VST Refractometer Kit with Case
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The VST LAB Coffee III Refractometer is a high-precision tool designed to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in coffee and espresso, helping professionals analyse brewing strength and extraction efficiency with scientific accuracy.
Now in its fourth generation, this compact device fits comfortably in your hand while offering laboratory-grade performance. It delivers accuracy to ±0.02% with precision of ±0.1%, and even greater accuracy within specific ranges—±0.03% for filter coffee and ±0.05% for espresso.
Automatic temperature compensation (15–40°C) ensures reliable readings in varying conditions. The advanced sapphire optics and 1024-element detector array provide rapid, stable results, averaging multiple readings and displaying a final TDS value in decimal format—easily converted to a percentage.
Equipped with an auto-ranging TDS scale, it helps you explore the relationships between strength, flavour, and extraction, making it an invaluable tool for cafés, roasters, and competition-level brewing.
The rugged design includes a stainless steel sample well, ambient light shield, evaporative cover, and a rubber-armour jacket for commercial durability. It also comes with VST CoffeeTools software (Windows/macOS) for calculating extraction yield and other key metrics.
VST LAB Coffee III Refractometer FEATURES
TDS Analysis – Discover the extraction yield of brewed coffee using Light Refraction.
Sapphire Optics – With extreme surface hardness and scratch resistance.
Multiple Measurements – Averaging out the TDS over several samples taken.
Auto-Ranging – From Filtered Coffee to Espresso range of 0.00-20.00%
Temperature Stable – Automatic Temperature Compensation provides accurate results regardless of surrounds.
Smart Zero Set – Using distilled water ensures precision and accuracy of reading.
Durable Cover – It will protect the Refractometer in harsh environments.
This product includes:
- VST LAB Coffee III Refractometer
The Specifics
| Coffee | Espresso | Coffee & Espresso | |
| Unit of Measurement | % TDS | ||
| Range | 0.00 - 9.99 | 0.00 - 20.0 | 0.00 - 20.00 |
| Resolution | 0.01% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Precision | +/- 0.02% | +/- 0.1% | +/- 0.03% |
| Accuracy | +/- 0.05% | +/- 0.1% |
0.00 - 4.99 – +/- 0.05%
5.00-20.00% – +/- 0.10% |
| Prism Material | Sapphire | ||
| Well Material | Stainless Steel | ||
| Detector | 1024 Elements | ||
| Temperature Range | 15 to 40ºc | ||
| Sample Volume | 0.3ml | ||
| Measuring Time | <2 Seconds | ||
| Power | 2 x AAA Batteries | ||
| Battery Life | >4,000 Readings | ||
| Dimensions (mm) | (L) 145 x (W) 75 x (D) 37 | ||
| Weight | 250g |
Note: Included software is available to gain access to further calculations of extraction yield and other results. The VST LAB Coffee III Refractometer only, measures % TDS.


* Rural and remote areas may attract longer shipping times but we make every effort to ensure we provide the fastest delivery times possible. * Please note bulky orders to rural, remote & offshore areas in excess of 25kg may attract additional delivery fees.
Delivery times above are estimates only. Delivery times apply from the date of dispatch, not the date orders are received and refer to business days not calendar days. We make every attempt to ensure all deliveries arrive within the estimated time frames above however sometimes events occur that are out of our control. If your order is more than 2 business days late based on the above guidelines please contact us and provide your name, order number and date of order. – Barista Warehouse Team
Barista Warehouse Returns
Barista Warehouse offers a hassle-free returns and exchange policy that lets you return any purchased item for a store credit, refund or exchange for another item provided that it meets the following conditions:
- The item is returned within 14 days from the date of your order.
- Presents 'as new' in appearance, is unused and show no signs of use, wear and tear or damage. We cannot accept a return for items that have been used.
- Be packaged in it's original undamaged packaging with all product tickets and tags.
- The item's original packaging is not marked or used as the outer layer of packaging for transport. Please ensure you do not attach anything to the outside of the original packaging.
- Barista Warehouse is not responsible for any freight charges on returned items unless the item(s) being returned have arrived damaged or faulty in which case we will send a pre-paid return label to send the item back.
- Items being returned must include a copy of the receipt/invoice for the order.
- We do not accept returns on any machines, electrical parts, special order items, apparel, books, posters and dvds. So please choose wisely.
- Items returned with a value >$400 will be eligible for a store credit or exchange only.
All returns must be authorised by Barista Warehouse before sending the item back to us. Please contact one of our friendly Team Members via hello@baristawarehouse.com.au or using the contact form online for our Returns Address and instructions to get the ball rolling and start the return process.
Incorrect/Faulty/Damaged Items
In the unlikely event that your order has been damaged on the way to you, is faulty on arrival or you have simply received an incorrect item in your order or it does not match the product description we will help to get this sorted for you as quickly as possible. Please notify us via hello@baristawarehouse.com.au or using the contact form online within 3 business days of receiving your order of any discrepancies or damaged products and we will begin the hassle free return process. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Faulty or damaged items are subject to the following conditions:
- If an item is faulty or damaged on arrival and the fault/damage amounts to a major failure of the product you are entitled to a refund or a replacement of the product.
- If the item fails to be of acceptable quality but the failure does not amount to a major failure you are entitled to have the item repaired or replaced. Barista Warehouse will determine the extent of the failure once assessed by a team member.
- Faulty/damaged items being returned must include a copy of the receipt/invoice for the order.
Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law are not limited by a defined time. However, the Australian Consumer Law does recognise that the relevant time period can vary from product to product, depending on factors such as the nature of the product and the price. Barista Warehouse adopts the same approach. As you can appreciate, the type of remedy we can offer you may also vary depending on how long it takes you to return the product to us.
We're Here to Help
If you have any questions or concerns about whether your item/s meet the above criteria, please contact us, we are happy to help. We recommend sending any returns via registered post or tracked courier as we do not accept responsibility for lost items. Upon receiving your return we will assess your item/s and contact you to confirm we have received and processed your return. Returns are processed within 3 business days of receiving your parcel at our warehouse and we will notify you via email once your return has been completed.