Stir Starter- Magnetic Yeast Starter Plate

This thing is complete garbage. It took 20 mins to get it going the first time and it BARELY even moves the water. If you turn it up any faster, the bar flings off to the side of the flask and just sticks there from the magnet in the base! I figured well, I got it working at least, and then filled the flask with beer wort and it took 30 mins to make it work again without being able to see the bar in the bottom because of the wort. It ran for about an hour and then suddenly spun off and stuck to the side again. I spent the next HOUR not being able to make it ever work again. I can't return this piece of trash fast enough for a refund!

This is poorly made. The inner tubing used as a distance is too tall so magnets brush against the enclosure making lots of noise. After a few seconds of use the magnets came loose rendering the unit inoperable. Mediocre glue job. I need to try a repair before even using it once! If magnets come loose again, or if they scratch against the enclosure, this is going back. A bit to expensive to just throw away, but I sure am tempted to do so.

It does the job. That's about it nothing fancy. Don't expect a huge whirl pool and it is a bit noisy. Personally I upgraded and wish I would have just spent money on a better one. I just didn't feel like it was stirring as much as I like boot if I had a 2000ml flask on there that it was secure on there.

I use it to stir 1500ml starters using a 2000ml Pyrex Erlenmeyer Flask (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VCL2WU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00) and it works very well. I also use it for 2200ml starters using a 3000ml flask. 1000ml to 1500ml sized starters work well in a 2000ml flask as there is more headspace so overflow is generally not an issue at high krausen. If you are in need of a full 2000ml starter, you'll want to use a 3000ml flask to ensure you have enough headspace so your starter won't overflow. There have been comments that it doesn't create a very good vortex. Mine does create a good vortex for stirring yeast starters. It may not be strong enough for other applications, but it is more than strong enough to make starters using this setup. I generally run it at 1/2 speed and it keeps everything moving well in the flask as well as does a good job of pulling in oxygen. I'm very pleased with my purchase thus far. BTW - this is a genuine Pyrex (made in Germany) Erlenmeyer flask, not a cheap, low quality knock-off. I have used it directly on open flame on a gas stove and have crashed chilled it and haven't had any issues, just watch for boil overs though.

When I first received this product I was skeptical due to the seemingly poor build quality but it works GREAT! I went straight to 2L starters without any issue. Created a beautiful strong vortex that I even had to turn the power down on! This has lasted through several starters so far and the difference in fermentation is exceptional (mostly from a stirred starter, not really the product).

Maybe I got a faulty one. Turned it on the first time, and the bar seemed to rotate pretty well. Then second time, not at all. With subsequent attempts, sometimes the bar would spin, sometimes not, and sometimes very slowly. Decided to return just stay clear of it rather than try an exchange.

If you ever plan to use liquid yeast, then you have to have one of these. I have used it with a 1000mL Erlenmeyer flask and a 2000mL one. Both sit securely on top, and even though the larger flask looks unwieldy, it's perfectly sturdy. A two or three day starter has gotten me a quick and vigorous fermentation every time. You need an Erlenmeyer flask, since the magnet spins on the flask's flat bottom. The magnets are strong and small, so just keep good track of them and keep them out of reach of your children. Its simple construction and operation are exactly what home brewers are looking for. I know you want to build all your brewing equipment yourself, but sourcing and soldering the electrical components just wouldn't be fun. It's also easier to brag to your friends about your gigantic brew stand than it is to brag about your little black box you've been running for the three days before brew day. Just buy it already.Note: You do NOT need this Stir Starter if you only plan to use dry yeast for your brewing, but you'll probably miss out on some great beer styles in the long run.

Functional, and includes all you need to stir/aerate those yeast to make them good and healthy for pitching. Housing seems rugged enough and the drop-dead-simple interface is just what I'd want. Drop in the (sanitized!) stir bar, position the flask in the center, and turn that knob!