Ramping up for lagers.

Toadsticker · Dec 23, 2012

I'm currently using a 1L flask and 1/2 gal. glass container for ale starters. I understand lager/pils need higher cell counts. What do you suggest for starter container size?

ECarroll51 · Dec 24, 2012

i always do for wyeast 3L and for WLP yeasts 4L starters :mug:

Begin2Brew · Dec 24, 2012

Toadsticker said:
I'm currently using a 1L flask and 1/2 gal. glass container for ale starters. I understand lager/pils need higher cell counts. What do you suggest for starter container size?

It kind of depends on the beer you're making. I have a 2L and a 5L flask which about covers any OG I am going to pitch. Most of the time if I am brewing a lager I'll step up a starter a few times so I can get away with smaller volumes. Looking back on it I would say a 3L flash would cover just about anything. If it's not large enough you can always step it up.

wubears71 · Dec 24, 2012

I use a 2l flask and step the starter to get the yeast required. I use yeastcalc.com to determine the starter sizes.

SpeedYellow · Dec 24, 2012

I find it useful to have both a 2L flask and a 4-5L flask. For my larger "flask", I simply use a $4 growler, which is approx 4L. The still plate works well enough in a growler.

Toadsticker · Dec 24, 2012

Thanks for the help. I'm now bidding on a 5L e flask. Between it and what I already have, I should be good.

rjwhite41 · Dec 24, 2012

If you have a stir plate the flask is a good idea. If not, make your starter in your fermenter.

Toadsticker · Dec 24, 2012

I have one I built, following directions in the DIY section.

bnmir · Dec 24, 2012

I bought a beaker much cheaper than a flask, and less prone to boilovers.

Toadsticker · Dec 25, 2012

bnmir said:
I bought a beaker much cheaper than a flask, and less prone to boilovers.

You must have got a good deal, then. Amazon's price for a 5L beaker is $49.95 vs the $26.00, used, for a flask, on Ebay. Rebel Brewer's flask is $34.95, new. As I don't plan on boiling in it, (electric stove), boilovers are a moot point.

sawbossFogg · Dec 25, 2012

Boil overs are never a moot point. I boil my starters in the Erlenmeyer directly on electric heat.

Toadsticker · Dec 25, 2012

I won't. Ergo..
I've more than enough experience with unexpectedly breaking glassware, and have the scars to prove it. It's a risk I WON'T take. It is much less painful to just wash a pot than pull shards of glass out of yourself, IMO.

biestie · Dec 25, 2012

I'd forget about trying to make a big enough lager starter and buy a couple packages of 34/70. I really don't think there's a better liquid alternative for making a German lager, and you can't beat the simplicity.

Toadsticker · Dec 26, 2012

My first lager/pils will be a Bitburger clone, recipe taken directly from 'Clonebrews'. It calls for liquid yeast, + I get the satisfaction of making the starter. It's been 20+ years since I enjoyed the odor of those particular hops rolling across the countryside, and a fresh Bit 10 minutes out of the braueri. The skunky drivel available here simply doesn't compare. "Bitte ein Bit!"

Ramping up for lagers.

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