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Display Title The Microscope
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Tools Used in the Sampling Process
Specific tools are needed to analyze the samples taken during the sampling process. Select one of the tools below to learn more about it, including when and where it is used during the Sampling Process.
The Microscope
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| Arguably the most fundamental instrument in a beer quality laboratory, the microscope makes visible the very organisms that make fermentation possible. While fundamental, the microscope does not need to bust the budget. Due to the relatively large size of brewer’s yeast, a budget microscope is generally adequate when it comes to the critical quality control task of yeast counting and viability.
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The largest impact on the cost of a microscope is generally the quality of its objective lens. As the quality (and cost) of the lens increases, the clarity of image, ability to increase magnification, and depth of field all improve. As these improve, it may be easier to see and identify some of the relatively tiny contaminant organisms. Other attributes to consider are a mechanical stage (knobs to move the slide around) and a USB port to view the image on the laptop (great for saving images).
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Regardless of the budget laid out for a microscope, all breweries should be counting and inspecting their yeast to ensure consistent pitches and quality beer.
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Budget
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Mid-Range
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High End
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Cost
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< $500
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$500-$2500
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> $2500
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Image Quality
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OK
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Good
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Great
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Usability
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OK (Good with Mechanical Stage)
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Good
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Great
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