Murphy compensating cup vs hydrotherm

[ecolbeck]

I’m wondering if there is an advantage to a Murphy cup vs a hydrotherm. The cup works in conjunction with a hygrometer but the hydrotherm does both functions as a single unit. The hydrotherm is only slightly more expensive than the hydrogrometer while the Murphy cup is over $100. Why don’t more people use hydrotherms?

[Bricklayer]

I used a hydrotherm for years. Then I tried the Murphy cup and will never go back. I found the hydrotherm took longer to get a good reading. With the Murphy cup it’s almost instant 15 seconds with the syrup in it to let thermometer level out. Then drop in hydrometer and you have your reading. Very easy and fool proof. I’ve found it to be a god send since getting an auto draw. Quick readings mean you can adjust the draw temp right away. No waiting.

[maple flats]

Just take it gently as you "drop it in", if the hydrometer hits the bottom of the test cup the paper can slide and make a calibrated hydrometer be off.

[Bricklayer]

I used the term “drop it in” but of course did not literally mean to drop the hydrometer in the Murphy cup.

[ecolbeck]

I used a hydrotherm for years. Then I tried the Murphy cup and will never go back. I found the hydrotherm took longer to get a good reading. With the Murphy cup it’s almost instant 15 seconds with the syrup in it to let thermometer level out. Then drop in hydrometer and you have your reading. Very easy and fool proof. I’ve found it to be a god send since getting an auto draw. Quick readings mean you can adjust the draw temp right away. No waiting.

Thanks for the reply. What you’re saying makes perfect sense. How long does it take for a hydrotherm to come to equilibrium?

[Parker]

To be honest with you i cant really remember what i did not like about the hydrotherm,but,,,,tried them a couple of times.bont care for them..i do remember they tzke a bit to get a good reading.....i cant tell you i LOVE the murphy cup...i had a accucup and they are great until the battery dies in the middle of a big boil....some how my brain just gets the murphy cup,,hydrometer,,,combonation...no going to a conversion chart.....easy to tell how far to or past syrup you are......

[Bricklayer]

No battery to worry about in the Murphy cup.
I do find that like any hydrometer or hydrotherm or Quebec hydrotherm that kerping the hydrometer and Murphy cup warm makes for quick readings. I found hanging the cup on the inside of the draw off tank so it didn’t get hit with syrup off the valve works good. I just leave the cup with syrup in it and the hydrometer. Stays warm and ready for next test. Just dump syrup out after taking hydrometer out. Then I fill Murphy cup let it sit for 5 seconds then dump it. Then fill it up again. Then take hydrometer reading. Works for me.