If this is your first time using pH meters, you may have just figured out that these devices have many uses. The best pH meter for wine making is not only preferred by aquarium enthusiasts or beer brewers but may also be used for hydroponic gardening or to test your pool water.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Whatever you may use them for, a pH meter will be able to measure the acidity or alkalinity within a matter of seconds. With respect to wine making, this could allow you to adjust chemicals accordingly or maybe even expedite your service if you think the wine requires some treatment.
The 5 Best pH Meters for Wine Making
While most pH meters are sold with convenient features and single-button operation, it can still be overwhelming to choose from a large array of options available in the market. For this reason, we have handpicked and reviewed 5 of the best pH meters for wine making. If you’re still having trouble making a decision, you could refer to our buyer’s guide for additional purchase considerations.
1. Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter
The Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter was originally designed for plant germination but its various features make it perfect for wine making. For instance, this pH meter goes beyond measuring pH levels and its 3-in-1 combo tool can also be used to measure conductivity and temperature.
This pH meter’s display is larger than most other devices and therefore it requires its own batteries. Speaking of which, the display also warns users when the battery is low and when it is finally time for you to switch them out.
Pros
- 3-in-1 combination of functions of wine tests
- Large display makes it easy for users to read results
- Sold with its own batteries
- The display has a very clear low battery warning
- Compact and easy to store
- Affordable
Cons
- Has a very fragile designand the probe has been found to be susceptible to damages
2. Apera Instruments PH700 Benchtop Lab pH Meter
The Apera Instruments PH700 Benchtop Lab pH Meter is perfect for applications in an indoor agricultural or laboratory setting. Since it is a benchtop pH meter, it has more precise and functional features. For this reason, the pH electrode is sold with an auto temperature sensor and compensates for each reading.
Additionally, this pH meter also has an advanced calibration mode that can cater to your specific needs or for self-diagnosis. Moreover, the digital readout makes lab tests very effective and can speed up the whole process.
Pros
- More sophisticated and accurate readings
- Perfect for indoor use orfor laboratory settings
- Advanced calibration mode makes self-diagnosis possible
- Readings are displayed very clearly and show up much more quickly
- Affordable
- Dust-proof and spill-proof
Cons
- Users may have to go through an initial learning curve to get used to this device
3. Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit
Our 3rd best pH meter for wine making is the Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit. Now is a perfect time to introduce you to this product because its features are specifically designed for beginners. Its pH meter has an auto-calibration function that automatically measures and delivers excellent results with a high response rate.
This Apera pH tester is also sold with 2 buffer solutions, a lanyard and a dedicated carrying case. Moreover, this meter is powered by 2 batteries and the device translates these to 2000 hours of uninterrupted runtime.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Offers 2000 hours of uninterrupted runtime
- Auto calibration function is perfect for beginner pH testers
- Has a 2-year warranty
- Affordable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Users found that it takesmore than one try to get the device to calibrate correctly
4. Dr. Meter 0.01 Resolution High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter
Dr. Meter’s 0.01 Resolution High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter is another great digital pH meter that provides users with very accurate readings via a digital display. This particular device has been used by many professionals to measure the alkalinity or acidity of a liquid in many diverse settings.
In terms of wine making, this device has plenty of useful features and high-quality functions that can streamline your workflow. Lastly, this product is very easy to carry around or store in a briefcase.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Made from durable materials
- Brand has a lot experience with pH meters
- Very versatile and can be used to measure acidity/alkalinity of various liquids
- Includesa carrying case
- Sold with a 1 year warranty
Cons
- Past customers of this brand have complained that they have poor customer service
5. KETOTEK Digital PH Meter, PH Meter With ATC
Finally, the KETOTEK Digital PH Meter, PH Meter With ATCÂ is the perfect balance between bulky and plain pH meters. This particular model looks quite like a thermometer case and falls into the category of pen-style pH meters.
This pH meter has been used to measure test pools, body fluids, cooling towers and a diverse range of beverages. For each test, it provides an accuracy of within 0.01 pH and this is the best possible result you can expect from any non-medical device.
Pros
- Offers an accuracy of 0.01 pH
- Among the smallest pH meters in the market
- Easily replaceable probe
- Can be switched from Celsius to Fahrenheit for temperature tests
- Features an automatic shutoff system incase the user forgets to switch the pH meter off
- Affordable and portable
Cons
- There is no space for a backlit display for readings
What to Look for When Picking the Best pH Meter for Wine Making
pH Meter Design
Your choice of the best pH meter for wine can be found in a variety of styles such as pen, handheld, benchtop etc. So far pen-style pH meters tend to be the most portable since they can be easily packed into travel cases or your pocket.
Handheld pH meters may require 2 hands for operation but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t portable. These devices may be a little larger than pen-style pH meters because they offer greater functionality and are typically also shockproof and waterproof.
Finally, benchtop pH meters are mostly intended for indoor use hence it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they aren’t very portable. However, these devices make up for this drawback by offering more dedicated functions and multiple electrodes.
Accuracy, Range, Resolution
The higher the accuracy offered by a pH meter, the more return on your investment you can expect. However, this particular consideration may ignore the fact that more accuracy also commonly means a higher price. The average pH meter may have an accuracy of +/-0.01 to +/-0.2 but the best pH meters for wine making may also offer up to +/-0.001 accuracies.
On the other hand, range refers to the pH range of the device and most meters can measure up to 0 to +14. There are, however, also some models that are programmed to measure extended pH levels from -2 to +20. Lastly, resolution signifies how much information can be displayed by a pH meter. For instance, a 0.1 resolution implies that it displays pH in tens.
Temperature Correction
If this is your first time using a pH meter, you should also know that temperature can have a significant impact on pH readings. Temperature correction can, therefore, counter this effect but is usually only present in sophisticated meters.
Calibration
Calibration on pH meters can either be done automatically or manually and the former is usually done with a simple push of a button. On the other hand, manual calibration is done with the help of adjustable knobs but usually has a longer learning curve to get used to.
Electrodes
The electrodes of pH meters often require periodic replacement since the solution inside them may eventually dry out. To avoid this from happening, you can use sealed electrodes but these can only be used for one reading. Refillable electrodes are the way to go if you wish to save some money in the long run, but they will cost more up front.
Our Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best pH meters for wine making, the biggest deciding factor tends to be the sensitivity and accuracy of the device. That being said, all 5 of our handpicked pH meters offer the most sensitive calibration and accurate results in the market.
If you still haven’t made up your mind after reading our reviews, you can read each product’s customer testimonials on Amazon and find out what past users have to say about these devices.
