Sorry for the newbie question. I'm just trying to figure out if there's some sort of catch here. I don't think the StellarSan stuff is diluted, so I've been trying to figure out how it's so much cheaper than starsan.
They're both 50% phosphoric acid. It's the same shit. Start learning to figure out the chemical of what you're buying, and just buy the chemical directly. The StellarSan stuff is probably right on price point for phosphoric acid.
Understood. My first thought was actually to check whether the stellarsan stuff used some weird chemical, but the Amazon listing didn't specify what the starsan uses, so I'd assumed it was some secret recipe or something. Thanks
Look at the images online. The packages on both say that they're 50% phosphoric acid. The "Starsan" has another acid at 15%, but it's not likely a differentiator in their performance.
Another thing you can do if you want to know the chemical makeup of something - Ask the MFG for an "MSDS" (Material Safety Datasheet) - it'll generally tell you what it's made up of.
Oh right, thanks again!
EDIT: I've just done some quick research and it seems like stellarsan is a locally made equivalent to starsan in Australia. It's probably so much cheaper just because it's not an import.
Starsan is a recognizable trusted brand. I know exactly what I'm getting when I buy starsan. I have never before heard of stellarsan and cannot vouch for how well it works. I will say that the fact they've specifically chosen a name that could feasibly be confused with the established brand does not bode well for their own legitimacy.
That's the reason for the price difference I would guess. Name recognition vs taking a gamble on some unknown brand
If you must buy online because you don't have a local homebrew store, I recommend only doing so through a reputable seller that specializes in brewing supplies. Amazon is not ideal, and I'm not sure if kegland can be trusted as I've never heard of them. Try to make connections with other brewers in your area and see where they are ordering things from. Sadly, from what I've heard Australia is not the easiest place to source...well, anything from lol
Thank you! You're not wrong lol, it has been a royal PITA trying to find everything at a reasonable price, but I was a bit hesitant on skimping on sanitiser. I might have a look at what other decently known sans are going for around here
It's probably just as good. When Starsan was (temporarily) banned in Europe some time ago, a tonne of different brands popped up with similar products, but much cheaper. They all work similarly and I've used several of them without issues.
I'd save the money and buy something else than starsan, it's ridiculously overpriced.
sorry for the newbie question
No, that's exactly why we're here. Ask away.
I've always just used dilute bleach for sanitizing...
If you're using chlorine based bleach and don't rinse seriously, you risk introducing a serious off taste. Not saying you're doing it wrong, and obviously, it works for you. I just wanted to leave this here for people who come by and feel compelled to do the same.
A community dedicated to homebrewing beer, mead, wine, cider and everything in between. If it ferments, bring it over here.
Share recipes, ideas, ask for feedback or just advice.
Some starting points for beginners:
Quick and diry guide to fermenting fruit - cider and wine
