Starter Opinons

[mcnewcp]

When making a yeast starter, do you prefer to use an airlock or simply a loose fitting top, like aluminum foil? I have been using a loose fitting aluminum foil cap combined with intermittent shaking, but have recently been challenged on the technique. I've been told to use an airlock, but I believe the yeasties need constant oxygen at this stage.

 

[Brandonovich]

I use a foam stopper from AHS. It lets oxygen in, but keeps out dust and debris. I have had great luck with it.

 

[JonK331]

I use a piece of sanitized foil as well. If it is any reassurance to you I work in biotech labs from time to time and they use foil on their flasks as well. Bacteria and wild yeast cannot climb upwards.

 

[mcnewcp]

Ok cool, thanks for the reassurance guys.

 

[Mpavlik22]

+1 on the aluminum foil.

 

[ajf]

I use a jam jar.

-a.

 

[dantheman13]

I use a piece of sanitized foil as well. If it is any reassurance to you I work in biotech labs from time to time and they use foil on their flasks as well. Bacteria and wild yeast cannot climb upwards.

That's what John Palmer and Jamil said on their yeast starter podcast.

 

[warriorpoet]

If you want more yeasties...they want oxygen to make babies so give them oxygen.
If you want to make beer...put a plug on it.
The reason for a starter is to make more babies. That's all yeast really want to do...we want to make beer.

Use the foil, loose. Stir plate or intermittent stirring will help.

 

[strat_thru_marshall]

your friend who recommended the airlock is indeed misinformed. oxygen=yeast growth