Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Share your experiences of using brewing yeast.
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privatewiddle
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Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by privatewiddle » Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:44 am

Hello,

Our bread machine has a few programmes that make dough, allowing us to remove the dough for extra kneading and baking in the gas oven

The machine (like all of them I suppose) has a rotating paddle that goes on and off during the process, sometimes for quite extended runs. It also heats the newly forming dough to encourage cell growth.

It occured to me that (with proper sanitation as a given) this might be a good way to make a yeast starter for pitching.

I imagine that the starter would be reasonably aerated and wonder if I have missed something that makes this a rubbish idea?

Has anyone tried this?

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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by och29 » Wed Jun 11, 2014 3:28 pm

I would be worried that it would heat the starter too much. Even if the temperature does stay below a lethal temperature it's best to let yeast grow at fermentation temperature for whatever you're making. This 'lets the yeast become accustomed to the correct temp' and ideally you're starter will be of a similar temperature to the cooled wort to prevent thermal shock.

However this is all theory which could be completely wrong in practice. Given it a go with a small batch or even a sample from a main brew.
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by Maysie » Wed Jun 11, 2014 4:37 pm

I am no yeast expert, but I personally wouldn't use a bread machine as the temp range may be greater than the yeasties may tolerate. A loaf of wet bread dough will be in the order of 1kg, so the thermal mass of the dough will be more tolerant than a small jar of starter.

Why not sell the bread machine on ebay and then put the proceeds towards a brewfridge with an STC-1000 controller.
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privatewiddle
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by privatewiddle » Sat Apr 28, 2018 5:12 pm

Thank you, I still haven't been brave enough to try this.

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Crastney
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by Crastney » Thu May 03, 2018 1:11 pm

as others said, not a good idea. temperature rang too high, and also, on our bread maker, the paddle only goes round for the mixing, kneading phase, and there's extended periods of rest where the bread proves. You could take one apart, and alter the electronics, to control the spin, and temp, and it'd be a good idea, but unless you're sure you know what you're doing...

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orlando
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by orlando » Fri May 04, 2018 7:34 am

Look up how to make a stir plate from a computer fan. Get a fridge controlled by an STC as advised, unless of course you have one, though you can't have too many fridges. A 500ml flask and a 2 litre flask, a stir bar and you're there.
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by guypettigrew » Fri May 11, 2018 8:55 am

One of these used at normal room temperature will do the job.

And a two litre flask will give you plenty of headroom in case of lots of froth!

Guy

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LeeH
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by LeeH » Sun May 13, 2018 7:00 am

I have one of these, seems to work well.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2781909327



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Normski
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Re: Could A Bread Machine Make A Yeast Starter?

Post by Normski » Tue May 15, 2018 9:30 pm

A bread maker, Thats the funiest thing sugested in a while.
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