When it comes to making yeast starters, the size of the starter can have a significant impact on the growth and health of the yeast. While many recipes may call for a 1L starter, I would actually recommend using a minimum of a 2L starter for optimal results.
The main reason for this is that a larger starter provides the yeast with more nutrients and sugar to grow and multiply. This means that the yeast will have a greater opportunity to reach their maximum growth potential, resulting in a healthier and more active yeast population.
To put it simply, the more yeast cells you have, the better the fermentation process will be. This is especially important for high gravity or lager beers where a larger yeast population is needed to effectively ferment the sugars and produce a clean and well-attenuated beer.
In my experience as a brewer, I have found that using a larger starter size can make a noticeable difference in the quality of the final product. The yeast tend to be more vigorous and active, leading to a faster and more complete fermentation. This can result in a cleaner and more flavorful beer, with fewer off-flavors or fermentation issues.
Additionally, a larger starter can also help to reduce the lag time between pitching the yeast and the start of fermentation. This is particularly beneficial when brewing lagers or other styles that require a longer fermentation period. By providing the yeast with a larger population to start with, they can begin fermentation more quickly, reducing the risk of any unwanted bacteria or wild yeast taking hold.
In terms of practicality, making a larger starter does require a bit more planning and preparation. You will need a larger vessel, such as a 2L or 3L flask, to accommodate the increased volume. It's also important to ensure that you have enough yeast nutrient and oxygenation to support the increased yeast growth.
To summarize, while many recipes may suggest a 1L starter, I would recommend using a minimum of a 2L starter for optimal yeast growth and fermentation. The larger starter size provides the yeast with more nutrients and sugar to grow and multiply, resulting in a healthier and more active yeast population. This can lead to faster and more complete fermentations, as well as cleaner and more flavorful beers. So, if you want to take your brewing to the next level, consider scaling up your yeast starter size. Cheers!