Which is preferred to take hydrometer samples? Am I pulling the sample straight out of the carboy? May need to be a long thief.
Doesn’t really matter much. Both work equally well. I use a turkey baster and just tip the carboy slightly if I need to.
Turkey baster always works for me.
Found a long turkey baster at a food supply store, that works fine for me.
I have both. The turkey baster is a bit easier and, since it’s shorter, more maneuverable. I’ve found the wine thief is better for getting a good OG reading as I can use it to effectively stir the wort to eliminate stratification after topping off with additional water.
I’m pretty certain the baster was cheaper.
I’m typically fermenting 3 gallons in a 6-gallon carboy or 1-2 gallons in a 3-gallon Better Bottle. So for me the thief is the best option because I need the extra length.
Or a turkey baster with a length of hose on it.
And this is why I come here every day. Brilliant idea!