meter

Anton Paar

You need a direct density reading from a small sample and can follow the maker’s filling, cleaning and app workflow.

Specification	Published value
Specific-gravity range	0.7–1.2
Density resolution	0.001 g/cm³
Stated specific-gravity accuracy	0.005 generally; maker footnote states 0.001 for aqueous samples The manufacturer lists beer, wine and distilled spirits as aqueous-sample examples.
Sample volume	Approximately 2 mL
Sample temperature range	5–30 °C

Check before choosing

The source distinguishes specific-gravity range, resolution and stated accuracy; do not treat them as the same number.
Air bubbles, residue and sample handling can still affect a measurement.
The model’s instructions and supported sample types control how a result should be interpreted.

Source checked 8 October 2026: Anton Paar EasyDens specifications

Fermentation trend monitoring

Tilt wireless hydrometer and thermometer

Baron Brew Equipment

You want frequent gravity and temperature trend readings without repeatedly opening the fermenter.

Specification	Published value
Factory SG range	0.990–1.120
Stated SG accuracy	±0.002 within that range
SG display increment	0.001 Displayed precision is not a guarantee of accuracy.
Stated temperature accuracy	±1 °F / ±0.5 °C
Broadcast interval	Updated readings every 5 seconds

Check before choosing

Treat the stream as process evidence; the maker notes bubbles and vigorous fermentation can influence readings.
Vessel material and receiver position can change wireless performance.
Confirm an important endpoint with a suitable independent method when the decision requires it.

Source checked 8 October 2026: Tilt manufacturer specifications and FAQ

Blank-field bench protocol

Test the method you will actually repeat.

Write the instrument ID, model, lot or serial reference and the maker’s calibration method.
Prepare one homogeneous sample and record its temperature before splitting it.
Take at least five readings without discarding an inconvenient value.
Record cleaning, bubbles, fill level, elapsed time and any correction used.
Compare spread and method limits before deciding whether the difference matters.

Manufacturer sources checked 8 October 2026. Specifications may change. BrewMyBeer has not run the physical comparisons and does not infer current price, stock or affiliate approval.