Starter Question

[Lennybuzz]

I want to do a 3L starter instead of stepping up to the ammount I need. Can anyone give me a reason not to just boil the starter wort in a stainless spaghetti pot and use that as my starter vessell. Basically replace an erlenmeyer flask with a stainless pot.
Thanks

[BlueLoon]

I've heard Jamil say you should not go over, I think a 10 fold increase, and that stepping up is better but can't exactly remember why. I think it was because you may not get as much grow. Maybe just buy his new yeast book.

[Lennybuzz]

Actually the 2.94L was from Jamil's yeast calculator. Even at that my 2L starters are blowing off yeast half the time. I dont use a stirplate just random shaking.

[Lennybuzz]

Let me add this question too. Do starters krausen/foam up as much when using a stirplate. Didnt know if the constant stiring would keep everything in solution.

[jgourd]

Let me add this question too. Do starters krausen/foam up as much when using a stirplate. Didnt know if the constant stiring would keep everything in solution.

I always use a stir plate. And I've had krausen forming that was half the height of the wort underneath. For example, I've had about 500mL of krausen in a 1000mL starter. So yes, they do "foam."

[TheDarkSide]

fermcap-s = no foam, even on stir plate.

[Lennybuzz]

Well i just broke down and bought the 5000ml flask from B3. I guess big starters wont be a problem anymore. Also just got a 6gal plastic carboy so I am going to order some Fermcap-s soon. I have some Kettle defoamer from 5-star but i think the Fermcap is more suited to fermenting beer. Still, any thoughts on just leaving the starter in a stainless pot? Who knows may need to some day.

[Mills]

I guess as long as it is thoroughly covered it would be ok. I wonder if the surface area, which I assume would be much greater than that of a flask would have an effect?

Mills