Category Archives: Tech in Homebrewing

Hands on Review: iSpindel Digital WiFi Hydrometer!

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review! Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

Updated: October 10, 2024

iSpindel

Having the ability to precisely control fermentation temperatures was the change to my brewing setup I credit with one of the largest improvements in my finished beer quality. Being able to dial in specific temperatures for lagers, perform diacetyl rests for both ales and lagers, and cold crash a finished beer helped me to better control what was happening inside my fermenter. One of the data inputs that informed when to change the fermenter temperature was the gravity of the fermenting wort. At various times through the fermentation, I would test a sample to know where the wort was on its journey to become beer. Taking multiple samples was time consuming and it resulted in a loss, albeit a small loss, of the finished product due to the number of samples I was taking.

Enter the electronic, submersible hydrometer – a tool that can read out not only the gravity of a fermenting liquid, but also its temperature all from inside the fermenter, relieving the need to take numerous samples throughout the fermentation process. In addition, many of these devices could connect to an external source and log the data for the user to read in real-time. The brewer and technologist in me were both excited to see what one of these tools had to offer.

The iSpindel is one of a few offerings to homebrewers today in the category of an electronic, submersible hydrometer which also include the Tilt and Float products (I do have experience with the Tilt, which I will discuss later, but will focus on the iSpindel primarily in this review). All products rely on a sensor that can measure the angle of the device in order to calculate the gravity of the liquid. The iSpindel was born out of a desire to make a more cost-effective version of an electronic tilt measurement-based hydrometer, according to the creator, as the other offerings on the market are typically above the $100 mark.

I purchased my iSpindel on eBay from a seller in Canada for roughly half the price of the other devices available:

https://www.ebay.com/usr/wilbrod45

Prebuilt iSpindel:

iSpindel WiFi Hydrometer << This shows all seller’s items in case this ends and is re-listed
Search eBay for iSpindel

RARE Deal on TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer! – $114.75 at Amazon w/Coupon!

Continue reading →

RARE Deal on TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer!

TILT Bluetooth Hydrometer

Why the TILT is Awesome: Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer!

Rare Deal on TILT!

Deals on TILT are rare, why? This is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price. It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price. This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

10% Off at SoCal

As of this posting SoCal Brewing Supply is discounting everything sitewide by 15% when you use coupon code welcome10.
This is valid on first time orders.
Shipping is also free to most US addresses.

Based on my experience with TILT deals, I’d suggest getting in on this sooner rather than later.

Tilt Hydrometers at SoCal Brewing Supply – remember promo code welcome10

Works with Brewfather App! Sign up for a free trial! – check out our Hands on Review Continue reading →

Ends Today: 20% OFF Braumeister Best-in-Class Brewing System!

From MoreBeer:

🔥 20% OFF Speidel Braumeister Plus – 20L/5.2G (110V)! Limited Time Offer 🍺

Dreaming of the perfect brewing setup? Now’s your chance to make it a reality! We’re offering 20% off the Speidel Braumeister Electric Brewery (20L/5.2G – 230V)—the best-in-class all-in-one brewing system trusted by brewers around the world.

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⚙️ Easy to Use: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the intuitive design makes brewing simple and enjoyable.

For a limited time 48 Hours ONLY, you can save a massive $599.99 on this incredible system by using promo code BESTINCLASS at checkout.

We’ve even brewed on this unit ourselves to show you how it works! Check out the video below to see just how easy it is to brew with the Speidel Braumeister.

Speidel Braumeister Plus Electric Brewing System – 20L/5.2G (110V) BRAU027 – remember coupon code BESTINCLASS

Complete Braumeister Lineup at MoreBeer

Also:

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This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

morebeer

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:lnksfxd ssprd:braumeister:ptr

EasyDens by Anton Paar – Smart Hydrometer

More Info

Highlighted Features

Smart & Fast Digital Hydrometer: EasyDens offers quick measurements in under 5 seconds, providing precision readings for your favorite beverages.
Beer Brewing: Measures specific gravity (SG) and °Plato, perfect for wort gravity testing and fermentation monitoring.
Wine Making: Reads in °Brix, °KMW, °Oechsle, °Baumé, °Babo, and sugar concentration (g/L) covering all essential metrics for wine production.
Alcohol Distilling: Measures alcohol content in % v/v, % w/w, and °Proof, suitable for sugar-free spirits with 0.5 %v/v accuracy.
Automatic Temperature Compensation: Ensures accurate readings regardless of temperature.
Free Mobile App: Includes the Meister App Suite for iOS & Android—track fermentation progress, monitor specific gravity and sugar content, and know the optimal bottling time right from your smartphone.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables wireless data transfer to smartphones or tablets via a companion app for real-time measurement monitoring and recording.

Learn More

EasyDens by Anton Paar – Smart Hydrometer – Digital Density Meter – Extract Content, Sugar Content and Alcohol Content – Plato, Specific Gravity (SG), BABO, Baumé, Brix, g/L, KMW, Oechsle, ABV, Proof – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

More Fermentation Related!

- Our Fermentation Related Reviews – Fermenters and More
- Yeast Starters and Fermentation Resource Page
- Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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amazon

Motorized 1/2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valves – Add Automation to Your System

Motorized Ball Valve- 1/2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valve with Full Port, 9-24V AC/DC and 2 Wire Auto Return Setup by U.S. Solid

More Info

Highlighted Features

SAFE AND RELIABLE- Made of SS304 steel, with NSF certification, this ball valve is safe for drinking water; Lifespan is 80,000-100,000 cycles.
NPT THREADING- ½" Stainless steel threading, manufactured and measured according to National Pipe Thread standards; This electrical ball valve is full port, meaning the bore in the ball is a full ½”; This minimizes pressure loss through the valve; Perfect for home automation projects
9V-24V AC/DC- Works effectively over entire voltage range; Will open or close valve in 3-5 seconds; Limit switch minimizes power after valve is fully open; Ideal for projects where an automatic return is necessary
2 WIRE AUTOMATIC RETURN SETUP- Simple two wire connection, valve largely de-energizes after opening; Returns to fully closed if power is removed
ALTERNATIVE TO SOLENOID VALVES- Automatically cuts off power once fully open or fully closed; This reduces likelihood of overheating, making it a great alternative to solenoid valves for projects where a valve needs to be open for an extended period of time
If permanently installed outdoors, it is recommended to place it under a shelter or in a protective box to prevent prolonged exposure to rain.

Learn More

Also: Shop around – search Amazon for “nsf certified motorized ball valve” to see what components may be available for your project.

Motorized Ball Valve- 1/2″ Stainless Steel Ball Valve with Full Port, 9-24V AC/DC and 2 Wire Auto Return Setup by U.S. Solid – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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amazon

Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. Always use caution with hot liquids.

EasyDens by Anton Paar – Smart Hydrometer

More Info

Highlighted Features

Smart & Fast Digital Hydrometer: EasyDens offers quick measurements in under 5 seconds, providing precision readings for your favorite beverages.
Beer Brewing: Measures specific gravity (SG) and °Plato, perfect for wort gravity testing and fermentation monitoring.
Wine Making: Reads in °Brix, °KMW, °Oechsle, °Baumé, °Babo, and sugar concentration (g/L) covering all essential metrics for wine production.
Alcohol Distilling: Measures alcohol content in % v/v, % w/w, and °Proof, suitable for sugar-free spirits with 0.5 %v/v accuracy.
Automatic Temperature Compensation: Ensures accurate readings regardless of temperature.
Free Mobile App: Includes the Meister App Suite for iOS & Android—track fermentation progress, monitor specific gravity and sugar content, and know the optimal bottling time right from your smartphone.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables wireless data transfer to smartphones or tablets via a companion app for real-time measurement monitoring and recording.

Learn More

More Fermentation Related!

- Our Fermentation Related Reviews – Fermenters and More
- Yeast Starters and Fermentation Resource Page
- Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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amazon

Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer + Rare DEAL

Updated: September 11, 2024

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer

I get pretty excited about most homebrew gear. As an engineer, I love trying to find new tools that let me brew more consistently, or give me control over processes that previously were just a spectator sport. The Tilt Bluetooth hydrometer is one of those devices that pulls back the curtain a bit on a part of the brew process that’s a bit more mysterious. It lets you see what’s going on within your fermenting beer in a way that makes you wonder how you managed without it before.

Deals on TILT are Rare, Why?

TILT is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price. It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price. This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

Rare, Limited Time DEAL on TILT!

As of this posting SoCal Brewing Supply is discounting everything sitewide by 15% when you use coupon code welcome10.
This is valid on first time orders.
Shipping is also free to most US addresses.

Based on my experience with TILT deals, I’d suggest getting in on this sooner rather than later.

Tilt Hydrometers at SoCal Brewing Supply – remember promo code welcome10

Tilt Hydrometers at SoCal Brewing Supply
- Black
- Blue
- Yellow
- Pink
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
- Green

Check Current Prices & Availability

Check product pages and searches for current availability, description and pricing

TIlt Hydrometers at MoreBeer
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Orange
- Black
Tilt Hydrometers at SoCal Brewing Supply
- Black
- Blue
- Yellow
- Pink
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
- Green
Tilt Hydrometers at Great Fermentations
- Purple
- Red
- Yellow
- Pink
- Orange
Search Amazon for “Tilt Hydrometer” – offerings vary

A note about colors: The function of all models is the same. If you want multiple TILTs you should choose different colors because your app can monitor only one of each color

Tilt Wireless Black Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Blue Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless RED Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Green Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Orange Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Pink Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Purple Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

Tilt Wireless Yellow Hydrometer and Thermometer: Patented Brewing Technology for Precision Monitoring & Control for Fermentation of Beer, Wine, Cider, Mead & More

TILT Wrench

Tilt Standard Wrench + Bottle Opener

Tilt Hydrometer App – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Tilt Hydrometer App for iOS – via Apple App Store

The device comes in a compact clear polycarbonate tube, sealed on each end to keep the battery and fancy circuitry dry as it floats along in your fermentor. It’s completely no-strings-attached, and you just drop it in your fermentor and the Bluetooth chip on board broadcasts to your smartphone or tablet to report Standard Gravity and temperature. It makes use of a novel concept to track your gravity. It has a digital inclinometer on board, which measures how much it’s “tilt”-ed . The weight of the device makes it want to sink in your beer, and buoyancy of the cylinder counteracts it. The thicker your wort is, the Tilt doesn’t sink as much and as a result has a greater tilt. As your fermentation progresses and the gravity drops, the buoyancy decreases and Tilt sinks lower and becomes more vertical. The circuitry measuring the angle does some calculations and outputs the angle as a gravity measurement.

Continue reading →

Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer + Rare DEAL

Updated: September 11, 2024

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.