The best moonshine stills with a steamer

How to choose the best moonshine still by design

It is recommended to understand the rules for choosing a device based on its design.

Familiarize yourself with the types of equipment

There are many models of devices sold on the market, their design differs significantly. If you remove the minor points, then the overwhelming mass of devices is divided into 4 types.

Classic distiller

Classic equipment contains 2 interconnected parts - a refrigerator, also known as a coil, and a distillation cube. This is exactly how ordinary people imagine a moonshine still. The device is widely used in rural areas. The principle of operation of the device is simple, described as follows:

The mash in the cube is heated to the boiling point of alcohol.
The steam is cooled in a coil, as a result of which a distillate appears, which is moonshine with a maximum stream strength at the outlet of 75-80 degrees.

During distillation, it is impossible to obtain pure alcohol; other substances will be present in the liquid. The components are needed to add aroma and taste, but in addition to them, harmful impurities penetrate into the drink: acetone, aldehyde, fusel oils. The advantages of the distiller include:

low price;
ease of installation;
ease of use.

A classic, good moonshine still retains the taste and aroma of the grains, berries, and fruits from which the drink is prepared better than other models. This distillate is suitable for brewing rum, cognac, and whiskey.

The disadvantages of the classical model include:

to obtain high-quality moonshine, the raw materials need to be distilled 2-3 times, separated into tails, heads and bodies;
grain and sugar utensils must be cleaned before the next preparation, which takes a lot of time and effort.

Distiller with steamer

A dry steamer is a container that is mounted between the evaporator and the refrigerator. Thanks to it, air reflux is formed.

Theoretically, a steamer increases the degree of purification of the distillate due to the evaporation of harmful components with a low boiling point. In practice, the element copes with this task mediocrely. It is recommended to use only 1 steamer; 2 or more are not justified.

The apparatus with a steam steamer has the following advantages:

low price;
compact dimensions;
protection against mash getting into the distillate;
minor distillate purification;
the ability to flavor moonshine, add apple, herbs, zest.

Disadvantages include loss of alcohol yield and poor purification of the distillate.

Beer column distiller with forced reflux

A mash column is a device in which a module that cools alcohol vapor is made in the form of a vertical pipe with a reflux condenser equipped at the top. It divides the liquid into fractions during the distillation period.

The column is used for brewing any drinks - simple sugar moonshine, elite cognac, whiskey, chacha. The device will perfectly preserve the aroma of the liquid. Advantages of the device:

practicality of use;
high degree of purification from harmful components;
average cost;
ease of use.

The disadvantage is the inability to extract all the alcohol from the mash without deteriorating in quality. Losses account for about 45-70% of the total volume. From 3 liters of alcohol composition you will get approximately 1.5 liters of drink.

The design of the distiller is large; not every person will allow it to be placed in an apartment.

Distillation column rectifier

The device allows you to obtain a refined product at the output with a maximum strength of up to 96% with minimal aromatics of the raw materials. In practice, it is a tall cylinder, inside of which there are heat exchange plates or nozzles.

This device is the only one that guarantees 100% pure alcohol and separation of impurities thanks to continuous distillation. The advantages of the device include:

high degree of purification;
maximum strength of the drink.

The disadvantages are the large size of the device, which often does not allow it to be placed in an apartment. It is also difficult to use and maintain.

Indicate operating conditions

There is no universal model suitable for every person. First you need to understand what the conditions of the room are. To operate the equipment you will need water, a stove and sewerage. The kitchen and bathroom are equipped with this equipment. More often they choose the first option.

The liquid is heated on a gas, electric or induction stove. The first model is static; it requires an accurate calculation of the distance to the hood in order for the device to fit. The other two types of stoves are removable, so you can brew moonshine right on the floor.

Set a goal for what drinks you will prepare.

Based on the desired drink, it will depend on which design of the device is best to buy. The distillate contains a large amount of raw alcohol and other components. During the cooking process, esters and oils from the mash go into the final drink, since perfect cleansing is not guaranteed. Simple modifications are suitable for preparing the distillate.

Rectified is the final drink with a high strength of up to 96% and the absence of additional substances in the composition. The high-quality processing that the raw materials undergo has a positive effect on moonshine. High-quality alcohol can be obtained using equipment of the appropriate class.

Characteristics by brand

There are many companies on the Russian production market that manufacture goods for the production of alcoholic beverages. Let's talk about some of them and the products they produce.

Brownie

In Togliatti it produces inexpensive products, including the Domovenok and Kuzya . The company separately sells cubes of 15, 18 and even 27 liters, bubble columns, etc.

Domovenok moonshine stills are compact and functional. Equipped with a refrigerator for running water. The Domovenok-8 model, 15 liters for 5500, is equipped with a steam tank with return discharge of heavy fractions to the tank. “Kuzya” - without a steamer, for distilling mash or creating distilled water. The cost is even more attractive - 4500 rubles.

However, when purchasing moonshine stills from the Domovenok company, pay attention to this “trifle” - usually sites sell moonshine stills fully assembled, but this is not entirely true with Domovenok. Please look at the package carefully. The distillation cube is most often sold separately, for additional money.

By the way, as a container for mash under the “Housewife” you can use (almost without modification) a pressure cooker, preferably 9 liters.

Pervach

Several types of inexpensive products are produced under this brand. A popular moonshine still is Pervach Elite Aroma with a 14-liter tank and a collapsible steamer equipped with a container for aromatization costing 6,340 rubles.

Good heat

A number of equipment and related products in different price categories have been released onto the market. Manufacturing material - food steel (wall thickness - 1.5 mm, bottom - 2 mm), neck diameter 10 cm. Distillation cubes are equipped with taps for draining stillage, used on all types of stoves, including induction.

Let us note the rating models, starting with the lowest cost:

Dobry Zhar Luch moonshine still with three steam chambers and a capacity of 12 to 30 liters. Cost – from 9600 rub.
moonshine still good heat pro , to which the tank is selected at your discretion (from 12 to 40 liters). The price starts from 10,350 rubles. Increases depending on the size of the cube. This model uses Panchenkov on-load tap-changer.

Reference. Regular wire nozzle, named after its inventor, is made of stainless or copper wire of a special weave. 100% purifies the final product from impurities and fusel oils during distillation.

Dobry Zhar Lux moonshine still with a capacity of 12 to 27 liters. Equipped with a steam tank with a tap. Cost – from 11,300 rub.
The Good Heat Triumph moonshine still is distinguished by two steam chambers, the second of which is collapsible to add additional ingredients to obtain an aromatic distillate. Capacity - 12-50 liters, price - from 12,000 rubles.
Dobro Heat Extra Lux moonshine still will appeal to those who like to receive high-quality distillate from the first distillation. Capacity 20 - 50 l, cost from 15,000 rub.

Good heat Lux

Good heat Ray

Good heat Triumph

Good heat Pro

Petrovich

Petrovich moonshine still which has won the hearts of rural and urban residents thanks to its compact size and reliability. Notable Features:

the price is about 7,000 rubles, but there are discounts of a thousand, or even one and a half;
thick steel from Germany was used: for the walls - 1.5 mm, the bottom - stamped from 2 mm steel;
glass steamer.

If damaged, the glass steamer can be replaced with a jar with a screw cap. It is easy to wash, and when re-distilled, you can add dried fruits, herbs, etc.

The Petrovich moonshine still allows you to easily make cognac, whiskey, Calvados, plum brandy, and other high-proof alcoholic drinks.

In addition, the Petrovich moonshine still is equipped with a conical tank, which in practice makes it possible to distill the mash faster (read: how to determine whether the mash is ready for distillation).

Phoenix

Phoenix LLC can please the client with the variety and quality of the units offered, capable of turning wort into a strong drink. 10 models are produced, among which we highlight:

Moonshine still Phoenix Dream , the price of which starts at 5,400 rubles. This configuration includes a device with a flow-through refrigerator, but without a steam chamber. Tank - 8 liters. Compact dimensions and productivity up to 3 l/h facilitate fast double distillation and obtain high-quality distillate. A godsend for small kitchens of “standard” apartments;
The owner of the phoenix moonshine still is a distiller with a collapsible steamer, which will help get rid of harmful impurities, including fusel oils, and at the same time flavor the distillate. The capacity of the distillation tank is 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30 liters. The price starts from 6500 rubles;
Moonshine still Phoenix Miner with steamer in the form of a glass jar. Designed for 12, 15 or 20 liters. Cost - from 6550 rubles;
inexpensive moonshine still Phoenix Elegant for 6550 – 7350 rubles, depending on the volume. It is a rectifier and is used to produce both alcohol and purified moonshine. Compact model from this company. Distillation containers of 12, 15 or 20 liters are suitable;
moonshine still Phoenix Crystal , which is, in fact, not a distiller, but a rectifier - a column type, with a distillation cube of a choice of 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30 liters, at a cost of 8250 rubles. It’s not for nothing that it’s called “Crystal”: it allows you to get the highest quality moonshine and even alcohol the first time. The disadvantage is the inability to produce aromatic alcoholic beverages.

Moonshine still Dream

Moonshine still Crystal

Moonshine still Elegant

Moonshine still Shakhtar

Moonshine still

Magarych

Many people choose a moonshine still from Magarych - Chelyabinsk enterprise , which specializes in the production of conventional distillers heated on various types of stoves, as well as more advanced devices with electric heating.

Magarych moonshine stills have several modifications. Check out some popular models:

compact distiller Magarych Economy class for 7 liters at a price of 3490 rubles or for 12 liters - for 4990, equipped with a drawer and a flow-through refrigerator;

Reference. The drawer is an elongated pipe in which heavy fractions condense, merging back into the cube, and the alcohol moves into the refrigerator. It is located directly on the lid of the distillation tank and can be filled with a Panchenkov on-load tap-changer. With the help of the drawer, the distillate is purified and its strength is also increased.

The Magarych Mashkovsky we mentioned in the top with two steam chambers is also produced by this plant;
the Magarych Export moonshine still , produced in several modifications: in the basic configuration the price starts from 8490 rubles, in the full configuration – from 10170 rubles. Features of the device include a drawer, a reflux condenser, and an aftercooler. In an improved version, the diameter of the steam tube is increased from 8 to 38 mm. This prevents it from clogging and also increases the speed of distillate production;
One of the inexpensive, but very acceptable quality moonshine stills is Magarych premium , characterized by a collapsible steam chamber, a wide neck, and a built-in thermometer. Its price is within 6000 rubles.

Magarych Mashkovsky

Magarych premium

Magarych economy

Magarych export

Dr. Guber

It is impossible not to mention products under the brand name Doctor Guber . You can purchase both a rectification unit and a distillation column (at prices in the region of 17,250 - 17,600 rubles) or a universal apparatus for 36,600 rubles.

In addition, Guber, like many companies focused on distillers, offers additional equipment and products used in moonshine brewing.

Dobrovar

Two of the devices of this brand have already made it into our rating; let’s remember a little about the others. Dobrovar First moonshine still for 6,000 rubles is perfect, ideal for induction cookers, as well as for any others. You can put mash directly in a 7 or 14 liter cube and then distill it.

The second Dobrovar is equipped with a steam chamber. In total, the product range of this plant includes 21 types of devices.

Luxstal

Luxstal moonshine still is a mini distillery that allows you to regulate the strength of the distillate at the outlet. Luxsteel master, which appeared on the Russian market not so long ago, has proven itself to be excellent. Main characteristics:

the bottom is 5 mm, has a ferromagnetic insert, reliably protects the mash from burning;
3 mm steel used;
the manufacturer guarantees 100% removal of harmful impurities from the distillate, as well as a 10-year service life of the devices;
prices - from 11 to 17 thousand rubles.

We recommend reading: Review and comparison of German moonshine stills

Ivanovich

Choosing an Ivanych moonshine still with a glass steamer or one made of steel means providing yourself with a high-quality distiller. There are round and rectangular tanks with a capacity of 13 to 50 liters. The assembled device will cost 4800-13000 rubles.

Alcovar

the Alkovar moonshine stills you can find both the simplest “ Economy ” distiller for 12 liters for 3600 rubles, and the Krepysh moonshine still with a steam chamber and a drawer for 12 or 20 liters for 7 or 8 thousand.

An even more attractive model of a moonshine still - Alkovar Krepysh with a jar - is 500 rubles more expensive, but much more convenient. Any Alcovar moonshine still from the dozen models offered has a wide neck and its own characteristics.

Hop master

Hop Master produces a moonshine still with two steam chambers with a cubic volume of 12 liters and costs around 10 thousand rubles.

Brandymaster

brandymaster moonshine still (distiller-rectifier) from a St. Petersburg company and distill quite decent brandy or regular moonshine at home. Products - within the low and medium price category - from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles.

The VS series is designed for the production of drinks in small batches, since the productivity in the distillation mode does not exceed 800 ml/hour, in the rectification mode - 600 ml/hour. Thermometer is not provided. The equipment is intended for experienced moonshiners.

VSOP is more productive - up to 1000 ml of product in both modes.

The XO series belongs to professional elite products intended for connoisseurs of high-proof alcohol, moonshiners seeking to improve the product they produce. Productivity - 1.5 l/hour. Suitable for stills with a capacity of more than 20 liters.

A distinctive feature of Brandimaster products is the ability to work in a choice of distillation or rectification mode.

Brandymaster VS

Brandymaster XO

Brandymaster VSOP

Peasant woman

The first to appear under this brand was a peasant moonshine still with tanks of 14 or 20 liters. Equipped with a collapsible steam chamber, flow cooler, and thermometer. The main drawback was the narrow neck. In the Peasant 2 , they made a wide neck (10 cm) and added a bottom thickness (2 mm instead of 1.5 mm).

Decide on the volume of the distillation cube

It is recommended to select the capacity of the moonshine still cube based on the expected performance. The larger it is, the more expensive the device and the larger its size. Inexperienced moonshiners think that the minimum volume of the cube is enough for themselves, but this is a misconception. With a small capacity, it takes more time to distill.

Not everyone has the opportunity to keep a 30-liter device at home, but working with a distiller with a capacity of less than 15 liters is inconvenient and problematic.

Consider important design features

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the thickness of the metal from which the device is made. It should be more than 1 mm. But if it is higher than 2 mm, the device will be more expensive and heavier.

The steam line passing from the tank to the steam steamer must have a diameter of up to 10 mm, this guarantees safety. A tube that is too narrow will become clogged with particles, which can lead to an explosion. Gaskets and pumps must be made of food-grade silicone; the presence of rubber is unacceptable.

The opening of the distillation cube should be at least 10 cm thick, otherwise it will be difficult to stick your hand through to clean the apparatus.

How to buy a moonshine still

Choosing the right device is not as difficult as finding a good seller who will provide documentation for the product. This is especially true when purchasing equipment via the Internet, where many dishonest people are trying to make money at the expense of others.

If possible, it is better to buy the device in a village or town at a local store so that, if necessary, you can come and change the product or consult. But often the device is chosen in online stores, so you should familiarize yourself with the recommendations:

Find out if the seller is registered. To do this, go to the official portal of the tax service and enter the OGRN or OGRIP. If the information does not match what is listed on the seller’s website, it is an obvious scammer.
It is advisable for the seller to have a physical address. The presence of a landline telephone, complete information on the website, hotline service - all this indirectly confirms honesty.
The description of the device must be comprehensive and detailed - brand, country of origin, parts, materials, technical characteristics.
You need to ask the seller to send a certificate for the product by mail. The document reflects data on assembly, configuration, description of operating modes, and maintenance rules.

The certificate is easy to verify. To do this, enter the number on the website of the Unified Register of Certificates of Conformity. If the documents are in order, you can place an order.

Buy a moonshine still

You can buy a moonshine still suitable for your needs in the MirBir online store. We are the official dealer of the brands Magarych, Finland, Domovenok, Barmaley, Doctor Gradus, Spirtmash, HomeDistiller, Portuguese alambics Al-Ambiq, and also sell equipment of our own design. If you still have questions about the choice of moonshine stills and their components, our managers will answer them immediately and in full. You can contact them by calling toll-free number 8 or using the feedback form on the website. In addition, you can get acquainted with the products in person by visiting our stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You will find their addresses in contacts.

CATALOG OF MOONHOON STILLS

What is better to choose for a beginner?

When choosing a model, you need to take into account human needs. Tips for a novice moonshiner:

to obtain alcohol for the subsequent preparation of cognac, tincture, a Luxstahl-2 column is suitable;
to extract alcohol and then use it in its pure form, purchase the Alkovar UBK device;
for maximum purification of the drink from fusel oils, it is worth buying Phoenix Folk;
if a person intends to brew moonshine with sugar and yeast, it is recommended to choose Dobry Zhar Pro;
when using fruit, Slavyanka Premium is suitable.

In general, a novice moonshiner needs to buy a device with a Pervach Elite 17T steamer. When choosing a moonshine still, it is recommended to read reviews from real users.

A rectification column will allow you to obtain alcohol, on the basis of which good quality vodka or tincture is prepared. List of quality devices:

Mascot;
Vanguard;
Falcon;
Master.

The taste of moonshine brewed in a column will be milder compared to that prepared in a distiller.

The best column-type moonshine stills

To obtain purer and stronger moonshine, manufacturers equip their devices with distillation columns. Thanks to this design, it is possible to retain heavy particles and fractions, allowing only pure alcohol vapors to enter the refrigerator. The strength of the product can reach 96%. Experts noted the operation of several units.

Dobry Zhar Absolute 5 tubes 30 liters

Rating: 4.9

The moonshine still has a cube diameter of 30 cm and holds 30 liters. It is made of 1mm thick stainless steel and is highly polished. The total height of the column is 154 cm, so there must be enough space above the stove to place the apparatus. Thanks to the large curved refrigerator, the refrigerated area is significantly increased, resulting in a capacity of 10 l/h. This performance is achieved with a basic 5 tubes, but the design can be further developed to accommodate 7, 9 or 12 tubes. In reviews, the moonshine installation is praised for its high-quality welds that can withstand high pressure. Owners also note the presence of marks on the inner walls of the container, which help to quickly navigate the volume of liquid.

The moonshine column is notable for the presence of two electronic thermometers on the cube and the stand to control the temperature of the chacha and the escaping steam. This allows you to create precise optimal parameters for maximum device performance.

Advantages

thick handles that are impossible to cut yourself on;
high-quality collet welding;
there are volume markings on the inner walls of the container;
removable refrigerator spout;
good polishing.

Flaws

handles are hot;
requires enough space on the stove in height (may rest against the hood);
The rubber seal regularly falls out of the lid.

Phoenix Sirius 20 liters

Rating: 4.8

The Phoenix Sirius moonshine still is sold on the domestic market at the most attractive price. The model holds up to 20 liters of mash, which is distilled at a speed of 3 l/h. The device body is made of stainless steel 1 mm thick. The clamp connector makes operation of the product simple and convenient. With the help of a full-fledged mash column, it is possible to obtain a pure and strong alcoholic product, which is especially important when making cognac or whiskey. Experts appreciated the price-quality ratio of the distiller, giving it second place in our rating.

Domestic moonshiners are satisfied with the convenience of the design, the possibility of modernization, good equipment and an affordable price. But a quality product is obtained only after the second distillation.

Advantages

low price;
quality materials;
full-fledged mash column;
convenient design.

Flaws

double distillation is required.

Wayne Wein-4 30 liters

Rating: 4.7

The Wayne Wein-4 moonshine still boasts the most capacious tank (30 l). The case is made of stainless steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Experts appreciated the capabilities of the fourth generation device, which was released in 2021. The manufacturer increased the height of the column to 71.5 cm, increased the efficiency of the refrigerator by installing 4 tubes, and replaced the direct-flow reflux condenser with a shell-and-tube design. The distillation speed depends on the selected mode and ranges from 2 liters (very strong drinks) to 10 liters (fast distillation without separating the heads and tails).

The convenient design of the transformer has received positive ratings from users. But due to the poor quality of the welds, the device does not make it onto the pedestal of our rating.

Advantages

wide choice of distillation modes;
high-quality stainless steel;
efficient cooling;
convenient design.

Flaws

high price;
not perfect seams.

Phoenix Crystal 12 liters

Rating: 4.7

The device has more compact dimensions compared to its competitors - the height with the column is 86 cm, so it will fit on most hobs. The distillation cube has a diameter of 23 cm and holds 12 liters of chacha. A thermometer is located at the top of the column, making it easier to maintain the steam temperature. The lid closes securely with six thumbs to retain the pressure created. You can remove the container from the stove using two handles, but they are not insulated. The distillation speed of the station reaches 2 l/h. The model is equipped with a Panchenkov nozzle. Reviews show that using such a moonshine still you can produce alcoholic drinks with a strength of 80 degrees.

We singled out the model for its increased strength of the cube, made of stainless steel with a thickness of 1.5 mm. Even more expensive versions have a container thickness of 1 mm, and this directly affects the service life of the product.

Advantages

moonshine is obtained with a strength of 80 degrees;
simple flow type of cooling;
there is a thermometer;
total height 86 cm.

Flaws

Distillation is slower than other devices.

What to look for when choosing a moonshine still

When purchasing a device, it is recommended to analyze and take into account important points.

1. The refrigerator must be flow-through and vertical

Silicone hoses are connected to the tap, which effectively cools the product. If it is impossible to get access to running water, then you need to make an autonomous system using a pump for a moonshine still or buy a country distiller.

2. A steam drain is required (preferably with a drain valve)

The steam steamer acts as a necessary element; it must be present in the apparatus. You can verify its presence by sniffing the sediment remaining at the bottom of the apparatus. The steamer can be made from a glass jar; this will not affect the quality of the drink.

The ideal still: large, wide, with tap and safety valve

The volume of the cube must be at least 20 liters; a hand can fit into the neck. The presence of a drain tap is mandatory. The model must also be equipped with a safety valve. As for the thickness of the metal, this is an insignificant indicator.

IMPORTANT: Luxstal produces high-quality distillers equipped with the gadgets necessary for efficient and correct distillation

The device must be made of stainless steel, but the bottom must be magnetic

Some varieties are made of copper, but they are significantly more expensive and more difficult to maintain. The bottom must be ferrimagnetic and provided with a metal layer. This will help heat the container on an induction stove.

Heating is best done on an induction hob. Then a heating element with a thermostat. Then gas

Nowadays it is in fashion to switch from gas stoves to induction models. Such a device can be purchased for 5,000 rubles, budget ones cost even less - only 2,000 rubles. The heating element is more practical and convenient, but the difficulty is that it needs to be purchased and wedged into the cube.

All devices are produced only in Russia from imports only from China at best

Despite the fact that many devices are produced under the names “Germany”, “Finland”, “Japan”, at best the manufacturer will be Russia, at worst – China. Cooking moonshine is prohibited in many countries; the production of imported devices is expensive.

The height of the device should not interfere with kitchen shelves

It often happens that a person purchases equipment, but it does not fit on the stove, because the bottom is not designed for induction cookers. To avoid getting into trouble, you need to take measurements in advance.

There are a lot of fakes on the Internet, but everyone knows about honest stores with normal prices and delivery

It is recommended to purchase the device on official websites that provide information about dealers. In almost 100% of cases, the buyer will find a quality device.

The Russian Haze portal is included in the rating of the best stores, it is in the top when searching on the Internet. They have good service, a wide selection, and quality equipment. He sells not only his own devices, but also other famous brands, such as Dobry Zhar, Phoenix.

Landing pages are often found on the Internet. These are one-page sites, tailored for implementation. Large sellers have long switched to this format. Experienced moonshiners buy devices from them.

Moonshine stills with steamer

#5 Haze (6,500 rub.)

the Dymka from the Wayne company (Kirov) to be the most budget-friendly of the adequate moonshine stills . It does not have a faucet for draining stillage, an ancient bimetallic thermometer is installed in the cube, it is mounted on wings that cannot be modernized in any way... But the product is no worse than in more expensive models!

Haze.

Dymka has thick steam pipes, a voluminous steam chamber and a sane refrigerator. This is an ideal option for a novice moonshiner who can even work on a gas stove without worry.

The minimal initial costs attract many, but in the future you will still switch to more expensive and high-quality equipment, because the Haze cannot be improved in any way .
I recommend taking it to those who just want to try it : whether they like making moonshine or not.

#4 Germany 3 (RUB 10,000)

Wayne (Kirov) still became the leader. , which presented the device Germany 3 .

Germany 3.

This is a comfortable moonshine still with some pleasant improvements : the steamer has become larger, the refrigerator is more powerful, a faucet has appeared for draining the stillage and the thermometer is now electric. It also has a clamp connection, which will allow you to increase the height of the device, install a diopter, or even insert a dephlegmator.

Inexpensive, reliable and convenient distiller.
It’s quite possible to work and make good chacha, Calvados, whiskey...

#3 Schnapser Extra 2021 Pro (RUB 11,000)

A bold decision from the guys from the Schnapser company, who added a mini-reflux condenser ! This is a small coil that cools the moonshine vapor and does not allow smelly low-boiling fractions to enter the final product.

Schnapser Extra 2020 pro.

The designers have made a really worthy device, in which both the cube with the domed lid and the distiller itself . It was decided to make the refrigerator shell-and-tube, so its power is enough for almost any sane heating of mash.

Not the cheapest option for a moonshiner, but really very cool . Undoubtedly, the top 3 devices on the market.

#2 Alkash Kuzmich (RUB 11,000)

A real Kalashnikov assault rifle among devices with a steam chamber. Reliable, inexpensive and very easy to use . There are all modern solutions that allow you to work comfortably on any stove and in any conditions.

Alkash Kuzmich.

When I spoke above about the conditions, I really meant any options. Sanya Moonshine, for example, decided to make moonshine right on the pond. The water consumption is small, the cube is the optimal size for 20 liters, you can heat it either on an induction stove or over a fire...

The result is a truly universal and very convenient device for comfortable distillation.
I will pay special attention to the 20-liter distillation cube : the Alkash company is very proud of its brainchild, because they have never leaked, been deformed, or anything else. Everything is done really conscientiously.

#1 Alkash Mitrich (15,000 rubles)

a gin basket from a two-inch column as standard ? I only know one. It's called Mitrich .

Alkash Mitrich.

The distiller allows you to very coolly flavor moonshine with the help of berries, fruits and herbs . This basket cannot be compared with ordinary steamers, where some sort of aromatics with holes are inserted. Mitrich thoroughly cleans the product from harmful impurities, as well as flavoring it using additional ingredients.

This is another great solution that surprised the market and created good demand for Alkash products. If you want to purchase this device under the best conditions, then write to me at [email protected]

Security level

To make the moonshine brewing process safe, it is recommended to buy factory-made devices that come with a warranty and instructions. Equipment sold on Avito, made by yourself with a pipe from a vacuum cleaner and a sponge for washing dishes instead of normal alcohol, will produce fusel oils and will quickly deteriorate.

Factory equipment will last for many years and will allow you to prepare a high-quality drink if the user follows simple safety rules. In any case, you need to read the instructions before starting work.
Braga is poured into the cube no more than ¾ of its total volume. The condition of the column is regularly checked to ensure that it is not clogged. Old structures often break down. This happens due to thin coils less than 8mm thick. The mash foams and causes the part to choke, the pressure increases and a popping sound occurs.
Another cause of malfunction is a horizontal coil. Liquid collects in each turn and a water plug appears, preventing steam from escaping. The drink is mixed, its subsequent division into fractions is impossible.

When purchasing a device, the priority criterion is the safety and harmlessness of drinks. The device must clean alcohol from harmful substances. High-quality moonshine does not produce an unpleasant odor and is not endowed with a cloudy sediment.

From the material it became clear how to correctly and competently choose a moonshine still for home use. If you are a beginner, then choose a better distillation column.

How to choose

Experts advise purchasing a moonshine still with a steamer, as this will save you from the need for repeated distillation, the moonshine is stronger, and moreover, it can be flavored instead of infusing for a long time.

When purchasing, you need to find out the following aspects of the location of the additional device:

Most often, its cylinder is located vertically, but there is a slight displacement from the axis of the tank. A horizontal position also occurs, but much less frequently. In some designs, it is made in the form of a large-diameter pipe, which prevents splashes of mash from boiling into alcohol-containing vapors.
Design:
The one-piece steamer is highly airtight, but it is difficult to wash.
Drain tap: if it is present, then you can drain the condensate during distillation - in automatic devices this is monitored by a special sensor; in the absence of the possibility of removing condensate, there is a small risk of small inclusions appearing in the vapor, but only at high distillation speeds.
Two types - steel, collapsible or not; in the form of a glass container that allows you to visually observe the cleaning process. Disadvantage - the glass can break when washed, if you drop it, you need to be extremely careful.
Quantity. The classic of the genre is one or two steamers, and experts say that three work the same as two, evenly distributing cleaning responsibilities. Ideal protection against splashes is easily provided by one copy, and the three-stage option is not so necessary due to the insignificant difference in temperatures inside and outside the device. The best option is a collapsible steamer equipped with a drain, and whether it is transparent or not does not affect the process.