Proper Step-up Starter Procedure

[EyePeeA]

When making a 2 liter step up starter in 1 liter increments, do you:

Scenario 1
Gather the first liter
Cool down
Aerate
Pitch yeast
Wait 1 day
Gather the second liter
Cool down
Pour on top of the first liter

or

Scenario 2
Gather the first liter
Cool down
Aerate
Pitch yeast
Wait 1 day
Cold crash
Decant, tossing the clear wort and saving the slurry
Gather second liter
Cool down
Aerate and pour on top of the slurry

I never really thought of the 2nd scenario until I started getting better at brewing. However, it seems like the better option since you are not oxygenating the prior wort and providing a completely new sugary, oxygenated wort for better yeast health.

 

[temple240]

I like to decant before stepping up so i don't dilute my fresh wort with beer. Just make sure the yeast is back up to room temp before pitching.

 

[Jayhem]

2nd option. I always cold crash and decant.