CheeseForum.org ยป Forum

GENERAL CHEESE MAKING BOARDS (Specific Cheese Making in Boards above) => EQUIPMENT - Making Cheese => Topic started by: Bantams on June 26, 2015, 07:10:35 PM

Title: Best pH meter?
Post by: Bantams on June 26, 2015, 07:10:35 PM
Hello,
I'm finally ready to purchase a pH meter and after very little research (so far) it seems that the Hanna HI99161 http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instruments-HI-99161-Waterproof/dp/B002NX0VVA (http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instruments-HI-99161-Waterproof/dp/B002NX0VVA) is the right choice for me as it will allow testing of both liquids and solids and has a food-safe, cleanable tip that can be used on a wheel of cheese that will then be sold.
Does anyone have experience with the higher-end Hanna pH meters?  I've heard they have terrible customer service so I'm a little concerned about making the leap.
Any input?
Thank you!
Kelsey
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: OzzieCheese on June 26, 2015, 10:50:32 PM
I use the ExTech pH100, the refillable one is the ph101 but is more expensive, from http://www.perfect-cheese.com/ (http://www.perfect-cheese.com/) .  He's on a break at the moment but I'm sure he'll be happy to answer your questions.  Not knowing what the application you are going to be putting it to but, I love this one as it is 2 decimal point -+.01 accuracy and 3 point calibration with a fully enclosed tip. 

--Mal
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: jimk on June 27, 2015, 12:13:49 AM
I recently purchased the HI99161 and so far am very happy with it. You will need to purchase storage solution separately, it does not come with any for some reason.
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: Sailor Con Queso on June 29, 2015, 03:33:08 PM
The Hanna is a wonderful pH meter. We use ours every day.
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: IllinoisCheeseHead on June 29, 2015, 11:47:37 PM
How does it handle taking pH on cheeses that are being pressed?.  Would it not make a whole in the cheese?

It does look like a very good pH meter.

Thanks
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: pastpawn on June 30, 2015, 02:10:31 AM
Quote from: IllinoisCheeseHead on June 29, 2015, 11:47:37 PM
How does it handle taking pH on cheeses that are being pressed?.  Would it not make a whole in the cheese?

It does look like a very good pH meter.

Thanks

I have a ExTech pH100.  It has a FLAT head.  Works perfectly pressed up against the cheese.  No holes.  I love mine. 
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: shaneb on June 30, 2015, 08:13:17 AM
Thanks Andrew for pointing out the flat probe on the Extech unit. I was going to buy a new electrode for my HM Digitals one, but the electrode sticks out. I can see your one being so much better for cheese. I'll put that money towards getting an Extech unit instead.

Shane
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: qdog1955 on June 30, 2015, 09:19:44 AM
I use the extech-100 and have no complaints----and they have great product support on all there gizmos-----shop around----got a great deal on Amazon.
Qdog
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: shaneb on June 30, 2015, 09:48:09 AM
Is there any advantage in going for the PH110 over the PH100? I see the price is not vastly different. If it can prevent early failure of the electrode then maybe it is worth it?

Shane
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: IllinoisCheeseHead on June 30, 2015, 03:18:11 PM
The ph110 has refillable probes so you don't have to replace them.  Worth the cost difference in my opinion.

Thanks
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: Bantams on June 30, 2015, 04:47:05 PM
Thank you for all the input!
Which model's probe is easiest to clean and sanitize?  I've never used a pH meter that could be used on a wheel of cheese, only the cheaper versions that were dipped into cups of milk or whey (and the sample is then tossed).
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: pastpawn on June 30, 2015, 06:15:31 PM
Quote from: Bantams on June 30, 2015, 04:47:05 PM
Thank you for all the input!
Which model's probe is easiest to clean and sanitize?  I've never used a pH meter that could be used on a wheel of cheese, only the cheaper versions that were dipped into cups of milk or whey (and the sample is then tossed).

The Extech  100 is super easy.  I just rinse it right in the sink, then store it in it's green cap with some ph4 in there. 
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: Gregore on July 01, 2015, 05:10:04 AM
I just received my new hanna hi99161 meter today , I calibrated it and tested it out and it settles  to temp and ph reading way faster than the extech 110 ,  with in 10 seconds or less  the extech takes more than 60 seconds sometimes .

Also I looked under a microscope at the tip and there is no hole  for the porous ceramic electrode  to complete the circuit , odd .

I will use it this weekend to make Reblochon , and if it works well and does not misbehave  I will have an extech 110 for sale soon .
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: Gregore on July 19, 2015, 01:04:41 AM
Well I have used my meter for 3 makes now and I have to say it is wonderful . The temp does not adjust as quick as I thought if it is sitting at room temp then needs to go to 90 degrees or so but the meter reads out the ph in a few seconds and rarely changes if left longer . Unlike the my Extech  110 , it would wander about if left in to watch for ph drop at the first introduction  of culture .

Put it in the calibration fluid and bang 7.01 on the dot , not so with my Extech


If you compare the price  to milk and figure how much cheese can be made with that money it seems high priced but
I feel that the meter is well worth the money if you count the cost of the labor used to make cheese. 

I also I feel that I now have no dought about the ph of the cheese
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: qdog1955 on July 19, 2015, 10:08:48 AM
The key being-----" how much money you make"  it's hard to justify $360.00 for home use, when a $100.00 will suffice.
Qdog
Title: Re: Best pH meter?
Post by: Gregore on July 19, 2015, 11:08:23 PM
Yes this is true  $ 360 is a lot and to some $ 100 will be to much

when I made my first cheese I used a $50 ,
Meter my wife had kicking around for kombucha . The Extech is a huge step up from this  and the  Hanna is a another huge leap up .

After using the Hanna I would say suffice is a grey word

I have 2 brands of 7 ph solution one in the foil pack 7.01 and another  one fairly recently purchased , a bottle  of 7 ph the Hanna meter recently pointed out to me that the  bottle one was really 7.07 not 7 as claimed on the bottle .  The Extech never showed this discrepancy.