Qestion about heating a Flask on a stovetop for starters...

[Nyakavt]

You can buy a diffuser plate at most kitchen stores, or online. We use one of these with our glass water kettle and flasks. It works great, but the paint tends to flake off if you use very high heat, so you've got to keep the burner on 8 or 9. A metal coat hanger bent into shape as bug suggested would be a good free fix.

[Travisty]

As long as your flask is borosilicate (pyrex) rapid cooling should not cause any cracks.

It shouldn't, but in my experience in the lab, it can still happen. I'm sure my method of heating doesn't help either though. I've thought about making my starters on one of my brewing burners, but for some reason I've continued to use the stove. Habit I guess.

[brettanomikey]

Once again, thanks guys!

Ok, could anyone post a pic of this hanger contraption?

I can't picture exactly what you mean. Something to keep the glass from touching the electric coils?

[Nyakavt]

This is what comes with glass tea pots. I don't know why they have the shape they do, but yeah the idea is to get the glass off the electric coils and provide a continuous path of heat conduction. Anything that doesn't double back on itself (like the coil does) would be fine, even a piece bent into a round.

[crazytwoknobs]

Don't even bother with the wire, just get a frying pan. Put frying pan on element. Put flask on pan. Done.

[Kacey]

I had a electric oven and did this a few times with no extra attachment. I had issues but it worked, to be honest I don't put my flask on the oven at all anymore due to boil over. I use a small stainless pot and transfer over to the flask now.