All hydrometers are factory calibrated at a set temperature. Consult the paper inside the hydrometer to see what temperature the scale is calibrated for.
How Can I Confirm Proper Calibration?
There are many ways to ensure hydrometer accuracy.
- Red Indicator Line
Our GOLD Series Syrup Hydrometer and our 12″ 0-12 BRIX Sap Hydrometer come with a red line indicator which marks proper paper placement. That way, if the paper slips, you will have a way to know immediately. (All paper inserts are glued in place, but we do still see paper slippage from time to time.)
Smoky Lake will stand behind its hydrometers and send a replacement if this occurs. Simply send a photo of the paper and its position compared to the red indicator line to Angela at [email protected]. We will send you a replacement. - Vermont Certification
Most of our hydrometers have the option to be upgraded with Vermont Certification. All of our approved Vermont Certified hydrometers are tested and stamped by the Vermont Department of Weights and Measures. - Compare Readings to Alternate, Trusted Testing Devices
- When comparing the reading of your hydrometer to an alternate hydrometer, be sure the hydrometers are both CLEAN.
- Make sure to use the SAME sap sample for both tests.
- Test a sample that is NOT steaming. Steam means that your sample is in rapid process of becoming more dense.
- If the readings between your two different hydrometers do not correspond, then it would be mandatory to consult a third or fourth device to definitively rule out which of the first two methods was in error.
- Use a Compensation Chart OR Murphy Cup/Float
When taking your hydrometer readings, remember that hydrometers are affected by temperature. For the most accurate readings, always test your sample’s temperature and use a compensation chart accordingly. Alternatively, when testing maple syrup, you can simplify that whole process by using either a Murphy Compensation Cup or Murphy Compensation Float to do all the compensation calculations for you. Actually, we at Smoky Lake NEVER use a syrup hydrometer without a Murphy Compensation Device. We feel that strongly about it.
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5 Comments
Ron Reynolds
I have 2 CDL sap hydrometers that each give a different reading. Can I mix up a sugar solution to verify which hydrometer is correct? If so, what is the proper mix?
Angela
BRIX means “percent sugar”. For example, 2 BRIX means 2% sugar. If you have a solution that is known to be 2% sugar, then your hydrometer reading should be 2 BRIX.
With that said, there are many ways to test a hydrometer as mentioned above. ie. Compare to a Vermont Certified hydrometer. Or you could take a few room-temp sample readings on a freshly calibrated refractometer and see how that compares.
Good luck.
Ron Reynolds
So, is the 2% by weight or by volume. I suspect weight. I do not have a refractometer
macuser0-smokylakemaple
What is acceptable error for the GOLD Series Syrup Hydrometer? I have two and this spring I pulled out the second one and when I put it in the Murphy Compensation Cup it read 3/4 brix higher, put the first one in and it was 3/4 brix lower than two. Repeated several times with same results.
Red lines appear to touch top black line.
SN 19367, 19246
Kevin Pliske
Wondering how much syrup it takes to fill a Murphy cup to take a reading? I ask because l cook in really small batches which usually end up somewhere between 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon. I would like to see if the Murphy cup is an option for me. I am struggling to get readings on a manual refractometer which l was told is a better choice for small batches.
Thank you,