starter with dry yeast

[robbieo13]

can you make a starter using dry yeast without hurting them. i just made one before read threas that said its not nessesary (3c h2o 1/2c dme and 2 packets of windsor brewing yeast). Also has anyone used this yeast before my lhbs is closing and thats all thy had left.
thanks

 

[COLObrewer]

No problems with starter from dry yeast, but it is not necessary as you said, depending on batch size and gravity.

I've never used that yeast.

 

[blowmax10]

The reason they say a starter is not necessary with dry yeast is because it is cheaper just to buy more dry yeast then to make a started

They (John Palmer) do say to rehydrate your dry yeast before you pitch

I imagine that you will cause the yeast no harm by doing a proper starter but for people like me that are really, really lazy then I wouldn't bother

 

[ChshreCat]

The DME would cost more than an extra pack or two of dry yeast, so you're really not helping yourself by making a starter with it.

I always rehydrate my dry yeast now before pitching after learning about osmotic shock that can happen if you don't, but my first brews where I just sprinkled the yeast right on the wort came out fine too. It's just one more thing for me to get anal about on brew day.