Missed my OG by 0.011

[jward]

I think a refractometer was a relatively late purchase for me. I use it quite a bit, first runnings, second runnings, preboil, boil checks. Its the easiest way to measure hot wort as doesn't take long for a sample that is a few drops to cool. I find pro-mash expects me to have a lower pre-boil gravity and evaporate more. Do you have to have one, no. If mine breaks I would replace it.

[bwarbiany]

Refractometers are great for all-grain brewing. I don't know if I'd have a use for it for extract...

It's not anywhere near first on your list... There are a lot of more important things. But it's pretty useful investment in the long term, and you can get one off eBay in the $25-30 range.