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Author Topic: stir plate/flask  (Read 7060 times)

Offline paulmaybee

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stir plate/flask
« on: January 04, 2015, 02:51:38 PM »
Does anyone have a stir plate/flask lying around that they're not using anymore (before I buy a new one)?  I'd like to give starters a try.
on tap: IPA
fermenting: Roseway Red, Rye IPA, Tripel, Flanders Red, Sour #1
Cellar: Roseway Red, IPA, Brett IPA, Orval Clone, Brett Red, Rye IPA, Grapefruit PA

Offline Al-Loves-Wine

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2015, 06:03:36 PM »
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2015, 06:29:51 PM by Al-Loves-Wine »

Offline robcoombs

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2015, 07:43:45 PM »
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.

+1 on this. I used a growler with sanitized aluminum foil on the top for a long time. It worked fine, never had any issues. A stir plate is definitely nicer to have and surprisingly easy to build yourself.

Offline paulmaybee

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2015, 09:32:23 PM »
You don't really need a stir plate to try starters, I just used a growler for a long time and would shake it every so often over the course of 24hr.

But, a stir plate will make your life much easier, and a very sound investment.

+1 on this. I used a growler with sanitized aluminum foil on the top for a long time. It worked fine, never had any issues. A stir plate is definitely nicer to have and surprisingly easy to build yourself.

Cool, thanks.  I guess @blisster would be the one to talk to about building one? 
on tap: IPA
fermenting: Roseway Red, Rye IPA, Tripel, Flanders Red, Sour #1
Cellar: Roseway Red, IPA, Brett IPA, Orval Clone, Brett Red, Rye IPA, Grapefruit PA

Offline robcoombs

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2015, 09:33:59 PM »
Yes. He helped me out.

Offline blisster

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #5 on: January 05, 2015, 02:05:24 PM »
There really isn't much to them... You can easily build one for a $10-15.

I have extra hard drive magnets, AC adapters (9-12V works well for most fans), and on/off toggle switches if you can have if you want to build one.

This is the speed controller I used and a fan that would work. Very cheap and free shipping from DX.com but takes 2-3 weeks to get here:
http://www.dx.com/p/12w-speed-controller-for-heatsink-cooling-fan-dc-5-12v-171354#.VKrCEnsYmWI
http://www.dx.com/p/3-pin-brushless-computer-pc-case-cooling-cooler-fan-7-x-7cm-136083#.VKrCgXsYmWI

For the magnetic stir bar, ebay is probably the best bet... The ones with the center ring seem to pivot/spin a better.

I built mine out of a cigar box but have been meaning to rebuild it using a plastic electrical box instead. I'm always hesitant to leave it untended since cheap China electronics probably would light up that cedar box pretty easy.  :frazzled:


« Last Edit: January 05, 2015, 02:07:31 PM by blisster »
Give a man a beer and he'll waste an hour, teach him how to brew beer and he'll waste a lifetime.

Offline pliny

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Offline Waterlogged

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2015, 04:58:28 PM »
That is a good deal.
Fermenting: Air
On Tap: Hoppy Porter
Bottled:  Air

Offline pliny

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2015, 07:52:15 PM »
That is a good deal.

Yes, and it's turn key. Order it now and you'd have yeast ready to pitch by Sunday. (Assuming you go get your smack pack or vial and DME at NG before the kit is at your door.)


Offline paulmaybee

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #9 on: January 05, 2015, 08:31:57 PM »
That is a good deal.

Yes, and it's turn key. Order it now and you'd have yeast ready to pitch by Sunday. (Assuming you go get your smack pack or vial and DME at NG before the kit is at your door.)

Yes, this is what I'm looking at, and will probably get it this week, but thought I'd check the club to see if anyone had one lying around they're not using first. 
on tap: IPA
fermenting: Roseway Red, Rye IPA, Tripel, Flanders Red, Sour #1
Cellar: Roseway Red, IPA, Brett IPA, Orval Clone, Brett Red, Rye IPA, Grapefruit PA

Offline Two Wheeler

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #10 on: January 05, 2015, 10:38:43 PM »
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time
Jordan Harris
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Offline robcoombs

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #11 on: January 06, 2015, 12:15:34 PM »
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time

I went for the 5L and I'm glad I did. Worth the extra few bucks.

Offline Roger

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2015, 11:50:59 AM »
If I could do it again I would get the 5000ml flask, I've foamed over the 2000 nearly every time

I went for the 5L and I'm glad I did. Worth the extra few bucks.
Good call I wish I had thought of that. But I've been doing two 2L starters one for each carboy it seams to work just fine for me though.

Offline paulmaybee

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #13 on: January 07, 2015, 11:55:54 AM »
I just ordered this with the 5L flask.  Looking forward to a new New Year's project!
on tap: IPA
fermenting: Roseway Red, Rye IPA, Tripel, Flanders Red, Sour #1
Cellar: Roseway Red, IPA, Brett IPA, Orval Clone, Brett Red, Rye IPA, Grapefruit PA

Offline robcoombs

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Re: stir plate/flask
« Reply #14 on: January 07, 2015, 12:09:27 PM »
I built mine out of a cigar box but have been meaning to rebuild it using a plastic electrical box instead. I'm always hesitant to leave it untended since cheap China electronics probably would light up that cedar box pretty easy.  :frazzled:


Same here, I never have it going while I'm not home.