Can i fridge a starter?

[Reverend JC]

Ok, i made a starter before work today, and was 3 hours late getting home from work. I do not want to start a brew session at 8:30 at night.

My starter has a bit or krausen at the top and seems to be fermenting along. Is it a problem if in the morning when it looks like it is about done fermenting if i put it in the fridge and wait to use the starter until sunday?

 

[bradsul]

I've done that before with no problems. Just bring it out of the fridge about 3-4 hours before you pitch to allow it to warm to room temperature.

 

[Toilet Rocker]

Exactly what brad said. As long as it's sealed properly, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[boo boo]

If you are making a lager and are using lager yeast why not just ferment the starter in the fridge anyway? It would be better for the starter.
Using an ale yeast? putting it in the fridge will slow down the activity and like Brad said take it out of the fridge to warm it up to pitching temps just prior to brew time so as not to shock the yeast at pitching time.

 

[Sir Humpsalot]

If you are making a lager and are using lager yeast why not just ferment the starter in the fridge anyway? It would be better for the starter.
Using an ale yeast? putting it in the fridge will slow down the activity and like Brad said take it out of the fridge to warm it up to pitching temps just prior to brew time so as not to shock the yeast at pitching time.

I'm not sure that's a good idea. primary fermentation for a lager is in the 50's. The fridge is quite a bit cooler. I'd rather make a lager starter in the coldest part of the basement (which is also where I store my lagers)

 

[Reverend JC]

Ok, so the road to hell is paved with good intentions right. So i had intended to brew then on sunday, here it is monday and the yeast is sitting quietly in the fridge still. how long will it stay ok in there? Should i try to brew tonight? can i wait until this weekend?

 

[boo boo]

I'm not sure that's a good idea. primary fermentation for a lager is in the 50's. The fridge is quite a bit cooler. I'd rather make a lager starter in the coldest part of the basement (which is also where I store my lagers)

Yeah, I should have been more specific. When I said that my mind was thinking on my temperture controlled lager fridge.