Consistency, flavour, and quality — three things every food and beverage producer strives to perfect. Behind the scenes, precision instruments make this possible. One of the most powerful yet underrated tools in quality control is the refractometer, and few names in refractometry are as respected as Bellingham + Stanley.
With over 100 years of experience in optical technology, Bellingham + Stanley offers one of the widest selections of digital refractometers in the world. Each instrument is built and tested to the highest standards, ensuring you can trust your readings — whether you’re testing syrup in a bottling plant or honey in a beehive.
Why Choose Bellingham + Stanley?
Every food and beverage process relies on precision. From sugar content to concentration, Bellingham + Stanley’s refractometers help ensure products meet strict quality specifications.
Their digital range includes models with wide measuring ranges (up to 1.70 RI), Peltier temperature control, and intuitive touchscreen interfaces for easy operation. Whether you need a high-end benchtop system for laboratory analysis or a portable handheld device for field testing, there’s a model to suit every application.
Where Refractometers Make a Difference
Fruit & Vegetables
Farmers and producers rely on refractometers to measure Brix content — a direct indicator of sugar levels and ripeness. Monitoring fruit ripening on the tree ensures harvests meet the sweetness and quality standards demanded by retailers and cooperatives.
Sugar & Edible Oils
Precision refractometers with temperature control are vital when working with oils such as palm, corn, and sunflower. They determine mixing ratios and help maintain purity standards. In sugar processing, refractometers and saccharimeters with flow cells are key components of cost-effective purification systems, ensuring accurate grading for sugar beet and cane.
Soft Drinks & Juices
In the beverage industry, consistency is everything. Refractometers are used to monitor syrup mixing, dilution, and juice concentration, helping producers fine-tune recipes and control costs. Whether it’s a fruit juice blend, carbonated soft drink, or RTD beverage, refractometry keeps the flavour balanced and the quality uniform.
Beer, Cider & Wine
From vineyard to brewery, refractometers play a vital role. Farmers track sugar levels (Brix, Oechsle, Baume) to determine the ideal harvest point, while brewers use handheld refractometers to manage the mash or wort before fermentation. The result? Better control, consistency, and flavour in every batch.
Trusted Instruments. Reliable Results.
Every Bellingham + Stanley refractometer represents a century of innovation, designed to deliver accuracy, durability, and ease of use — wherever your process takes you.
For personalised advice on choosing the best refractometer for your application, contact Labotec, the authorised representatives for Bellingham + Stanley in Southern Africa.
