Was is the best thing to use when making a starter? I’m going to have a 1000 ml in a flask with a stir plate. What’s the best thing to do?
Thanks.
foil
I did foil on the last couple starters, but I do the shake intermittently method and I like to know if the starter is still fermenting, I think I’m gonna go back to an airlock.
+1
You don’t want to lock out the air in a starter.
Even better!
I use that, but when you shake it up, it still foams, yo!
Stir plate, yo! Usually keeps the krausen to a minimum. And is the best way to grow yeast.
If it’s a big starter, like almost filling the flask, the stopper may be pushed out. In that case I just hook up a blow off tube. But 9 out of 10 starters I make are between 1000 & 1500ml. Having said that, I make the second step of a 1gallon starter last night. Took off in just under 2hrs and blew the foam stopper right out. I put some foil around a blowoff tube and stuck that in the top. Worked ok. I think I may get a second stopper and cut a whole in the middle to insert a blow off tube.
What I like about the stopper is that when you sanitize it, it holds onto a lot of the sanitizer. Meaning I stoke it in starsan, wring it out and pop it in the flask. When done, I go to rinse it out and it’s still loaded with star san. It suds up when rinsing.
WOW! Sory. Pour speling al oevr thi plase!
Even better![/quote]
Agreed. But, it wasn’t a listed option. 
Make sure to not place the foam stopper in the flask prior to placing the flask in an ice bath. It will suck that stopper right into the flask.
I was wondering what those foam stoppers were used for. Now I know. And knowing is half the battle!
What is the result of using an airlock/sealing out any air in a starter?
Minimal yeast growth. Lipid synthesis is necessary to build cell walls, and requires oxygen.
I like the foil the most (starsan it). Problem with the foam is it gets saturated and then you have to wash it, wash it again, boil it and I have this foamy thing floating around the cave.
I was wondering this myself having just bought a starter kit and made a stir plate. Seems like most people like the foam stopper?
I think foil is most commonly used. That’s what I’ve used for the last 6 years.
I like to use plastic baggies.
You rebel!
A brewfriend turned me on to them. They’re great and you get to see all the action.
Of course there are many other uses.
