Yeast Starter?

[Malevolence714]

One of my buddies was telling me about using a yeast starter. Is this recommended/needed? If so, which one would I got with?

 

[BrewKnurd]

I definitely recommend a yeast starter. There's a good summary here.

Another good resource is http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html which will help you decide what size starter to make. Just remember 100 g of DME per 1 L of water.

 

[Pappers_]

If you are using liquid yeast, making a yeast starter can be good process. If you're using dry yeast, it's probably unnecessary. In short, making a yeast starter will increase the number of viable healthy yeast cells.

You can read all about yeast starters and how to make them at www.mrmalty.com

 

[kh54s10]

It depends.

With dry yeast it is not necessary and possibly worse than pitching direct. The dry yeast is made in a way that making a starter will rob the yeast of good things.

More than 5 gallons or very high gravity beers might need more than one packet though.

If you are using liquid yeast for a gravity of more than 1.030 and 5 gallons you should make a starter.

http://mrmalty.com
and
http://yeastcalc.com
Have a lot of good information on yeast and starters.

 

[OvaTersley]

Just in case you missed the first three links Mr. Malty

YeastCalc is better for step ups.

 

[AnOldUR]

If you are using liquid yeast for a gravity of more than 1.030 and 5 gallons you should make a starter.

Golly, I thought it was 1.020.

But still, the Kool-Aid is tasty.

 

[kh54s10]

Golly, I thought it was 1.020.

But still, the Kool-Aid is tasty.

Or thereabouts!

 

[Malevolence714]

Okay cool. This link is awesome. It also covered some other questions I had. Thanks guys.