Hand Held Honey and Juice Refractometer with ATC

A honey refractometer measures how much moisture or water is in honey or any other type of syrup. Honey refractometers operate using the Brix scale, and this particular honey refractometer is simple to use and can measure the moisture content of honey using only a drop of honey. The best honey refractometer is easy to use, easy to calibrate, and where you can find it.

This honey refractometer kit includes a calibration screwdriver, lint rag, calibration fluid bottle, instructions, and a refractometer. This is not a digital honey refractometer, so it does not require any batteries. This analog refractometer will give you accurate readings for years.

ATC is built into this refractometer, which stands for Automatic Temperature Compensation, which is essential to the accurate reading of the honey. The temperature of the fluid will affect the reading, but with ATC, you will get a consistent reading even with different temperatures. For the best results, calibrate the thermometer with fluid at the same temperature as the sample you are testing.

A refractometer is used by placing a honey sample drop on the screen and spreading it into a thin layer by closing the cover. Then raise the refractometer up to a bright light and look through the eyepiece. The eyepiece can be adjusted to read the screen that displays the water content or sugar content in the honey. Where the two colors meet on the screen is the moisture content of the honey. The screen can then be cleaned with the cloth, and it is ready for a new sample.

Honey bees naturally remove water from nectar inside the bee hive, but the beekeeper must harvest honey only when there is less than 18% moisture content. The honey refractometer can measure moisture in the honey, so you can be sure your honey is ready to bottle.

Harvesting honey with an average high moisture content of 18% or above will result in the fermentation of the honey. Honey will absorb moisture from the air if it is not placed in a sealed container. So, even if honey is harvested with a 17% moisture content, it can increase in moisture if not stored correctly.

Beekeepers use a honey refractometer before or after harvesting honey. When testing before harvesting, it is best to get multiple readings from multiple honey supers. After calibrating with the included calibration oil or extra virgin olive oil, the refractometer is ready to use.

Place a drop of calibration fluid or olive oil on the screen and close the cover to spread the oil. The included screwdriver, the calibration screw, is turned until the reading measures 72 or 28. Calibrating this way will tell you there are 72% solids or 28% water in the oil, depending on how you read it. You can also calibrate with distilled water, which should measure 1%.

See our entire collection of Harvesting and Bottling products.

To start a return, visit our return portal here.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. The order will also need to have been placed through our retail store or through www.foxhoundbeecompany.com

Damages and issues

Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us within 7 days if the item is defective or damaged or if you received the wrong item so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. 

Exceptions / non-returnable items

Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items, clearance items, food, or gift cards.

Exchanges

For exchanges, we are happy to receive products back in new, unused condition, and we can exchange them. Products are inspected upon return prior to shipping out the exchanged item. Products received in new condition and exchanged for store credit or another item are not charged the 3% restocking fee. 

For returns, it is always helpful to leave a short note with the return for staff so they can easily follow up on where the return came from, the product you want to exchange it for, or the reason for the return.

Refunds

We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded using your original payment method. Please remember that it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund, too.

When a return is issued, it is subject to a 3% restocking fee based on the credit card fees charged to us during the initial payment. We charge this fee and do not refund it when we issue customer refunds. This 3% restocking fee covers the credit card expense. The restocking fee is charged to all returns unless the return is due to an error by us. 

You can avoid the restocking fee by getting a refund in the form of store credit. 

Unauthorized returns or products returned used or in an unsellable condition can either be sent back at the customer's expense, accepted with a restocking fee up to 90% at our discretion, or disposed of. 

European Union 14-day cooling off period

Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.