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A hydrometer is essential for tracking fermentation progress and calculating alcohol content. Whether you prefer a simple glass tool or a Bluetooth-enabled digital device, the right choice depends on your brewing setup and how much data you want. For a deeper look at using these tools, see our guide on hydrometer use.
Wireless hydrometers like the Tilt series offer real-time gravity and temperature readings without opening the fermenter, while a traditional proof and tralles hydrometer is a straightforward option for spot checks. Our fermentation monitoring overview explains how these readings fit into your process.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 29 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
If you’re considering other measurement tools, see our guide on refractometers and brewing thermometers.
How we chose these
- Type: Traditional glass hydrometer or wireless digital with Bluetooth.
- Measurement Range: Specific gravity and temperature ranges.
- Ease of Use: How simple it is to take readings and clean.
- Data Logging: Whether it offers app connectivity and cloud logging.
All hydrometers require proper sanitation before use to avoid contamination.
Comparison table
| Product | Type | Specific Gravity Range | Temperature Range | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Still Spirits Proof & Tralles | Glass Proof & Tralles | Not stated | Not stated | None |
| Tilt Pro MINI | Wireless Digital | 0.9900 – 1.1200 | 0°F – 183°F | Bluetooth (Tilt 2 app, Tilt Pi) |
| Tilt Pro | Wireless Digital | 0.9900 – 1.1200 | 0°F – 140°F | Bluetooth (iPhone, Android, Tilt Pi) |
| Tilt (Standard) | Wireless Digital | .990 – 1.120 | Not stated | Bluetooth 4.0+ (Apple, Android, Tilt Pi) |
Specific gravity ranges and temperature ranges are as stated by the maker. ‘Not stated’ indicates the maker does not list that specification.
1. Still Spirits Proof & Tralles Hydrometer: for measuring alcohol by volume in spirits
According to Still Spirits, this hydrometer gives precise alcohol readings and lets distillers check proof as they work. It is made to fit the Still Spirits Copper Parrot, so you can monitor proof without stopping the run. The instrument is 8.27 inches long.
- Length: 8.27 inches (Still Spirits)
- Width: 1.18 inches (Still Spirits)
- Height: 1.18 inches (Still Spirits)
Pros: Simple, no batteries needed; fits Still Spirits Copper Parrots.
Cons: No temperature reading; not designed for beer gravity; requires a separate parrot for real-time use.
2. Tilt Pro MINI Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer: for small stainless steel fermenters and carboys
Tilt designed the Pro MINI for small stainless fermenters, claiming twice the range and ten times the precision of the original. It works in 3-6 gallon glass carboys and pairs with the same Tilt apps. The unit arrives calibrated, with the battery already installed.
- Size: 1.14″ diameter by 4.53″ tall (Tilt)
- Weight: 2.33 ounces (Tilt)
- Battery: User-replaceable CR123A (Tilt)
Pros: High precision (0.00001 SG resolution); long Bluetooth range; works with stainless steel.
Cons: Requires smartphone or Pi; battery replacement needed; not for large fermenters.
3. Tilt Pro Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer: for large stainless steel fermenters and professional use
Tilt built the Pro for large stainless tanks, with triple the size and weight to stay steady during vigorous fermentation. A high-gain antenna, which Tilt says increased range by 20% in testing, helps the signal get through thick walls. The included Energizer AA lithium batteries are said to power the unit for 3 to 5 years.
- Size: 1.7″ diameter by 5.4″ tall (Tilt)
- Weight: 5.4 ounces (Tilt)
- Battery: Preinstalled Energizer AA lithium, 3-5 years (Tilt)
Pros: Extra decimal precision; long battery life; stable readings in foam.
Cons: Not compatible with glass carboys (needs 1.75″ opening); heavier and larger.
4. Tilt Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer: for standard carboys, kegs, and most fermenters
Tilt describes this device as a floating sensor that measures gravity and temperature from within the fermenter, helping to avoid contamination. It is compatible with carboys, corny kegs, and stainless fermenters, even under pressure. Readings can be logged to the cloud using a free Google Sheets setup.
- Accuracy: Specific gravity within +/- 0.002 (Tilt)
- Thermometer accuracy: +/- 1°F (Tilt)
- Multiple colors available for simultaneous batches (Tilt)
Pros: Entry-level wireless monitoring; wide fermenter compatibility; cloud logging.
Cons: Lower precision than Pro models; temperature range not stated; requires different colors for multiple batches.
Which one fits you
| Your situation | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want a simple, no-frills hydrometer for spot checks | Still Spirits Proof & Tralles | No batteries or apps needed, but limited to alcohol proof. |
| You ferment in glass carboys and want wireless data | Tilt (Standard) or Tilt Pro MINI | Standard fits most carboys; MINI offers higher precision and stainless compatibility. |
| You use stainless steel fermenters and need long range | Tilt Pro or Pro MINI | Pro for large tanks, MINI for small ones. |
| You want the highest precision and longest battery life | Tilt Pro | 0.00001 SG resolution and 3-5 year battery. |
Practical tips
- Sanitize any hydrometer before dropping it into your wort to prevent infection.
- If using multiple Tilt hydrometers, choose different colors so the app can distinguish them.
- For glass carboys, check the opening size; the Tilt Pro requires at least 1.75 inches.
- Consider a hydrometer with temperature reading to correct gravity for temperature variations.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 29 October 2026: Still Spirits Proof & Tralles Hydrometer, Tilt Pro MINI Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer, Tilt Pro Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer, Tilt Wireless Hydrometer and Thermometer. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home brewing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
