Kern ORM 1RS digital handheld refractometer, Brix 0-90 %, refractive index 1.3330-1.5177 nD
€337.50
% Manufacturer's RRP: €375.00 10% below manufacturer's RRP
- Digital handheld refractometer for Brix (0 to 90 %) and refractive index (1.3330 to 1.5177 nD)
- Resolution 0.1 % Brix or 0.0001 nD, accuracy ±0.2 % or ±0.0003 nD
- Automatic temperature compensation, measurement temperature 0 to 40 °C
- Calibration with distilled water
- IP65, can be rinsed under running water after use
- Prism cover, pipette and storage box included in the scope of delivery
Product information "Kern ORM 1RS digital handheld refractometer, Brix 0-90 %, refractive index 1.3330-1.5177 nD"
The Kern ORM 1RS is used to measure the sugar content of a liquid or its refractive index on site, without the need for a benchtop unit or a mains connection. The digital handheld refractometer displays either Brix or the refractive index. The Brix range is from 0.0 to 90.0 %, whilst the refractive index ranges from 1.3330 to 1.5177 nD. Kern classifies this model as a basic measuring instrument, where the result is required in Brix or as a refractive index.
Measuring principle and accuracy
The instrument measures using the total internal reflection method via a prism made of optical glass. A drop of the sample is placed on the prism; a pipette is supplied. The Brix display has a resolution of 0.1 % and an accuracy of ±0.2 %. For the refractive index, the resolution is 0.0001 nD and the accuracy is ±0.0003 nD. A mean value measurement is possible. The display is digital, showing the measured value as a number. The device’s storage temperature ranges from -5 to 40 °C. The display is large and shows both the measured value and the temperature.
Temperature and calibration
Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) automatically converts the result to the reference temperature, eliminating the need for manual conversion. The measurement temperature range is between 0 and 40 °C. Calibration is carried out using standard distilled water; according to Kern, this is quick and user-friendly at any time. Kern also offers distilled water 0 % (ORA-A1010) as an accessory. For those requiring a documented calibration, Kern offers ISO calibration as an optional service (961-290).
Protection and operation
The housing is protected against dust and water jets to IP65. Kern points out that the refractometer can be rinsed under running water after use. A cover protects the prism. Power is supplied by a AAA battery housed inside the unit, and an auto-off function switches the device off after 60 seconds. The device measures 121 x 58 x 25 mm and weighs 0.15 kg; a storage box is included. Kern describes the ORM series as precise, versatile and maintenance-free, designed for convenient and quick everyday use with a clearly legible display.
What the ORM 1RS is designed for
Kern states that the model is particularly suitable for measuring sugar content in foodstuffs and for monitoring industrial processes, including the monitoring of cooling lubricants and water-based mixtures. Users working with the refractive index simply switch the display to nD and read the value directly.
Typical applications
Kern lists the following areas of application for the ORM 1RS:
- Industry: process and quality control, lubricant monitoring
- Food industry: beverages, fruit, sweets
- Determining the degree of ripeness of fruit for quality control during harvesting
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens
Frequently asked questions
What scales does the ORM 1RS have?
Brix from 0.0 to 90.0 % and refractive index from 1.3330 to 1.5177 nD. The display can be set to either of the two scales.
How accurate is the instrument?
For the Brix value, the accuracy is ±0.2 % at a resolution of 0.1 %; for the refractive index, it is ±0.0003 nD at a resolution of 0.0001 nD.
What is used for calibration?
Distilled water. No special liquid is required; standard commercial distilled water is sufficient.
Is the refractometer waterproof?
It is protected against dust and water jets to IP65 and can be rinsed under running water after use.
How long is the warranty?
According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 2-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.
Technical details
| Type | Digital handheld refractometer |
| Measurement method | Total internal reflection |
| Prism | Optical glass, with prism cover |
| Scales | Brix and refractive index |
| Brix measurement range | 0.0 to 90.0 % |
| Refractive index measurement range | 1.3330 to 1.5177 nD |
| Resolution | 0.1 % Brix, 0.0001 nD |
| Accuracy | ±0.2 % Brix, ±0.0003 nD |
| Temperature compensation | Automatic (ATC) |
| Measuring temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Averaging | Yes |
| Degree of protection | IP65 |
| Power supply | 1 x AAA battery (alkaline-manganese), internal |
| Auto-off | Auto-off after 60 s |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 121 x 58 x 25 mm |
| Weight (net) | 0.15 kg |
| Storage temperature | -5 to 40 °C |
Scope of delivery
- ORM 1RS handheld refractometer
- Prism cover
- Pipette
- Storage box
- 1 x AAA battery
- Operating instructions
Regulatory information
As an electrical device, the device falls under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.
Individual requirements and procurement service
We can obtain distilled water for calibration, an ISO calibration or further measurement equipment for your samples for the ORM 1RS on request. Please make use of our procurement service for this.