Basic Starter Question

[turkeyjerky214]

I'm going to be making my first starter ever tomorrow for a brew I'm doing saturday. I've got my 2000 ml flask, stir plate, and DME all ready to go. I think I've got a pretty good handle on it, but I do have one last question.

I was planning on using a stopper and airlock, but everywhere I look, I see people just putting foil over the top of their flasks. Is an airlock not a good idea? Is it just overkill?

 

[JonM]

Nah, the stopper prevents O2 from getting in. Using the stirplate facilitates getting O2 in, which is what the yeast needs. Foil and foam stoppers let O2 in.

 

[BainbridgeBrewer]

Yep, I use sanitized foil on mine. Wrap it over the top and let it go. The only time I put a stopper and airlock on one was when I ended up not using it (brew day was canceled) so I stoppered it and stuck it in the fridge until I was ready.

 

[turkeyjerky214]

That's pretty much what I've been reading, but I wanted to double check. Thanks!

 

[barrooze]

Im sure you've read up on how to properly make starters, but I just wanted to give some tips I've found that could prevent a big mess.

First, use 100g DME to every 1 liter of water. Use tap water, not distilled or RO.
When boiling in your flask, CAREFULLY watch the boil. If your flasks an erlenmeyer, when it starts to boil, it doesn't take much for it to erupt out and all over your stove. Turn the heat down when boiling begins.
If you make a 2L starter, when your yeasties replicate on the stir plate, it can easily foam over and overflow all over your plate. I highly recommend using fermcap drops to reduce the krausen growth.

All these tips are homemade. my stove has been a messy place in the past.