Do you want to start brewing at home? If yes, then you should invest in some quality equipment. Homebrewing is a fun hobby that lets you enjoy the taste of homemade beer without spending much time or money.
Homebrewing is a great way to get into the craft beer scene. The process involves using ingredients such as malt extract, hops, yeast, water, and other specialty ingredients to create a delicious beverage.
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive equipment to brew your own beer. In fact, you can easily make a batch of beer using your own home distillation kits.
But which home distillation kit should you get? There are so many out there and a lot of them have the same features. So which ones are better than others and which ones should be completely avoided?
Well, we can help with the former. We've put together a list and review of some of the best home distilling equipment on the market.
OUR TOP PICK
The VERVOR Alcohol Still is an all-in-one home brewing kit that comes with everything you need to make a tasty batch of homebrew.
It includes 3 stainless steel pots, a copper kettle, a thermometer that’s great for DIY whiskeys, wines, and brandy, a siphon tube, a strainer, a funnel, a bottle capper, and a water pump. It also comes with a one-year warranty and free shipping.
This product was designed by VERVOR who are professional tool and equipment providers. They make anything from air fryers to brewers and make sure to put expertise and care into their products.
VERVOR’s still are made from high-grade materials, and they are designed with beginners in mind. This kit is supposed to be the first and the only kit you'll need.
This model comes with a double cooling system and an in-built thermometer. Using the open cooling method, this still benefits from rapid cooling. It comes in loads of different sizes too, all the way from 3-gallon to 13.2-gallon stills.
Moreover, because it was designed with beginners in mind this still is very easy to operate. Coupled with the display gauges and monitors, you’ll always be aware of what’s going on with your brew.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Stainless steel
- Loads of accessories
- Double cooling system
- Good condensation
- In-built thermometer
Cons
- Better for beginners than experts
EDITORS CHOICE
The PRIBCHO Alcohol Moonshine Still is an all-inclusive moonshining kit that will allow you to make up to nine gallons of moonshine every single use.
You can choose to make whiskey, vodka, brandy, tequila, beer, and even wine. This kit is incredibly versatile. It allows you to make anything you like.
This kit is perfect for those who want to learn how to make their own booze. It comes with detailed instructions and videos that teach you step by step how to make different types of spirits. This is a very good kit for beginners.
It comes with a double cooling mechanism and an in-built temperature sensor. This makes sure that the temperature stays constant throughout the entire distillation. And the built-in thermometer is fantastic for making homemade whiskey, brandy, and even wine.
It comes with everything you need to get started, including the following items: 3 stainless steel pots, copper kettle, thermometer, siphon tube, strainer, funnel, two jugs, bottle capper, lid, instructions, and a warranty.
There are no hidden costs or extra fees. This makes the price very affordable. If you are looking for a simple yet effective moonshiner kit, then look no further. This is a complete package that will not disappoint.
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple
- Complete package
- One-year warranty
- Versatile
Cons
- Not suitable for expert users
BEST VALUE
Speakeasy 20L Stainless steel moonshine still is a great starter kit if you're just getting started on your journey into homemade moonshine.
The kit contains everything you need to get the homebrew ball rolling, including a stainless steel pot, copper pot, thermometer, siphons, strainer, funnel, and a bottle capper, all packed neatly inside a wooden box.
The Speakeasy 20L stainless steel moonshine still comes with a double cooling unit and an in-built thermostat. This ensures that the temperature remains consistent throughout the whole process.
There are also three separate condensers that help to keep the temperature low during the distillation process.
This is a great beginner kit because it is so easy to operate. All you have to do is fill the pot with water, put the lid on, and turn it on. Then wait until the heat kicks in. Once the heat starts to kick in, you can start adding your ingredients.
You can use this kit to make any type of spirit you like. You can make whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, brandy, tequila, beer, and more. It's completely up to you. This kit is ideal for anyone who wants to try their hand at making moonshine but doesn't know where to begin.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Stainless steel pot
- Double cooling system
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
The Bacoeng 3 Gallon Stainless Steel Alcohol Still is one of the best lightweight, portable alcohol stills out there.
If you’re looking for a home distillery, you should definitely consider buying this moonshine still. This is an alembic still that is excellent for beginners and experts alike.
Made from stainless steel, this home still is incredibly durable. It has a capacity of 3 gallons and weighs only about 10 pounds. This means that you won't have to worry about carrying around heavy equipment when you go out camping.
This is a versatile product as well. Not only does it come with a built-in thermometer, but it also comes with a digital display screen. This allows you to see exactly what the temperature is at all times. This helps you to monitor the progress of your distillate.
If you don't feel comfortable using a digital display, you can always check the temperature manually, as this still allows you to do. Simply open up the top, remove the lid and take a look.
If you are happy with the results, simply close the lid back up and continue to distill.
Another important feature of this moonshine still is its ability to be used as a hydrometer. This makes it easier to measure the specific gravity of your spirits.
It works by placing a small amount of liquid on a scale and then reading off the number. This gives you an idea of how much sugar or alcohol is present in your spirits.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Digital display
- Built-in thermometer
- Hydrometer function
Cons
- Doesn't work with hard liquor
RUNNER UP
SLSY 8 Gallon electric still is another great option if you want to create your own homemade alcohol.
This is a simple and effective way to get started with home distilling. The SLSY 8 gallon electric still is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to make moonshine.
It features a single heating coil that heats up quickly. This ensures that you will not have to spend too long waiting for the distillate to reach the right temperature.
You can easily adjust the temperature setting between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to the design, this still looks very similar to other SLSY products. However, it is made from aluminum instead of copper. This means that it is lighter than most other models. It also means that it is less likely to rust over time.
One thing that sets this distiller apart from others is its double cooling system. This allows you to cool down both sides of the container simultaneously. This is essential because it prevents condensation build-up inside the container.
When it comes to performance, this still produces high-quality spirits. It is capable of producing approximately 4 liters per use. Though this isn't a high yield, it's a quality yield.
Pros
- Lighter weight
- Double cooling system
- Produces high-quality spirits
Cons
- Thumper keg could be bigger
Buyer's Guide
Buying a home distillation kit is like buying anything else. There are many different options out there. Some kits are more expensive than others. But they're all designed to help you produce quality spirits.
Home distilling is a tricky business, especially for beginners. This is why we've got this helpful buyer's guide to cover any key areas when it comes to finding the right home distilling kit.
Spirits
There are two main types of spirits that you can make at home. These include distilled spirits (whiskey, gin, vodka, etc.) and fermented spirits (beer, wine, cider).
Whichever type of spirit you choose to make, it's best to buy a kit that is specifically designed for that purpose. For example, if you plan on making beer, you'll need to invest in a kit that is suitable for fermenting.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of your spirits will depend on what type of spirits you decide to make. If you want to make whiskey, you should aim for around 40% ABV. If you want to produce a stronger drink, such as rum, you should go for something closer to 60%.
Temperature Control
If you're planning on making spirits, you'll need to ensure that you keep them below 80 degrees Celsius. Anything above this point could damage the flavor of your spirits. If you don't know how to control the temperature of your spirits, you may find yourself wasting money and effort.
Most home distillation kits will come with some sort of temperature control, but be sure to check what their control is like.
Storage
If you're going to store your spirits, make sure that you keep them somewhere dry and dark. The ideal storage conditions would be somewhere that doesn't get much light or heat. Ideally, you'd want to keep them somewhere close to freezing.
Safety
It's important to make sure that you follow safety guidelines when using your home distillation kit. Make sure that you take extra care when handling hot liquids and that you wear protective gloves while working with them.
You should also make sure that you keep your equipment clean. This includes cleaning the coils after each use. Failure to do so could result in bacteria building up inside your kit.
Other Considerations
Make sure that you read through the instructions before using your kit. They should tell you everything you need to know about how to operate it.
You should also consider whether you have enough space to store your kit safely. If not, you might need to look at investing in an external storage unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to home distilling and home kits.
How Long Does It Take To Make Good-Quality Spirits?
This depends entirely on which kit you purchase. However, most people report that it takes between 3 and 6 months to complete a full batch of spirits.
Is It Safe To Drink Homemade Spirits?
Yes. As long as you follow the correct procedures, then you shouldn't have any problems. It's always better to err on the side of caution and drink your spirits neat rather than mixing them with other drinks… if you’ve got the stomach for it, that is.
Can I Add Flavorings To My Spirits?
Yes. You just need to make sure that you do this carefully. Adding too much flavoring can ruin the taste of your spirits.
Do All Home-Distillers Need To Be Certified?
No. Some states require that only those who sell certain products must be certified, meaning, the chances are, you can distill to your heart’s content as long as you’re not going to earn any money from the final product.
I've Heard That There Are Many Different Ways To Home Distill. Which One Is Right For Me?
There are actually lots of different options available. Most of these involve boiling water and adding various ingredients to create a solution. Then you place the solution into a sealed container and wait for it to evaporate.
Some people prefer to use a still instead of a kettle. A still uses steam pressure to force the solution through a tube.
Some people prefer to use a vacuum flask instead of a sealed container. Vacuum flasks are used to collect the vapors produced by the solution.
What Different Methods Of Home Distillation Are There?
Home distillation has been around since ancient times. People were making their own alcohols from fruits and vegetables back then. But it wasn't until recently that people started experimenting with home distillation kits.
These days, there are several types of home distilleries available. And they come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some different types of home distilleries available:
Still
A still is probably the simplest type of home distillery to build. All you need is a large pot or pan, a thermometer, and a small condenser coil. The pot will hold the mixture that you want to turn into alcohol.
The thermometer will help monitor the temperature of the liquid. The condenser coil is used to cool the vapor produced by the solution. Once cooled, the vapor becomes condensed into alcohol.
Vacuum Flask
The vacuum flask is another popular option. In fact, it's often referred to as the "classic" home distillation kit. It works very similarly to a still.
However, it doesn't produce nearly as much alcohol. Instead, the vacuum flask collects the vapors produced by a solution. This allows you to store the vapors indefinitely without having to worry about bacteria growing inside the bottle.
Kettle
The kettle is similar to a still. But instead of using a condenser coil to cool the vapors, it uses a heat exchanger to keep the solution warm while it turns into alcohol.
Carboy
A carboy is a special kind of glass jar. It's usually made out of stainless steel. Carboys are used to ferment beer and wine. They're also used to store distilled spirits.
What Should I Consider Before Buying Home Distilling Equipment?
If you don't know anything about home distilling, you might want to start off with an inexpensive home distilling kit. That way, you'll get a good idea of how things work. If you like it, you can always upgrade later on.
You may also want to look at the different types of home distillers available. For example, you could buy a simple still kit. Or you could buy a more advanced unit such as a vacuum flask.
Another thing to think about is whether you want to invest in a commercial-grade product or something cheaper. Commercial-grade units tend to last longer than cheap ones. So if you plan to make your own alcoholic beverages regularly, you might want to go with a high-quality unit.
Final Thoughts
So now that you have a basic understanding of home distillation, what do you think? Do you see yourself ever making your own alcoholic beverages? What would be your favorite method of home distillation?
Don't worry if it seems a little overwhelming at first. Most home distilling kits are designed to be easy to use and come with very clear instructions. If that doesn't help, there's always YouTube as well.
We hope this helped clear up any confusion you had about home distilling kits and helped you figure out which one is the right one for you. Home distilling can be a fun hobby when done correctly. Always remember to drink in moderation.
Thus, Still Cooker was born. When I first decided that I wanted to study myself up on the consumption business, I found it so difficult to source reliable information. I had to spend all day searching for one topic on how beer was made.
As you can imagine, it was a tireless job and I came close to giving up more than once. This is the exact reason that spurred me to create this website - so that you can enjoy the ease of having all of this knowledge in one place.
I hope you’ll be able to learn as much as you want just from my website. As it grows bigger, I want it to be a single stop on your path to greatness. So, enjoy my content and try not to get drawn into a rabbit hole of how to make your own bar inventory.
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