Author Topic: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?  (Read 6426 times)

bgreen

  • Guest
Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« on: May 21, 2013, 05:36:33 AM »
Hi

I am looking at getting a PH tester and these seem to be recommended.... Extech PH110 or PH100.  Is one better for cheese making that the other.... i know they are basically the same unit with a different probe.  But how does a refillable probe versus the one in the PH100 compare.... as in maintenance, reliability and running cost... calibration solutions etc?  Here in NZ there is only a $25 difference between the models... so ongoing cost is more of a concern... though i am not sure how easy it is to source the refillable solution in the probe... which may be the main decider on which model. I would be grateful for your comments and suggestions.

Thanks Bruce

Clean break

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2013, 03:12:13 PM »
Bruce the shark in Finding Nemo was my favorite character, I think he was from down your way (ha),

I had the same question so I called Tech support at Extech and they ended up suggesting the ph100 based on the frequency of use mine would be getting which is roughly once a week.  What I remember from the conversation is that the ph110 is better if you are using the meter quite frequently which would deplete the solution in the probe of the ph100.  If I were you I would look up Extech on the web and call their tech support, they were super duper nice and helpful, that way you get it straight from the horses mouth.  My ph100 seems to work great and I have used it about once a week  for a couple of months.

I ordered the solutions on Amazon from Atlas Scientific.  $15 for a bottle of 4,7 and 10.

Good Luck,
Scott

bgreen

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2013, 07:40:51 PM »
Hi Scott

Thanks for that helpful advice i will put a call thru... sounds like it might be the PH100.  And yes that shark may be from around this way! :)
Cheers bruce

bgreen

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2013, 07:26:43 PM »
Hi scott

I took your advise and contacted technical support about which of the above Extech meters would be most suited for my needs... making cheese once every 3 weeks.  I got the following reply:

Hi Bruce,
 
The PH100 would be best suited to measuring the pH of cheese due to the sensor being flush with the end of the probe instead of being recessed.
 
In addition to the meter, you will require pH Buffers of 4, 7 and 10.  Their respective part numbers are PH4-P, PH7-P and PH10-P.  There are other optional accessories available that are listed below.
 
Thank you for your interest in Extech products.  Please let me know If I can provide any further assistance.
 
Best Regards,
Steve
 
Stephen J. Wood
Technical Support Specialist
 
Extech Instruments Corporation

bgreen

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2013, 08:56:04 PM »
Hi I made the additional query......

I was wondering though do i need the Buffer 10… in cheese making i thought you did a two point calibration a 4 and a 7 as the range for cheese is between this.  I was also wondering if i need a solution to store the probe in so that it does not dry out and what the recommendation is for storage and solution.

And got this response....

Hi Bruce,
 
A two point calibration should be fine since you have an idea what the values are going to be.
 
The probe comes with a protective cap containing a sponge moistened with pH4 buffer.  Keep in mind that you don’t want to soak the sensor.   As long as you keep the sponge moist, you’ll get maximum service out of the probe.

Shazah

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2013, 08:55:34 AM »
Hi Bruce

I have the Extech Ph100 and it works well, now, and only needs the 4 and 7 calibration, which I do before each cheese making session.
 
I ordered mine through Amazon but wasn't able to get the buffer solutions shipped here to NZ.  I checked TradeMe before buying my meter to ensure I'd be able to get the solutions here, and sure enough, no worries about getting sterile product here.

I did have some issues using it at first but there is a good thread, started by Boofer I think, which gives some great guidelines on use and some troubleshooting issues too.

AND by the way, wasn't that shark in Nemo from Australia??  :-\. Don't worry Scott, we're used to being confused with those ockers  >:D

Clean break

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2013, 01:52:42 PM »
The solutions seem to be sold by stores that sell hydroponic supplies for pretty cheap. 
Flight of the Concords, Keitha episode, is the best!
Scott

Offline Boofer

  • Old Cheese
  • *****
  • Location: Lakewood, Washington
  • Posts: 5,015
  • Cheeses: 344
  • Contemplating cheese
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2013, 06:22:14 PM »
Let me add my name to the ExStik PH100 band of merry cheesemakers. It has done well for me. No complaints. I had an issue recently but resolved it by power-cycling the meter (removed the batteries, waited, and reinstalled them).

Once upon a time early on I had ordered and received the 4-7-10 solutions and then found out later that only the 4 & 7 were needed. I might add that a cleaning solution has been helpful on an infrequent basis when milk proteins become entrenched.

-Boofer-
Let's ferment something!
Bread, beer, wine, cheese...it's all good.

bgreen

  • Guest
Re: Extech PH110 or PH100... is one preferred?
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2013, 09:57:50 AM »
Thanks everyone for the additional info... have ordered the Eztech Ph100 and it should arrive in a few weeks.... one of the draw backs of being on the other side of the world!  Can anyone point me in the right direction for a basic guide of Ph meters and cheese making process....  at what points do you take readings and where you can find readings for particular varieties of cheese...would be much appreciated.

And yes the shark was Australian...... but thought that may just start a whole different thread of responses :)

Shazah.... i see that on trade me there is a buffer solution for 4 and 7 at a very reasonable price... is this the one you were meaning?

Thanks again everyone
Bruce