Hey, I’m just about to start my second brew and I purchased a 2000ml yeast starter kit. From the video I watched I assumed that a yeast starter would improve any fermentation. But now I’m not sure that is really the case. Will there be any adverse effects to using a yeast starter for kits that are not high gravity? Will it help at all? Can I use dry yeast in a yeast starter and get the desired outcome?
Normally you would not use a starter for dry yeast. A starter with old dry yeast? Not sure. Advice may be to throw it out and get fresher yeast because of the low cost. A starter for liquid yeast may be necessary with any beer depending upon the age of the yeast. Try this calculator when you use liquid yeast.
You may want to consider rehydrating the dry yeast, however. It helps the yeast strengthen cell membranes before the intake of wort. But, admittedly, there is enough yeast cells in a dry packet to directly sprinkle it onto the wort.