Antifoam in a starter--amazing!

[guypettigrew]

In another thread Jocky suggested using this antifoam when making a starter. The biggest difficulty I find when making a starter is controlling the foaming in the flask as the mix of water and dry malt extract comes up to the boil. Lots of swirling about is required!

A bottle of the antifoam was ordered from BrewUK and I've just had a chance to try it out. Brewday on Saturday, so yeast starter day today.

Following Jocky's advice I dipped a metal skewer into the antifoam, then let a couple of drops fall into the starter before boiling it. It came to the boil more quickly than usual, no sign of any foaming at all, then boiled for 10 minutes with no problem. I even felt confident enough to to leave it boiling on the gas while I went out to the brewery/garage to put some stuff away. Absolutely amazing!

Next step is to decide whether to put it into the boiler on Saturday. All thoughts gratefully received.

Thanks Jocky!

Guy

[Rhodesy]

I have used this before to great effect. Works well in starters and the boil at no detriment to the final product. I diluted mines as per the instructions into small 15ML or so spray bottles but your method seems fine as well.

[IPA]

No need to use anti-foam.
Just simply mix the DME witha small quantity of boiling water in a small saucepan. When it is thoroughly mixed ie no lumps of extract, pour it into the flask and top up with boiling water to the desired volume and then boil for five minutes.I guarantee that it will not foam if you follow this tip.

[orlando]

My method is different to IPA's but also avoids the use of "chemicals" to obviate the problem. I bring my starter to boil in a saucepan, then use a balloon whisk to knock out the potential boil over, reducing the heat once the "head" has collapsed back on itself to a rolling boil. Once it's finished I use a spirit lamp or kitchen blow torch to lift any descending bacteria out of the way whilst pouring the starter into a flask.

[guypettigrew]

Both of these are perfectly excellent ways of making a starter. But, having tried the saucepan method, I found pouring it into the flask was asking for trouble, plus it gave me one more thing to wash up.

The convenience of putting the water and DME into the flask, boiling it on the hob, even with swirling, then cooling it in the sink, outweighed the use of the saucepan for me.

Putting a tiny bit of silicone anti foaming agent into the starter feels OK to me. Plus, according to Murphys, it won't be left in the final beer anyway.

Each to their own method, though. There's no right or wrong way for so many things in home brewing!

Guy

[Jocky]

Glad it helps. It was a revelation when I was given some recently. Baby sitting starters was one thing I am not particularly fond of, so as a tool the anti foam is very helpful.