[kylekohlmorgen]

I am building a stir plate and looking at Erlenmeyer flasks.

My first instinct is to buy a 5L flask for high gravity starters and 10 gallon batches. Would this flask be too big for average-gravity, 5 gallon batches?

If I wanted to grow up a large pitch of yeast, could I just use a 1 gal growler?

Any makes/models I should stay away from? Pyrex brand is a bit more expensive, but the durability is fantastic.

[HydraulicSammich]

I use a StirStarter brand plate.  I always do 5 gal batches.  I have a 2, 4, and 5 L Erlenmeyer. My go to flask is the 4 L.  Most of the time the yeast I have immediate access to is one to two months old.  But, my 5 L always works just as well on this inexpensive but good plate.

[AmandaK]

I've grown tired of Erlenmeyer flasks breaking or cracking. I've had ones from the LHBS and Pyrex ones. I now use a glass cookie jar that I picked up for $4, that thing holds 3.5L and has lasted me longer than all of the Erlenmeyer flasks combined! 

[ns3580]

I have a 5L I use for everything from 5 to 15gal batches.  flexibility to do big pitches

[kylekohlmorgen]

I've grown tired of Erlenmeyer flasks breaking or cracking. I've had ones from the LHBS and Pyrex ones. I now use a glass cookie jar that I picked up for $4, that thing holds 3.5L and has lasted me longer than all of the Erlenmeyer flasks combined! 

I was thinking that a mason jar would do just fine.

[Joe Sr.]

I've got a couple of flasks and a whole bunch of growlers that serve me well for starters.

If I need a really big pitch, I brew a smaller beer as a starter.

I've got a couple 3 or 4 gallon carboys that work well for small batch starter beers.  And for trying out new recipes.

[klickitat jim]

I have two plates and two 2000ml flasks. Use one for <big and both if doing >big or lagers

[thebigbaker]

I have a 5L I use for everything from 5 to 15gal batches.  flexibility to do big pitches

+1!  I was lucky enough to find a starter set on CL that had a 1L, 2L and 5L flasks to go along w/ a stir plate.  I only use the 5L flask and the 1L and 2L flasks are just collecting dust on my shelves. 

[mabrungard]

I have 2, 4, and 6L flasks.  Its the 6L that I use all the time.  Using the larger flask is better for even small starters since it provides a very large surface area for oxygen transfer to the wort.  I pump filtered air into the flask headspace to keep the oxygen content up and flush the CO2.  I find there is no need for a stone on the air line in this case and that helps avoid foaming. 

I do like Amanda's idea of using an alternative jar for starters.  Clearly, with a 6L flask, it will be crying time if I have a mistake with the flask. 

[AmandaK]

I've grown tired of Erlenmeyer flasks breaking or cracking. I've had ones from the LHBS and Pyrex ones. I now use a glass cookie jar that I picked up for $4, that thing holds 3.5L and has lasted me longer than all of the Erlenmeyer flasks combined! 

I was thinking that a mason jar would do just fine.

I've used those as well. Problem was when I tried to find anything over 2qts - they got pretty expensive compared to the lowly cookie jar.

[klickitat jim]

Seems like anything would work but metal and can't have too domed of a bottom or the stir bar has trouble. If I ever break a flask I probably will replace it with something with a dished bottom

[hopfenundmalz]

I've grown tired of Erlenmeyer flasks breaking or cracking. I've had ones from the LHBS and Pyrex ones. I now use a glass cookie jar that I picked up for $4, that thing holds 3.5L and has lasted me longer than all of the Erlenmeyer flasks combined! 

I was thinking that a mason jar would do just fine.

I like your cookie jar solution. Looks like a flat bottom, and pretty cheap.
I've used those as well. Problem was when I tried to find anything over 2qts - they got pretty expensive compared to the lowly cookie jar.

[AmandaK]

I like your cookie jar solution. Looks like a flat bottom, and pretty cheap.

I use the stir bars with the little ring in the middle : http://www.amazon.com/Scienceware-371100138-Magnetic-Integral-Diameter/dp/B002VBW5HW/ref=pd_sim_indust_7

That seems to mitigate any problems with the slightly convex bottom.

[Scot (one T)]

  I have 2 2L and 1 5L .  The only flasks that I have had break in 10+ years, are the ones I've loaned out.  I use the 2L for most brews and the 5L for lagers and larger batches.

[Jimmy K]

Since you want to promote oxygen exchange, I don't think it can really be too big.