Ph tester for home use

[Richard Chrz]

I’m wanting to work more on ph level understandings in my cooking. I’d like to buy something highly recommended by people here, and affordable next,

thank you for any and all input on a purchase,

[Histrix]

I have one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ESYG6B0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works well. I wanted one that wasn't too cheap, nor too expensive. It may be that the $20 ones are just as accurate. You'll want to calibrate/verify whatever unit you buy so you'll need some test solutions also.

If you don't specifically need/want a decimal readout then it is hard to beat good old litmus paper.

[Michael_in_TX]

Here's the one I have that I bought when I was messing around with hot sauces: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082DZBJFB

Like Histrix said, you will need to calibrate them as they get out of calibration easily over time.

[MBMorgan]

Just go to a good beer brewing supplies seller ... like: https://www.northernbrewer.com/pages...e?q=ph%20meter

... lot's of options.

[JHB]

Yes, this is a good idea. We home brewers spend a lot of time fiddling with pH, so supply stores carry a selection of meters. Be sure to get some calibrating solution since even good meters tend to drift with time.

[DaveD]

If memory serves, it matters at what temperature range you will be typically measuring your pH. I know it's something that matters in brewing, there's a significant temperature dependence. Something to keep in mind.

[JimLinebarger]

This is what I use for my hydroponic system. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

[IowaGirl]

Speaking as a former chemistry lab technician -- A pH meter is only as good as the calibration and care its given. If you don't use a pH meter on a regular basis, if you aren't willing to spend the time to calibrate correctly, or don't want to spend the money to get decent buffer solutions for calibration, then you're better off using a quality pH test strip instead.

There are a lot of cheap pH meters out there not providing accurate, useful information, either because the meter isn't sufficiently accurate in the first place or because the meter isn't cared for properly. And even the best pH meter doesn't last forever -- the electrodes need to be replaced regularly.

The pH strips that measure from 0 to 14 are tolerable if all you need is a super rough check for the kids' backyard science experiments. They're pretty much a joke for any purpose that requires reasonable precision, say if you want to test the pH for canning tomato juice, brewing wine or beer, etc.

Figure out the specific pH range at which you want to test, and buy a test strip that measures as narrow a range of pH as is reasonable for your purpose. For example, I use a test strip that measures from pH 2.8 to 4.4.

Machery-Nagel is one reputable brand of high quality plastic test strips and they repackage their strips under other's labels too. I am leery about buying stuff like this from Amazon; I tend to find a reputable supplier and buy direct from them instead. If you go to a brewing supply house, for example, their test strips are going to be decent.

[hollysmokes]

This is what I use: ThermoWorks Waterproof pH Meters and there are a couple of different ones at different price points and tolerances but like IowaGirl mentioned, you'll need calibrators.

[Alan Brice]

I have used the “AquaChek” TruTest for appx 20 years. $50. You must have fairly fresh test strips. Not from last season. Mostly to adjust the swimming pool. Very accurate. Test for chlorine, pH, total alkalinity n stabilizer/conditioner.
Not familiar with the electronic instrument.
Not seeing the measuring device anywhere. Just the required test strips.
Maybe it is old school n the electronics are replacing them.

[IowaGirl]

No, it's not old school -- test strips are a valid tool. Good test strips like you're using.

The thing that's changed is less expensive pH meters are now available on the market. THere's nothing wrong with owning one, but ya gotta know what you've got. Many people who get them often aren't really clued into how they must be cared for and what their limitations are. People also don't realize pH electrodes don't have an indefinite shelf life.

[jfmorris]

Kinda keeping an eye on what you get and how well it works. I've been brewing for 12-13 years now, and while I know pH can be important in brewing particular styles, I've never invested in tools to measure it. I did a hefeweizen a week and a half ago, and did a 90 minute acid rest, but probably didn't need that long, as the rest was in order to lower the pH of the mash before stepping to the sachification (sp?) rest. If I had the tools I could have measured the pH and known when it was done.

[Richard Chrz]

Yeah, I’m looking to extend my knowledge on ph. I understands the concepts, reasons, small things. Lately I have gotten the itch to ask more questions. I’m probably going to follow IowaGirl for now and find better ph strips, and as I learn their limitations, will go the next step, I have followed her posting’s, always trying to find out what I don’t know, and often find that’s a lot. . If I start getting deeper in, which is almost a sure thing, I will likely look to next step.

[mnavarre]

This is the one I use in the brewery:

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-MW102-PH-Temperature-Meter/dp/B001DTNDME/ref=sr_1_3?crid=362GSD7XI9ODM&keywords=milwaukee+ph+meter&qid=1681854743&s=industrial&sprefix=milwaukee+ph%2Cindustrial%2C195&sr=1-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

I like it because of the automatic temp correction and ease of calibration. At $120 bucks it's not to bad and the bottom of what I'd consider "pro" level.

I've got this one at home

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponics-Accuracy-Measurement-Household-Drinking/dp/B08HLXBBK4?th=1

It works fine for what I use it for, but for cooking I'd look for something with ATC.

[JHB]

I use this Milwaukee meter for home brewing. The temperature correction is quite useful, since brewing is just a form of cooking.