The ultimate guide to fermentation monitoring
Fermentation is where the magic happens in brewing
Fermentation is where the magic happens in brewing. It's also where things can quietly go wrong. Monitoring fermentation isn’t just about data — it’s about protecting quality, maximizing yield, and making smarter decisions with every batch.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fermentation monitoring: why it matters, what to track, which tools to use, and how to catch problems before they cost you.
Why fermentation monitoring matters
Fermentation is a living process. Without proper tracking, you're brewing in the dark. With it, you gain:
Consistency — replicate your best batches with confidence
Efficiency — detect issues early to avoid delays or wasted beer
Insight — understand how different variables (e.g. yeast, temperature, and time) affect your outcome
Scalability — create processes that grow with your brewery
Whether you're running a 10-barrel system (1000L fermenters) or a 100+ barrel systems, (10,000+L fermenters), fermentation monitoring is a game-changer.
What should you be tracking?
Here are the essential metrics every brewer should monitor during fermentation:
1. Specific Gravity / Plato
Tells you how much sugar remains and how fermentation is progressing.
2. Temperature
Too high or too low, and you risk off-flavors or a stalled fermentation.
3. Fermentation Activity / Rate
Watching how quickly gravity drops gives you early insight into problems.
4. CO2 Pressure (in closed systems)
Important for tank integrity, safety, and yeast behavior.
5. Final Gravity & Alcohol Content
Used to calculate ABV and determine when a brew is done.
For a deeper dive into how to interpret these metrics visually, check out our guide: How to read a fermentation curve
Common fermentation issues to watch for
Even the best setups can hit snags. Here are a few red flags:
Gravity stalls mid-fermentation
Rapid temperature swings
CO2 levels suddenly drop
Yeast activity too slow (or too fast)
Explore the full list and what each one could mean in 5 Signs your fermentation is off
Tools & sensors for modern fermentation monitoring
Choosing the right equipment is crucial. Today’s top brewers rely on sensors that:
Provide real-time, remote access
Integrate with cloud platforms
Alert you when something's off
At PLAATO, we offer real-time, non-invasive monitoring of your fermentation activity using our PLAATO Pro sensors. They collect your fermentation activity, gravity and temperature to give you production insights, trends, and more – all accessible through the PLAATO app and web app. They're used by over 300 breweries, all over the world.
Want a full comparison? Don’t miss Best sensors for fermentation tracking
From data to action: Using monitoring to brew smarter
Data is only useful if you act on it. With proper fermentation monitoring, you can:
Set up alert thresholds for temperature or gravity drops
Compare batch-to-batch trends
Troubleshoot yeast health issues faster
Save time, reduce waste, and boost consistency
Ready to Level Up?
Fermentation monitoring doesn’t have to be complicated. With smart tools and a solid process, you can take control of your brewing — and get closer to perfect beer, every time.
Want to see how data-driven brewing can work in your setup? 👉 Book a free demo of our PLAATO Pro sensors and start tracking your fermentation with our team today. Or find out more at www.plaato.io/pro.
Plus, if you'd like to get a total overview of your brewery 24/7, from grain to glass, be sure to ask our team about our new PLAATO Edge device. It plugs simply into your PLC and connects every instrument in your brewery. All into the one place. Bringing your data home.
