Refractometer measures water content in honey with calibration fluid

Refractometer for honey – precise measurement of water content (13–25%)

This high-quality refractometer, specifically designed for honey, allows you to measure the water content of your honey quickly, easily, and with high precision . The scale, with its fine 0.1% increments, enables exact readings and is ideal for beekeepers who value quality and monitoring the ripeness of their honey.

Thanks to automatic temperature compensation (ATC), the measurement result remains reliable even with fluctuating ambient temperatures. The robust metal housing , glass lenses , and high-luminosity optics ensure a long service life and exceptionally clear visibility.

The device is adjusted and delivered ready for immediate use – including all necessary accessories for cleaning and calibration.

Product benefits at a glance:

✅ Specifically for honey – scale from 13% to 25% water content
✅ High-precision measurement – ​​fine scale division in 0.1% increments
✅ Automatic temperature compensation – accurate results at any ambient temperature
✅ Robust metal housing – durable & stable
✅ Glass lenses & high-luminosity optics – clear and easy reading
✅ Heavy-duty, long model – Weight: approx. 191 g for a secure hold
✅ Includes protective case, cleaning cloth & German instructions
✅ Includes calibration fluid and calibration stone – simply adjust and get started.

Calibration note: Do not close the cover during calibration – instead, place the calibration stone on top to avoid blinding the cover.

A refractometer is an instrument used to measure the water content of liquids, including honey. It measures the refractive index of the honey and thus provides information about its water content.

When using a refractometer for honey, a small amount of honey is applied to the prism area of ​​the device. Light is passed through the honey, and the refractometer measures the refractive index and displays the corresponding reading. Beekeepers can use this reading to determine the water content of the honey, which is important for assessing its quality and determining its ripeness.

Honey has a natural water content, which is usually below 20%. The exact water content can vary depending on the type of honey and its origin. Generally, honey with a water content below 18% is considered mature and shelf-stable.

A low water content in honey is important because it helps the honey keep for longer. A high water content, on the other hand, would promote the growth of yeasts and bacteria and cause the honey to spoil.

In commercial trade, most honey varieties must have a water content of less than 20% to be considered ripe and of high quality. However, there are some special types of honey that can have a slightly higher water content, such as heather honey.

For marketing in DIB glass, the water content must not exceed 18%; a value significantly below 18% is preferable.

Honey can change its water content over time, especially if it is not stored properly. High humidity or improper storage can cause honey to absorb moisture from the environment, increasing its water content. This can lead to a shorter shelf life and a higher susceptibility to fermentation.

To ensure that the honey retains its optimal water content, it is important to store it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.