refractometer

[hintonsugarshack]

are refractometers more accurate than hydrometers?

[maplehound]

If you get one with a good range scale then I think they are. some of the ones used for wine making have to tight of a scale and can't be read accuratly enough. Also the sap needs to be cool when you use a refractometer so you will still want a hydrometer around when you are boiling.
Ron
PS: I have posted new pictures for those interested. ( early years of making syrup and this years set up )

[Rob Harvey]

I think it is the hydrometer that rules if you run into a Vermont maple inspector!

[timbley]

Having never used a hydrometer, but only a refractometer, I really can't see how you can possibly go wrong with a refractometer. Yes, the syrup needs to be room temperature, but the amount that you are sampling very very quickly achieves the temperature of the refactometer. Insantly almost. Certainly in the amount of time it takes you to life the refractometer to your eyeball.

I have one for testing sap, and one for testing syrup, and I love both.