Honey refractometer Catania plus

Refractometer Catania Plus - D: reliable honey ripeness control

Is this year's honey really thick, or is it just deceiving with its body and contains more water than it should? With the Catania Plus - D refractometer, you no longer need to guess. Within seconds, you can verify whether the honey is sufficiently ripened for extraction and subsequent storage without unnecessary risk of fermentation.

This refractometer is supplied by the renowned German beekeeping equipment specialist Mellarius. The designation "Plus" here is not just for decoration – it is a more sophisticated version with higher quality optics and a more durable body than standard basic models.

Why have a refractometer at hand during honey extraction

One of the main indicators of ripeness is low water content. If you extract honey with higher moisture content (often above 18–20% depending on honey type and conditions), it may start fermenting in containers. A refractometer is therefore a practical tool for beekeepers that protects honey quality, your work, and good reputation.

What the device brings you:

• Quick measurement: Just a drop of honey, hold to eye and read the value.
• ATC – automatic temperature compensation: The device automatically adjusts the result in the range of 10–30 °C, so you don't need to calculate deviations according to ambient temperature.
• Two scales: You can clearly see both water content and sugar content (Brix).
• Quality construction: More robust construction and clear reading you'll appreciate during regular use in beekeeping practice.

°Bx-BRIX - % Mas Sasch - sugar meter - this scale allows reading weight percentages of sugar concentration in water. Measures sugar and water in %. Brix/ATC scale range 58 - 92 %. Water scale 12 - 26 % (1 division = 0.5°). Measurement accuracy is 0.1 %

Step-by-step measurement

The procedure is simple even for beginning beekeepers. Apply a small amount of liquid honey (ideally around 20 °C) to the clean glass prism and fold down the cover glass so that the sample spreads evenly without bubbles. Then point the refractometer toward light and immediately see in the eyepiece the boundary between blue and white areas, which shows the measured value.

Tip for more accurate results: Always stir honey before taking a sample. A thinner layer may form at the surface in the container and measurement would then be distorted.

Technical specifications

Important maintenance notice

The refractometer is a precise optical instrument, so it deserves gentle handling. After each measurement, rinse the prism with lukewarm water, gently wipe and dry with a soft cloth. Do not rinse the device under running water and do not immerse it – water could get into the optical part. The refractometer is usually calibrated from the factory. Calibration liquid is not included in the package, but for normal use you usually don't need it right from the start.

HAND REFRACTOMETER
Operating manual

METHOD OF USE

1. Preparation: Point the front end of the refractometer toward bright light and turn the eyepiece focusing ring until the scale is clearly visible.

2. Measurement: Open the cover plate and clean the measuring surface with a piece of soft cotton flannel. Drop 1–2 drops of the measured solution. Close the cover plate and press it lightly, then read on the corresponding scale the boundary between light and shadow. The reading is the numerical value of the measured liquid.

3. After measurement: Clean the measuring surface and cover plate with damp gauze and carefully store the device.

WARNINGS AND MAINTENANCE

1. Setting for zero liquid and sample should be done at the same temperature. If temperature changes significantly, the zero point should be set once every 30 minutes.

2. After use, do not wash the device with water to prevent water from getting inside the device.

3. This is a precise optical instrument. Handle it gently and take good care of it. Do not touch the optical surface or scratch it. Store it in a dry, clean and non-corrosive environment so the surface doesn't mold or fog up. During transport, avoid strong impacts.

4. If consumers use the device according to the stated method of use, optical performance should not change.

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION

Reference temperature is 20 °C. During operation, temperature should be adjusted according to the correction table.

Models marked ATC are equipped with automatic temperature compensation. They have an additional function that allows the user to focus on measurement without worrying about temperature. Compensation range is 0~30 °C.

ACCESSORIES

1. Cleaning cloth

2. Pipette

3. Screwdriver

4. Operating manual