consistometer

A consistometer is a simple tool used to measure how thick or runny a liquid or fluid (like a sauce or jelly) is.

Ketchup specialists can test how watery or gloppy their ketchup is using a consistometer device. The device releases liquid into a trough, and users can time the time and distance it takes for the liquid to release a measurement line. A longer distance indicates that the ketchup is runny; a shorter distance indicates that the ketchup is thick.

consistometer by A. Patmos November 23, 2025

Bostwick consistometer

A specific type of consistometer with a rectangular structure and a sluice gate; the opening of the gate causes the fluid within to flow; the distance and time it takes for the fluid to flow helps the user determine how runny or gloppy the substance is. In the United States, manufacturers of tomato ketchup are required to measure the consistency of their ketchup with a Bostwick consistometer.

Ketchup flowed through the Bostwick consistometer at a rate of 5.0 centimeters per 30 seconds, therefore it is of satisfactory consistency.

Bostwick consistometer by A. Patmos November 23, 2025