This Erlenmyer flask is huge, coming in at 5000 ml (5L!), making it the ideal vessel to make a large yeast starter for a 10+ gallon batch. The best brewers make large yeast starters to get their beer fermenting fast, and most of them do so in an Erlenmeyer flask. Large populations of active yeast help ensure flavorful beer free of off flavors. Because this flask is made from borosilicate glass you can move it from a boil into a cold water bath for cooling. This means you can do the whole process in one container, keeping it simple and helping to reduce the risk of contamination when transferring from one container to another.
Double Boiler Method
It is important for your safety to heat water in the flask with a heat source that distributes heat evenly. Morebeer! recommends using the "double boiler method." This process involves using a boiling water bath on the outside of the flask to heat up the water inside the flask. All you need is a kettle 3 gallons or larger. This process is much safer and efficient. If the flask should break or boil over, your kettle will be there to collect the contents, thus keeping your stove clean and keeping you safe.
Safety First: Please take us up on a great deal - when you purchase a 5000ml flask and our BE300 5 gallon stainless steel kettle at the same time. Use Promo code SAFETY1 at checkout.
Why make a yeast starter? (from our FAQ)
We build starters for 3 main reasons. First, to ensure yeast health. By making a starter 1-3 days in advance, you ensure that your yeast is healthy and strong and ready to do its job. Second, to create more yeast. By making the starter you will increase the cell count of the yeast, giving you a better chance of keeping bacteria's and wild yeasts from fermenting your wort. Third, if you are making high gravity beers. If you are making a high gravity beer (1.060+) you will need more yeast to start the ferment faster. High gravity beers will also finish more completely when you pitch ample quantities of yeast.
In the lab world, these flasks are known as "Student Grade". Student grade flasks may have small scratches and air bubbles. A great flask for making yeast starters!
For a stopper we recommend a size #8-9 (FE498 or FE49).
Kegland Part Number: KL04008