using a microwave

[agentgonzo]

Would it be possible to sanitise/sterilise equipment for yeast storage in a microwave? Obviously you wouldn't be able to do it with metal things like spoons/jar lids, but would it be possible and effective, or would the little critters survive a blast of microwave radiation?

[maxashton]

If you're sanitizing glass, you could put a bit of water in there and zap it for a while, but i wouldn't rely on a household microwave without steam to achieve sufficient kill rates.

[Ditch]

Interesting idea, and I have no authorative answer. I will say though that I used to have an interest in practical Taxidermy and especially 'Ground Work'.

Through that I picked up that some American operators used the microwave to 'steralise' things like bits of natural wood they intended to use in a display case. Obviously, a pice of wind fall branch is liable to harbour lord knows what bugs and spores which might manifest themselves in years to come. Not too clever inside a sealed glass case with an animal skin inside!

Their thinking was that anything which could survive a 'good nuking' with micro waves was probably about unstoppable anyway.

Unfortunately for us, it sounds far from an even remotely exact science, doesn't it? And anyway, I wouldn't like to go anywhere near a microwave big enough to take a five gallon FV!

I'll stick with my Iodaphor.

[maxashton]

Microwaves agitate water, for sterilization you really need to expose it to gamma radiation i believe, and this is outside the scope or requirement of homebrewers.

Stick to bleach or iodophor or whatnot for your sanitation.

[Aleman]

Its not all that effective 'dry' in fact as my daughter found out, running it dry is a good way to break a microwave

Cheap pressure cookers are excellent pressed into use as an autoclave . . . . I'm still trying to source one that will take a 5L conical though . . . last price I had was £223.99 Ex Vat and Delivery . . .

[delboy]

I've used the micro to sanitise/sterilise a small amount (100 mls) in a glass bottle for a starter-starter
As a technique it obviously doesn't compare with autoclaving but it has its uses.

[adm]

I've been sterilising the flasks for yeast starters by just putting an inch or so of water in the bottom, then sticking in the electric fan over at 250C. I figure between the heat and the steam, it should kill anything. It's a dead easy way to do it...


Any thoughts?

[maxashton]

Microwaves are good at boiling water, that's about it.

For our purposes at least.

adm, your method is fine.

[delboy]

Microwaves are good at boiling water, that's about it.

For our purposes at least.

adm, your method is fine.

Ain't strictly true mash, i've a technique for using them for sterilising, i'll not post it though since it isn't without its risks

[Garth]

Microwaves are good at boiling water, that's about it.

and I also have a technique Max where you can heat mushroom soup and other tinned delights up, but it isn't without it's risks either so like Del, I will be responsible and not post it.

so you're wrong twice, sorry mate

[maxashton]

so you're wrong twice, sorry mate

Ever seen a Dalek in a microwave, Davros?

MWAAHAHHAHHA etc.

[Garth]

nope, it wouldn't fit,

but I've seen a lightbulb, a cd and other small electrical appliances in one on that daft show 'Brainiac'

interesting results

[Oblomov]

Microwaves are no good.

Put a few ants in your microwave and turn it on for a minute or so. You'll find that most survive just fine. (This doesn't work with larger pets)

[Matt]

There's nothing finer than a plate of nuked last night's curry for brewday scoff … so that's at least three documented uses in the art of ale husbandry

[Dennis King]

Microwaves are no good.

Put a few ants in your microwave and turn it on for a minute or so. You'll find that most survive just fine. (This doesn't work with larger pets)

watch out you might get knicked for abuse to insects