Going to make my first starter (Wyeast 1335) for my next brew. Instead of buying a flask could I just sanitize and use a mason jar? Its only 1 quart. Going to do the occasional swirl method
Yup, you can use that, but it's a bit small. Is a <1 quart starter large enough for the gravity you are brewing? You'll obviously need some headroom in the starter. I would use a 2L growler if you can. The benefit to a flask is mainly in the design of the bottom, it allows for smooth/reliable stir bar movement, so if you aren't using a stirplate I can't imagine a flask would be any better over a growler (except in terms of volume, you can get a much larger flask than you can a growler).
I'd suggest getting one of those 2L plastic bottles they sell soda in. You can probably get one for 89 cents. They're easy to sanitize, easy to cool, easy to shake.
An important point, and I am sure you know this, is that you should cover the top with aluminum foil, and not seal it with the flip top or screw top.
Right. I found a nice video showing the process and also Mr. Malty not only has the calculator but an easy to follow set of instructions.
