1 Gallon Jugs and Stir Plate

[Flask]

I use 1 gallon jugs almost exclusively for starters. The jugs are from AHS and they are raised in the bottom but flat in the middle. I would like to get a stir plate. I wanted to know if anyone has had success this setup, and if so, what model and where did you buy it?

 

[trystofly]

I use a vortex stir plate. and the other day when I was cooling a starter I smashed my 2000ml erlenmyer in the sink. So because j didnt have another I made my starter in a half gallon growler with a not so smooth bottom and it worked great even with a small stir bar so I could see it being just fine with a gallon jug and appropriately sized stir bar

 

[Mojzis]

I have tried using the 1g jugs, but the curved bottom doesn't allow it. I have a 2" stir bar. In order for the bar to stir it needs to be in the center of the jug. This means you would need to use some sort of stick/tool to move the bar (through cloudy wort) to the exact center. It's a pain.

 

[jhoyda]

Gallon jugs work great with my homemade stir plate. I believe I have a 1" stir bar. Originally the bar had the centering ring which caused it to make an annoying "tink, tink, tink". I took off the ring and it quieted right down.

Buying $4.99 jugs instead of $20 flasks is great.

 

[BradleyBrew]

I use the Carlo Rossi jugs. It takes some work but I can get the bar to stay on the curved bottom surface and works great overall.

 

[Mojzis]

Gallon jugs work great with my homemade stir plate. I believe I have a 1" stir bar. Originally the bar had the centering ring which caused it to make an annoying "tink, tink, tink". I took off the ring and it quieted right down.

Buying $4.99 jugs instead of $20 flasks is great.

How do you get it to stay in the center when you drop it in?

 

[jhoyda]

How do you get it to stay in the center when you drop it in?

I let the bar slide to the edge of the jug where I can see it, then I put it on the stir plate. The magnets then "grab" it and I can slide the jug on the plate. Switch it on and watch where the vortex forms. I then make any necessary adjustments.

I could take a video with water to illustrate; there isn't a trick to it.

 

[edecambra]

I do this too, and have had great success with homemade stir plates and the lab one I use now. Great for lager starters that need double the size. You will have to play with the stir bar for a second longer than usual, and maybe slow your spin down a bit and you'll be great. I still use my flask but that is when I want to boil in it, cause I'm lazy.

Cheers

 

[haeffnkr]

I do this too, and have had great success with homemade stir plates and the lab one I use now. Great for lager starters that need double the size. You will have to play with the stir bar for a second longer than usual, and maybe slow your spin down a bit and you'll be great. I still use my flask but that is when I want to boil in it, cause I'm lazy.

Cheers

this is what I do... no issues ... turn it on and get is spinning and I move the jug slightly as it is spinning if needed so the tinking sound lessens as it spins around.

thanks Kevin

 

[Flask]

Thanks for the replies.

Great news y'all have had success with the jugs. I will probably either get a vortex or make my own. I like the jugs because they are cheap but they also fit in the fridge and keezer hump. Doing lagers, I would have a lot of trouble with a 5L flask.

Do any of you use foam stoppers for your jugs and if so what size do you buy?

Thanks again,

Flask

 

[haeffnkr]

Thanks for the replies.

Do any of you use foam stoppers for your jugs and if so what size do you buy?

Thanks again,

Flask

No
Tinfoil is all I ever put on top of my starters as they are on the plate....or decanting.

thanks Kevin

 

[Flask]

Thanks Kevin, for reminding me of the cheap and easy world of aluminum foil. I used to do starters that way awhile back. I don't know why I stopped.


Flask

 

[Heine81]

I use a 2 1/2" or so. It's the octagon shaped one. I have it on an old heater/stirrer plate from my place of employment. The heating element is show, which is how I got it.

I do use a gallon growler, with a stopper and a bubbler. Works great for starters of all kinds. I've got Wyeast 3722 in there right now on the second step for a brew tonight.