Autoclave Bag
High-temperature polypropylene bags with a breathable filter.
| Material | Polypropylene, 2 – 4 mil |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | 121 °C continuous |
| Filter | 0.2 µm, patch or gusset |
| Closure | Impulse sealer or zip tie |
| Single use | Yes, for sterile work |
| Fill limit | About 60% of bag volume |
Overview
Autoclave bags are polypropylene bags rated to survive 121 °C without melting, fitted with a microporous filter window that lets gas exchange happen while blocking contaminants. They turn a pot of grain into a self-contained bioreactor and are the standard vessel for bulk substrate.
Where it fits in the grow
Filled with moist substrate, sealed and sterilised in the pressure cooker.
Overfilled bags press against the filter and block gas exchange in the cooker. Leave at least 40% headspace so steam can move through the whole bag.
Practical advice
Let sterilised bags cool fully to room temperature before inoculation. Adding culture to a warm bag creates condensation that floods the filter patch.
Tools that pair with this
Grain Spawn Bag
Pre-hydrated grain in a filter-patch bag, ready for inoculation.
Isopropyl Alcohol
70% alcohol for wiping surfaces, tools and gloves between every step.