hydrometer

[bigjohnsons]

Question.

When I test my syrup when finishing I draw it off into my test cup the syrup is around 219 - 220 degrees.

My hydrometer says to test it at 211 degrees. If the syrup is hotter than 211 will it be thicker or thinner ?

Thinks start moving fast at the end. You almost need a third or forth hand if I am checking the temperature of the cup along with using the fragile hydrometer and getting ready to filter.

Thanks for any advise

[maple flats]

yea, slow down. A great investment to buy a Murphy Cup, then you don't need to be in as much of a rush. Rushing breads mistakes, and the faster you go the behinder you get.
Once you determine that the density is right, make sure the temp. is still high enough and filter.
To answer your question, over 211 will be thinner, but anywhere in the 211-219 range will give you a good enough answer. Generally speaking, when you fill a hydrometer cup with 219-220 syrup, dump it once to pre-heat the cup, then fill and wait for the temp to settle it will likely be at 211+/-1. Take the reading. Once it falls to 209 or below, you want to use a chart to correct the reading.