refractometer and other gadgets?

[el beero]

So with the holidays approaching and needing to think of stuff that people can consider getting for me (yes, I know it is selfish, but honest, as the question is asked!) and knowing that people will always prefer tangible items over gift certs I was thinking through some upgrades that I could consider.

One of the ideas was moving from a hyrometer to a refractometer for SG readings. I was wondering what you folks of the board use and if there are any suggestions. Doing some prelimiary reading on refractometers, and I cant tell, but it seemed like it would only reliably read OG and not FG. Is this the case? wouldnt need overly handy if it were.

Are there any other nifty gadgets out there for a small batch (~5 gal.) extract brewer?

[Mill Rat]

Both a refractometer and a hydrometer (at the the %ABV scale) read "off" once there's alcohol mixed with the water. Most brewing software packages have a refractometer conversion utility built into them, so as long as you have your refractometer original Brix or Plato reading, you then punch in your final refractometer reading and it spits back out an OG and % ABV.

Other nice devices are instant-read electronic thermometers, kegging equipment, additional fermenters... Brewing books are great for out-of-towners, since they ship well and won't spoil.

[ClaudiusB]

I use refractometers, 10 Brix and 32 Brix.

So with the holidays approaching and needing to think of stuff that people can consider getting for me (yes, I know it is selfish, but honest, as the question is asked!) and knowing that people will always prefer tangible items over gift certs I

pH- meter, hand held or table top for future all grain brewing
Magnetic stir plate
Two electronic scales, for hops and grain
Programmable timer with alarm for your hops additions

Go all grain and you can get lots of toys.

Cheers,
ClaudiusB