Glass Jars for making Yeast starters

[mr_spin]

what glass jars do people use for making yeast starters? I've been using PET bottles but I want to replace these with glass jars if I can.

Sainsburys do a 1.5L kilner preserve type jar with a metal clamp - is this suitable?

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[Vossy1]

I use demijons. kilner jars wouldn't be any use as the jar needs to be vented.

 

[artyb]

i use a glass milk bottle with a cotton wool bung... :party:

 

[mr_spin]

I use demijons. kilner jars wouldn't be any use as the jar needs to be vented.

OK thanks. If i'm making a 1L starter, is it OK (headspace etc) to use a 5L demijohn? If so that may be an option then.

I've also just come across some 1/2 gallon pickle jars on amazon..

 

[Sean_Mc]

I'd love a few conical flasks like these on EBAY

 

[gurtpint]

^You can get those from Brew UK too. I've checked some internet sources for lab equipment but it seems like they are quite reluctant to sell their wares to private person. Can anyone recommend a place to get those lab tubes w/a cap and metal holding racks for the same?

 

[periolus]

When I used to live in Cambridge, some of the labs used to have a clear out and put things on the university 'for free' noticeboard. There used to be loads of flasks, tubes and the like - but I didn't brew then. DAMN! Now I am in Bristol there is nothing like that around which is a shame.

Boiling tubes, which are quite a lot bigger than test tubes, might be alright for yeast - they would fit nicely in this rack:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Test-Tube-Rack-%2 ... c7ffffc178

Looks to be plastic though ; (

You need to find a secondary school student who can get stuff for you with same day service! :grin:

 

[periolus]

Hey, I've just found out that BrewUK do lab equipment!

http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/otherequi ... pment.html

It is, however, quite expensive.

 

[Aleman]

Scientific Lab Supplies are happy to deal with the general public

McCartney Bottles make great yeast storage phials

and 7ml bijou bottles make great yeast ranching bottles

 

[periolus]

£85 each! :shock: You could employ a scientist to cultivate yeast for you at that price

 

[Kyral210]

I use demijons. kilner jars wouldn't be any use as the jar needs to be vented.

My vote goes for demijohns too. Not only are they perfect in every way (ok, maybe a little large) but you can use them for making small batches of stuff like ginger beer!

 

[Aleman]

£85 each! :shock: You could employ a scientist to cultivate yeast for you at that price

Mc Cartney Bottles 28ml £98 for 144
7ml Bijou Bottles £85 for 144

My vote goes for demijohns too. Not only are they perfect in every way (ok, maybe a little large) but you can use them for making small batches of stuff like ginger beer!

Apart from having a thickish convex base making them difficult to use with a stir plate, a 5L vessel (like a demijohn) is ideal for making starters from wyeast smack packs and whitelabs tubes . . . anything smaller is a waste of time.

I have 5L Erlenmeyer flasks for my starters . . .coz I could :lol:

 

[periolus]

Yes, that makes more sense. I should avoid looking at things like that in the early morning

 

[robsan77]

I used to work for vwr http://uk.vwr.com/app/Header?tmpl=/micr ... ssware.htm

If you phone and ask to speak to 'new and developing accounts' you'll get the person assigned your area. That person can give youyour own price different from the list price and the own brand items have massive mark ups.

If you ask how much they are cost to vwr then ask if they will honour you with that price for a first order and see what happens. I know that they would rather have your business, even if with little profit, as its a click of a button for them and they are driven by sales.

If they are good they will ask you questions about what other equipment you may need but its unlikey that they will know the process of brewing. Make up a story if you like and how many other products you may need in the future, or dont. Its just that if they think you only want a few flasks as a one off it will be harder to get a good price. Its the sales game but it depends how far you want to go with it or if you can be bothered. I know that you can get ALOT off the list prices though.

 

[Vossy1]

K thanks. If i'm making a 1L starter, is it OK (headspace etc) to use a 5L demijohn?

You can get 1/2 gallon (2.2ltrish) dj's :thumb: see here for size.

I have several and they're very handy...and cheap !

 

[31bb3]

How about using a old rosie cider bottle smaller than a DJ as long as a rubber bung will fit

 

[Vossy1]

Great idea :thumb:
I'll just have to get the Mrs to drink the contents...shouldn't be too much trouble :grin:

 

[31bb3]

Think i may have to dig one out youknow when you have a lightbulb moment

 

[mr_spin]

K thanks. If i'm making a 1L starter, is it OK (headspace etc) to use a 5L demijohn?

You can get 1/2 gallon (2.2ltrish) dj's :thumb: see here for size.

I have several and they're very handy...and cheap !

cheers - I've ordered some 1/2 gall pickle type jars from the net. before finding out that Asda do a 2 litre demijohn of scrumpy...!

 

[mr_spin]

if anyone is looking for cheaper erlenmeyer conical flasks suitable for boiling worts on the gas stove for yeast starters, I've found somewhere that is selling off surplus stock cheap.

I've ordered two 3 litre Erlenmeyer conical flasks for £13.19p each from http://www.gpescientific.co.uk/laboratory-glassware-sale.php

product code: E3307

they have about 20 left...

They sell 5 litre jobbies too!