Choosing a moonshine still, how not to make a mistake?

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:

1. The mash in the cube is heated to the boiling point of alcohol.
2. 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.

Types of machines for moonshine brewing

Distiller

The simplest design, consisting of a cube and a refrigerator. The steam generated by heating the mash in the distillation cube is condensed in the refrigerator.

The simplicity of the design and use of a classic distiller is somewhat overshadowed by the absence of filter elements in the circuit, which is why the finished product, without additional chemical processing, will inevitably contain a number of substances that are not very useful for the body - methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde and fusel oils.

If you want to get a cleaner drink, you should pay attention to the following type of devices.

Moonshine still with steamer

This device differs from a classic distiller only in the presence of an additional element - a container standing in the path of steam movement from the distillation cube to the refrigerator. It is the steamer that will provide the opportunity to drain fractions, the content of which we strive to avoid in the finished product.

We recommend reading: What is a steamer needed for and how is it used?

Of course, there is no need to talk about their complete absence. To obtain an even purer product, you should look at the following type of moonshine stills.

Brass Column

A device with a mash column, in addition to the already mentioned purity of the finished product, is distinguished by its versatility - with its help you can prepare both ordinary moonshine and noble drinks - whiskey, cognac, chacha.

The disadvantages of the device include higher cost and large volume of losses . In addition, this type of device is quite large and is not suitable for use in a small kitchen.

Alambik

A rather rare animal in our latitudes. The principle of operation is no different from a distiller, the differences are only visual - the upper part of the device is made in the form of a dome . Most often used in the preparation of cognac and whiskey , since it is often made from pure copper, the use of which helps to better preserve the taste of the mash in the finished product.

But copper is expensive, fusel impurities will remain, and such devices are assembled exclusively abroad, which is why alambiks have not received (and are unlikely to receive) widespread use in domestic moonshine brewing.

Apparatus with distillation column

If the work of previous types was based on the distillation process, then the presence of a column suggests that we will obtain moonshine through rectification . Inside the rectifier, the liquid is divided into fractions having approximately equal boiling points.

The use of an industrial rectifier allows you to obtain the purest ethyl alcohol of maximum strength (96 revolutions), while home models allow you to obtain an honest 70 percent ethanol content.

How else do moonshine stills differ?

After you have decided which moonshine still to choose based on the principle of operation, you will be interested in what size the device should be, as well as what material it should be made of. The optimal choice would be to choose a moonshine still made of stainless steel or copper .

But copper options are not cheap, and galvanized steel elements are often offered , so we recommend requesting a maximum list of documents before purchasing.

In order to choose the right moonshine still, you need to at least have an approximate idea of ​​the volume of production. Please note that the distillation cube can be filled to 80% of its nominal volume.

That is, if you purchase a ten-liter model, you can distill no more than 8 liters of mash at a time. The yield of the finished product depends on the initial alcohol content in the raw material and the efficiency factor, which can be found in the specifications for a particular device.

What to look for when purchasing?

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question - which device is better, since each distiller has his own requirements and needs. But keep in mind the general rules of choice so that you don’t regret making an expensive purchase in the future:

1. Product material . Most often it is food grade steel. An important parameter is its thickness. There are inexpensive devices made of 1 mm and even 0.8 mm steel. Why are they bad? The mash in the cube will burn and the organoleptic characteristics of the moonshine will deteriorate.
2. The size of the distillation cube . If you plan to get moonshine occasionally, a 12-liter bottle is also suitable, but the most popular is a 20-liter container, and sometimes 50-100 liters are required.
3. The presence of a dry steam tank improves the purity of the distillate, since part of the reflux containing fusel oils, acetone, methanol, etc. remains at the bottom of the steamer and does not enter the final product.
4. By purchasing a distillation column, you will receive strong and pure alcohol , but not a tasty fruit or grain distillate.
5. Don't discount the manufacturer . It is important to take into account customer reviews of purchased moonshine stills and product ratings.

Peculiarities. There are devices in which the walls of the cube are thinner and the bottom is 2 mm. This option is better than a completely thin-walled one.

com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/foto-123-1.jpg» alt=»» />

Popular manufacturers

High rating from . This is primarily due to the fact that the company produces devices of any model made of 2 mm thick stainless steel. Moreover, you can separately buy additional “canopies” - steam chambers, strengthening and distillation columns, etc.

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.

Rules for choosing a unit

When choosing a unit, you should take into account the type of device, as well as the following points:

1. Type of drink . So, if you need so-called pure moonshine without foreign impurities, you should use a distillation column. A mash column is suitable for making chacha, whiskey or cognac. For aromatic drinks with herbs, zest, etc. It is recommended to use a distiller with a steamer. Regular moonshine can be made using classic devices.
2. Productivity . In this case, you need to focus on your own needs in the amount of drink. In this regard, attention should be paid to the volume of the distillation device and its operating speed. For users who require a small amount of drink, a 5-liter device is suitable. This unit is convenient to use even in a small apartment. If a large volume of drink is required, you can use a machine with a volume of up to 30 liters. It should be borne in mind that its use will require a large room. As for the operating speed of the device, in this case it all depends on the volume of the tank. So, for small units a distillation speed of 1.5-2 liters per hour is sufficient. For units with large capacity, the operating speed should be up to 10 liters per hour.
3. Water source . If it is possible to use running water to prepare the drink, then you can purchase a unit with a flow-through cooling system. If there is no such source, a device with a static refrigerator is suitable, where you can change the water manually.
4. Case material . It is recommended to give preference to stainless steel. The fact is that such material is resistant to external aggressive influences, easy to maintain and durable. Another good material for the device is copper. It has superior performance to stainless steel, but is more expensive.
5. Built-in thermometer . It shows the temperature inside the device and allows you to control the process of preparing the drink.
6. Construction . It is recommended to give preference to collapsible models, as they are easy to clean and maintain.

Video - How to choose a moonshine still and accessories for it

So which device should you choose? Based on your budget and purposes for using the device, you can choose the appropriate model from our rating. So, if you need a device at an affordable price with a large distillation tank volume, pay attention to the Buddy Comfort model. If you need a unit to produce a high-quality drink with different flavors, a Bavaria device with two collapsible steamers is suitable. Using this principle, you can choose a suitable product from our rating.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The description of the device must be comprehensive and detailed - brand, country of origin, parts, materials, technical characteristics.
4. 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.

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.

How to choose the right moonshine still for your home

Choosing a good moonshine still is like choosing a car. When we buy a car, we care about comfort and safety, as well as what needs it is intended for. It’s the same with the device: after all, you want to get a high-quality product with a minimum of body movements and wasted nerves, and “so that you don’t have a headache the next morning.” And to also stay within the budget! And finally, in order to choose the right moonshine still, you need to determine what scope of work is planned for it.

Moonshine stills are different. There are many modifications, but there are only three main types of designs:

• Distiller;
• Alambik (moonshine still made of copper);
• Distillation column.

The most purified medical alcohol is obtained by rectification. Vodka is also produced industrially. Distillation columns are quite expensive and massive, and their use at home is very difficult. Another nuance is that when distilled in a rectification column, we obtain pure alcohol with the same organoleptic properties. Alcohol - that's it, no hint about the origin or raw materials used.

In most cases, distillate has a slightly lower degree of purification, but this is its beauty: cognac, whiskey, Calvados, grape moonshine (chacha) are all distillation products. However, there are distillers capable of producing alcohol up to 96 degrees of strength. And it is quite possible to buy such a moonshine still (we recommend choosing a device with a distillation column of the Luxstahl brand).

Alambik was invented by oriental craftsmen in ancient centuries, and it is created from pure copper. Copper “collects” harmful sulfur compounds and allows you to obtain a high-quality, clean product. Therefore, alambic is often used for distilling wines, and it was originally intended specifically for obtaining spiritus vini - “the soul of wine.” Unfortunately, alambiks are mostly made by hand and “not here,” which is why they are very expensive exotics. But they are good as an exclusive gift for connoisseurs.

And yet, in the home production of alcohol, preference has long been given to distillation apparatus. When using a distiller, the organoleptic properties of the raw materials used: fruit, berries or grains are best preserved. We described in detail the operating principle of the moonshine still in our article. The simplest distiller consists of a distillation cube in which the mash is located and heated, and a refrigerator (coil), thanks to which alcohol vapors are condensed into liquid. Depending on the design, a steam steamer or a reflux condenser may be installed in front of the refrigerator. A mash column can also be installed - a reflux condenser with cooling.

The technology for producing a high-quality drink for almost all devices involves repeated (or even third) distillation and intermediate purification (for example, with coal, milk or oil).

Of course, you can choose a moonshine still for your home, which allows you to obtain a highly purified product even after the first distillation and purification. For this, the best solution would be a moonshine still with a mash column. However, in order to improve the organoleptic properties of the drink, even with this degree of purification, repeated distillation is recommended.

How to choose a moonshine still so that you can flavor the alcohol during the distillation process? The answer is simple - choose a moonshine still with a steamer.

Flavorings are placed in the steamer, for example, citrus peels, pomegranate, pine nuts or dried fruits. They transfer their aroma to alcohol vapor. But this role of the steamer is rather secondary. Its main task is to further purify alcohol vapors from fusel oil impurities. Hot vapors of alcohol containing fusel oils cool slightly when entering the steam tank. Fusel oils settle on the walls, and then a new portion of hot vapor heats up and carries away ethyl alcohol and other low-boiling fractions, and fusel oils remain in the steam tank. The latter also protects the system from splashes from the cube: drops of mash, when overheated, are inevitably thrown into the system, but settle in the steam tank. In this case, one such device will be quite enough, although they may try to sell you two at once. Increasing the number of “cans” only leads to an increase in the strength of the output product, but not to an increase in purity.

The mash column is perhaps the most efficient in distillation. It is used for distilling mash from any raw material, as well as for distilling wines. Its only drawback is that it is quite high, so it is worth initially choosing a place to install the apparatus with a column. In the reflux condenser, due to cooling, some of the alcohol vapor and fusel oils condense. The rising flow of hot alcohol vapor “takes” the alcohol condensate with it, while fusel oils - phlegm - flow back into the cube. Thus, in the refrigerator we get fortified alcohol vapors. It is on the mash column that alcohol with a strength of up to 96 degrees can be obtained due to the ability to regulate the process by changing the temperature in the column itself. This is a mini distillery in your home. The cost of such a device is reasonable, and it is easy to operate.

To choose the best moonshine still, determining the type alone is not enough. An important parameter when choosing is the volume of the distillation cube and the overall dimensions of the apparatus.

The preferred volume directly depends on how often you plan to use the device and in what quantities you plan to add mash. It is important to remember that for proper distillation, the cube is filled to two-thirds - a maximum of 80% of the volume. The power of the cooler is also important: it must correspond to the volume of the cube. It’s even better if there is a reserve of power in case you decide to get a larger cube. If you do not plan to use the device often, we recommend purchasing a cube of a smaller volume, and the mash can always be divided into two or three distillations.

In any case, remember that the performance of the device is directly proportional to its dimensions and cost.

When choosing a moonshine still for your home, do not neglect the quality and properties of the material from which it is made. Aluminum is not suitable for this purpose due to the fact that it is chemically active and emits harmful substances, although craftsmen actively used it.

Inert substances suitable for the manufacture of moonshine stills are copper and stainless steel. The latter is easy to care for and is inexpensive. Pay attention to the thickness of the bottom: it should be at least 2 mm. If it is less, there is a risk that the mash will burn.

Copper is much more expensive, but its undeniable advantage is better thermal conductivity. Due to this, rapid heating is achieved.

Now let's talk about the design features. It is convenient to care for the device when its parts are completely dismountable and the cube has a wide neck: in this case they are easy to wash and clean. Some manufacturers make drain taps on the steam tank and cube, which also simplifies manipulation of the apparatus. There are also built-in heating elements, then the device turns out to be “not tied” to the stove. However, in this case, it is necessary to ensure that the heating element is completely immersed in the liquid.

To ensure cooling, many models require running water; sometimes you can use an autonomous pump and a container of water. There are models that do not use flow cooling, but in this case you need to monitor the water temperature and change it in a timely manner.

A necessary and mandatory condition is the presence of a thermometer. At least one. Without it, it will be impossible to navigate the distillation process.

And remember: a quality product is always certified and has a full package of documents (description of modules, instructions, certificate). Do not buy a moonshine still from dubious sellers to avoid problems with its operation and low quality of the resulting product! Low-quality moonshine, even in reasonable doses, will harm your health and disappoint you in your desire to create strong alcoholic drinks yourself. Don't let yourself and your loved ones down - choose proven quality! And we will always be happy to help you in your endeavors, offering only proven recipes for homemade moonshine, as well as unique recipes for homemade moonshine tinctures.

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.

Why do you need a moonshine still?

You can find any alcoholic beverages on store shelves.
So is it worth investing in the purchase of a moonshine still, spending time and effort on making your own drinks at home? Moonshine experts are absolutely confident in the affirmative answer to this question. In stores there is always a risk of buying low-quality alcohol, which poses a danger not only to health, but also to life. Moreover, the price does not really matter. There are frequent cases of poisoning with expensive “elite alcohol”. The master is always confident in the quality of the raw materials used and the finished drink. At home, using a good factory-made moonshine still, you can make safe drinks with excellent taste. An important factor is significant savings in the near future. Homemade moonshine costs about 10 times less than store-bought vodka, so buying a moonshine still quickly pays for itself.

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.