My fancy pH meter turned out to be a $50 paperweight

I was making a batch of kimchi and wanted to get the acidity just right, so I bought a digital pH meter online. The thing gave me a different reading every single time I tested the same brine, even after I calibrated it twice. I ended up tossing a whole 2-gallon crock because I couldn't trust the numbers and got scared it was off. Has anyone found a reliable (and not crazy expensive) way to check pH for ferments?

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3 Comments

davidcooper6mo ago

Which brand was that pH meter?

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jennifer696mo ago

Oh man, I've had that exact one fail on me too! The probe is just super fragile and needs constant wet storage. Honestly, I'd skip that brand next time and look for something with a better warranty.

9

sam_scott594mo ago

Mine was a Hanna that lasted about three months before the probe gave up, so the warranty is key there.

1