What do you use to take samples from your fermenter?

[imark]

Title says it really. I use a turkey baster but it's not ideal. Saw a nice thief on northern brewer but nothing like it available here that I can see.

[Hop Bomb]

I use the bottling tap near bottom of my fermentation buckets.

[Jacob]

Before started using refractometer and attached pipette was using sterilised gravy spoon.

[mr hoppy]

I use the trial jar itself since I saw it suggested on another forum. Less to clean (so less chance of error) and I've had no issues doing so since I switched (maybe 18 months ago).

[imark]

I like the spoon approach for ease of cleaning and little risk of contamination.

Thinking about getting a refractometer too. I saw a few going on ebay for around €30. Like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Worlds-Most-Accurate-0-32-Brix-Wort-Brew-Beer-DUAL-SCALE-Refractometer-/330829612938 Would they be good enough for the job.

[Ciderhead]

Let me ask you another question why do you need to take a sample out of the fermentor  (Just puttin it out there loike)
If I am in a hurry to move something on, I use a refractometer (20dollars hong kong) and a plastic pipette and just steal a drop.  I still lick the sight glass after I've finished, waste not want not.

[Taf]

Title says it really. I use a turkey baster but it's not ideal. Saw a nice thief on northern brewer but nothing like it available here that I can see.

What do you think the issue is with the Turkey baster? This is what I use and I find it pretty convenient. I always drink the sample, so nothing goes back in. The process of using that thief doesn't look much different to how the baster works, except with the baster you expel air to get suction and on the thief you hold your thumb on the end to keep the liquid in?

[Ciderhead]

I don't, I do a satellite brew. i.e. I fill the trial jar with the fresh brew and cover it with tinfoil. I then just take gravities of it as fermentation progresses.

very clever and are results always identical to main fermenter?

[imark]

Call me a control freak! I just NEED to ok.

Ideally, I'd like the brewpi with the proposed SG sensor to allow me to fully monitor and record progress of all my ferments.

[Bubbles]

I use a glass turkey baster, from KitchenCraft I think. Because it's glass, very easy to clean and sanitise.

[imark]

What do you think the issue is with the Turkey baster?

The baster works quite well but when you squeeze the bulb to expel the sample into the trial jar the nozzle tends to skew to one side. I have to take three dips with my baster to get enough to test ~80ml. So it can be a messy job but drinking the sample is a plus.

[delzep]

I don't, I do a satellite brew. i.e. I fill the trial jar with the fresh brew and cover it with tinfoil. I then just take gravities of it as fermentation progresses.

At what point do you do this? Straight after adding yeast? An hour later? Day later? Great idea!

[JimmyM]

brewpi with the proposed SG sensor

Hang on a minute the what now?

Whats the proposal, how are they going to electronically measure the SG?

[imark]

Gravity sensor is currently under development by ELko. See here

[JimmyM]

Doesnt say anything other than
"at its current stage of development has to do with a weight dangling from a string"
I read all your man's blog posts too.

Be interesting to know how he's doing it.