Hands on Review: StirStarter Stir Plate
This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Michael Gom. Read more about Michael below.
Hands on Review: The StirStarter Yeast Stir Plate
Why make a yeast starter?
A yeast starter can really help insure you have healthy, viable yeast for your beer especially when using liquid yeast. For this reason I always prefer to build up a starter whenever using a liquid yeast (or re-pitching a saved yeast). I won’t get into effectiveness of different starter methods but a popular choice for homebrewers is to use a stir plate, a magnetic stir-bar and a flask of some sort (erlenmeyer flask in most cases).
Full disclosure, I was sent this product for free to do this review. Though I did try and put it through multiple real-world tests and have given my honest opinion on function and performance.
Compare Prices, Review Continues Below:
- StirStarter Stir Plate – on sale for $41.50 via Valuebrew – includes free shipping to US addresses
- Stir Starter- Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate via Amazon
- Adventures in Homebrewing – includes free shipping, with eligible order
- Search Amazon for “Stirstarter”
- Beer & Wine Hobby
- Great Fermentations
Also: StirStarter XL 5L Stir Plate – on sale for just $68 – Compare at $80 to $99.99
Also Mentioned in this Review: Cole-Parmer elements AO-34502-65 Cole-Parmer Elements Erlenmeyer Flask| 3 Pack, Magnetic Stir Bar – 50mm / 1.96 Inch
Unboxing and packaging
All the parts and components arrived in a single, compact zip-loc bag.In the bag, an information sheet with info on the company, yeast starters, etc.
Also included is an envelope with an instruction sheet, as well as the “keeper” magnet taped to the back.
As well as the power adapter (in it’s own cardboard box), the stir plate itself, and the stir bar.