Best erlenmeyer flasks for labs according to redditors

My body type is Erlenmeyer flask and let me tell you, it is extremely difficult to find clothes that fit when you have size 15 feet, huge cankles, and size 20AAAA boobs. So glad wide leg pants are coming back in because they’re perfect for my inverted ice cream cone legs 😍

I usually use a 1L or 2L [Erlenmeyer flask] (https://www.amazon.com/PYREX-Narrow-Mouth-Erlenmeyer-Flasks/dp/B004XR5W5E/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1496999961&sr=1-2&keywords=erlenmeyer+flask+2l)

Have to use an Erlenmeyer Flask, much better distance.

Have you considered an Erlenmeyer flask? I bought several of these $12, made by Pyrex and dishwasher safe.

https://www.amazon.com/PYREX-Narrow-Mouth-Erlenmeyer-Flasks/dp/B004XR5VMI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478888519&sr=8-1&keywords=erlenmeyer+flask+1000ml

I work in a shop where sheet metal is readily available, and scrap is ok to use for whatever we want.

A 120v muffin fan came into my possession by means I do not remember. I glued a neodymium magnet from a dead hard drive to the fan, and built an enclosure to which I mounted the fan, and a 120v dimmer switch to control the speed of said fan.

I then purchased stir bars, to stir the starter in a 2 liter Erlenmeyer flask.

I bought a dimmer switch at Home Depot, and I get an amazing turbination in my starters.


The result is an inexpensive alternative to commercially available stir plates.

Paid $45.00 for the flask, $7.00 for the switch, maybe $9.00 for the stir bars, but the satisfaction of seeing the thing work, and work well, was so validating and fun to do!

While I agree with /u/BaggySpandex that additional surface area for air transfer is a benefit, the best part about Erlenmeyer Flasks and a stir plate is you can boil and cool the wort directly in the Erlenmeyer--no need to sanitize a jar, boil in a pot and then cool and transfer. Constant stirring results in more yeast cells and increased vitality.

2L Erlenmeyer flasks are only $19 on Amazon. If you have access to a spare 8v power supply and an old computer, you can built a stir plate with a computer fan, hard drive magnet.

It's basically these four items, seperator funnel, glass funnel, erlenmeyer flask, and a stand. Although I don't know exactly what stand they're using in this particular setup (whether it was purchased in a set (although it does look awfully familiar)), it's not too difficult to reproduce.

Amazon has really good customer service, just ask for your money back, and you will get it. I once was sold fake Wusthof by one of their 3rd party shops and was pretty upset seeing how I paid north of $400 for them. They refunded the money right away, gave me a gift card for my troubles, and paid for shipping. It took all of 10 minutes to get my money back.

There are Many different types of products on Amazon; Made and sold by Amazon, fulfilled by Amazon by their Prime service, and sold on Amazon. The last option for example ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BLKL4W/ ) is on Amazon but sold and shipped by "Ships from and sold by Scientific Strategies." Amazon tries to control when these 3rd party companies pull fast ones, but it can happen. A lot of times, these companies will get black-listed for doing what they did to you. It sucks you got a shitty product, Amazon's should take care of you, no questions asked.

Source; Happy Amazon customer for 7+ years.

I got my erlenmeyer flask on Amazon. I strongly encourage the actual Pyrex brand, I have an off-brand 1L flask and bought a Pyrex 2L flask, the quality difference is pretty staggering.

Here's the one I bought.

For those of you whom would like to make one of your own you can purchase the magnetic stirrer hot plate here ($210), and the Pyrex Erlenmeyer Flask here ($15.95)! Total investment cost: $225.95.

Alternatively you can purchase this magnetic stirrer hot plate for significantly less, bringing the total cost down to $175.90.

Get a erlenmeyer flask to make yeast starters. Spend the little bit extra and get a 2000ml flask made by Pyrex.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR5W5E/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_SC_3p_dp_1

Also get Fermcap-S. Boilovers suck

Cheapest I found on amazon SEOH Erlenmeyer Flask 5ML Borosilicate Glass https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JG2ZO0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_QLxeAb8DV7P9S

You don't actually need a dark room, it's a common misconception. You only need that if you plan to use an enlarger and make your own prints. I don't, but only due to lack of space in my apartment - I scan them in and order prints at Costco or Bartells like any normal digital scan.

If you get one of the Paterson Reel tanks like I have in that photo, you just need a changing bag. Put your 1-2 rolls of film, a bottle opener, a pair of scissors, and all the tank pieces in the bag. Seal it up, pop open the film canister with the bottle opener, then spool the film onto the reels. Put both reels back in the tank and seal it up. Everything else can be done in daylight. (you can skip the bag and do this in a pitch black room like your bathroom or a closet if you want. I prefer the bag- I can sit on the couch and watch TV while I spool rolls).

Then you're just dumping in chemicals on a timed schedule and then unspooling and hanging them to dry when complete. B&W is roughly 13 minutes a batch at diluted 1+1, or 6 minutes at stock (full strength) solution. Stock just uses it up twice as fast, but saves time.

B&W = developer (12-15 minutes for most films at 1+1 - check the massive dev chart -> stop bath (1 minute) -> fixer (1 minute) -> rinse (2-3 minutes) -> hang to dry (2ish hours or until totally dry).

Color = developer (6ish minutes) -> blix (2-3 minutes) -> rinse (2-3 minutes) -> stabilizer (1 minute) -> hang to dry (2ish hours).

I'm pulling those numbers from memory, but the unicolor kit has a good guide with it.

Stuff you need

• D-76 developer (black and white)
  
• Stop bath (black and white)
  
• Fixer (black and white)
  
• C-41 developer kit (color)
  
• Changing bag
  
• 500ml beaker (at least 1, up to 3 for convenience)
  
• 1L beaker (at least 1, up to 3 for convenience)
  
• .5L plastic bottles (At least 6)
  
• Scissors
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Funnel (optional, if you have steady pouring hands)
  
• Paterson Reel tank
  
• Glass thermometer (optional for B&W, necessary for color)
  
• Clothespins/some string or paracord to hang film to dry
  
• A bucket (5G or so- small cleaning bucket - Color only)
  
  For B&W film - you use the 1+1 developer one time (150ml per roll of film) and dump it when you finish. Which means that 1L D-76 pouch gives you 6 rolls of film. I buy mine in the 1G bags to mix up as they're cheaper, but you need a 1G plastic bottle to store it. For color film that kit does 8-9 rolls of film. The bigger 1G kits are more expensive and you can also buy the chemicals separately. Color is picky because you need to keep it at a constant 103F the whole time or risk ruining them, hence the bucket (or a bathtub). Color developer and all other chemicals you dump back into bottles and re-use until it's used up.
  
  The color film process is actually really well documented in the booklet that comes with the unicolor kit.
  
  If you ever want a hands on trial, I can do a video of the process or a demo at my apartment (my fiance thinks it looks like I'm doing crazy mad science stuff every time)
  
  Check out /r/analog for weekly advice threads or some of these helpful links:
  
  
• Color development
  
• B&W development
  
• Massive Dev chart for B&W

I mix mine in flasks, hot water bathe them in a mini crock pot for a few minutes, then give them a few gentle shakes. I've also got a tiny funnel to pour the liquid into bottles.

Here's the funnel I use: http://wizardlabs.us/index.php?route=product/product&path=71_76&product_id=233

These are the flasks I use: http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Erlenmeyer-Flask-Set-Scientific/dp/B008VIHFSI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413214288&sr=8-1&keywords=erlenmeyer+flask

got it from amazon aprox 5 years ago(along with several other larger sizes) here's a pretty good listing for similar items for $16! seriously though.... so useful... everyone should have these around.

I'm building a 4 station stir plate using a PC fan controller. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074BQ4K77/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0X1LDbA9JG433

I'll post pictures on this sub when it's finished.

Here's a link for an Erlenmeyer Flask (2000 ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DB1S5H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E21LDb4MTW30A

Here's 3 Piece Airlock With Silicone Grommet, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KLXXLLN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x31LDb4YR7YA6

This is the best sanitizer for fermenting food and beer. San Sanitizer (32 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA86OVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F41LDbEJ7APQ7

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BLOHVK/

Watch for the quality on the cheaper Karter Scientific. I bought this 5 beaker set and all 5 flasks were scratched, 1 was chipped and the two largest flasks had tons of bubbles in the glass.

Get the Pyrex instead.

150ml Erlenmeyer flasks, or same size Pyrex beaker. I use the flasks because I use a magnetic stirrer.

1ml disposable pipettes or you can get the 3ml for larger batches.

Amazon ships to Canada, don't they?

I guess I should share this pro tip, which I came up with while lamenting a broken decanter when I was opening a bottle of Monte Bello for the S5 finale of Breaking Bad:

http://www.amazon.com/PYREX-Narrow-Mouth-Erlenmeyer-Flasks/dp/B004XR5W5E/ref=pd_sim_sbs_indust_1

$25, nearly indestructible, dishwasher safe and I got 2 for less than the price of a new Reidel.

I have this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UKI8XK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And haven't had issues with it throwing my stir bar

I would think not. If you have a Radio Shack near you that hasn't gone out of business yet, you can get:

• 80mm PC Case fan $4.99
  
• Flip Switch $0.79
  
• Red LED 2-pack $0.40
  
• 1M-Ohm Potentiometer $2.79
  
• 2-pack Rare Earth Magnets $0.90
  
• 9V battery snap connector $1.20
  
  So far we're at $11.07. Then you need a stirrer bar($5.45) and an erlenmeyer flask($15.30).
  
  You'll also hopefully have some wire and a soldering iron (and solder). Grand total of $31.82. After that, have fun!

Im not the OP, but im using MHRB as well, and no i dont clean it unless it comes out super dark yellow.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UKICMW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i bought one of these sets and it made the whole swirling and piping parts WAY easier.

In this case I would take it off the stir plate and use a sanitized funnel to transfer the whole starter into a sanitized growler. Stick the growler in the fridge and reclaim your flask for the next starter.

I bought this flask and it has served me well. I highly recommend it (& free shipping to boot).

Like /u/suburbdad I weigh the DME in the flask, drop in the stir bar, then add tap water to volume in my 2L Erlenmeyer flask (German Pyrex). Adding the water that way gives me the chance to rinse the sticky DME that always falls to the wrong place!

I then put the flask directly on the gas stove and bring it to a boil. This process sanitizes everything involved and even does a quick hot break on the DME.

From there it goes into a bowl of ice in the kitchen sink (with sanitized foil on top) where it sits and melts the ice.

20 minutes later it's ready to spin with yeast.

Here it is:

• 1" Stir Bar
  
• Computer fan with speed controller
  
• Rare earth magnets
  
  
  (optional) Erlenmeyer flask
  
  I used a spare project box I had for the container, but a cigar box etc would work. If you want a more detailed description of the actual process let me know. I also used a spare 9v dc adapter I had lying around. Even the fan and earth magnets can be found in an old computer tower, knocking your price down to a whoppin' $5.45 for the stir bar.

I agree with /u/notsweetenough that a 2L flask is way too big. If you a variety of other items at the table, you can get away with 250mL or 500mL flasks.

One issue I can see is that real lab ware can be pretty pricey. The first inspo photo you posted (which I love!) could easily be over $100 in lab ware alone. There are some sets on Amazon that are affordable-ish. If you want a mix-and-match thing going on, you could get this set. I would envision the larger 1L and 500mL flasks filled with fairy lights, and the smaller flasks with flowers in them. To save on costs, I would split them between two tables (with the 1L + 250mL on one table and the 500mL, 150mL, and 50mL on another). Likewise, there are equivalent beaker sets if you want to mix-and-match flasks and beakers.

If you wanted a more uniform theme, like in your second inspo photo, something like these 250mL Erlenmeyer flasks might work.

If it were me, I would probably go with mix-and-match sized flasks and beakers, with the largest ones holding the lights and smaller ones with flowers. I'd also have a separate table number with whatever science-y reference you want (plant, animal, elements, etc.). If the two candles didn't feel like they were enough, I would add on some 50mL beakers as bud vase, or colored wired balls (like in inspo #2), or fake succulents.

It's an Erlenmeyer flask. Here is one on amazon.

You want lab grade borosilicate.

https://www.amazon.com/Flask-ERLENMEYER-NARROW-MOUTH-PYREX/dp/B001BLKL4W/

No problem.

This is the flask set I got. Not too expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Karter-Scientific-Narrow-Erlenmeyer-Borosilicate/dp/B006UKICMW/ref=sr_1_5?crid=5DL6LH3DOURW&keywords=erlenmeyer+flask+set&qid=1562678863&s=industrial&sprefix=erlenm%2Cindustrial%2C230&sr=1-5

Honestly Amazon might be your best bet. Here's a listing hold 250ml (plus more in the neck area) and are $7 a piece. They're made of plastic, not sure if it's food-safe stuff, but I will say I didn't find them until I searched for "erlenmeyer toy" instead of just "erlenmeyer" so maybe look into it before getting them/using them to serve.

Or there's this listing which is 12 erlenmeyer's same size, for 46 which works out to just under $4 per flask. So if you want 6 or less, the first ones will cost you slightly less. This gives you some extras, and they're made of glass instead of plastic.

I took a look through Michael's website since a few people mentioned it, but I couldn't find anything there in the erlenmeyer style, only the graduated cylinder style.

Honestly, Erlenmeyer flasks aren't all that expensive and they're totally reusable! I bought this kit for a Redditor a few months ago and while some came cracked, Amazon refunded me for the broken ones and he said the rest are great!

$30 is a bit high for 12 flasks but he said they're all great and the stoppers fit nicely. And 50mL is perfect for mixing small batches.

Plus, kinda weird, but chicks dig dudes with Erlenmeyer flasks. Not kidding you.

same price, much better looks, plus allows for swirling/shaking without spilling here

I found an instructables on it, which I really only used to find the right items.
I got the 500ml Erlenmeyer flask from amazon & size 20 cork from ebay.

The indestructibles label downloads require a pro account, so I googled the images I needed.
I just modpodge'd the labels on & filled it with lemon dish soap & glitter. I glued the cork in with E6000 for good measure.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ES3QY6E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1398285087&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

This is the one I got. Bought it before there were any reviews. Oops

Here are the items that you'll need, it's only like $15 for everything. The idea is basically to boil the flask to vaporize the bud inside and you'll inhale it through the hose. If you want this in your room then you just buy like a $15 hotplate off of amazon, and you can also cook food in there now.


This flask

This hose

As long as you can drill a little hole and have a stovetop, you're good to go.

get the vinturi and any glass vessel of your choice. I have a number of them, but these two get the most use:

http://www.amazon.com/Riedel-1440-13-Cabernet-Decanter/dp/B0000DC0XG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462385732&sr=8-2&keywords=riedel+ultra+wine+decanter

http://www.amazon.com/PYREX-Narrow-Mouth-Erlenmeyer-Flasks/dp/B004XR5VMI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1462385775&sr=8-7&keywords=erlenmeyer+flask

Thanks to /u/itsme_timd for this tip! The post in that link helps support hbf. Thanks in advance should you choose to use it. If not here

If you will allow me a little tangent in the direction of /r/wine, then this one (warning: Amazon link, in case you don't want it in your history) works well as a wine decanter. It's large enough for a magnum, but wide enough for aerating a 750mL bottle, which is why I prefer it for the regular sized bottles.

My biggest issue for the longest time was finding the right sizes for what I needed. I finally settled on this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BERGESK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a 1000ml erlenmeyer flask, rubber stopper included. $11.95 with prime.

I definitely needed something big enough to mix in, but also for long term storage, so this works great for me. The stuff I vape needs no steeping time, so I just order specific amounts in the quantity I mix, just dump it all in the bottle, cap it, and mix. Amazon does also have flask sets you can buy if you're looking for more DIY stuff, and I have seen them with stoppers included.

After reading thru this site, here is my shopping list:

• 500ml, 100Mg/ml Supercritical Nicotine/USP PG (CXTC)
  
• Peach Colorless Flavor Concentrate by LA (4oz) (Wizard Labs)
  
• Vegetable Glycerin USP
  
• Gloves, Flasks, Syringes, Bottles
  
  Going for a 70pg/30vg blend, just need to track down a good e-juice calculator from the sidebar.

Stuff you'll need (Prime links given)

$200 digital hotplate: amzn.com/B00AYGIFCA

$13.50 large flask: amzn.com/B00BERGESK

$9 rubber stopper to fit flask: amzn.com/B00ES3UE9C (can be had for $.50 at Fred Meyers or lab stores)

$17.49 for a hose to run from faucet to condenser: amzn.com/B000KI7VN6

$16.72 for the condenser: amzn.com/1450567898

$13.03 for a stand to hold the condenser: amzn.com/B00657N7TS

Misc you likely already have around:

Large pot or dish that can hold the flask

Cleaning sponge or rag

1/2 gallon vegetable oil

Total cost: $269.74 and maybe $20 for the misc stuff if you lack it

Preparation: This needs to be done in a temperature controlled room; the method uses slight variations in temperature to isolate out the individual chemicals, so any fluctuation in the room will hinder this. You will need to be near a sink with a running faucet. Be prepared for this method to take 24 plus hours.

Method:

1. Place your large pot on top of the hot plate, and place your sponge or rag in the center of the pot. This will prevent a hot spot where the flask touches the pan.
   
   
2. Fill your flask with the herb or extract you will be isolating (use extract, the results are much purer!), and place it on the sponge in the pot. Stopper the flask.
   
   
3. Attach a hose from the stopper to the top of the condenser. Attach a hose from the faucet to the coolant intake on the condenser. Attach a hose from the coolant exhaust and let it dangle in your sink.
   
   
4. Fill the pan with 1-2 inches of oil. Not enough for the flask to float, but enough for the oil level to be above the level of your herb or extract in the flask.
   
   
5. Start running cold water through the condenser, and start heating the oil. To get a list of the required temps, lookup each cannabinoid on Chemblink (or wikipedia), and look for the evaporation temp listed. Start with the lowest temp and work your way up.
   
   
6. Once the oil has reached the temp you specified, let the system run for at least 4 hours. You will begin to see resin buildup inside of the condenser. This is your isolate. Once you are satisfied that no more isolate is building up: run hot water through the condenser so the isolate melts and runs out of the condenser.
   
   
7. Go up a heat level and repeat 5-6.
   
   As I said, this really only works for THC-like cannabinoids, you won't get any terps with this method without much more expensive equipment (theyll just evaporate away), and the overall loss is great enough that its unlikely youll be able to get an isolate of CBG or THCV, since they are such a small percentage of the cannabinoids, but you should have no problem getting pure THC and even CBD, assuming your starter strain has more than a percent of it. Once you have isolates you can isomerize and do other fun stuff as well.
   
   That said, pure THC isnt fun at all, but its a great learning experience, and you can also use the same setup to distill essential oils or liquor, which is a slightly different process but uses the same equipment (though you can sub the digital hotplate for a cheaper electric range for those purposes)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QDP82Q/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered that one along with a computer fan, stir bar had some magnets and built a stir plate in an old cigar box. Works like a champ. No Prime on the Flask though so that part sucked.

This is the one i got. i thought it was a 1000ml flask but when i got it it was 2000ml.

Here's the link.

This is a pretty good price.

Take it to the next level with these bad boys. A 1L flask is light enough to weigh your flavors into without other ingredients, and big enough to easily swirl/mix 500ml.

Outside of basic equipment like pots, fermenters and chillers, the 2 most impactful things that will make his beer better are the following:

1. The ability to control the temperature of his fermenting beer. So, if you can get a cheapo chest freezer to put in the basement (if you have a basement) and a cheap temp contoller (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015E2UFGM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). You can find a new chest freezer for around $150 or even less if you search craigslist.
   
   
2. Pitching the proper amount of yeast. You can get him a 2 L flask (https://www.amazon.com/PYREX-Narrow-Mouth-Erlenmeyer-Flasks/dp/B004XR5W5E/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1488125537&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=2+l+flask+erlenmeyer) and a stir plate.... I think these are cool (http://craftstirplates.com). He'd need a stir bar too.
   
   

If you're talking about 500 ml then they're not that expensive on Amazon either.

5L is a different story.

This was only pyrex flask at 2000 mL I could find from them, but the shipping brings it over $30.

I got tired of comparing base price plus shipping and just ordered myself this

I have a Pyrex 2L flask (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XR5W5E) looking to upgrade for larger starters. Mind if I ask what you're using for the 3L starters and if you would recommend it?

I'll do you one better but all gonna be Canadian so you might have to convert

https://www.amazon.ca/Fox-Run-5678-Baster-Heat-Resistant/dp/B0000VLPSU/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img

https://www.amazon.ca/Magnetic-stirrer-magnetic-Stirring-Capacity/dp/B072K24X5P/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img

https://www.amazon.ca/213B2-Karter-Scientific-Erlenmeyer-1000ml/dp/B006UKICMW/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img

Then Naptha was "Clova thinner #7" from Cloverdale paint. http://pldb.cloverdalepaint.com/documents/cloverdale/sds/cloverdale-sds-78007-e.pdf

Lye was https://m.homehardware.ca/h5/m/en/r/hh/en/rec/index.htm/Indoor-Living/Home-Commercial-Cleaning/Cleaners/Household/Specialty/500g-Pure-Lye-Crystals/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I3226432?Ntt=lye

had vinegar and pots and a pie dish laying around. You could get away without the stirrer but it kicks ass for killing emulsions and for $40 it's a cool toy. Same with the flasks for $23 how do I say no? Prob going to buy a separatory funnel too just for The cool factor. I'm going to look for some used lab equip.

Let me know if I missed anything.

Buy the correct flask and you will have less problems.
https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Reusable-Borosilicate-Non-Sterile-Erlenmeyer/dp/B009NWHDG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480522665&sr=8-1&keywords=glass+straight+neck+culture+flask
The steel caps are great, but you can be cheap and use aluminum foil.

Personally I use screw cap culture flasks, but only because this lets me grow up a batch of yeast at home and easily transport them to a friends to brew.

amazon

http://www.amazon.com/213B2-Karter-Scientific-Erlenmeyer-1000ml/dp/B006UKICMW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368404228&sr=8-2&keywords=flask+erlenmeyer