HomebrewandBeer.com forum

I am pretty new to AG brewing and seem to be getting reasonable results using beersmiths suggested mash/sparge quantities and volumes etc, my question is what is to be gained by using a refractometer to improve results if any.

This link may be of assistance.

Short answer: Yes.

You can make very fast checks of your wort and run-off during the process. There's no having to put cylinders of hot wort in the freezer to bring the temperature down (that's how I used to do it anyway). Three drops of wort quickly come down to room temperature, and you're good to measure. Is it 100% necessary: No.