[roguejim]

I see a lot of homebrewers advocating 4 and 5L flasks for lagers.  But, 4 and 5L flasks aren't really necessary for a traditional 1.048 pils, as far as I see from using my yeast calculator.  I can start with a 1L starter, step it up to a 1.5L starter, and end up with 397 billion yeast cells.  Isn't a 2L flask adequate for this task?

[a10t2]

Isn't a 2L flask adequate for this task?

As long as you're willing to do two stages, sure.

[roguejim]

Thanks.  And that yeast cell count is with 1 month old yeast.

I wonder if there is any advantage to doing 2 smaller starters as opposed to doing 1 large starter, perhaps in terms of yeast stress?

[a10t2]

I would think that each fermentation (stage) would increase the total stress on the yeast. Especially if it's out of a fresh pack/vial, or you add nutrient to your starters.

[hopfenundmalz]

Some of do 10 gallon batches.

Some of us do 10 gallons of a 1.080 Doppelbock.  It helps to have the options to do big starters or multiple big starters at once.

[roguejim]

So what do you think about 2-step smaller starters versus 1 big starter?

[narvin]

Multi-step starts will actually grow more yeast than a single starter of the same total size.  From everything I've read, there's no worry about the additional step causing stress to the yeast.  Stepping up during yeast propogation is not considered a "generation" if you do it properly.

[davidgzach]

Yea, I just prefer one big starter that I can decant and toss right in.  With the Bomex 5L flask, it goes from range to ice bath to stir plate to fridge to wort.  No transfers, mess or extra steps.  Simply a matter of preference.  Nothing wrong with a 1L step up IMO.

Dave

[roguejim]

Yea, I just prefer one big starter that I can decant and toss right in.  With the Bomex 5L flask, it goes from range to ice bath to stir plate to fridge to wort.  No transfers, mess or extra steps.  Simply a matter of preference.  Nothing wrong with a 1L step up IMO.

Dave

Are you putting that flask on an electric, or gas range?

[davidgzach]

On electric.  My LHBS owner promised me he has used his Bomex flask for years on electric with no problems.  I've made a dozen+ starters so far with no problems.  I have to admit, I was pretty tentative for the first one though......

Dave