The most effective moonshine still. Rating of moonshine stills: designs, technical characteristics, reviews

To prepare a high-quality alcoholic drink yourself, you need to carefully select raw materials and devote a lot of time to the technological process. Moonshine stills simplify this task - their design provides everything necessary to ensure the natural occurrence of fermentation processes and proper disposal of production waste.

Design

By design, moonshine stills are divided into integral and collapsible. Dismountable ones are easier to maintain; each part can be cleaned separately and replaced if necessary. Complete devices are usually equipped with automation, which complicates their operation - if one part stops working, the device can completely fail. In addition, it is more difficult to clean the inside.

Types of moonshine stills

Household moonshine stills are divided into several types: distillers are designed for making drinks based on mash, rectifiers are used to separate liquids with different boiling points from each other and produce pure alcohol, which can then be used in everyday life, and universal distillation systems can make mash and beer .

A distiller is a distillation cube into which the finished liquid that has undergone the fermentation process is poured, and a cooling coil into which the steam produced by heating the mash in the distillation cube enters. The steam is then condensed and released as a liquid through a faucet or valve. Some distiller models are equipped with a thermometer and a steamer, which help to obtain higher quality, smooth alcohol. The thermometer shows the heating temperature of the liquid - this way you can track the moment of formation of harmful substances in the evaporator. Heavy substances settle in the steamer, spoiling the taste and aroma of the finished drink: fusel oils, methyl alcohol and aldehyde.

The rectifier is a vertical vessel with internal heat exchange devices. When the liquid inside is heated, it is divided into fractions, the lightest ones rise to the top, and the heaviest ones settle at the bottom. This way you can isolate pure alcohol or get good alcohol from diluted with cheap impurities.

The universal distillation system combines both of these devices. The kit includes various attachments with which you can assemble a distiller or rectifier.

Types of products

At home, you can prepare many drinks from the alcoholic range of supermarkets or invent your own, adding spices and flavors during the preparation process.

To get moonshine with a rich aroma, you need to put herbs or berries in the steam chamber of the distiller.

Alambic distillers are used to make cognac or whiskey; they differ from conventional stills in the shape of their dome and copper casings. In addition, raw alcohol can be made in a distiller, which can then be used as the basis for other more complex drinks.

Beer columns (also known as distillers with a reflux condenser) allow you to process pure alcohol into strong alcohol. The net yield of the drink is about 35% of the total volume of raw materials. A more complex distillation column can separate alcohol from impurities, leaving almost no waste. But you cannot prepare aromatic drinks in it, since the smell is lost during deep rectification. In a rectifier you can make cognac, whiskey, Calvados and other high-quality distillates using raw materials.

The distillation system can be used both as a distiller and as a rectifier, connecting or disconnecting different mechanisms. This device is recommended for experienced distillers who plan to prepare not only homemade mash, but also cognac or rum.

Features of choice

Any cube can be filled with mash no more than 80%. Therefore, if you take a 20 liter distiller, you need to expect that you can only use 16 liters, the rest of the space is allocated for steam. You should determine in advance in what volumes you plan to prepare drinks.

The power of the cooler must correspond to the volume - the larger the device, the more powerful it is. If the power is insufficient, the quality of the drink produced deteriorates. All element connections must be tightly soldered to each other. An electrical device must have an emergency power off sensor.

Manufacturing materials

Most inexpensive moonshine stills are made of stainless steel or aluminum. The latter are already becoming a thing of the past, since aluminum releases substances into alcohol that affect taste and color. More expensive models for the production of luxury drinks are made of copper. In devices with a glass body, you can observe the process of preparing drinks.

A reference article based on the author's expertise.

The Internet is filled with bright and colorful advertisements for moonshine stills, but promises do not always coincide with the real capabilities of this equipment. That's why we decided to create honest rating of moonshine stills, which have proven themselves among moonshiners at the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019. You can safely rely on these companies in terms of prices and build quality.

We decided to divide all models into 3 categories: up to 10 thousand rubles, from 10 to 20 and over 20 thousand. In addition, we will call the best moonshine still with steamer And the best distillation column. We will also not ignore budget devices and designs without a flow-through refrigerator. Thanks to such a large number of “nominations”, any distiller will be able to choose moonshine equipment that suits him in terms of cost and capabilities!

#3. Peasant woman 2.0 (from RUB 6,290)

In third place is a classic design with a collapsible steamer and a vertical flow-through refrigerator from a manufacturing company Wayne (Kirov).

The manufacturer presented three configurations:

With a 14-liter tank - 6,290 rubles.
With a 20-liter tank - 6,890 rubles.
With a 30-liter tank - RUB 7,890.

There is no point in buying a distillation cube of more than 20 liters, and even 14 may well be enough.

The point is that due to thin steam pipes is happening large vaporization, so the heating power must be kept low. This results in a long distillation, which with a 30-liter tank will last indefinitely.

Among the minuses we can also highlight narrow neck (up to 10 cm) And thin metal on the steamer. This is not very critical, but there is nothing pleasant either.

The following configurations can be distinguished:

A device without a tank - 5,000 rubles.
With a 12-liter tank - 8,200 rubles.
With a 15 liter tank - 8,800 rubles.
With a 20 liter tank - 9,500 rubles.
With a 30-liter tank - 11,200 rubles.

But even on a subconscious level, most moonshiners are confident that such a design works. This phenomenon is called the placebo effect, which can be seen very clearly here. And there's nothing wrong with that: Moonshine definitely won’t be worse from the second settling tank.

#2. Dobry Zhar Extra (from RUB 15,000)

In second place is a well-known company with its model “”. She has There are practically no negative reviews among moonshiners.

Good Heat "Extra".

The distiller is presented in the following assemblies:

With a 20 liter tank - 15,000 rubles.

With a 30-liter tank - 17,200 rubles.

With a 40-liter tank - 19,500 rubles.

With a 50-liter tank - 22,500 rubles.

Even judging by the proposed distillation cubes from the manufacturer, this model is precisely designed for large and efficient distillation.

It is this factor that immediately puts it at a level higher than other devices with a steam chamber, because it has more opportunities for work.

A very interesting point is related to absence of negativity towards this distiller. The vast majority leave only good reviews about the work, although the price seems a little overpriced to us.

If you want to distill a lot of good moonshine and do it quickly, then this option seems to us to be one of the best.

#1. Wayne 4 (from RUB 13,990)

First distillation column in our rating and immediately in first place in its price segment. The model name is , and the manufacturer is simply Wayne (Kirov).

Appearance and dimensions of Wayne 4.

Our purchasing options are as follows:

With a 12-liter tank - RUB 13,990.

With a 20-liter tank - RUB 15,490.

With a 30-liter tank - RUB 16,990.

With a 50-liter tank - RUB 18,990.

Since the power of the column is much higher than that of a distiller, the volume of the cube must correspond to this equipment.

We consider it optimal tank 20 or 30 liters. And more likely by 30 than by 20.

The model can be called new, since it was released in mid-2018. All connections are already made on the valves, and the refrigerator have very decent power ratings, and the cube works great on all types of stoves.

This model is one of the best distillation columns in its price segment. Its diameter is 1.5 inches and it can compete very well with all its competitors. If you are not going to reach the professional level, then the Wayne 4 device will be enough for you.

For experienced moonshiners: over 20 thousand rubles

#4. Budgetych (from 18,950 rubles)

The most powerful distiller with built-in drawer head selection unit. This is a new model from a popular one on Youtube San Sanych Samogonshchikov(you can order directly from the manufacturer at Budgetych.rf), which is actually cheaper in terms of money than its closest competitors.

The device comes complete with 1.5 or 2 inch column. The difference in cost is small, but the power changes noticeably. If you want to drive often and a lot, then the two-inch option will be more interesting for you. In all other cases, a 1.5 inch column will be enough!

Loyal prices for equipment from the manufacturer;

Column 1.5 inches without tank - 10,950 rubles.

With a 25 liter tank - 18,950 rubles.

With a 30-liter tank - 19,450 rubles.

With a 37-liter tank - 20,950 rubles.

With a 50-liter tank - 23,450 rubles.

With a 71-liter tank - 25,450 rubles.

A 2-inch budget will cost you about 1.5–2 thousand rubles more, depending on the volume of the distillation cube. A 2-inch column without a tank costs only 11,950 rubles.

You can purchase the device directly from the manufacturer -.

Delivery will be organized not only to the regions of Russia, but also to the nearest CIS countries (Belarus, Kazakhstan).

A clear competitive advantage of the device is the presence built-in head selection unit. Using a fine-tuning tap, we achieve drop-by-drop selection and separate harmful alcohol fractions from our moonshine. Simple and effective.

Included with Budgetych complete quick-release plumbing kit for connecting to water, and 5 Panchenkov wads for strengthening and purifying alcohol vapors from harmful impurities.

The most detailed review can be found directly from the manufacturer of this device - San Sanycha. He recorded a rather long and intense video, after watching which even the most inexperienced moonshiner will be able to assemble, launch and prepare good moonshine on this column. We highly recommend viewing!

#3. Wein 4 Pro (from RUB 19,990)

Another new product for 2018 is a distillation column with a diameter of 2 inches.

From time to time, the manufacturer runs promotions and discounts 2,000 rubles, but the standard prices are as follows:

With a 30-liter tank - RUB 22,990.

With a 50-liter tank - RUB 26,990.

A serious advantage of the manufacturer is its complete openness to dialogue with customers. Sales are mostly carried out by the online store Russian Haze, who constantly posts interesting videos on Youtube.

This means that you are not buying a pig in a poke, but something specific and tested before your eyes. Most manufacturers don't take this approach to business, so for Wayne it's a clear competitive advantage.

#2. Luxstal 5 (from RUB 19,990)

Perhaps, the most purchased distillation column in Russia. Here's to you with summer updates for 2018.

The following configurations are available for sale:

Column Luxstal 5 without tank - RUB 12,990.

With a 20-liter tank - RUB 19,990.

With a 37-liter tank - RUB 21,990.

With a 50-liter tank - RUB 25,990.

For such a monster, the volume of 20 liters is not quoted. Even 37 liters raises some doubts.

But a 50 liter cube is what you need. Only with this approach will you be able to feel the full power of a two-inch column from Luxsteel.

For many years this company has been producing various versions of its rectifier for home brewing, and every year Luxstal becomes more and more better, more efficient And expensive.

Not only the column itself is valued, but also the distillation cube of this manufacturer. Many companies decided that it was easier to buy them from Luxstal and install them on their devices than to invent something of their own.

And if their cubes are the best in Russia, then you can compete with the column itself. More on this below.

#1. Drunk Deluxe 2 (from RUB 20,000)

We are not joking, the name of the device is real, and it is produced by the company Alkash (Moscow). The equipment was released in the fall of 2018. It is this “rocket” that we consider the best distillation column of 2018.

The manufacturer offers us the following prices:

Column without tank - 14,000 rubles.

With a 37-liter tank - 25,000 rubles.

With a 50-liter tank - 27,000 rubles.

Among the two-inch columns Drunk is not much more expensive their competitors.

The fact is that it does not come with a 20-liter tank. On sale volume from 37 liters, which Luxstal costs 22 thousand, and Wayne 4 Pro costs as much as 23 thousand.

It is considered a serious argument drawer length - as much as 50 cm. In the previous version, the length was 70 cm. Not a single column on the market could boast of this size. This was an absolute record.

This means it can be used immediately 5 Panchenkov nozzles, which will bring the purity of your product to the maximum and the strength to 96.6%. And this is without purchasing additional drawers, accessories and other things!

This was a very serious step in the production of moonshine stills, so Sana Samogonov(the main one for Drunk) we express our great respect. Deciding to take such a step is cool.

conclusions

The best moonshine still with steamer (Good heat “Extra”)

Either the design of this model is very successful, or two steam chambers really do their job.

Dobry Zhar "Extra" pulls out the title of the best in its category, and it has no adequate competitors. Only Germany is nearby, but it is still low-cost and uncompetitive by many criteria. It’s quite difficult to show serious results for 10 thousand rubles.

Important details:

Very high output strength. After the first distillation, the raw alcohol comes out at around 45–50 degrees.

High-quality cleaning. The turbidity of the liquid in the steam tanks subtly hints that they take a lot of dirt onto themselves.

High price. Prices start at 15,000 thousand, which is quite an impressive amount.

A possible alternative to the device is only a Germany distiller. It is cheaper and less effective, but compared to all the others it looks much better.

The best distillation column (Alkash Deluxe 2)

It’s amazing how a device with such a name could become the best on the entire market.

Peculiarities Drunk Deluxe 2:

Tsarga 50 cm. The whole essence of rectification depends on heights pipes and her fullness of nozzles. At two inches in diameter and 50 cm in length, the frame is one of the largest of any distillation column.

Refrigerator 54 cm. In combination with eight tubes, this device provides very strong cooling, which fully copes with the power of the device.

The highest price, but not critical. The difference with its closest competitors is only 2–3 thousand rubles.

In addition to Wayne 4 Pro and Luxstal 5, there are also very good manufacturers: and. You might be interested in reading about them.

The cheapest of the “normal” moonshine stills (Peasant 2.0)

If this option does not suit you, then pay attention to the following points when choosing a device:

The refrigerator is vertical and flow-through.

Availability of steamer.

The cube is made of stainless steel, and the bottom must be magnetic (for use).

Also pay attention to the fact that the distiller fits in your kitchen if you work on gas. Take the dimensions and compare them with the selected moonshine still.

The best distiller without a flow-through refrigerator (Dobry Zhar “Dachny”)

If you do not have access to running water, then help will come Good heat "Dachny". This is the best unit on the market with a conventional cooling coil.

Why this particular model?

Availability of a cooling tank with a tap. You don't have to look for a bucket and perform complicated steps to change the water. Just pour the cold one into the container and drain the warm one through the tap.

Efficient coil. Typically, such equipment is economical, but Good Heat showed its downside here.

Price from 12,700 rubles. The high cost is justified by the quality and the design itself, which requires a lot of metal. This all results in high costs, which, with a markup, gives this figure.

Are you looking for the best moonshine still? Not an easy task, given that there is a huge variety of equipment on the market today to suit every taste. Here you will find simple distillers for home, distillation columns, wort boilers with a steam generator, and even mini-distilleries. In addition, expensive luxury instruments made of copper (traditional alambics and alquitars) are on sale.

How to understand which moonshine still is better? There cannot be a definite answer to this question, because each buyer pursues his own specific goals. Someone chooses a model as a gift, which means the device must have at least an attractive appearance. And some people need maximum functionality and performance. The third is looking for equipment for preparing noble drinks (whisky, Calvados or absinthe). Well, for the fourth, versatility is important - so that you can prepare moonshine both at home and in the country.
There are so many people, so many opinions, and everyone has their own best moonshine still. And yet, there are general criteria by which you can compare different equipment models and select market leaders. Let's try to figure it out.

How to choose and buy a moonshine still for

To begin with, let’s try to identify the leaders among devices intended exclusively for home use (in conditions where there is a gas stove or electricity), because in 9 cases out of 10 moonshine is prepared in a regular kitchen in an apartment (house).

When deciding which moonshine still is best for your home, you should pay attention to the following factors:
. Efficiency of the device - efficiency should be understood, first of all, as the level of purification of the alcohol produced, as well as the strength of the distillate.
. Ease of use - both the design itself and the presence of various devices that facilitate the distillation (rectification) process are important here.
. Application possibilities - how you can use the equipment and what you can get.

Next come criteria such as speed of operation (performance), durability (reliability, practicality), design (and for some it almost comes first), and of course, price. Of course, all the advantages of the model must be balanced by its cost - only in this case can we talk about market leadership.

So, which one is better to buy? Firstly, one that ensures maximum purification of alcohol and allows you to obtain drinks of various strengths (ideally, from tinctures to rectified alcohol). Only secondarily should you pay attention to various useful devices (like an alcohol meter or handles on a distillation cube) and the stylish appearance of the design.
Speaking about effective cleaning, it is necessary to distinguish two groups of devices, which are not entirely correct to compare, since they have different purposes. These are distillers (devices for producing, first of all, moonshine) and distillation columns (also known as mini-distilleries, equipment for the production of strong alcohol and alcohol). Let’s look at each of these types of products and determine which moonshine still is the best.

The best distillers. Which moonshine still produces the purest moonshine?

Most moonshiners in our country use distillation devices at home - simply because it is a simpler and more understandable process, familiar, reliable, and does not raise questions. With its help you can get good, high-quality moonshine, and if you try, you can also get an aromatic tincture, or, say, cognac.

But which moonshine still is best among distillers? And here we can say something definite. The main thing is that among all types of distillers, the winners are those devices that are equipped with a steam steamer (after all, there are models on sale without this useful device). The steamer is an indispensable part of any distillation equipment, because it is thanks to it that the very necessary purification of moonshine from impurities occurs.
Moreover, among models with a steam chamber, those that have this same steam chamber of a collapsible type are of particular interest. That is, one that is equipped with a removable lid, as well as a drain tap. The presence of a lid is an important design advantage that allows you to easily flavor the resulting products, achieve new tastes, and seriously expand your own line of alcohol.

At the same time, conventional distillers have one significant drawback: they are designed to work only with sugar mash, which is characterized by low density (quite liquid). Traditionally, the device is placed on a gas stove (or electric) and heated through the walls of the distillation cube. Everything would be fine, but with thick, dense mash (wort) this trick will not work - some other solution is needed.

Which moonshine still should I choose for working with thick wort (grain mash for whiskey, cognac, etc.)? The answer is a wort kettle with a steam generator. This is much more efficient equipment that allows you to heat the mash using steam supplied from a container adjacent to the distillation cube. True, such wort boilers are not cheap - not everyone can afford them.

The best

We've sorted out the distillers. How to choose a moonshine still for rectification, what to pay attention to? In fact, in this case, the height of the distillation column is important, and its design is also important - the more complex it is, the more efficient the rectification process is. In addition, for many, the performance of the device sometimes becomes the decisive criterion.

So, how to choose the best moonshine still among distillation columns:
. We look at the height of the column;
. We study its structure (it’s good if any special solutions are used inside);
. We find in the description the frequency of cleaning - one of the key indicators of the quality of the device;
. We take into account the performance specified by the manufacturer;
. We take into account the completeness, availability of useful devices, etc.

And of course, the decisive factor in choosing a good device, as always, is the price (unless, of course, you are at all financially strapped). The fact is that the cost of some column models reaches 20, 30, 40 and more thousand rubles. Just as there is no limit to perfection, there is no limit to the price tag. And if you are, however, limited in finances, you will have to choose a compromise between functionality and price.

Moonshine stills (travelling)

But let's return from the clouds to the ground, and consider another type of equipment - country (hiking) models. What should they be? In fact, in this case, everything is simple: in essence, the country distiller should simply distill moonshine, and nothing more is required from it.

If you are still wondering how to choose a moonshine still for your summer cottage, pay attention to the material used to make the device - it must be strong enough to withstand direct fire (the same heat-resistant food grade stainless steel will do). In addition, the equipment, as in the case of home versions, must contain a reflux condenser that cleanses the distillate of contaminants in the form of fusel oils and other impurities.

And an even bigger advantage for hiking models is their compactness, relatively low weight and the presence of a convenient carrying bag. If the model you are interested in meets all the above criteria, you can safely make a purchase.

For many people, the pressing question is how to choose a moonshine still, because there are a large number of them on the market. Distillations produced in industrial conditions devices are divided into distillers and distillation columns.

The operating principle of distillers is that the mash is heated to the boiling point of the alcohol. Subsequently, condensation of alcohol vapor occurs in the coil, which is a cooler.
With the help of rectifiers - modern devices, when distilling the mash, pure alcohol comes out.

In order to know which moonshine still to choose for personal use, it is advisable to decide what will be produced - classic drinks that retain natural taste, or pure alcohol.

First of all, you need to decide on the size of the device. If you have to distill small volumes of mash (up to 20 liters), then you can take a distillation container of 12-14 liters. If it is more, then the best choice would be to purchase a 20-25-liter device.

The power of the cooler must correspond to the volume of the device; the larger the device, the stronger it is. At low power, the quality of the drink produced becomes much worse.

What material is better to choose for a home moonshine still?

Today, manufacturers for the manufacture of moonshine stills no aluminum used, because it has been noted to have a negative effect on taste. The main thing is the likelihood of harmful compounds getting into the final product.

Stainless steel

The safest and most practical materials include stainless steel and copper. The surface of the stainless steel does not react when in contact with the initial solution and alcohol vapor. The advantages of stainless steel devices include:

long service life;
absence of dangerous and harmful compounds for the body;
resistance to rust;
affordable price.

Devices that are made of steel 2 mm thick are considered practical.

In this case, the metal must be one that is used in the food industry. If the steel is thin, less than 1 mm, then the mash in such a device will burn and the final product will acquire a burnt taste. The price of a still with thick walls is slightly higher, and it weighs much more, but it does not have any additional advantages.

From copper

Copper devices are in most cases sold as alambics, which are used for the production of elite types of alcohol. Alcohol has a specific aroma that is imparted by sulfur compounds, and copper can neutralize them. It refers to metals with increased thermal conductivity. This means that copper is endowed with greater productivity and little consumption of water, which is needed for cooling.

The appearance of copper models is most often distinguished by its unique design and beauty. The following are prepared in alambiks:

whiskey;
and other drinks.

However, moonshine stills made of copper also have significant disadvantages:

One of them is significant cost.
Such devices are quite difficult to maintain.
Over time, plaque forms on their surface, which must be removed after each use. And this is quite labor-intensive work.
Such a device will last much less than one made of stainless steel.
Many who prefer to use them use steel stills, because the copper bottom burns out very quickly.

Choosing the right distillate cooling method

The choice of cooling method is not of fundamental importance, but it must be taken into account, because otherwise there will be problems with creating conditions for distillation. It is necessary to install a flow-through device near a tap with water, thanks to which distillation occurs better.

If water is not supplied continuously, productivity will decrease significantly. To prevent this from happening, as well as for distilling mash in the country, the best option would be to purchase a non-flowing model. In this case, you need to monitor the temperature of the cooler and do not forget to change the water to cooler one.

Availability of cleaning function

Many people in the process of home brewing want the final product to be as pure as possible. How pure the resulting drink will be depends on the availability in the installation. This device is designed to allow most of the harmful impurities and fusel oils that are dangerous to human health to settle in it.

Moonshine will acquire a unique taste and pleasant aroma if the steamer is collapsible. You can put all sorts of things inside it:

herbs;
fruits;
spices.

Thus, cognac, whiskey and other drinks are made at home. You can get rid of the unpleasant odors that accompany the moonshine brewing process by re-distilling.

Design features and additional equipment

When giving preference to any type of moonshine device, you must remember to take into account the method of heating it. If a gas stove is used, there are no special requirements for such installations, except for its assembly height. The fact is that it may not fit on the stove due to the presence of a hood or something else in the kitchen. If there is an electric or induction hob, then you need to choose designs with a flat bottom. In the case of induction, it is desirable that the bottom of the cube be thick and ferromagnetic.

For those rooms that are not of sufficient height, professionals advise buying a cube with an already installed heating element, or you can install an additional induction cooker. Heating on it is carried out in a short time and is quite effective.

Manufacturers of home moonshine installations are trying to make the distillation procedure possible under different conditions. Models with a built-in heating element are popular among summer residents. For dacha conditions, where problems with the availability of cold water often arise, experts advise choosing moonshine stills that do not require running water. Although it must be borne in mind that if the voltage is not constant, malfunctions occur, especially with strong boiling.

An automatic moonshine distiller, powered by electricity, makes the distillation process both easy and difficult. So, if just one controller breaks down, the entire device stops working.

Additional devices have a certain meaning. These include:

connecting parts;
continuous monitoring mechanisms;
additional dishes;
thermometer;
hoses;
drain tap.

Video from an experienced moonshiner

In this video, an experienced moonshiner will tell you the features of certain moonshine stills for the home and give advice on choosing:

For people who intend to start brewing moonshine at home, it is better to listen to useful advice before choosing a machine. The first thing you need to pay attention to is security. To do this, you need to purchase only devices manufactured in a factory, for which a warranty is issued and there are instructions.

When purchasing, you need to make sure that it is fully equipped. If this is not done, then costs may increase, because there is a possibility of additional purchase of mechanism parts.

It should be noted that even today there is a fairly wide range of stainless moonshine devices of an old design on the market.

Moonshining is a very popular hobby today. Interest in moonshine began to gain momentum several years ago, when people began to think about the ever-increasing prices for unknown alcohol made from and sold in stores. A consequence of the fact that low-quality alcohol is sold on store shelves is an increase in demand for equipment that allows the production of alcoholic beverages at home. Anyone interested in producing high-quality, tasty, home-made strong drinks sooner or later faces the question: “Which moonshine still should I buy?” We will try to give a comprehensive answer to this question by presenting to your attention a review of moonshine stills sold in our online store.

In order to correctly choose a moonshine still, you need to understand what kind of strong alcoholic drink and in what quantities you want to receive.

A distinctive feature of equipment for the production of strong alcohol at home is its filtration ability - the ability to obtain either aromatic moonshine or pure alcohol, their productivity, as well as various cooling methods (flowing or non-flowing). The difference between moonshine stills and methods of purifying the product:

a simple moonshine still (classic coil or shell-and-tube);

the presence of a steam chamber or reflux condenser at the moonshine still;

the device has special rectification frames with a spiral-prismatic nozzle contained inside (Selivanenko or Panchekov nozzle).

Let's take a closer look at various moonshine stills with different forms of purifying the finished product from fusel oils. Let's start with classic moonshine stills, not equipped with additional cleaning devices. These devices are always very productive due to the fact that alcohol vapor from the distillation cube enters the refrigerator without any interference. These devices come in different sizes and differ only in the length of the coil and performance.

The simplest representatives of classic moonshine stills are: Dobrovar “Katyusha”, Dobrovar “Kudesnitsa” and Magarych “Legend”. They differ only in small performance parameters (from 1.3 liters to 2.5) and in their sizes. The most productive of the simple moonshine stills is Dobrovar “Kudesnitsa”, capable of producing up to 4 liters of moonshine per hour during the first distillation and up to 6 liters during the second distillation. Dobrovar "Katyusha" - a popular compact home moonshine still - is a classic moonshine still, capable of producing up to 3 liters of moonshine per hour. Dobrovara Kudesnitsa and Katyusha are universal, because they can be easily upgraded to a distillation column by screwing on special distillation frames. Thanks to the ability of the Kudesnitsa and Katyusha devices to operate in rectification mode (production of high-quality moonshine or pure alcohol), they are very powerful, compact and, as a result, popular among all moonshiners without exception.

It is also worth noting the Dobry Zhar “Module” device. This apparatus is considered the basic kit of a modular distillation system. At the request of the moonshiner, this kit can be equipped with a variety of devices - diopters with quartz glass (one or more), drawers and a reflux condenser. The refrigerator of the Dobry Zhar “Module” system is tubular, having three thick, securely installed tubes inside its body, which allows the device to reach a real productivity of at least 3 liters per hour even when using small distillation cubes. This device is the flagship in its segment.

Next, we will consider devices whose distinctive feature is a steam chamber. The dry steamer is a kind of settling tank into which hard-to-evaporate drops of mash (along with vapors) fall during distillation. The steamer is installed between the distillation cube and the refrigerator (coil), so the purified alcohol vapors coming out pass from the steamer into the coil for further condensation and obtaining a purified drink. The steam steamer performs a filtration function, so its presence simplifies the life of a moonshiner. In addition, there are models with a drain tap installed on the steamer, which allows you to drain the filling steamer during or after use, and it is also possible to put some aromatic additives (herbs, plants, berries) into it to flavor the resulting drink. Representatives of these moonshine stills are the following models:

various volumes (distillation cube from 12 to 27 liters). This model is the most popular among moonshine stills with a steamer due to its simple and reliable design, the presence of a steamer with a drain valve, a thermometer, etc. The productivity of Dobrogo Zhar Lux is quite serious (up to 2.5 liters per hour) for home needs; the device is made of 1.5 mm stainless steel, which fully meets the needs of beginners and professional moonshiners. The Dobry Zhar Lux moonshine still is often purchased as a gift.

(distillation volume 17 or 23 liters). Moonshine still with an excellent price-quality ratio. It is well made of stainless steel, has high-quality seams, and the handles of the distillation cube are made with wooden overlays. The presence of a steamer and a powerful refrigerator ensures the productivity of moonshine with a good degree of purification for up to 2.5 liters of hours! The kit includes all accessories for working on the device immediately after purchase. In addition to excellent performance, Gost is ideal for a gift.

. The moonshine still with a drain steamer is made in one volume - 12 liters. Equipped with a vertical refrigerator and a coil 160 cm long, twisted into 6 turns. It has a drain steamer, which makes the production of moonshine more controlled (it is possible to drain fusel oils during the distillation process). An ideal option for a novice moonshiner.

Dobrovar “Second” is perhaps the most compact device. A distinctive feature of the apparatus is its large steam chamber and coil, located in such a way as to save space above the distillation cube. A great option for those who have little space (garage or office).

Recently, devices with a reflux condenser have been in great demand. A reflux condenser is a device for partial condensation of alcohol-containing vapor passing through it. Installed in front of the moonshine still. It consists of two containers of different diameters, welded into one another, in such a way that water is supplied to the space between them (“jacket”) for cooling, and the container in the middle serves as a pipeline for alcohol-containing steam. Due to this design, the strength of the resulting drink increases. Popular devices with reflux condensers are:

- a shell-and-tube distiller with a reflux condenser on a clamp connection, which has unsurpassed performance and the ability to produce the purest rectified alcohol due to the presence of a reflux condenser. “Topol” is considered a more professional device, since it is capable of various types of modernization by increasing the strength of the drink produced using drawers, or retrofitting it with a diopter or a drip-catcher.

Phoenix "Zenith" is a distiller with a reflux condenser, installed on a distillation cube of different sizes (from 12 to 40 liters). “Zenith” is popular due to the fact that it has a well-thought-out combination of various cleaning systems. The first is a regular Panchenkov nozzle made of stainless steel installed in the drawer, then there is a reflux condenser, due to which the strengthening (increasing the strength) of the produced distillate is achieved. Only the lightest alcohol vapors pass through the reflux condenser for further condensation into the refrigerator, and the heavy alcohol vapors form reflux and flow back into the distillation cube for re-condensation - this is how the produced distillate is strengthened. This device is suitable for people who want to receive a high-quality and strong product.

A special chapter requires a description of the quality, aesthetic simplicity and functionality of Topol brand moonshine stills based on Absolut stills, manufactured at our production facility in Russia.

Moonshine stills Topol are characterized by the highest quality of materials from which they are made. As an example, the distiller body is made of 2 mm stainless steel, which ensures reliable use and long-lasting service of these devices. Distillation cubes have a very useful feature: their lid opens completely, allowing you to easily fill the mash and wash the distillation cube after use. The distillation cube is equipped with a special clamp that hermetically connects the lid and tank. The bottom of the cube is ferromagnetic, which allows it to be used on any type of plate.

An additional advantage is their thoughtfulness in use. For example, a distillation cube can be used as a hawkmoth (fermentation vat), where a silicone plug is inserted under the water seal in place of the distiller. After the fermentation process, the water seal with the stopper is removed, and a distiller is installed in its place to organize the distillation process. To improve the quality of the resulting moonshine (for preparing alcohol), you can use special drawers and diopters that increase the degree of purification of the resulting distillate. Thus, we can summarize that ready-made Topol kits are very convenient full-cycle systems, starting from the fermentation process and ending with the production of pure alcohol. Convenient and high quality for making moonshine at home.

The variety of copper moonshine stills also requires a special description. As you know, copper has extraordinary thermal conductivity, which in moonshine production provides the best performance indicators (due to faster heating) and benefits in use (as you know, copper distillers are very good for distilling fruit and berry mash).

Another bright representative in this segment is Cuprum Steel “Rocket” (with a distillation cube from 10 to 40 l). The column of this apparatus operates on the principle of a water jacket. This promotes precise separation of alcohol fractions (and, therefore, better purification) and a higher speed of the distillation process - more than 5 liters per hour. This device is a productivity leader.

The most budget option for a moonshine still is glass distillers. They are made of durable heat-resistant glass. Connect to the distillation cube via an adapter and hoses. Simplicity of design and low cost make them very popular. The HSV-300 spiral refrigerator is a prominent representative of glass appliances. This is a laboratory glass refrigerator with a spiral for the most effective purification of alcohol vapor during condensation and visual monitoring of the process. Moonshine produced on such a machine produces a strength of up to 70 degrees.

The ball refrigerator XSh-3-300 with 6 balls is a glass apparatus, popularly called “Ball”. Such a device produces moonshine with a strength of up to 60 degrees. Such devices will be of interest to people who want to start making moonshine, but do not yet want to spend money on expensive equipment.

Distillation columns used for the preparation of pure alcohol or moonshine with a high degree of purification are an addition to moonshine stills, the purification (separation) ability of which is achieved using a spiral-prismatic nozzle (Selivanenko nozzle) or a regular Panchenkov nozzle (RPP). The technological feature of distillation columns makes it possible to obtain high-quality moonshine or pure alcohol (up to 96 grams by volume) due to the fact that alcohol vapors are forced to pass through a serious obstacle - a contact nozzle, preventing heavy impurities from the mash from passing into the final drink. Quite slowly passing through the drawer, pure alcohol vapors enter the refrigerator, where the atmospheric fitting is open, which also allows only pure alcohol vapors to condense. This is how alcohol is obtained using a distillation column. In addition to rectification, distillation (preparing moonshine) can also be carried out on the column; to do this, it is necessary to close the atmospheric fitting and the device begins to operate in distiller mode. It should be taken into account that the productivity of distillation columns is somewhat lower than moonshine stills due to the presence of serious cleaning abilities. The main purpose of the columns is the quality of the product. Distillation columns should be distinguished by their separation ability and only secondary consideration should be given to their productive capacity. Glass diopters are also common, which are also used as drawers, stuffed with RNP. Having looked at rectification columns in more detail, it is worth noting that these devices are also very popular - they create a pure product, from which rectification column buyers subsequently create tasty tinctures or simply dilute it to vodka strength (38-40 vol.) and drink their product with pleasure .

Let's continue the story about moonshine stills with similar properties of a distillation column, in which the purity of the product is achieved in slightly different ways. For example, it is an inclined-type distillation column, where the purification of evaporated alcohol vapor occurs due to the fact that some of the reflux flows back into the column for re-strengthening. Similar moonshine stills are the moonshine still and Dobry Zhar “Leader”.

A distinctive feature of “Crystal” is the height of the column, filled with Panchenkov’s nozzle for better strengthening (strength is about 82-85 degrees). “Leader” is equipped with an additional cooling circuit passing through the device’s refrigerator, steam chamber and drawer. This makes this device one of the most technologically advanced and structurally special (moonshine strength 89-91 degrees).

All of the above devices need to be connected to water to condense evaporating alcohol vapor. But what if there is no possibility of supplying cooling water to the device (for example, in a country house or village)? For this purpose, moonshine stills with non-flow cooling were created; models of this type are:

Dobry Zhar “Dachny” (distillation volume from 12 to 120 liters). A very popular model of a moonshine still, well made of stainless steel, has two tanks - one distillation cube, and the second tank for pouring water to cool the coil (in winter you can fill it with snow). The moonshine still is unpretentious: it can heat up on any heating source, work both at home and outdoors. Productive (3 liters of moonshine per hour) and reliable. “Good Heat Dachny” can be an excellent gift!

Distiller "Village" (distillation volume 12 or 20 liters). A high-quality device that has a remote coil, which should be immersed in a cooling container (for example, a bucket). It has a decent appearance and a low price.

In addition to the types of moonshine stills described above, our store presents original ready-made sets of moonshine stills, which are a complete set of equipment for moonshine brewing and the necessary related products. You can find the best offer for a moonshine still on the pages of our website in the “Ready-made kits” section.

The assortment of our online store is represented by a fairly large number of moonshine stills and all related products for moonshine! We hope this article will help you decide on the most suitable moonshine still. Also, for all questions “which moonshine still to buy?”, you can contact our managers.