When I first took over brewing at a micro a few years ago, I was appalled to find a grungy broomstick hanging along side the brew kettle. But before long I began to really appreciate this low tech measruing device.

Since it’s not practical to mark calibration lines on the inside of a kettle, and markers on the outside are all but useless, using the Broom handle as a dipstick works great to measure volume.

For a homebrewer, measuring pre and post boil volumes are critical. You can use a length of dowel rod with measurements notched or burnt into it as your dipstick. Of course you need to calibrate it in advance.

Your first thought may be that this method is entirely unsanitary. But remember, you are only measuring very hot (almost boiling) wort so sanitation isn’t an issue.

S

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“Jus’ ‘cause I been drinking beer since I’z a pup, don’t mean I can tell a Bud from a Coors.”

-Flat Dog Smith, American Hobo