We highly recommend making a yeast starter when using a Wyeast Activator or Propogator pack, even though a freshly swollen Activator will start 5 gallons of wort on its own. A starter will supply more yeast than an Activator pack can provide, assuring the fast start of fermentation, which minimizes the risk of bacterial infection and subsequent sour beer. Making a yeast starter can also revive an old Wyeast pack that has not swollen enough to use. This 1000ml flask size is perfect for 5 gallon batches.
Our Yeast Starter Kit includes a 1000ml Erlenmeyer Flask, Foam Stopper, Anti-Foam, Safety Mit, and 1 pound of Dry Malt Extract as nutrient (enough for 12 400ml starters). Our Yeast Starter Kit is unique in that it includes food grade Anti-Foam and a bacteria filtering foam stopper, so you can boil the nutrient in the Erlenmeyer Flask on a stove without the nutrient foaming over, reducing the chance of infection. Because Anti-Foam is included, starters can be made to 400 or 800ml volumes in the included 1000ml flask.
A gas stove is recommended for the Erlenmeyer flask, as electric burners can cause the glass to crack.
Order a Stir Starter stir plate (see link when you put this in your cart)to increase yeast growth and activity.
Click here to download the directions for our Yeast Starter Kit.
May 01, 2022 by Dan C
Q: I have an electric stove. Is there any reason I can’t simply boil in a pot then pour it into the flask sanitized with SarSan?
A: This will work, and be sterile enough for the purpose of pitching beer.
Great improvement
Before purchasing the starter kit, I used a 1 gallon glass jug to make a starter, with no stir plate. Although it seemed to work OK, I have had much better results with the starter kit. I recently upgraded to a 2000MM flask, as I wanted to double the volume. I highly recommend the system.
Fully met expectations
Needed something to get full value from high o.g. brews, in addition to adding oxygen. This kit did the trick for me nicely twice so far, with vigorous fermentations that achieved target f.g.s or less and produced great tasting brews. Everything worked as described. Very happy with the results.
First Time User
This is the first time I've use a starter kit. Used it on dry yeast for 24 hrs before pitching. Resulted in vigorous fermentation activity for 2 full weeks. This was a very big beer with a lot of extract and grains. Very happy.
Great kit and value
We used this with the Stir Starter (R40)with great results on our beer. Better fermentation, probably higher alcohol content, and just a good flavor. Glad we upgraded our brewing equipment to include this equipment.
Works like a champ
Used it for the first time brewing an American Barley wine. Followed directions and had no issues. I had the most violent fermentation I have ever witnessed (thank God for the blow off tube). I used this with the stir plate. Fermentation began in less than 2 hours compared to the 23-36 hour lag from the smack pack. Great investment.