Best Stills For Home Distilling

Home Distillation is an easy way to make your own alcohol at home without having to worry about any legal issues or paying large amounts of money to get started.

It's also a great hobby that can give you a lot of satisfaction once it has been perfected and you've got all the equipment and tools you need to brew your own alcohol – including a still!

There are many different types of stills available today but which one should you choose? If you're asking yourself this, then you have come to the right place.

We will be discussing all things related to this hobby and sharing our knowledge with you, in particular how to pick the right still for you, as well as a rundown of some of the best stills currently on the market.

With all the different choices currently on the market, it can be pretty difficult to separate the best stills from the rest, but this is where this guide comes into the mix.

To help you find the best still for home distilling, this article is going to be reviewing five of the best currently available on the market, as well as provide you with additional tips, tricks, and advice along the way. 

Let's dive right in!

How To Pick A Still: Buying Guide

When you're ready to buy a still, you'll probably find yourself overwhelmed by the number of options available. There are many kinds of stills, ranging from small tabletop models to large industrial units.

You'll also find that they differ in price based on size, materials used, and even whether they're made of wood or metal. 

So, how do you decide what kind of still will work best for you? Read on for tips on choosing the right type of still for your needs.

The Still Type

There are basically three types of stills: the kettle, the columnar, and the horizontal. A kettle still has a single vessel where the mash is fermented. It works by boiling water until it reaches the proper temperature. 

Columnar stills have multiple vessels arranged vertically, similar to a tower. These are often used for making whiskey because the heat from the fire circulates through each layer of the still. 

Horizontal stills are more complex than either of these two designs. They consist of a series of chambers connected horizontally. Each chamber is filled with a different substance (mash, yeast, etc.) so that the process can occur in stages.

Size

When you're buying a still, keep in mind that larger sizes tend to produce higher-quality spirits. Larger stills are usually better suited for producing stronger alcohols. 

If you plan on using your still to make liqueurs, however, you don't necessarily have to go out and buy the biggest model you can afford. Smaller stills are ideal. The smaller the still, the easier it is to control its temperature and maintain consistency during fermentation. 

Smaller stills also allow you to use less fuel, which means lower operating costs.

Material

When selecting a still, another important factor to take into consideration is what material you want it to be made out of. Wooden stills are generally considered to be the most durable. 

Metal ones, on the other hand, are lighter and cheaper to build. Some people prefer wooden stills because they feel that they give off a “woodsy” aroma. Others say that the smell of the wood isn't appealing at all – it will ultimately depend on your personal preference! 

Budget

If you're looking to start up a home distillery, you may not have a lot of cash to spend on equipment. In fact, some of the cheapest stills you can find are those made of glass. But there are plenty of other options available at all price points. 

For example, stainless steel stills start at about $400 while copper ones run as much as $1,000. And if you want something really cheap, you can get an old car radiator for just $25. 

So, when you're ready to purchase a still, think about what you need it for and then choose accordingly. Your budget should factor into your decision as well.

Best Stills For Home Distilling: Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Get Started With Home Distillation?

Home distillation is a great way to create your own alcohol at home. The equipment needed is relatively inexpensive and simple to operate. Home distillation is a great hobby or even a side hustle.

If you want to start distilling alcohol, you'll need to invest some time and effort into learning how to properly distill. This article will show you how to get started with home brewing.

The best still for home distilling is the one that works best for you. It's important to know what kind of distiller you are before purchasing anything. You can use an electric stove top pot, a large stockpot, or a small stainless steel pot.

You also need to consider where you're going to store your distillate. Is it going to be in a refrigerator or freezer? Do you have enough room in your kitchen? Will you be able to keep it out of reach of children?

You should always make sure that you understand all the risks associated with home distillation before doing so. There are many different ways to do this. You may wish to read up on the topic online or talk to someone who has done it before.

How Do You Make Distilled Alcohol At Home?

Distillers often find themselves using their own homemade alcohol as a base for other recipes. For example, they might mix their homemade vodka with orange juice to make a delicious cocktail.

There are several reasons why people choose to do this. They could simply enjoy drinking their own distilled spirits. Or they may use them to make cocktails or other drinks. 

It's also possible to drink your own homemade alcohol straight from the bottle. However, it's not recommended to do this because it contains too much sugar.

If you decide to make your own alcohol, you'll need a place to store it. You can either put it in a refrigerator or freezer. Some people prefer to keep it in a cool dark cabinet.

If you don't have a lot of space available, you can purchase a commercial-grade still. These units are designed specifically to produce high volumes of alcohol. They usually come with a built-in storage area.

You won't have to worry about storing your distilled alcohol in a refrigerator or freezer if you buy a unit like this. 

When it comes to choosing a still, there are two main types: continuous stills and batch stills. Both types work similarly. However, there are differences between the two. It still operates continuously. It produces alcohol by heating water until it boils.

When the water reaches its boiling point, steam is released. The steam condenses to form alcohol. As long as the heat source remains on, the process continues. Batch stills work differently. They only operate when you turn them on. 

Once they've been activated, they stop producing alcohol. Instead, they collect the vapors produced by the boiling water. This means that batch stills are more efficient than continuous stills.

That doesn't mean that they aren't useful. In fact, both types of stills can be used to create various alcoholic beverages. The most common ones include whiskey, gin, brandy, rum, tequila, vodka, and moonshine. 

What Does It Take To Make Good Homemade Alcohol?

Making good homemade alcohol requires time, patience, and practice. To get started, you'll need to gather some supplies. The first thing you'll need is an empty glass jar. This will act as a container for your finished product.

Next, you'll need a pot large enough to hold the amount of liquid you plan to boil. Remember to ensure that the pot isn't made of metal. If you're going to use aluminum, make sure that it's non-reactive.

You'll also need a thermometer. This helps you monitor the temperature of your mixture. Finally, you'll need a stove. You'll want one that has at least three burners. Once you have all these things, you can begin making your own alcohol. Here's what you need to know before you start.

First, you'll need to prepare your ingredients. Make sure that you have clean jars and bottles. Also, make sure that everything is free of any chemicals. Next, pour your water into the pot. Add salt to help prevent mineral deposits from forming inside the pot.

Then, add your yeast. Be careful to avoid spilling any of the mixtures onto the floor. Now, cover the pot and let it sit overnight.

The next morning, remove the lid and check the mixture. If it looks clear, then you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, wait another 24 hours. After that, strain out the yeast and discard it. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into your prepared containers. 

Cover each bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Store the bottles somewhere cool and dark. Let them sit for at least eight months.

At this stage, you should see signs of fermentation. If not, repeat the process. When you're ready, store the bottles in a cool place. Wait at least six months before drinking them.