Best Beer Brewing & Wine Making Testing
The Standard of Measurement Practical for both indoor and outdoor use, the Lasergrip 774 lets you safely measure surface temperatures from a distance while still maintaining laser-sharp accuracy. With user-friendly operation and a temperature measurement range that surpasses boiling points, the possibilities are endless. Better Accuracy: The Distance to Spot Ratio is 12:1, meaning the Laser grip 774 can accurately measure targets at greater distances compared to most other IR Thermometers. Added Function: The LCD screen is backlit, also has an Auto-Off function to extend the battery life, and features a low battery indicator so you never accidentally run out of juice (battery included).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This device is probably the best single purchase that I have made on Amazon in my three-plus years of Prime membership. It functions wonderfully as a distance thermometer, shining a tiny red dot on what I'm measuring and, based on comparison with a thermoscan camera at work, is pretty accurate across a range of temperatures from 0°F up to about 400°F. The button that turns on the device has a very soft click, barely perceptible, so it won't distract your faithful (or in the case of cats) persistent companions. *Probably won't reliably measure the temperature of flames at a safe enough distance, so don't get too close to fire."
"Etekcity Line of Lasergrip IR Themometers ( 1022D, 800, & 630) compared to Klein IR1000. I am not a Professional HVAC or auto mechanic but I do a lot of work myself on my home and vehicles.. An IR thermometer has many uses. I bought this as a homeowner to verify hot/cold spots around my home. I decided I would go with Etekcity Line IR thermometer based on Amazon Best seller Etekcity 774 (best seller most reviewed and priced very affordable at $16.88). After researching other Etekcity models I found many different options that offered different ranges, features, and spot/distance ratios up to 16:1 with 12:1 being the higher standard and what most higher end brands have.. spot/distance ratios range from 8:1 to 16:1 in this class of IR tool. I submitted a question to them through Amazon and Etekcity responded within the same day offering to call me , as I had a lot of questions..I was able to immediately open a chat conversation with Etekcity customer reps and they were VERY helpful in explaining to me the advantages / differences in all of their IR thermometers. Etekcity 1022D- $19.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 1022D Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Dual Laser, Blue. my first IR from Etekcity: I like the idea of Dual lasers & adjustable emissivity. Etekcity 800 Lasergrip - $25.98 Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Non-contact Digital Laser IR Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun, Yellow/Black. Features: Single Laser. 16:1 distance to Spot ratio. Emissivity- FIXED at .95. Range: -58℉ - 1382℉. After a disappointing test of the Etekcity 1022D I read reviews and decided to look at the 800, It features better accuracy at range with a 16:1 distance spot ration. *** Etekcity 630 Dual Lasergrip - $29.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Dual Laser Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Gray and Black. First impression was how it was packaged in a nice solid cardboard box ( unlike the plastic blister packs of the others including the Klein. The most features, options and in my tests most accurate ( accuracy is negligible between 800 & 630 both are well with in the +/- .5 to 2.0 tolerance). Features: Dual laser for better accuracy. 16:1 Distance to Spot Ratio. Emissivity: ADJUSTABLE. Range: -58℉~1076℉. Multi function menu options ( MAX/Min temp setting, AVG and Diff/ TD). I chose the 630 over the 800 mainly due to the extra menu options ( AVG, MAX, MIn , Diff) adjustable emissivity ,and dual laser aside form that the 800 & 630 perform identically. the 1022D and 774 are priced well at under $20.00 but for more features and higher specs I think one will not go wrong with the Etekcity 800 or Feature rich Etekcity 630."
"I bought this product because I thought my refrigerator was not cold enough, and I saw the tech that previously came out using a lazer thermometer to gauge the temps inside."
For best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and object of measurement should approximately be 14.17inches (36cm). This means you may measure the temp of a smaller area at the same distance compared to other 8:1 thermometers; thus the readings are much more accurate! Specifications Temperature Range: -58℉~1022℉(-50℃~550℃). Accuracy: ±2%. Distance Spot Ratio: 12:1. Emissivity Adjustable: 0.95(fixed). Response Time and Wavelength: 500ms and (5-14)um. Repeatability: ±1% or±1℃. Resolution: 0.1℃ or 0.1℉ Package Included 1x Etekcity Laser grip 1080 IR thermometer. 1x 9V DC battery. 1x User's manual. 2-Year Warranty by Etekcity. Versatile Design: Infrared Technology makes this thermometer handy to use when cooking and barbequing, performing auto maintenance, doing home repairs, and a host of other tasks; Measure all the from -58℉~1022℉/ -50℃~550℃.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This will roughly give you a temperature of 212 F. Boiling water, in equilibrium (or the entire fluid being the same temperature) will maintain 212F no matter how quickly the water is evaporating. In practice, these are used for taking a quick, general measurement of fluid temperature or identifying heat losses. I have used this at my home to identify what rooms are cooler then others, draughts around doors or windows and leaks in the HVAC system."
"I've checked that the air coming out of my AC is cold, what the temperature is in different rooms in my house, and 25 ft ceilings, if my pizza is safe to eat without getting pizza palate, I also insulated the compressor pipe on the outside of my house."
"Warnings about pointing at animals and people should be strictly adhered to as with any laser product to prevent eye damage and shouldn’t be used or handled by children."
"I also like that the company sent a follow up letter asking if I had any questions or concerns."
"It seemed to be not as accurate as this unit and lasted just several years and then began to give random readings."
"This works great on any solid, matte surface, just as the description says."
"Lots of custom/ aftermarket parts makes troubleshooting a little more involved than a factory car."
"IF you need high precision readings then I would recommend stepping up to a better model with the ability to calibrate temps and dial in the correct emessivity for different surfaces."
Features 1.Laser targeting system for more precise aiming; 2.Greater distance-spot ratio offers accurate results at longer distances; 3.Safely measure hazardous or inaccessible objects; 4.Standard 9V battery offers 14 hours of cumulative use; 5.Auto-shutoff after 15 seconds to increase battery life; 6.Instant-read-display on LCD. Specifications Temperature Range: -58℉~1382℉(-50℃~750℃ ). Accuracy: ±2%. Distance Spot Ratio: 16:1. Emissivity Adjustable: 0.95(fixed). Response Time and Wavelength: 500ms and (8-14)um. Repeatability: ±1% or±1℃. Resolution: 0.1℃ or 0.1℉ Package Included 1x Etekcity Lasergrip 800 thermometer. 1x 9V DC battery. 1x User's manual. NOTE: For best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and object of measurement should approximately be 14.17 inches (36cm); Temperature readings from this devices are inanimate objects, the measured temperature for humans or animals will not be correct; FDA, FCC, CE approved; 2-Year Warranty by Etekcity.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Since we’re in a deep freeze here in New England, there is no need for that right now, so I’ve been taking readings on our fireplace and around the rooms to see how the temperature changes as I get farther away."
"Nice little inexpensive infrared thermometer you will need to be in your terrarium or vivarium because it will not give you the correct temperature if you are trying to use it through a piece of glass or even a terrarium hood that has screen on it."
"Seems accurate against my certified unit."
"Accurate readings and the display makes taking reading a breeze in poorly lit areas."
"great for takeing a reading of your refrigerator freezer or Air conditioning output.... take temp when new ,so you will know if there is a problem."
"It's working great and glad I opted for one that goes as high as this one does."
"Using this to measure temp of outdoor pizza oven."
"This works as described except for one significant problem."
Best Lab Hydrometers
Then you need the Brewer's Elite Deluxe Triple Scale Hydrometer Set! ★ ALL IN ONE - Triple scale hydrometer easily measures specific gravity, potential alcohol and brix, to easily measure density of fermentation liquids. We are so certain that this Premium Triple Scale Hydrometer Kit will satisfy you that we offer a 90 day no-questions-asked refund policy! ★ Easily calculate Alcohol % (ABV) - Graduated color bands help you know when you brew is ready, and our Crystal clear fonts are so easy to read.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Hydrometer arrived quickly."
"The Hydrometer arrived quickly and in great condition."
"The hydrometer looks very nice."
"Beginner homebrewer seems to works fine."
"I gave this a 5 star review because it does its job well."
"The colors make it difficult to read."
"I bought this item for a friend."
"So much better than the refractometer."
Best Lab Refractometers
This unit is great for the testing of Fruits, Vegetables and Grasses, Wine or Beer makers and for the maintenance of CNC Coolants (Soluble Oils, Semi-Synthetics, Neo-Synthetics and Synthetics) and Water Soluble Drawing & Stamping Compounds. This is THE unit that is used around the world at Boeing, Airbus, Ford Motor Company, Toyota, West Coast Choppers and other manufacturer's big and small!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I believe that the higher BRIX food is healthier, and gives you more nutrition for the dollar."
"The refractometer comes with a nice zippered pouch, instruction booklet, small screwdriver for zeroing the unit as well as a small plastic siphon. I tested a store bought apple and discovered it was slightly above average."
"I would say works well for SAP not syrup, you need a refractometer with a higher brix scale for maple syrup, dont want anyone else to make the same mistake i did, but still good to know what your sugar content of the sap is and when the season is over for the noobs. it actually works for syrup if you dilute it in a 2-1 ratio water to syrup, you would be looking for 22-23%. 2 teaspoons of water to 1 teaspoon of maple syrup."
"It works quite well for the price and is the exact same model as the one my professor allows the students to borrow during lab."
"Normally I'd expect to pay over $100 for one of these - so finding a temperature-compensated refractometer for only $35 sounded like a gamble, but one worth taking."
"Yes, a hard case."
"I've been using it on tomatoes and I think it seems to be accurate."
"While I imagine it will do just fine, I chose this model instead of the 0-10% model because this model appeared to come with a plastic case."
Best Thermometers
The Standard of Measurement Practical for both indoor and outdoor use, the Lasergrip 774 lets you safely measure surface temperatures from a distance while still maintaining laser-sharp accuracy. With user-friendly operation and a temperature measurement range that surpasses boiling points, the possibilities are endless. Better Accuracy: The Distance to Spot Ratio is 12:1, meaning the Laser grip 774 can accurately measure targets at greater distances compared to most other IR Thermometers. Added Function: The LCD screen is backlit, also has an Auto-Off function to extend the battery life, and features a low battery indicator so you never accidentally run out of juice (battery included).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This device is probably the best single purchase that I have made on Amazon in my three-plus years of Prime membership. It functions wonderfully as a distance thermometer, shining a tiny red dot on what I'm measuring and, based on comparison with a thermoscan camera at work, is pretty accurate across a range of temperatures from 0°F up to about 400°F. The button that turns on the device has a very soft click, barely perceptible, so it won't distract your faithful (or in the case of cats) persistent companions. *Probably won't reliably measure the temperature of flames at a safe enough distance, so don't get too close to fire."
"Etekcity Line of Lasergrip IR Themometers ( 1022D, 800, & 630) compared to Klein IR1000. I am not a Professional HVAC or auto mechanic but I do a lot of work myself on my home and vehicles.. An IR thermometer has many uses. I bought this as a homeowner to verify hot/cold spots around my home. I decided I would go with Etekcity Line IR thermometer based on Amazon Best seller Etekcity 774 (best seller most reviewed and priced very affordable at $16.88). After researching other Etekcity models I found many different options that offered different ranges, features, and spot/distance ratios up to 16:1 with 12:1 being the higher standard and what most higher end brands have.. spot/distance ratios range from 8:1 to 16:1 in this class of IR tool. I submitted a question to them through Amazon and Etekcity responded within the same day offering to call me , as I had a lot of questions..I was able to immediately open a chat conversation with Etekcity customer reps and they were VERY helpful in explaining to me the advantages / differences in all of their IR thermometers. Etekcity 1022D- $19.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 1022D Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Dual Laser, Blue. my first IR from Etekcity: I like the idea of Dual lasers & adjustable emissivity. Etekcity 800 Lasergrip - $25.98 Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Non-contact Digital Laser IR Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun, Yellow/Black. Features: Single Laser. 16:1 distance to Spot ratio. Emissivity- FIXED at .95. Range: -58℉ - 1382℉. After a disappointing test of the Etekcity 1022D I read reviews and decided to look at the 800, It features better accuracy at range with a 16:1 distance spot ration. *** Etekcity 630 Dual Lasergrip - $29.99 Etekcity Lasergrip 630 Dual Laser Non-contact Digital Infrared Thermometer, Gray and Black. First impression was how it was packaged in a nice solid cardboard box ( unlike the plastic blister packs of the others including the Klein. The most features, options and in my tests most accurate ( accuracy is negligible between 800 & 630 both are well with in the +/- .5 to 2.0 tolerance). Features: Dual laser for better accuracy. 16:1 Distance to Spot Ratio. Emissivity: ADJUSTABLE. Range: -58℉~1076℉. Multi function menu options ( MAX/Min temp setting, AVG and Diff/ TD). I chose the 630 over the 800 mainly due to the extra menu options ( AVG, MAX, MIn , Diff) adjustable emissivity ,and dual laser aside form that the 800 & 630 perform identically. the 1022D and 774 are priced well at under $20.00 but for more features and higher specs I think one will not go wrong with the Etekcity 800 or Feature rich Etekcity 630."
"I bought this product because I thought my refrigerator was not cold enough, and I saw the tech that previously came out using a lazer thermometer to gauge the temps inside."
Best Lab pH Meters
Accurate Instruments give you instant, accurate moisture readings. This Soil Moisture Meter used for Soil PH test not for Water PH test.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Received quickly and I love using it in my garden!"
"Very handy to have because I have various plants that require different levels of moisture and they cannot all be watered at the same time."
"Works fine and safe me dirty fingers , had one before but that walked away from me ( "with a friend ")!"
"I grow a lot of African Violets as well as other plants and this gadget is so handy, especially for those other plants that I have in pots on the deck outside."
"Not that accurate, not recommended to,leave it in the soil..must be removed after readings are taken and wiped clean..Would not buy again. I must add..The seller is fantastic and had made all things right, without my even asking!!"
"I am very happy with this purchase - I have tons of houseplants and the worst thing you can do is over water them and with this I don't."
"Seems pretty accurate most of the time."
"As a serious gardenning beginer, I bought four osmanthus and two wintersweet flower."
Best Brewing & Wine Making Racks & Storage
Size: Set of 2. Perfect for interior closets, under stairwells, in pantries, and basements.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"They don't look fancy, and when you start stacking them up to really build up storage space... sure, you could probably get a better looking solution for the price. The dips on the top are great for awkwardly sized bottles, demis and magnums, as well as bottles that are to be regularly accessed (I keep my spare vermouth at the ready if there are otherwise unoccupied dips). They're easy to transport, be it for bringing to a party, empty for a run to the store, or reconfiguring/moving the stack."
"I am an amateur winemaker so I have a lot of wine that needs to be stored while it reaches maturity; usually 20-30 cases. For years this has meant cardboard boxes as I moved and shifted the wine as it matured. These can be troublesome... they don't last, not every bottle fits in them, they are heavy for me (short, round woman) and so on. It doubles as a stool when I need to reach those in the top shelf, they stack and they are all uniform."
"I store my wine in my 100+ year old basement, way in the back corner on the floor under a shelving unit in cardboard wine boxes."
"They fit nicely into a dark closet for a small to fairly large wine collection."
"If you want to put your wine racks on display, buy something else, because these plastic storage containers are as plain and utilitarian as manila folders."
"Now he had this bungeed to the side of the back of his SUV and can drop in one bottle for a dinner or six for a party. I would personally put a shim under the front sodo it was slightly tipped backwards."
"I went through several solutions prior to purchasing this one including: - cardboard wine boxes, stacked. - wooden wine racks. - other plastic racking solutions. Generally, cardboard just didn't last at all and was a terrible idea. You can add a few extra bottles on top of a stack or add another container on top - no changes required."
Best Beer Brewing Equipment
Forget all about plastic straws that add to pollution and treat yourself to the deluxe experience of this exquisite set of 4 high-end straws that will take your enjoying a fresh juice or an ice cold cocktail to a whole new level! Also, the straw is only approximately 7-8 inches long from after the bend (Aprox 9-10 inches total), so it will not fit in all cups. Fits the " YETI Rambler 30 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid " exeptionaly well!!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Love them, they are great."
"I prefer a straw to just drinking from the opening in the lid so I like them...the only issue I have is they are metal and swing back and forth in the lid opening with the excess space."
"I use it to drink tea from the 30 oz RTIC insulated steel tumblers, they fit great and the steel straws allow as much flow as I need."
"Very well made Extra Long Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, no seams nice finish, work perfectly with my Steel Peak 30 ounce tumbler."
"These straws are a great addition to any of the Tumblers on the market today."
"I bought them to pair with a couple 30oz tumblers I recently bought."
"I always place my beverage in the freezer for a short time after preparation with the straws in the stainless steel tumblers."
"I had to soak both the rubber straw and the steel one in hot water to make the rubber one to slide down the steel one."
Best Wine Making Equipment
Handcrafted American white oak staves cut & fitted precisely around two equal heads of oak and perfectly bound by 6 hoops of steel! Primitive craftsmanship as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. We've added a medium toast char to the inner wall to caramelize the oak's sugar. It's a piece of American history that will be proudly displayed for family & friends for several years to come. - Certified, Genuine "American Oak Barrel Company" Product | "MADE BY" & Sold Directly by American Oak Barrel | Quality Distinction Guaranteed | Our Reviews & Feedback Insure Satisfaction. - Scroll down this page to our LARGE logo to understand who we are, the value we offer & how to recognize you are purchasing an Authentic "American Oak Barrel' Product!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"As an aside my husband also received another oak barrel as a gift from another party."
"My husband is currently making a second batch aged old fashioned in the barrel, the first batch didn't last very long because it was so good."
"I got this aging barrel for my husband for Christmas and he started using it right away."
"The depth of flavor in the aged whiskey was impressive."
"Followed direction - no leaks."
"Lost a star for the ugly stand."
"I gave this barrel to my friend who makes his own spirits."
"One of the best gifts I have ever bought."
Best Home Brewing Cleaning & Sanitation
STAR SAN is also a self-foaming sanitizer. Sanitizing with STAR SAN on a daily basis will leave equipment in an acid condition that will eliminate water spotting. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So I think that having a better way to measure smaller amounts, plus some instructions on the back for how much to use for 1 gallon or 1 liter would be nice."
"which is great for any project where you have to clean...er...SANITIZE..a number of items OVER time as with wine making so as to not contaminate when testing wine, stirring, etc."
"5 batches of beer/cider/wine so far, not a single one has been spoiled yet."
"My favorite sanitizer for brewing and wine making."
"Never had a bad batch of cider using this stuff to sanitize."
"What else can you say about star san?"
"Nice container."
"It sanitises things, it works."
Best Brewing & Fermentation Labeling Supplies
The Neato Beer Bottle Labels give you enough supplies to label 40 beer bottles completely. This software will help you design Neato Labels, Cell Phone Skins, Inserts, Beer Labels, and Wine Labels. Because the Neato labels and software are designed together, there is no figuring out sticker sizes and software settings, leaving you more time and brain power to spend on your designing. Get 40 Beer Bottle Labels - 3 x 3 1/2 and 40 Neck Labels.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have used these labels for several batches of beer and the results are always first class: sharp colors professonal appearance."
"Excellent product."
"I had some issues getting my printer (Canon MP560) to feed the paper correctly and to line up with the template - I eventually added some extra "empty" space around my designs so that it wouldn't catch the edge of my design and have an ugly white border on parts the label."
"The small top label on the other hand, and I'm assuming its because of the multidirectional curvature of the bottle neck, had issues with staying in place on almost every bottle."
"The labels came quickly and in good condition."
"This kits makes it very easy to create your own labels in Microsoft word."
"The image still didn't quite match with the label- resulting in white strips on various edges of the label, but useable."
"The design elements were extremely lacking so instead I used a desktop publishing program that I use for a ton of work projects."
Best Brewing & Fermentation Equipment
Your Kombucha Brewing Kit includes: 1 Gallon Glass Brew Jar w/ lid, Organic Kombucha Culture & 8oz. Including only 100% organic ingredients, you'll have everything you need to start brewing as soon as it arrives and the kombucha culture and equipment to keep you going for years. When you're done with your initial brew, the included 16 page Post-Brewing Guide will walk you through how to bottle your brew, experiment with different flavors and care for your kombucha culture.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've been wanting to try my hand at making kombucha for a few years now but was afraid of making it wrong and becoming deathly ill. Also, I admit, the Scoby kind of freaked me out."
"The kit has everything you need to get started but I would highly recommend checking out the Kombucha Shop's website (http://www.thekombuchashop.com) for more instruction, tips, and ideas for making a great, flavorful kombucha. Here are a few products I've found to be helpful when making and serving the kombucha: -OXO Good Grips 3-Inch Mini Strainer: This is great for filtering out the fruit and particles when serving your kombucha following the secondary fermentation. -Calphalon Nylon Ladle Utensil: I use this for transferring the kombucha from the big gallon jar to the flip top bottles that I use for the secondary fermentation (see below) and this works great because it has notches on either side for more precise pouring of liquids."
"Has everything one needs to make a perfect batch of kombucha at home!"
"Package arrived quickly; the glass jar and bottles were well packed (no broken bits)."
"I'd been wanting to make my own kombucha for over a year but always felt too intimidated by the process."
"Wow, what can I say, had tried to make Kombucha once before and failed I think due to well water PH but anyway decided to try this kit. After taste test amazed me I bottled up 8 bottles and capped them, kept at room temperature for 3 days then refrigerated one bottle and opened it this morning."
"One suggestion to the Kombucha Shop: in the instructions, please include more info about making subsequent batches after the first, particularly treatment of the SCOBY. More detail would be welcome, but we seem to be managing so far going by intuition in addition to the otherwise very clear instruction card."
"I bought this kit to make my very first batch of kombucha."