Do you guys use these instead of checking runoff gravity or do both? I love the way my beer turns out but, everytime there is some peice of equipment I don't use I think I need it.haha I could get strips but, think I always need the expensive tester. What is wrong with me? I keep trying to tell myself people have been making GREAT beer w/out all this shit for a loooong time so why do I need it?haha

I usually get the PH of my wort before boiling, just to make sure its in the right range. My work provides me with an unlimited supply of PH strips (and a hydrometer!), so thats the only real reason I bother with it. Truth is, I'll probably switch over to iodine testing and scrap PH altogether.

Cheers
Dave

GuitarLord5000 wrote:Truth is, I'll probably switch over to iodine testing and scrap PH altogether.

I've personally found iodine testing to be a frustrating affair. It's somewhat vague as to whether or not conversion has taken place. I stopped checking my mash altogether, and just "follow my nose"....I was having trouble "not worrying"!

Just FYI...

curlyfat wrote:I stopped checking my mash altogether, and just "follow my nose"....

That will likely be the end result with me also. As I get more experienced with brewing, I get more in depth with some things, and begin to scrap the things that dont work for me. Nothing can replace personal experience.

Cheers
Dave

Ditto!