Hydrometer reading in fermenter or pull sample?

General Homebrew Discussion
1

Hey brewers and brewettes, your feedback is appreciated on the following:

Is it, in your opinion, an acceptable practice to take a hydrometer reading (obviously with a properly sanitized hydrometer) right in the fermenter? I use large buckets for my primary or 1st stage and have found that it is something less of a hassle to just plunk my hydrometer straight into the bucket than to pull a sample into my flask. Here’s my thinking.

-Fewer pieces of equipment to sanitize
-My flask is a bit skinny, and my hydrometer has a very frustrating tendency to stick against the sides, it is extremely difficult for me to get it to float freely.

On the other hand, I can’t get right down at eye level, being that my buckets are of course opaque, so my readings are less accurate.

Thoughts?

2

I prefer to pull a sample. Much easier to read the reading accurately.

3

Plus you get to taste the sample.

4

+1 to both!

5

Someday, you’ll break a hydrometer, and when you do you’ll be glad it didn’t happen in a fermenter.

6

+1

7

Yep, I prefer to take a sample with a wine thief.

8

Make it +2 to both

9

Much appreciated. I think subconsciously I was hoping for someone to validate my laziness.  ::slight_smile:

sigh I guess I’ll do things the right way.