That's the way to go, you only need about 4 ounces to fill one up, a
100 ml graduated cylinder is another option. The wider the surface on
the top the better off you are. A 250 ml graduate is probably a better
one to use, but I never do that. Whatever is used you don't want the
hydrometers bulb (base) to get too close to the walls of the vessel,
surface tension will cause issues.

Both are around 5 bucks and last forever (at least a lot longer than
your first hydrometer). I have noticed an odd phenomenon. The
propensity to break a hydrometer seems directly proportional to the
availability of a spare; I never seem to break them at home where I
have spares, only when I'm somewhere else...
).

Joe




reply@grouponly wrote in message >. ..
> <polite snip>
>
> >it doesn't take very many tastings to start having an effect on your headspace).
> >
> This is a problem ?? <wink>
>
> >Woods
>
> Thanks to all who replied. I thought about the plastic thingy the
> hydrometer come in, but it's not long enough to read down to 1.000
> for instance.
>
> Bottom line: I broke down and ordered a hydrometer jar today.
> The kit came with a turkey baster.
>
> Andrew