Best Starter Flask Size

[hiphops]

What is the best starter flask size that I can use for anything from a low gravity wheat to say a high gravity belgian dark strong?

I only want one starter, but the 5L starters seem so huge. Would a 2L starter work for high gravity beers, so long as I hook it up to a stir plate?

Thanks

 

[AmandaK]

I use a 2L, but step it up for larger beers. I usually make an initial 1.8L starter, let it ferment out, then do another round of it for higher gravity beers.

 

[Homercidal]

I use a 1L for starting harvested yeast

I used a 2L for most ales

I use a 1 gallon tea jug for high gravity ales and lagers

 

[silvery37]

Based on the numbers from Mr. Malty you can use a 2L flask with a stir plate up to a starting gravity of 1.080 with ales. If you go higher than this you can still use the 2L flask but you will have to start double pitching the initial yeast. The program also says that you will only need 1 liter worth of starter with a stir plate for starting gravities up to 1.062. A 2L flask is a good size for use with 1L worth of liquid.

 

[osagedr]

Best calculator I've seen for step-ups is www.yeastcalc.com

I use a 2000 flask for some stuff, but mostly a 6000 ml flask.

 

[JonBoy47]

In my opinion it is good to have a 2L and a 5L. That way you can handle any size starter small and large. Plus you have the ability to easily step your starter up if you want to do a high grav beer or a lager. It will cost a bit up front but you will be glad you did it in the end.