SmartRef Digital Refractometer | Anton Paar

MoreBeer!'s Favorite SmartRef Benefits:

• Only refractometer we know of that has alcohol correction built in. Gives an accurate reading during fermentation when an original reading is taken
• Only requires the smallest of samples
• Dual purpose: Can be used in the field to measure sugar content of grapes
• Costs less than the Anton Paar EasyDens. EasyDens gives accurate readings at any point during fermentation without the need for an original reading.

Our Take:  The SmartRef is a very smart digital refractometer. Unlike other refractometers on the market, it will automatically correct for alcohol during fermentation (currently only in beer) and give you an accurate reading. In order for the SmartRef to make the required adjustments for alcohol, it is required that you take an original reading before fermentation. This is a key difference from the Anton Paar EasyDens. With the EasyDens you can take a reading at any point during fermentation without the need of an original reading. Does that feature make the EasyDens worth the extra money?  That is up to you of course, but sometimes in brewing we forget to take an initial reading on brew day. 

When used together the SmartRef and EasyDens allow for some very unique measurements like the ability to know the original gravity of a beer even without an original reading. To learn more about using these meters together, click here. 

SmartRef Features:

• Wide measuring range from 0 to 85 °Brix (0 to 62.7 °P)
• Accuracy of 0.2 °Brix (0.2 °P)
• Built-in wort and alcohol correction for beer that is fully configurable
• Quick readings – results in under 2 seconds
• Automatic temperature compensation (ATC)
• Small sample volume requirement (0.4 mL)
• Free iOS/Android app
• Record and share readings from the ap
• Use in conjunction with the EasyDens to determine ABV, ABW, OG, FG, & Real Extract in finished beer

The SmartRef Digital Refractometer by Anton Paar is a portable smart pocket device suitable for a wide range of requirements. The SmartGuide+, as a feature in the mobile app, automatically checks any errors of ambient light, impurity, and sample behavior during measurement for you. The device offers more than 15 different measurement units with automatic temperature compensation. Depending on your need, SmartRef enables you to measure the extract content of your beer, the sugar content in wine, the sweetness of fruits and vegetables, the moisture of honey, the salt content of your aquarium or pool, and much more.

Smart Technology for Consistent Results

• The SmartRef portable refractometer is used in combination with a free mobile app for Android and iOS via Bluetooth Low Energy and enables intelligent handling of the measurement results.
• The app permits easy storage, visualization, management, and sharing of measurement data.
• SmartGuide+ detects and helps eliminate measurement problems through high ambient light detection, continuous checking of prism and sample condition, and more.
• In addition to the quick measurement mode, measurements in continuous mode allow a more detailed understanding of the samples’ properties.
• Over-the-air updates keep your digital refractometer up-to-date with the latest features.

SmartRef Measurement Details

• The SmartRef refractometer measures the refractive index of fluids. This allows retrieval of relevant sample properties in a wide variety of applications.
• Fast temperature stabilization and automatic temperature compensation for measurement results make additional calculations and correction tables obsolete.
• The unit has an IP66 rating and an easy-to-clean stainless steel sample well.
• SmartRef supports a one-point zero adjustment with distilled water and requires only a few drops of sample (0.4 mL).
• SmartRef displays results in under two seconds and has a measurement range of 0 °Brix to 85 °Brix with an accuracy of 0.2 °Brix.

High Variety of Measurement Applications

• Brix refractometer: For wine, juice, honey, sauces, jams, fruits, vegetables, and maple syrup. The SmartRef measures the sugar content in °Brix, °Babo, °Baumé, °KMW, and °Oechsle.
• Salinity refractometer: SmartRef determines the salt content in your saltwater aquarium and pool in salinity specific gravity (SG 20/20), practical salinity units (PSU), and salinity in parts per thousand (ppt).
• Beer refractometer: SmartRef shows the extract content of wort in °Plato.
• As a smart device, SmartRef offers a constant expansion of measurement units. All available scales, such as specific gravity, are provided within the app.

Technical Specifications:

Measuring Range

• Refractive index (RI) at 20°C: 1.3330 – 1.5040
• Brix: 0° to 85°
• Sample Temperature: 10°C – 100°C (50°F – 212°F)
• PSU (practical salinity units): 0 – 50
• Salinity ppt (parts per thousand): 0 – 150
• Salinity S.G. (20/20): 1.000 – 1.114

Accuracy

• Refractive index (RI): ±0.0003
• Brix: ±0.2°
• Temperature: 0.5 °C (0.9 °F)
• PSU (practical salinity units): ±2
• Salinity ppt (parts per thousand): ±2
• Salinity S.G. (20/20): ±0.002

Resolution

• Refractive index (RI): 0.0001
• Brix: 0.1°
• Temperature: 0.1°C (0.1°F)
• PSU (practical salinity units): 1
• Salinity ppt (parts per thousand): 1
• Salinity S.G. (20/20): 0.001

Further Specifications

• Sample Volume: 0.4 mL
• Measurement Time: <2 s
• Automatic Temperature Compensation 20 °C (ATC) %Brix: 10°C – 100°C (50°F – 212°F)
• Automatic Temperature Compensation 20 °C (ATC) PSU, ppt, S.G. (20/20): 10°C – 40°C (50°F – 104°F)
• Mobile Operating System: Android and iOS

Data

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 108mm x 64mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.5" 1.4")
• Weight (incl. batteries): ~135 g (0.31 lbs)
• Power Supply: 2x AAA 1.5V LR03 alkaline batteries (included) or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries
• Enclosure Rating: IP66 according to IEC 60529

Condition

• Ambient Temperature: 10°C – 40°C (50°F – 104°F)
• Air Humidity: 5% RH – 95% RH, non-condensing
• Battery Lifetime: ~10,000 measurements
• Storage Temperature: 10°C – 40°C (50°F – 104°F)
• Interface: Bluetooth™ Low Energy
• Frequency Band: 2400 MHz – 2480 MHz
• Transmitter Power: 7.5 dBm max. (5.6 mW max.)

Part Material

• Sample Area: Stainless steel and glass, FKM O-Ring
• Enclosure Housing: Flame retardant PBT/PC, UL94-V0