HI-96804  Refractometer

Hanna HI-96804 Digital Refractometer for Invert Sugar (% w/w)

Professional Precision for Food and Beverage Analysis


The Hanna HI-96804 is a rugged, portable digital refractometer designed specifically for the measurement of inverted sugar. Whether you are testing honey, syrups or industrial food samples, the HI-96804 converts the refractive index of your sample into a mass percentage (% w/w) with clinical precision.


Eliminate the subjectivity of mechanical "eye-piece" refractometers. With a 1.5-second response time and a clear digital display, the HI-96804 ensures consistency across your production line or laboratory.

Key Benefits & Features

High Accuracy

Measurement range of 0 to 85% mass (% w/w) with an accuracy of ±0.2%

Dual Level LCD

Displays both the sugar concentration and the temperature simultaneously

Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)

Calibrated for measurements between 10 and 40°C, ensuring stability regardless of environmen

IP65 Water Resistant

Built to withstand the harsh conditions of a food production facility; the casing is water-resistant and easy to sanitise

Small Sample Requirement

Needs only 2 drops (approx. 100ul) of liquid to provide a stable reading

Stainless Steel Sample Well

Easy-to-clean, corrosion-resistant surface that prevents sample cross-contamination

Simple Two-Button Operation

  1. Zero: Calibrate with a few drops of distilled or deionized water.

  2. Read: Place your sample on the prism and get instant results.


The device utilizes the ICUMSA Methods Book standards for temperature compensation, making it compliant with international food analysis requirements.

Common Applications for the HI-96804


The Hanna HI-96804 is a versatile tool across several industries where precise sugar concentration is critical for quality control and shelf-life stability.

HI-96804 invert sugar in honey production
HI-96804 Refractometer used in beverage and soft drink manufacturing
HI-96804 refractometer used in baking and food production
HI-96804 Refractometer used in industrial syrup or flavouring production

1. Honey and Confectionery Production

Invert sugar is a primary component of honey and is widely used in making fondants, ganaches, and candies.


  • Quality Control: Ensure consistent sweetness and texture in batch production.
  • Crystallisation Prevention: Monitor invert sugar levels to prevent unwanted crystallization in syrups and jams.



2. Beverage and Soft Drink Manufacturing

Many high-energy drinks and carbonated beverages use inverted sugar for its high solubility and sweetness profile.


  • Consistency: Verify that every batch meets the precise % mass specifications required for the recipe.
  • Rapid Testing: The 1.5-second response time allows for high-frequency testing on the production floor.



3. Bakery and Food Processing

Invert sugar is prized in baking for its ability to retain moisture and provide a smooth mouthfeel.


  • Shelf-Life Stability: Monitor sugar ratios to ensure baked goods stay fresh and moist for longer periods.
  • Recipe Optimisation: Use digital precision to transition from manual "Brix" guessing to scientific invert sugar analysis.



4. Industrial Syrups and Flavourings

For companies producing bulk liquid sweeteners or concentrated flavourings, the HI-96804 provides a portable way to check incoming raw materials or outgoing final products.

Technical Specifications

Specifications
Range Sugar Content 0 to 85% (by weight)
Range Temperature 0 to 80°C (32 to 176°F)
Resolution Sugar Content ±0.1
Resolution Temperature ±0.1°C (0.1°F)
Accuracy (@20°C) Sugar Content ±0.2%
Accuracy (@20°C) Temperature ±0.3°C (0.5°F)
Temperature Compensation Automatic between 10 and 40°C (50 to 104°F)
Measurement Time Approximately 1.5 seconds
Minimum Sample Volume 100 µL (to cover prism totally)
Light Source Yellow LED
Sample Cell SS ring and flint glass prism
Auto Off After 3 minutes of non-use
Enclosure Rating IP 65
Battery Type/Battery Life 9V / Approx 5000 readings
Dimensions 192 x 102 x 67 mm (7.6 x 4 x 2.6")
Weight 420g
Need to measure Brix or Glucose instead?


View the HI-96801 (Brix) or HI-96803 (Glucose)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Q: What is Invert Sugar? A: Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose, commonly used in the food industry (like honey or fondant) for its moisture-retaining properties and high sweetness.



Q: How do I maintain the sensor? A: Simply wipe the stainless steel well with a soft cloth and rinse with water after each use. Ensure the prism is not scratched by abrasive particles.

HI-96800 Refractometer

Water Resistant – Can withstand temporary exposure to water, but should not be submerged or washed under running water.

HI-96800 Refractometer

Battery powered – Allows use away from a power source. Batteries are included with all battery operated products.

Need Expert Advice on Sugar Analysis?

Not sure if the Hanna HI-96804 is the right fit for your specific application? Our technical team at Techris Systems has over 35+ years of experience in precision instrumentation.